Perth is one of our favourite Aussie cities, and for a lot of people, it’s easier to get to than the east coast. People fly into Perth Airport from all over the world, and with the CBD being just 12 kms away, it’s a perfect city break destination. We’ve got beaches, shopping, day trips and everything you need for a holiday you’ll remember.
We reckon 3 days in Perth is plenty to enjoy a taste of life on the west coast. You’ll get to see the city without rushing about, and there’s something for everyone from families to couples and solo travellers. And if we were planning a weekend getaway in Perth, this guide is exactly how we’d spend it. Check it out to help you plan your trip!
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First things first... Let's sort out where to stay in Perth!
So where are we staying for our Perth adventure? First up, you’ve got the Oaks Perth Hotel, which is right in the CBD and exactly where you need to be for the perfect Perth weekend. It’s about a minute from Perth Station, and Murray Street Mall is also only a few minutes away. You’re also close to Elizabeth Quay and the RAC Arena, so you’re within walking distance to plenty of spots in the CBD.
Rooms at Oaks Perth are spacious and comfy, and come with a kitchenette and living space to help you unwind after a day of exploring. The Oak & Vine restaurant is a great shout for breakfast, an easy dinner or a little nightcap before bed. Check-in is from 2.00 pm and check-out is at 10:00 am.
The hotel doesn’t have on-site parking, but we reckon you won’t need it anyway! Most of the city’s big attractions are on your doorstep, and public transport is really easy to work out. You can also hire a car if you plan on going a little further during your visit.
Day 1: Beach Day & Kings Park
Morning
You can’t come all the way to sunny Perth and not make time for the beach! Cottesloe and Scarborough are the two we’d choose to visit for a weekend getaway in Perth. Cottesloe is our pick for a chilled morning swim or a walk through the Norfolk Island pines. You’ll also get to have lunch with a view of the Indian Ocean (how dreamy is that, right?). Things are a bit livelier in Scarborough, which has loads going on. There’s playgrounds which are perfect for families, and plenty of restaurants and cafés too. There’s always something going on there!
Whichever one you go to, our advice is always to get there early so you can pitch up and get a good spot for the day. At Cottesloe, you can grab lunch around Marine Parade which has some stunning views, while The Sandbar in Scarborough is famous for its pizzas, or you can give The Peach Pit a try for a casual bite.
Getting There
Cottesloe is about a 20-minute drive from Oaks Perth Hotel in good traffic. If you’re using public transport, catch the Fremantle Line from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station and then either take a bus or stroll towards the coast. Scarborough is also around 20ish minutes by car, or you can take route 990 from Perth Busport. Another option is the train to Stirling Station, where you can then take the free Surf CAT to the beach.
Afternoon
After a chilled beach morning, get yourself to Kings Park and Botanic Garden for one of the best views in the city. It’s one of the world’s largest inner-city parks but is so much more than just a greenspace. It’s hugely connected to the Whadjuk Noongar people. It’s free to enter, so it’s a good way to make your weekend budget work.
We reckon it’s best to start around Fraser Avenue for some epic Perth views, then wander through the Western Australian Botanic Garden. If you’ve still got enough energy, climb the 101 steps of the DNA Tower for another look over the park. We really recommend the Boodja Gnarning Walk to learn more about the Noongar use of native plants, and you can get into the tree canopy if you take the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
This is one of the top Perth visitor attractions for families, with nice big play areas. It’s also a nice romantic spot for couples at sunset, so pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning views.
Getting There
Kings Park is an easy drive from either beach, with several parking areas once you arrive. If you’re going from Oaks Perth Hotel, it’s about 10 minutes by car or in a cab. You can also use the free Blue CAT from the CBD, which takes you between Perth Busport and Kings Park from both Perth Station and Elizabeth Quay.
Day 2: Day Trip
If you’ve only got a weekend in Perth, squeeze in a day trip. We all know that Western Australia is huge, so you won’t see everything, but it’s nice to get out of the CBD and see what’s close by. Our best day trips from Perth are either Rottnest Island or Fremantle. Sadly, you won’t be able to do both on the same day, but you’ll have a great time whichever one you go for.
