Born and bred in Western Australia, I’m often asked for suggestions on things to do in Perth with friends. So, I thought it was time to write this Perth itinerary for an unforgettable getaway with your besties in true Fluffy Towel style.

We’ll be exploring Perth, the state’s capital city, from a unique perspective, as well as everyone’s favourite port town, Fremantle and then Western Australia’s oldest wine region in the Swan Valley. You and your besties will require a sense of adventure and a healthy appetite for this memorable 3-day Perth itinerary.

Elizabeth Quay

Perth Itinerary Day 1: The CBD

Lace up your sneakers and bring your sense of adventure as we head to Elizabeth Quay, deemed Perth’s premier waterfront entertainment precinct. Hovering between the Swan River and Perth’s CBD, follow the Elizabeth Quay Bridge for a unique perspective of the city skyline punctuated by the curvaceous Spanda, a sculpture representing the rippling river.

Elizabeth Quay Tour with Little Ferry Co, Perth

At 10am, board a boutique solar electric ferry with The Little Ferry Co. and get off at Optus Stadium, WA’s 60,000-seat state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium. But we’re not going to see a match or a concert. Instead, we’re going to climb 314 steps above the river to the SkyView and then zipline 400m back down at 75km/hr. I say “we”, but if like me, heights terrify you, I have a less scary option – you can enjoy a round at the 18-hole Matagarup Mini Golf course next door or simply walk across the bridge to East Perth for riverfront dining at Goia, The Partisan, Toast Café or The Royal on the Waterfront. Or, if you’re on the same side of the river as Optus Stadium, enjoy lunch at one of the country’s largest pubs at The Camfield.

Matagarup Bridge

You can either jump back on the ferry or grab an Uber to the city at your leisure. This afternoon, explore the city on foot by browsing the shops in Forrest Place, the Hay Street Mall, Murray Street Mall and King Street for high-end fashion. Running between the Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace, don’t miss the historic Tudor-style London Court full of souvenir shops and old-world charm, plus chiming clocks at each of the entrances with miniature knights engaging in battle as the clocks chime. Or head into Northbridge in search of dim sum in Chinatown, my favourite is the Northbridge Chinese Restaurant on Roe Street.

London Court

If nature is calling, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks hovers over the city at Kings Park, Perth’s answer to New York City’s Central Park. Spanning over 400 hectares of natural scrub, kilometres of walking and cycling trails and 17 hectares of botanical gardens and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Time your visit right for the year-round calendar of music, theatre, film, art, wellness and horticultural events and festivals. Mulled wine will keep you warm during Lightscape during the cooler months as Kings Park’s landscape comes to life at night through Gar-up Lookout, Kings Perthugh a series of light installations – it’s a magical way to experience the park.

If time permits, take a wander through the Perth Cultural Centre to admire the impressive architecture, WA’s rich history and talented artists at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts), which all have permanent and transitional exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Ellington Jazz Club

You have many options tonight, whether it’s cocktails at a rooftop bar like the AGWA Rooftop, the Rooftop at QT or Hello Rooftop Bat at The Rechabite. Or you can join the fray in Northbridge brimming with bars and cuisine from all over the globe, or join a walking tour with Hidden DeTours. Alternatively, you might crave some culture with a show at the State Theatre Centre (Northbridge), His Majesty’s Theatre (Perth), the Comedy Club (Perth), Crown Entertainment Complex (Burswood), The Astor (Mt Lawley), Regal Theatre (Subiaco) or the Ellington Jazz Club (Perth).

Regal Theatre

Perth Itinerary Day 2: Fremantle

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast and epic views of the Indian Ocean at Bib & Tucker (Leighton Beach) or the Roasting Warehouse (I highly recommend the Eggs Benny Chan) in South Fremantle. Or head to the eateries within the historic Fremantle Markets for a pastry, multi-cultural options and excellent coffee before enjoying a wander around the 150 stalls of art, jewellery, clothing, fresh produce, performance art and buskers.

Fremantle markets

While you’re in the mood for shopping, meander along the Cappuccino Strip (aka South Terrace), High Street Mall and the West End Heritage Precinct for unique boutiques, jewellery, homewares stores, and you can’t miss the New Edition Bookshop. There is just as much to admire on the streets with Fremantle’s stunning architecture, street art and galleries, such as the Moore’s Building Contemporary Art Gallery, Kidogo ArtHouse and PS Art Space (Pakenham Street Art Space).

