Planning your first visit to Perth? This 3 day Perth itinerary will help you make the most of your time in WA’s sunniest capital!
Perth (or Boorloo, as it’s known in Noongar) sits between the Swan River and the Indian Ocean and has long been a place of connection, ceremony and community to the Whadjuk Noongar people – its traditional owners.
Perth today is best known for its laid-back lifestyle, endless blue skies, Indian Ocean beaches and nature-meets-city vibes. But for me? It’s the place I love showing off most when friends or family come to visit. This itinerary is exactly what I take them to do: a mix of city culture, coastal chill, nature adventures and of course, delicious food!
Keep in mind, three days isn’t enough to see everything, but it’s more than enough to fall in love with Perth.
Perth Mini Guide
While you’re here, don’t miss these top spots!
Where to Stay
- Ritz Carlton (stylish river views)
- Crown Towers (luxury with pool and casino)
- Westin Perth (great city views and spa)
Things to Do
- Kings Park & Botanic Garden
- meet quokkas on a Rottnest Island day trip
- Fremantle markets & prison
- Swan Valley wine tour
- Catch a Cottesloe Beach sunset
Where to Eat
- Petition (delicious brunch in the CBD)
- Sauma (modern Indian)
- Bivouac (punchy share plates)
- Papi Katsu (Japanese fusion and rad vibe)
Perth Itinerary Day 1: Explore the City & Kings Park
Welcome to your first day in Perth! Whether you’re coming off a long-haul flight or just cruised in from elsewhere in WA, today’s all about getting a feel for the city. Think leafy parks, great coffee, cultural stops and sunset drinks by the water.
Morning
Start the day with brunch at Petition in the heritage-listed State Buildings. It’s a Perth favourite for a reason – excellent coffee, a seasonal menu, and a vibe that’s both casual and classy.
From there, head into the heart of the city. Wander through the Perth Cultural Centre where you can check out the WA Museum Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of WA (both free to enter). If shopping’s more your thing, the Murray and Hay Street malls are nearby or duck down a laneway for some local boutiques. London Court built in 1937 is a great option for heritage atmosphere and souvenir shopping.
Afternoon
Make your way up to Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world (it’s a whopping 399 hectares!). Pack some snacks for a picnic on the sloping lawns near the State War Memorial – it’s one of the best views of the Perth skyline. Wander the Lotterywest Federation Walkway (the treetop bridge), see the ancient boab tree relocated from WA’s north and keep your ears open for red-tailed black cockatoos squawking overhead – it’s always super exciting to spot these stunning birds!
Evening
As golden hour hits, stroll down to Elizabeth Quay for sunset cocktails at Songbird Bar, perched on the rooftop of The Ritz-Carlton. Their spritzes are spot on and the river views make for a stunning sunset drink.
Afterwards, enjoy a dusk walk along the Swan River foreshore. Perth is one of the safest cities in Australia for walking after dark, and this stretch is well lit and peaceful.
For dinner, head into Northbridge or the CBD. Here are five of my favourite spots:
- Papi Katsu: Japanese bar bites and the best sashimi
- Lucky Chan’s: ramen, bao rooftop bar
- Sauma: modern Indian
- Bivouac: Mediterranean share plates and wine (the feed me menu is amazing!)
- Long Chim: Thai street food in a moody setting
Wrap it all up with an ice cream and a wander through Yagan Square or down by the river.
Read this next: Getting Around Perth: The Ultimate Transport Guide for Visitors
Perth Itinerary Day 2: Day Trip to Rottnest or Fremantle
Welcome to day 2 of your 3 day Perth itinerary! It’s time to explore our nearby beauties! Whether you’re into island hopping and snorkelling or history, markets and craft beers, you’ve got two great options for Day 2!
Option A: Rottnest Island
If you love beaches, bike rides, snorkelling and adorable animals (hello, quokkas!), Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is a no-brainer!
I recommend booking this Rottnest Bike and Ferry Package. It leaves from Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD and includes bike hire, which is super handy since bikes often sell out on the island.
Once you’re off the ferry, pedal over to The Basin for a snorkel in calm, clear waters. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful fish and coral. Afterwards, ride around to find the famous quokkas for that must-have selfie (read my full guide to quokkas on Rottnest for the best tips).
For lunch, swing by Pinky’s Beach Club for seafood and drinks with ocean views. If you’re curious about whether Rotto is worth a day trip, here’s my honest take: Is Rottnest Island Worth Visiting?
Optional activities:
- Foodies, take note: The seasonal Luxe Island Seafood Cruise lets you haul in Western Rock Lobster and then feast on a 7-course seafood lunch with Shark Bay prawns, crab cakes and seared scallops, plus wines from Margaret River.
- Thrill-seekers: Try skydiving over the island with a tandem jump and enjoy up to 66 seconds of freefall before landing right on the beach. It’s a bucket-list experience with views of Perth, Rotto and the Indian Ocean.
For a detailed breakdown of how to spend your time on the island, check out my Rottnest Island Day Trip Itinerary.
Option B: Fremantle
If you’re more into historic charm and artsy vibes, Fremantle’s got you covered.
Jump on the Fremantle Line train from Perth Station (seriously, don’t drive – parking is a nightmare). Once you arrive, everything is within walking distance.