Option 1: Rottnest Island
If you want to meet the cute little quokkas, then Rottnest Island is THE choice. And even though we love those furry guys and they’ll be the centre of attention, you can also enjoy the beach or take a bike ride to enjoy the island. There are hardly any cars here, so it’s a nice and peaceful spot out of the city.
We recommend hiring a bike or hopping on the island bus to get around. Go for a swim in either The Basin, Little Salmon Bay or Pinky Beach, but make sure you check conditions before you go in the water. Take plenty of supplies with you and whatever you do, don’t feed or touch the quokkas. Take photos from afar, but don’t disturb them.
If you fancy some whale watching, you’ll get the best chance between September and November. We love to get the snorkel out when the weather’s right or hop around the different beaches with a stop at Thomson Bay to grab lunch.
Getting There
The best way to get to Rottnest is by ferry, which is easy from either the Barrack Street Jetty, Fremantle, North Fremantle or Hillary’s. It’s about 25 minutes from Fremantle and can take up to 90 from the city. We recommend booking ferry tickets and bike hire in advance as they do get busy on weekends.
Option 2: Fremantle
Fremantle takes you to a completely different part of Perth. Freo is where you can learn about Perth’s maritime history and check out some of the old buildings, galleries and markets. It’s also the place to go to check out craft beers and unreal seafood. Technically Fremantle is part of metropolitan Perth, but it has a personality of its own. You can get there really easily by train, so it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Perth.
If we were planning the perfect day, we’d start with a guided tour of Fremantle Prison, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then we’d go to the Fremantle Markets and check out Japingka Aboriginal Art in the West End. There are plenty of beautiful heritage buildings nearby, so make sure you stop for some photos.
Once you’re feeling hungry, go to Fishing Boat Harbour for fish and chips at Cicerello’s, then try some local Perth beer. Freo is super important to craft beer in Australia, especially at the Sail and Anchor Hotel, which is where it took off in the 80s. There are loads of newer craft beer spots too, so make some time to check them out.
Getting There
It’s so easy to get to Fremantle from the Perth CBD. Catch the Fremantle Line from Perth Station and you’ll be there in half an hour. You can drive there, but parking can be difficult and it’s not worth it if you plan on having some craft beer!
Morning
Take your time on your last morning and have a good brekkie in the CBD. There’s loads of places around Murray Street, King Street or Yagan Square. When you’re done, go down to Elizabeth Quay to enjoy some nice views by the river and see some of the public art. If you’ve got time, hop on the Transperth ferry to South Perth; the skyline views are unreal.
Work your way back through London Court, which is a Tudor-inspired arcade built in 1937. It’s where you’ll find Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace, so it’s a must if you want to do some shopping.
Afternoon
If you want to spend some cash, then go to Murray Street Mall and Hay Street Mall. There’s loads of big names here and department stores so you can easily spend a few hours and a lot of money here. Go to King Street for designer shopping or if you want everything in one spot, check out Raine Square. You might even be able to claim your tax back if you come from somewhere outside of Australia!
Shopping’s not for everyone, so if you’d prefer to do something else, go to Yagan Square for a wander. There’s loads of bars and cafés, and it’s really close to the hotel. Don’t forget you can jump on the free CAT if your feet start getting tired.
Evening
End your three days in Perth with one of the best views in the city. Henry’s Rooftop at The Reveley looks out onto Elizabeth Quay, so it’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and drinks by the river. We also love the Oyster Bar rooftop, which has some amazing views of South Perth. Get there before sunset for a top view to celebrate your last night.
To Wrap It Up!
You’ll get to see loads during your weekend getaway in Perth, with a bit of everything from beach and beers to shopping. We love how close everything is to the CBD, and you’ll find getting around easy with Perth’s amazing public transport system. Staying at Oaks Perth Hotel is perfect for this guide as everything’s close by. Your three days will really fly by, so you’ll probably want to come back again!