National Hotel, Fremantle

While in Fremantle’s West End, make a pitstop at the Round House, the state’s oldest building offering fantastic ocean vistas and views across Fremantle. Follow Whalers Tunnel beneath the Round House to Bather’s Beach for lunch with sand between your toes at The Bathers Beachhouse. Or head back into town to Moore & Moore, Bread In Common or Gino’s on the Cappuccino Strip for a bite.

Fremantle’s cappuccino strip

Delve further into Fremantle’s cultural heart at the gothic-style Fremantle Arts Centre, built in 1864 by convicts as a lunatic asylum and believed to be one of the most haunted spots in the state. Spread over four acres, the centre hosts an extensive program of visual art exhibitions, live performances and creative workshops.

Fremantle’s outdoor art gallery

Or embrace WA’s rich maritime history at the Shipwreck Galleries, where you can explore some of Australia’s oldest shipwrecks. The WA Maritime Museum is equally fascinating, so don’t miss the Submarine Ovens, a memorial to the submariners who lost their lives during WWII and the America’s Cup-winning yacht Australia II.

Fremantle Prison is especially spooky at night

Join a day tour at the Fremantle Prison, or take the haunting a step further on a nighttime torchlight tour and be enthralled by the port town’s sordid past. Daredevils can visit the gruesome gallows and trek by foot and boat through the labyrinth of tunnels 20 metres below on the Tunnels Tour.

You’ll wash away all that gruesomeness tonight with a bar hop and snacks through Fremantle. Simply strolling the streets will reveal a plethora of bars for you to discover yourself. Some of my favourites include the limited-release gins and vodkas at the Republic of Fremantle, Strange Company, the pirate-inspired Darling Darling, Jungle Bird and Vin Populi, and although I haven’t been there yet, the Honky Tonk Blues Bar intrigues me for its southern hospitality and live music.

Republic of Fremantle, Fremantle, credit Tourism Western Australia

If your schedule permits, extend your time with a day trip or longer on Rottnest Island, about a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. Famed for its quokkas, explore the island by bike, segway, bus or on foot on one of the few remaining spots on earth where cars are banned. The coastal vistas, craggy coves, snorkelling and unspoilt beaches are reminiscent of the Mediterranean complete with beachside dining and epic sunsets.

Rottnest Island’s craggy coastline

Perth Itinerary Day 3: The Swan Valley

Sitella Winery, Swan Valley

As you board your minibus, you can take a little snooze to sleep off last night’s indulgences, but not for long as we head to WA’s original wine region in the Swan Valley, about 30 minutes from the city.

Brace yourself, as the Swan Valley is full of temptations at its many wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants and fresh produce outlets. You might like to make a pitstop at Swan Valley Visitors Centre to pick up a map and plot your own adventure or download a map here. Or let your King Mini Bus driver guide you if you prefer to sit back and relax.

Temptations at Maison Saint Honorè, Swan Valley

Here are my suggestions for the ultimate day out in the Swan Valley with friends.

Stop for coffee and a macaroon at the French-inspired Maison Saint Honorè, before heading for a wine tasting at Lancaster Wines, set among vines for as far as the eye can see. On the other side of West Swan Road, you might like to pop into the Providore and Coward & Black to pick up some gourmet treats, and it’s pretty self-explanatory why anyone of any age visits the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

The Swan Valley isn’t only about wine, Old Young’s Distillery

Stop at the Old Young’s Distillery for a tasting of their gin and vodkas. You could join a gin masterclass or stop here for lunch and sample their tasty menu of native ingredients. Or hit the road and head to Funk Brewshed https://funkdrinks.co/pages/brewshed, where I have to say their limited-release Cacao Cider cider is my new favourite drink. Succumb to a lazy lunch at Upper Reach, Stewart’s Restaurant, Sandalford Winery or wherever takes your fancy.

Stewart’s Restaurant

It’s almost mandatory to have a tasting John Kosovich Wines, one of the oldest wineries in the Swan Valley or the fortified collection at Talijancich Wines. Unless you need more spirits in your life with a tasting at Damaged Goods Distilling Co, Swan River Distillery or the Limeburner’s & Giniversity in the Valley, where you can take a masterclass to craft your own gin.

