Out and About
Guides and Itineraries
72 hours in Perth
17 Jun '227 min read
Perth may be one of Australia’s smaller cities, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, atmosphere and endless things to do.
Rooftop at QT Hotel
Where to stay
The QT Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Perth city. This urban oasis is perched up above the bustling Murray Street, and is only a stone’s throw away from the famous Swan River.
What to do
DAY ONE
Start your day with a stroll down towards the river, stopping for a morning caffeine hit at Telegram Coffee. Situated within the stylish State Buildings, this little café serves up some of the best coffee in the city.Continue on towards the water until you get to Elizabeth Quay, Perth’s picturesque riverfront esplanade. Take a walk along the Elizabeth Quay Bridge, which offers spectacular views of both the city and the river, before heading to lunch at The Island at Elizabeth Quay. With a tranquil outdoor dining area looking out over the river and city, plus a seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu, this is one of the best spots in Perth for good food and even better views.
Post-lunch, it’s time to see the jewel in Perth’s crown – King’s Park. As one of the world’s biggest inner-city parks, King’s Park spans a huge 400 hectares. Sitting atop of Mount Eliza, this must-see attraction offers sprawling views over the city centre, the beautiful Swan River and the distant Perth hills. Walk down the tree-lined Fraser Avenue, take a scenic stroll along Federation Walkway and enjoy the tranquil Botanic Garden.
Make your way back down to city level and treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink in the Long Chim courtyard. The heritage courtyard is an iconic feature of Long Chim with its street art and light projections.
Lalla Rookh Then wander across St Georges Terrace and enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at Lalla Rookh, a bar and restaurant that dishes up modern Italian classics with an expertly-curated wine list to match. Once you’ve filled yourself delectable food, stroll into the Lalla Rookh Wine Store to peruse their incredible selection of local and international wines. Browse for some souvenirs to take home, or pick a bottle to sit and enjoy right there – the staff will kindly uncork a bottle so you can enjoy it right then and there in the ambience of their cozy and rustic store.
DAY TWO
It’s time to see WA’s second city, Fremantle. Make your way down in the morning and take a walk along the legendary cappuccino strip, full of alfresco cafes, restaurants and bars, before getting coffee and breakfast from the iconic Moore and Moore Cafe. Located within an art gallery, this laid-back café not does great all-day breakfast, homemade cakes and quick bites.
No visit to Perth would be complete without a trip to beach, so make your way towards the famous Little Creatures Brewery, hire their beach-cruiser bicycles and take a bike-ride to South Beach.
When you’re done splashing in the surf, ride to back to Little Creatures, return your bikes and get stuck in to some of their world-famous beers. For $12 you can taste 10 of their best beers, plus get an explanation on each from the knowledgeable staff on the taps. Bike-riding and beer-tasting works up an appetite, so take a seat in Little Creatures’ Great Hall and order yourself lunch with a side of stunning views over Freo’s fishing boat harbour.
Spend your afternoon taking a stroll through some of Fremantle’s best attractions. The Roundhouse, located in Freo’s west end, is the oldest building still standing in Western Australia; the famous Fremantle Markets are a hive of culture and atmosphere; and the Fremantle Arts Centre has exhibitions, live music and art courses for locals and tourists.
Wind down your day by taking a seat at Jetty Eats, a riverside bar between the bridges, serving up refreshing libations, tasty bites and great tunes. After watching the boats and ferries pass by, head to dinner to the wildly popular Bread In Common. This industrial-chic restaurant is just as much a treat for the eyes as it is the taste-buds, and it’s seasonal farm-to-table menu is designed to be shared. Be sure to book ahead!
LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY - PHOTO CREDIT: FREMANTLE FISHING BOAT HARBOUR DAY THREE
Take a walk down Barrack Street and get your morning coffee from Milktooth Coffee Dealers, before jumping the car and making your way out to WA’s Swan Valley. This popular wine region is full of local winemakers, as well as breweries, chocolate factories and cheese merchants, and is only a 40 minute drive from Perth city.
Head to small boutique winery Lancaster for a wine tasting at their picturesque outdoor cellar door. Standing beneath their vine-covered wooden roof, looking out onto the rolling green vineyards, this is a perfect place to start your day.
LANCASTER WINES Then visit Providore to try their huge selection of locally-made gourmet olive oils, dips, sauces and jams; and the Margaret River Chocolate Factory for their famous chocolate. Knowing that Margaret River is a big trip to make from Perth, the people behind this famous factory opened a secondary one in the Swan Valley, making it easier than ever to try their delectable range of treats.
When it’s time for a proper meal, head to Mandoon Estate. Home to a winery, brewery and restaurant, Mandoon is one of the most scenic spots in the Swan Valley. Take a seat on their sprawling lawn and choose from their specially-curated outdoor menu – cheese and charcuterie picnic baskets, homemade pizzas and mouth-watering salads are all on offer
Post-lunch, squeeze in one more wine tasting at the impressive Sandalford. This winery has been making wine for more than 175 years, and has one of the biggest cellar doors in Western Australia. As well as five wine ranges available to try, Sandalford’s cellar door is brimming with everything wine related for souvenirs or gifts.
If wineries aren't of interest, spend the day venturing out to the recently renovated Karrinyup Shopping Centre located 20 minutes north of Perth City. After a $800 million redevelopment, the centre is one of the largest shopping centres in Western Australia, home to over 300 places to eat, drink shop and play!
Karrinyup Shopping Centre