3-Day Family Adventure in Perth: Sightseeing, Cuisine & Shopping
Perth, Australia
3 days
About Perth, Australia
Experience the vibrant city life and stunning natural beauty of Perth, Australia. As the capital of Western Australia, Perth offers a unique blend of urban attractions and natural wonders. Explore the city's bustling food scene, trendy boutiques, and historic sites. Visit the stunning Kings Park for panoramic views of the city skyline and Swan River. Enjoy a day trip to Rottnest Island, home to the adorable quokkas, or take a wine tour in the Swan Valley. Perth's pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunset strolls. With its sunny climate, diverse activities, and friendly locals, Perth offers an unforgettable Australian adventure.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2
A Day at Perth Zoo and Fremantle
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Perth Zoo. This zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including Australian native species like kangaroos and koalas.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a family-friendly restaurant in South Perth. This area offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale eateries.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a ferry ride to Fremantle. Once there, explore the Fremantle Markets, a bustling indoor market offering a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Dinner
For dinner, enjoy the vibrant food scene in Fremantle. This area is known for its fresh seafood and diverse range of cuisines.
Evening
Spend your evening exploring the Fremantle Prison, a former prison turned museum. Take a guided tour to learn about the prison's history and hear stories of its past inmates.
Day 3
Beach Day at Cottesloe and Museum Visit
Morning
Start your final day with a visit to Cottesloe Beach. This popular beach offers pristine sands, clear waters, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Spend your morning swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cottesloe Beach. There are several picnic spots along the beach, many of which offer stunning ocean views.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to the Western Australian Museum. This museum offers a variety of exhibits showcasing the state's natural and cultural history, from its indigenous heritage to its maritime past.
Dinner
For your final dinner, explore the food scene in Perth's Central Business District. This area offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Evening
Spend your final evening exploring the shops and boutiques in Perth's Central Business District. This area is known for its high-end shopping scene, offering everything from designer clothing to luxury goods.
Attractions in Itinerary (9)
1Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers stunning views of the Swan River and Darling Range. It's home to over 3000 species of the state's unique flora.
2Art Gallery of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia houses a collection of both international and Australian art from 1800 to the present, including a notable collection of Indigenous art.
3Northbridge
Northbridge is a vibrant neighborhood known for its food precinct that offers a variety of cuisines. It's also a popular nightspot with many bars and clubs.
4Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is a 41-acre zoological park in South Perth, Western Australia. The zoo first opened in 1898 and by 2011 housed 1258 animals of 164 species and an extensive botanical collection.
5Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets is a bustling market offering a range of products including fresh produce, indigenous and independent products, food and music.
6Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison is a former Australian prison and World Heritage Site in Fremantle, Western Australia. The 6-hectare (15-acre) site includes the prison cellblocks, gatehouse, perimeter walls, cottages, and tunnels.
7Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth's most famous beaches, known for its clear waters, white sand, and vibrant beachside culture.
8Western Australian Museum
A museum showcasing the natural and social history of Western Australia.
9Perth's Central Business District
Perth's Central Business District is the heart of the city, featuring a blend of modern skyscrapers, heritage buildings, high-end shopping, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for any traveler to Perth.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Fish and Chips
A classic Australian dish, it's particularly popular in coastal cities like Perth. It consists of battered and fried fish, usually served with chips.
Chiko Roll
An Australian snack inspired by the Chinese spring roll. It's filled with beef, celery, cabbage, barley, carrot, corn, onion, and spices.
Lamington
A quintessential Australian dessert. It's a square-shaped sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate icing and desiccated coconut.
Pavlova
Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this meringue-based dessert is a popular choice in Perth. It's often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits.
Meat Pie
A traditional Australian dish, it's a pie filled with minced meat and gravy, often topped with tomato sauce.
Damper
A traditional Australian soda bread, historically prepared by swagmen, drovers, and other travelers. It's typically baked in the ashes of a campfire.
Barramundi
A type of seabass native to Australia. In Perth, it's often grilled and served with a variety of sauces.
Anzac Biscuits
Sweet biscuits popular in Australia, particularly around Anzac Day. They're made from rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water, and desiccated coconut.
Vegemite Sandwich
A simple sandwich made with Vegemite, a thick, dark brown Australian food spread made from leftover brewers' yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives.
Flat White
A coffee drink originating from Australia. It's similar to a latte, but with less foam and more espresso.
Bush Tomato
A native Australian food, bush tomatoes are small fruits that are traditionally used by indigenous Australians in their cooking.