Head over to The Vines for 18 holes of mini golf before joining Perth’s only kangaroo safari aboard golf carts, where you’ll have the chance to mingle with a colony of kangaroos as the sun sets in the distance.

Visit the Swan Valley Visitors Centre or click here for more information and suggestions on things to do in the Swan Valley.

Splash out at Crown Towers

Where to stay in Perth:

Click here for a place to stay in Perth. Some of my favourite Perth hotels are the Perth Parmelia Hilton (check out my review here), The Melbourne Hotel, the QT Hotel (check out my review here), the Vibe Hotel Subiaco, and the ultimate in luxury at Crown Towers or the COMO The Treasury.

Getting around Perth:

There are many ways to get around Perth by Uber, public transport or hire a car, which is probably the easiest option. Or you can do it in style and join a tour for all types of tastes in a variety of vehicle sizes, so you can bring as many friends as you want. Tourism Western Australia makes several recommendations here.

How to get to Perth:

If you’re arriving at the domestic or international Perth Airport King Mini Bus Charter Hire offer airport transfers in comfort in a variety of vehicles sizes, including vehicles with baby seats, to anywhere in the metropolitan area and beyond, Since the Swan Valley is only a few minutes from the airport, you can arrive in Perth and be swirling wine within the hour with a direct transfer.

Travelling between the domestic or international airport and central Perth is an easy 20 to 30-minute ride by car, taxi, ride share, public bus or train. Terminals T1, T2, T3 and T4 are located across two separate terminal precincts, and it’s a 15-minute drive between the two, or you can catch the free Terminal Transfer Bus.

If you found this Perth itinerary useful, you might like to sign up here to receive extra information, deals and travel tips.

Perhaps you’d like a memento of your Western Australian adventure with a copy of the coffee table book Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West, showcasing the best of the west.

Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West is a travel book like no other

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As the much-loved capital of Western Australia, Perth hugs the Swan River while the majestic Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, watches over the compact city. There’s so much to do in Perth, so I put together this Perth with Kids four-day itinerary for families and first-time visitors.

Kings Park hovers above Perth’s skyline

While WA’s coastline spans a staggering 12,889km, the cosmopolitan city is laid out in a compact grid. Most shops and eateries are along the Hay and Murray Street malls and the adjacent lanes, streets, and arcades, including the historic Trinity Arcade and London Court.

Perth’s cosmopolitan reputation attracts international acclaim for its fantastic lifestyle and Mediterranean climate, bathing its residents and visitors in glorious year-round weather. Within a 30-minute drive of Perth, you can be in the historic port town of Fremantle, the state’s oldest wine region in the Swan Valley, on spectacular beaches or delving into rural adventures.

Kings Park in bloom

Perth with Kids: Where to stay in Perth

Intercontinental Perth: Located metres from the Hay Street Mall, this hotel offers rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views.

Parmelia Hilton Perth: Offers guest suites and executive rooms in the city’s heart. You might enjoy my review of the Parmelia Hilton Perth.

Vibe Hotel Subiaco: Located in Subiaco, this hotel is worth staying at for its luxe suites and rooftop restaurant and bar, the Storehouse Restaurant. Please check out my Romantic Review of The Vibe Subiaco.

Crown Metropole: Located at the Crown Entertainment Complex, the Crown Metropole has an epic pool and nearby playground on the foreshore.

The Vines Resort: Perfect for a family getaway in the Swan Valley with a pool, mini golf, playground and kangaroo safaris.

The Esplanade Fremantle by Rydges: Located in the heart of Fremantle, you have everything you need in the port-town only a stroll away.

Self-contained apartment in Northbridge: This Airbnb property features two bedrooms and one bathroom and is within walking distance of Perth’s CBD.

His Majesty’s Theatre

Perth with Kids: Getting around Perth

The Central Business District (CBD) is easy to explore on foot, and the Central Area Transit (CAT) is a free bus service operating across the city, but you can also jump on any Transperth bus travelling within the city for free. Trains and buses run from the city, and you can take a train or ferry to Fremantle, South Perth or the Swan Valley region.

