Perth in 3 days

Sun-soaked beaches, the Swan River, and a gateway to wild Western Australia. Best time to visit: March-May and September-November. Average daily budget: $110 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Perth CBD & Elizabeth Quay, The riverside waterfront, bars and the heart of the city.

Morning: Ferry to Rottnest Island. Cycle the car-free island, meet the quokkas, swim in turquoise bays.

Afternoon: Explore Perth CBD & Elizabeth Quay, The riverside waterfront, bars and the heart of the city.

Evening: Sunset at Cottesloe Beach. The classic Perth evening - swim, then drinks as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean.

Eat: Fish and chips at Fremantle's fishing harbour

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Fremantle, Historic port town - markets, breweries, heritage streets, the prison.

Morning: Kings Park. One of the world's largest inner-city parks, with skyline and river views.

Afternoon: Explore Fremantle, Historic port town - markets, breweries, heritage streets, the prison.

Evening: Explore Fremantle. The markets, the prison tour, the original Little Creatures brewery.

Eat: Swan Valley wine and produce

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Cottesloe, The famous sunset beach and café strip.

Morning: Swan Valley food and wine. Australia's oldest wine region, 30 minutes from the city - wineries, breweries, chocolate.

Afternoon: Explore Cottesloe, The famous sunset beach and café strip.

Evening: The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park - a desert of limestone spires, a day trip north.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Northbridge's Asian and Italian eateries

Hidden gems

The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park - a desert of limestone spires, a day trip north.
Bathers Beach in Fremantle for a sundowner right on the sand.
The free CAT buses that loop central Perth and Fremantle.
Wadjemup/Rottnest's quieter west-end bays away from the main settlement.

Getting around

Perth has free CAT buses in the centre and Fremantle, plus the SmartRider card for trains and buses. Trains reach Fremantle and the airport. A car helps for the Swan Valley and the Pinnacles; ferries to Rottnest leave from the city, Fremantle and Hillarys.

Safety

Very safe and relaxed. Beaches have strong sun and occasional rips - swim between the flags. The flies can be persistent in warmer months. Distances are large, so plan driving time for day trips.

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