Emu Pizza
A unique Australian dish, it's a pizza topped with emu meat, which is low in fat and high in iron and vitamin B.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Perth, Australia is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. These seasons also offer beautiful natural scenery, with wildflowers blooming in spring and stunning foliage in autumn. However, if you're interested in water activities like swimming and snorkeling, the summer months (December to February) could be more suitable as the weather is warmer.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 26 | Fri | Australia Day |
February 10 | Sat | Lunar New Year (Christmas Island) |
February 11 | Sun | Lunar New Year Holiday (Day 2) (Christmas Island) |
February 12 | Mon | Royal Hobart Regatta (Tasmania) |
February 12 | Mon | Day off for Lunar New Year (Christmas Island) |
March 4 | Mon | Labour Day (Western Australia) |
March 11 | Mon | Canberra Day (Australian Capital Territory) |
March 11 | Mon | Labour Day (Victoria) |
March 11 | Mon | Adelaide Cup (South Australia) |
March 11 | Mon | Eight Hours Day (Tasmania) |
March 16 | Sat | Labour Day (Christmas Island) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday (Victoria) |
March 30 | Sat | Holy Saturday (regional holiday) |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
April 2 | Tue | Easter Tuesday (Tasmania) |
April 6 | Sat | Self Determination Day (Cocos and Keeling Islands) |
April 8 | Mon | Day off for Self Determination Day (Cocos and Keeling Islands) |
April 10 | Wed | Hari Raya Puasa (regional holiday) |
April 25 | Thu | ANZAC Day |
April 25 | Thu | ANZAC Day Observed (Victoria) |
May 6 | Mon | Labour Day (Queensland) |
May 6 | Mon | May Day (Northern Territory) |
May 27 | Mon | Reconciliation Day (Australian Capital Territory) |
June 3 | Mon | Western Australia Day (Western Australia) |
June 6 | Thu | King's Birthday (Cocos and Keeling Islands) |
June 10 | Mon | King's Birthday (regional holiday) |
June 17 | Mon | Hari Raya Haji (regional holiday) |
August 5 | Mon | Northern Territory Picnic Day (Northern Territory) |
August 5 | Mon | New South Wales Bank Holiday (New South Wales) |
August 14 | Wed | Royal National Agricultural Show Day Queensland (Queensland) |
September 16 | Mon | Hari Maulad Nabi (Cocos and Keeling Islands) |
September 23 | Mon | King's Birthday (Western Australia) |
September 27 | Fri | Friday before the AFL Grand Final (Victoria) |
October 7 | Mon | King's Birthday (Queensland) |
October 7 | Mon | Territory Day (Christmas Island) |
October 7 | Mon | Labour Day (regional holiday) |
October 24 | Thu | Royal Hobart Show (Tasmania) |
November 4 | Mon | Recreation Day (Tasmania) |
November 5 | Tue | Melbourne Cup Day (Victoria) |
December 24 | Tue | Christmas Eve (regional holiday) |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day (Victoria) |
December 26 | Thu | Proclamation Day (South Australia) |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day |
How to get around
Public Transport
Perth has a comprehensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, and ferries. The Transperth system is easy to navigate and covers a wide area, including the city center and surrounding suburbs.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services such as Uber, Ola, and Didi are widely available in Perth. They offer a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Perth. They can be hailed on the street, booked online, or picked up from designated taxi ranks in the city center and at major transport hubs.
Bicycle
Perth is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of cycle paths and bike lanes. Bicycles can be rented from various locations around the city, making this a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore beyond the city center. Perth has several car rental companies, including international chains and local providers. Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Australia.
Free CAT Buses
In the city center, you can take advantage of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses. These buses run on four routes and stop at various points of interest, making them a convenient way to explore the city.
Walk
Perth's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for getting around. There are plenty of pedestrian-only areas, and the city's attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Ferry
Ferries operate between the city center and South Perth, offering a scenic way to travel and great views of the city skyline. They are part of the Transperth system, so you can use the same ticket as for buses and trains.
Tram
While Perth does not have a traditional tram system, there are tram tours available that provide a unique way to see the city. These replica trams offer guided tours around Perth's main attractions.
Important information
Currency$ AUD
Time zoneUTC+10
Driving sideLeft
Emergency phone000 (112 on cell phone)
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Perth, Australia as a first time visitor
1
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, the largest state in Australia.
2
The city is located on the Swan River, which was named after the native black swans.
3
Perth is known for its sunny weather, with an average of 8.8 hours of sunshine per day.
4
The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers (December to February) and mild, wet winters (June to August). Summer temperatures can reach up to 86°F (30°C) and winter temperatures can drop to 48°F (9°C).
5
Perth is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, with the nearest city of over 100,000 people, Adelaide, being over 1,300 miles away.
6
The official language is English, but due to its multicultural population, a wide variety of languages are spoken in Perth.