Perth with Kids Itinerary Day 1 – Perth City

Let’s start the day with spectacular views of Perth’s city skyline from King’s Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city public parks, and only 1.5 kilometres from the heart of the city. Step out onto the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, weaving through towering karri and marri forest and the Western Australian Botanic Gardens, boasting over 3,000 species of native flora, including a giant 750-year-old boab tree from the East Kimberley region. Enjoy a coffee at the Botanical Café overlooking the Swan River and city or at Zamia Café overlooking the epic playground on May Drive.

Elizabeth Quay Tour with Little Ferry Co, credit Tourism Western Australia

Head to Elizabeth Quay offering a unique perspective of the city skyline from the Elizabeth Quay Bridge while admiring the Spanda, a sculpture representing the rippling Swan River. Stop for a treat at Gusto Gelato and let the kids burn off some energy at the BHP Water Park before heading up the Bell Tower for 360-degree views of the city and Swan River from the Observation Deck.

WA Museum

For lunch, stroll into Northbridge’s Chinatown for dim sum and then spend the afternoon strolling through the WA Museum Boola Bardip to discover WA’s rich history. Don’t miss the Stan Perron Gallery in the heritage-listed Hackett Hall to see the blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling and learn about the state’s diverse environment at the Wildlife exhibition.

Since you’re already in Northbridge, further explore this neighbourhood’s food scene from around the world for dinner, such as Sauma (Indian), Good Fortune Roast Duck House (Chinese), Uncle Billy’s Chinese Restaurant (Chinese), No Mafia (Italian) and Viet Hoa (Vietnamese).

London Court

With extra time in Perth’s CBD, you could:

• Explore Perth’s Hay Street and Murray Street malls, as well as the historic Tudor-style London Court, watching for the chiming clocks at the entrances on Hay Street and St George’s Terrace.
• While at Elizabeth Quay, join the Little Ferry Co for a round trip to East Perth and back. If you get off at East Perth, walk across the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium. Or thrill seekers can brave a bridge climb or zipline over the Swan River from the bridge.
• The Barrack Street Jetty is part of the Elizabeth Quay precinct where you can join a cruise to the Swan Valley, Fremantle, Rottnest Island or a leisurely cruise along the Swan River.

Elizabeth Quay Tour with Little Ferry Co, Perth, credit Tourism Western Australia

Perth with Kids Itinerary Day 2 – Swan Valley

Western Australia’s first wine region, the Swan Valley, is about 25 minutes east of Perth’s CBD and is brimming with wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, galleries and activities. The Swan Valley is also home to Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can cuddle a koala or a wombat, feed kangaroos and watch a farm show that includes sheep shearing.

Cuddle a koala at Caversham Wildlife Parth

The Swan Valley has a range of kid-friendly dining spots where you can spend the day sampling, including Bailey Brewing (which has an epic playground), the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Maison Saint Honóre (famed for its macarons), Ugly Duckling Wines (also home to Stella Gelato Friday to Sunday and live music on the weekends), the Funk Brewshed, Txoko Brewing, and Oakover Grounds, which has aqua trikes and lawn games.

If time permits, browse the antique strip in historic Guildford and the Museum of Natural History -Academy of Taxidermy. While in Guildford, treat yourself at Mimmos Gelato and Alfred’s Kitchen, Perth’s longest-running roadside burger joint, where you can sit around the outdoor fire or in the train carriage.

Kangaroo safari at The Vines

With extra time in the Swan Valley, you could:

• Head over to The Vines Resort for 18 holes of mini golf before joining Perth’s only kangaroo safari aboard golf carts, where you’ll have the chance to mingle with a colony of kangaroos at sunset.
• Be kitted out with camouflage overalls for paintballing at Paintball Skirmish
• Visit the Swan Settler’s Market, where you’ll find plenty of produce from the Swan Valley under one roof, axe throwing, live music, kids’ activities and culinary events.

Sweet treats in the Swan Valley

Perth with Kids Itinerary Day 3 – Fremantle

Located about 30 minutes west of Perth’s CBD, the port city of Fremantle is home to an eclectic mix of artists, bohemians and European flair. The UNESCO World Heritage City showcases 19th-century streetscapes housing pubs, galleries, museums, cafes and accommodation.

