10 dreamy destinations to visit in Perth

You’ve probably seen pictures with adorable smiling marsupials floating around Instagram, and now, you’ll get to take one following a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). Home to white sandy beaches and coral reef lined waters, the island has become renowned for its happiest residents—quokkas. Set aside a day of your trip to explore the area’s coast and coves or to get glimpses of marine life while you snorkel. 

Recognising the Traditional Custodians of the land is crucial to any trip to Australia. You’ll be able to take a cultural tour of Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba), one of the world’s largest inner city parks, with Nyungar Tours to learn about the Traditional Owners of the land, the Whadjuk Noongar people. Brimming with flora indigenous to Western Australia, stroll through Kings Park and discover over 3000 species of native flora.

As the world’s oldest living culture, the importance of learning about Aboriginal Australian history and its significance cannot be overstated. Experience a natural respite a stone’s throw away from the city with a walking tour of Kings Park to hear the traditional stories of Whadjuk Country and learn about medicinal plants, bush foods, unwritten history, and of connection to Country. 

Devoid of monkeys but famed for its wild dolphin sightings, getting to Monkey Mia from Perth entails a road trip up the stunning Western Australian coastline. You’ll be able to see Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that regularly swim to the shallows of Monkey Mia and may even be able to see dugongs, sharks, turtles, and other marine life. On land, expect to be greeted by emus and pelicans. Monkey Mia may be a haven for wildlife, but you’ll also be able to explore the area’s natural and cultural history through the Wulyibidi Yaninyina trail that will take you across the spot’s landscape. 

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One of the world’s most celebrated wine destinations, the Margaret River Region is a haven for oenophiles and those who enjoy the finer things in life. A spirited culinary scene is the beating heart of the region, home to an abundance of vineyards and bespoke dining experiences. To save yourself the hassle of handpicking the wineries you want to visit, book a half-day tour so you can try local produce and wines to the fullest extent. You can visit Brown Hill Estate for wine tasting and a tour of its barrel room before indulging in sharing plates, stopping by Margaret River Chocolate Factory, and finally, ending your day with an ale from Beer Farm. 

While the city may spoil you for choice when it comes to beachside retreats, Coogee Beach offers activities for the whole family. Sunbathe on the shore or take a dip in its calm waters, kept safe for kids with a shark barrier. The beach’s jetty is even equipped with a jumping platform frequented by kids during warmer months. For those in need of adventure, you can snorkel or kayak to explore more of what the sea has to offer. Complete with picnic spots, playgrounds, tennis courts, and an impressive lineup of dining options for when the sun sets, a trip to Coogee Beach is bound to keep the whole family busy. 

No trip to Perth would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of Australian craft beer. The town of Fremantle (Walyalup) is in no shortage of eccentric destinations and sights, from the iconic Fremantle Markets to a statue of Australian rock icon and frontman of AC/DC, Bon Scott. Known to locals as Freo, the area is a culinary haven with a slew of trendy eateries, bars, and breweries, proving the perfect spot if you’re looking to expand your palate.

To experience the best of Australian craft beer, visit Little Creatures Brewery to discover the art of beer making with a brewery tour and guided tasting of Little Creatures’ brews. For those who relish gin and tonics, head to the Republic of Fremantle to distil your own gin and leave with a custom bottle of the spirit before dining at the distillery’s restaurant or learn the ins and outs of mixology during a cocktail class led by an expert bartender.

If tipples aren’t for you, stop by Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, a fully operational fishing port for the freshest fish and chips. 

When you think of searching for truffles, your mind probably wanders to the countryside of northern Italy or southern France. You can actually find these elusive morsels between the months of June and August, just a few hours from Perth in the town of Manjimup. Take a trip south, past Margaret River, and stop by the town to dig for Australian black truffles yourself, learn about the art of truffle cultivation and how they came to be the jewels of the culinary world. After you forage, you’ll be able to enjoy a truffle-focused menu by Hound & Hunter Fine Foods. 

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What’s a trip to Australia without kangaroos? At one of Perth’s oldest national parks, you’ll be able to see them just 45 minutes away from the city. Stroll through its bushland and wetland to see western grey kangaroos and peer into the trees for a glimpse of koalas. The national park offers nine walking trails that vary in length. You can also explore the park’s Crystal Cave, an underground geological wonder full of stalactites and stalagmites. 

Perth is renowned for its clear night skies brightened by unobstructed views of the Milky Way, making it a perfect spot for stargazing after dark. At the Gravity Discovery Centre, an observatory dedicated to astronomy’s connections to cosmology and culture, guests can learn the significance of Aboriginal astrology. As the world’s first astronomers, the study of the night sky is intrinsic to Indigenous Australian culture, playing roles in navigation, ceremony, and art for thousands of years.

The observatory hosts an Aboriginal Astronomy night once a month in which you can learn about the study’s links to cultural storytelling and constellation identification before gazing at the stars yourself. If you happen to miss this session, you’ll still be able to stargaze during a nighttime observatory tour or visit before the sun sets to learn about the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial canopy.  

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