7
The currency used in Perth is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are readily available.
8
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is customary to tip for good service in restaurants and cafes.
9
Perth operates on Australian Western Standard Time, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
10
Public transportation in Perth includes buses, trains, and ferries. The city also has a free transit zone for buses and a free CAT bus service.
11
Perth is known for its beautiful beaches, with Cottesloe Beach being one of the most popular.
12
The city is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, quokkas, and dolphins.
13
Perth is a very safe city, but like any major city, it is advisable to take standard precautions, especially at night.
14
The city has strict smoking laws, with smoking banned in all enclosed public places and certain outdoor areas.
15
Perth has a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available, including Australian, Asian, and European.
16
The city is also known for its wine, with the Swan Valley being Western Australia's oldest wine region.
17
Perth has a strong coffee culture, with numerous cafes scattered throughout the city.
18
The city has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets.
19
Perth is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Perth International Arts Festival and the Perth Fringe Festival.
20
The city has a strong sports culture, with Australian Rules Football being the most popular sport.
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Shorts
Sweater or Jacket
Swimwear
Sleepwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Flip flops
Hat/Cap
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner
Body wash/Soap
Deodorant
Razor and Shaving Cream
Sunscreen
Lip balm
First Aid Kit
Prescription Medications
Hand Sanitizer
Travel documents and essentials
Passport/Visa
Driver's License/ID
Credit and Debit Cards
Cash and Coins
Travel Insurance Documents
Hotel and/or Car Rental Reservations
Emergency Contacts and Important Addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Mobile Phone and Charger
Headphones
Camera and Charger
Power Bank
Travel Adapter
Laptop and Charger (if necessary)
Miscellaneous items
Books/Magazines for the flight
Travel Pillow and Blanket
Snacks
Water Bottle
Travel Guide and Map
Umbrella
Laundry Bag
Reusable Shopping Bag
Weather Conditions
Perth, Australia, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months (December to February), prepare for high temperatures that can reach up to 86°F (30°C) during the day. It's advisable to pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun. Also, remember to stay hydrated, especially if you're planning outdoor activities. On the other hand, if you're visiting during the winter months (June to August), temperatures can drop to around 48°F (9°C) at night. It's a good idea to pack a warm jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. This period also sees the most rainfall, so don't forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella. The shoulder seasons, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), offer more moderate temperatures and less tourist crowds. During these months, temperatures typically range between 50°F (10°C) and 75°F (24°C), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Regardless of when you visit, Perth's weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before your trip. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 41° / 18° | January is the hottest month in Perth with an average temperature of 29°C. It's a great time for beach activities, but remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection. |
February | 38° / 18° | February is still quite hot, with temperatures similar to January. It's a perfect time for water sports and exploring the city's parks and gardens. |
March | 35° / 16° | March sees a slight drop in temperature, but it's still warm enough for outdoor activities. It's a good time to visit the wineries in the Swan Valley. |
April | 30° / 14° | April is the start of autumn in Perth, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings. |
May | 25° / 11° | May is a cooler month with more rainfall, but it's still a good time to visit. The city's parks and gardens are beautiful at this time of year. |
June | 23° / 9° | June is the start of winter in Perth, with cooler temperatures and more rainfall. It's a good time for indoor activities and exploring the city's museums and galleries. |
July | 22° / 8° | July is the coldest month in Perth, but it's still relatively mild compared to other places. It's a good time for whale watching, as the migration season begins. |
August | 23° / 8° | August is still quite cool, but the rainfall starts to decrease. It's a good time to visit the Perth Zoo or take a river cruise. |
September | 26° / 10° | September is the start of spring in Perth, with warmer temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. |
October | 29° / 12° | October is a beautiful month in Perth, with warm temperatures and blooming wildflowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's parks and gardens. |
November | 33° / 15° | November is the start of summer in Perth, with hot temperatures and less rainfall. It's a great time for beach activities and water sports. |
December | 39° / 17° | December is a hot month in Perth, perfect for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities. The city is also beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. |
Did you know?
Places near by Perth, Australia
Fremantle
Historic port city with maritime and convict history
Rottnest Island
Island with stunning beaches and home to the quokka
Swan Valley
Western Australia's oldest wine region
Pinnacles Desert
Desert landscape with ancient rock formations
Bunbury
City known for its wild dolphin sightings
Mandurah
Coastal city known for its waterways and wildlife
Margaret River
Town known for its craft breweries, boutiques and surrounding wineries
Busselton
Coastal city with the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere
Yanchep National Park
National park with caves, koalas and Aboriginal culture
Wave Rock
Natural rock formation shaped like a tall breaking ocean wave