Embrace WA’s rich maritime history at the Shipwreck Galleries, where you can learn more about some of Australia’s oldest shipwrecks. The WA Maritime Museum is equally fascinating, so don’t miss the Submarine Ovens, a memorial to the submariners who lost their lives during WWII and the America’s Cup-winning yacht Australia 11.

Immigrant arrivals

Check out the 12-sided limestone Roundhouse, Australia’s oldest building, built in 1831, which offers a bird’s eye view over the Indian Ocean and Fremantle’s streetscape. It was a goal until 1886 with the construction of the Fremantle Prison, where you can take a day tour or, by night, visit the gruesome gallows and trek by foot and boat through the labyrinth of tunnels 20 metres below.

Fremantle’s street art

Head to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for fish and chips before boarding the Ferris wheel in Esplanade Park for a unique perspective of Fremantle, the Fishing Boat Harbour and the Fremantle Shipping Port.

A twirly treat at the Fremantle markets

Established in 1897 and built in a Federation Romanesque style, from Fridays to Sundays, the Fremantle Markets still attract visitors for over 150 stalls of art, jewellery, clothing, indigenous products, buskers, performance art, fresh produce and eateries embracing Fremantle’s multi-cultural community.

Hit the Cappuccino Strip on South Terrace and indulge in the Mediterranean lifestyle at the many cafes, including Gino’s, Benny’s Bar & Café, Ruocco’s Pizzeria, and the Capri Restaurant, one of the longest-running restaurants in Fremantle.

With more time in Fremantle, you could:

• Board the tall sail training ship Leeuwin for a day sail or an extended adventurous voyage on the high seas.
• Find out for yourself if the gothic-style Fremantle Arts Centre is haunted, built in 1864 by convicts as a lunatic asylum and is now a cultural centre.
• Located about 30 minutes by ferry from Fremantle, Rottnest Island is famed for its cute quokkas and stunning lagoons. The carless island offers diverse wildlife, walking and cycling trails, water sports, fishing, surfing, swimming, tours, a cute township and an array of dining and accommodation options.

Rottnest Island’s resident quokkas

Perth with Kids Itinerary Day 4 – The Pinnacles

Just 90 minutes north of Perth is one of the state’s most mysterious natural wonders. Situated in the Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles Desert contains thousands of limestone mounds in all shapes and sizes. While here, pop into the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about this intriguing phenomenon. I’ve written more about this mystical destination in Australia’s Coral Coast: From the Pinnacles to the Turquoise Coast.

The Pinnacles

Although beautiful in any season or time of day, visiting at sunrise or sunset is the ultimate way to experience the Pinnacles, so an overnight stay is recommended to make the most of your trip.

Make your way to the coast, where you will discover why this part of the state is called the Turquoise Coast. If time permits, head to Sandy Cape, about 13km north of Jurien Bay, for a powdery white beach and sand dunes ideal for sandboarding. Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay are also popular beaches, and Hansen Bay Lookout offers coastal views. Don’t miss the Thrombolites at Lake Thetis to witness thousands of rocks rising up from the ground believed to be over 3,000 years old.

Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre

Where to stay near The Pinnacles:

Pinnacles Edge Resort: Located in the Cervantes township, it offers self-contained suites, studios, and hotel rooms.

Cervantes Lodge: Self-contained accommodation with family rooms and ensuite deluxe rooms.

Sandy Beach Reserve has campsites with ablution facilities and incredible views.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park: Offers two and three-bedroom villas, powered and unpowered sites

Where to eat near The Pinnacles:

The Lobster Shack: Sample the local catch of the day, including lobster, prawns and abalone. While here, enjoy a unique insight into WA’s lobster industry on a factory tour.

Cervantes Bar and Bistro: Seating over 200 guests, the menu impresses with Black Angus beef, Asian influences and fresh seafood platters with locally sourced lobster, prawns, squid, mussels, octopus and fish of the day.

Seashells Café: Located at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, it serves casual meals along the foreshore.

Lobster Shack, Cervantes

If you enjoyed this Perth with Kids four-day itinerary, you might like this three-itinerary for big kids 3-day Perth Itinerary: An Unforgettable Getaway with your Besties Or delve deeper into Western Australia with your very own slice of our vast state with Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West – the ultimate travel guide. Click here to order your copy as I only have a few copies left.

Australia’s Extra.Ordinary. West is a travel book like no other

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