Start at the Fremantle Markets for local eats, handmade goods and live music. Then, dive into WA’s convict history with a Fremantle Prison tour. Grab fish and chips at Kailis or Cicerello’s and enjoy lunch by the boat harbour.
In the afternoon, sip your way through local beers at Little Creatures or Gage Roads, then stretch your legs with a visit to the WA Shipwrecks Museum and the Roundhouse.
Finish your day at Bathers Beach House – book a beach lounge if the weather’s warm and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, cocktail in hand. Bliss!
Read this next: Is Fremantle Worth Visiting?
Perth Itinerary Day 3: Perth’s Beaches and Swan Valley
You know someone’s from Perth if they start every second conversation with “the beaches are the best in the world” and to be fair, we’re not wrong! Today is about soaking up that coastal energy and sampling some of WA’s best food and wine.
Morning:
Start with a sunrise swim and walk at Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth’s most iconic stretches of coastline. Check out the Indiana Teahouse building, snap a photo of the historic Cottesloe Pylon offshore and if the swell’s good, watch the surfers to the left of the groyne.
Coffee time? Head up the hill to North Street Store for one of their legendary cinny scrolls. Trust me, it’s worth the queue.
Top Tip: Catch the Fremantle Line train from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk from there to the beach.
Afternoon:
Head inland to the Swan Valley for a deliciously laid-back day of wine tasting. I recommend this Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth.
You’ll visit local wineries for tastings, break for a gourmet winery lunch, and enjoy extras like chocolate, cheese, beer and liqueur tastings. It’s a full-day tour (departs around 10am) and includes comfy transport from central Perth.
Top Tip: Swan Valley is known for its sparkling wines, Chenin Blanc and Verdelho – definitely give those a try while you’re there.
Evening
Wrap up your final night in Perth with a casual wander around the CBD. Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts, and if you missed any dinner spots from earlier in the itinerary, now’s your chance. For a stylish send-off, head to QT Perth’s rooftop bar for one last cocktail with a view.
Where to Stay in Perth
Looking for the best places to stay in Perth? Whether you’re after luxe views, riverside indulgence or a stylish city break, here are a few top picks:
- The Ritz-Carlton Perth (Elizabeth Quay): Sophisticated and scenic. Perfect for couples or solo travellers wanting waterfront luxury and a resort-style feel right in the heart of the city.
- The Westin Perth (CBD/East Perth edge): Sleek and modern with one of the best hotel breakfasts in town. Ideal if you want walking distance to shops and culture but also easy access to the airport.
- Crown Towers (Burswood): All-out luxury with pools, spas, and fine dining. Great for a splashy getaway or if you’re heading to a show or the casino.
- The Alex Hotel (Northbridge): A brilliant budget-friendly boutique option in the heart of Northbridge. Roof terrace, great café, and close to nightlife and public transport.
Getting around Perth
Perth’s public transport system is clean, safe and easy to use. Trains, buses and ferries are run by Transperth, and you can use a SmartRider card or buy paper tickets onboard. The CBD also has a free CAT bus service that loops around key spots. If you’re heading to Fremantle or Cottesloe, the train is your best bet.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber and DiDi) are available, and if you’re planning any road trips outside the city, I recommend booking a rental car through DiscoverCars – I always use this one because they compare rates across providers, so it’s easy to find a good deal.
And before you land, don’t forget to grab an eSIM from Saily – no queues, no physical SIM cards, just instant connectivity as soon as you touch down in Perth. Easy Peasy!
For peace of mind while you’re travelling, I also recommend sorting out your travel insurance with Cover-More. Their plans are reliable and well-suited to Aussie trips – especially if you’re heading off the beaten track.
For a full guide on getting around the city, including local tips and route suggestions, check out my article: Getting Around Perth: The Ultimate Transport Guide for Visitors.
When is the Best Time to Visit Perth?
There’s no bad time to visit Perth, but each season brings its own perks.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot, dry and perfect for beach days and long, warm evenings. Ideal for Cottesloe swims, sunset drinks and alfresco dining.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cooler nights. Great for wine tours and exploring outdoors without melting.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler and wetter, but still relatively mild. Cosy up in Perth’s bars, enjoy WA’s wildflower season in late winter.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Sunny, breezy and bursting with blooms. A top time to visit Kings Park and head off on road trips.
Want to know exactly what’s happening when you’re in town? Check out my monthly guides for more detailed tips:
- Perth in Summer: December | January | February
- Perth in Autumn: March | April | May
- Perth in Winter: June | July | August
- Perth in Spring: September | October | November
Plus, if you’re visiting in the cooler months, don’t miss my guide to Perth in Winter: Local Tips for Cosy Perth Weekends.
Last words on 3 Day Perth Itinerary
This 3 day Perth itinerary gives you a solid first taste of Perth: the city, the coast, and a few local gems in between. If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, road trip guides and plenty of ideas to keep the good times rolling.
If you want something a bit more tailored, I also offer a Perth travel consultation service where I’ll help you build the perfect itinerary based on your interests, time and budget.
Perth to Bunbury Road Trip Guide
Lights, Nature, Magic: Lightscape Returns to Kings Park This Winter
Dolphins in Perth: How to See and Swim With Dolphins
Fishing in Mandurah: The Complete Local Guide to Spots, Species & Seasons
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