Visiting Perth: Best activities for your 4-day weekend in the capital of Western Australia 🇦🇺

Perth is massive and it has many different areas! A bit like Los Angeles where Malibu/Huntington/Manhattan beaches etc. are part of L.A. county, but really are little cities on their own.

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and is the 4th most populous city in Australia, with over 2 million inhabitants. It is know for its outdoor lifestyle, with numerous parks and beaches, and it's quite common for locals to go camping in the wilderness over the weekend.

Let's have a look at Perth's main neighbourhoods:

• Perth CBD (Central Business District): Central to city life, the CBD boasts iconic skyscrapers, the expansive Kings Park, and the cultural precinct featuring the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Busy by day with professionals, it offers a quieter charm on weekends with hidden laneway bars and riverfront views.
  

• Northbridge: Just steps from the CBD, Northbridge pulses with its extensive cultural offerings, including the State Theatre Centre and Perth Cultural Centre. It's the go-to for international cuisine, ranging from Italian to Asian, and remains a late-night favorite with its lively bars and clubs.

• Subiaco: Known as 'Subi,' this suburb combines heritage with hip. It features Rokeby Road, a bustling street with alfresco dining and upscale shopping. Subiaco is also home to the Regal Theatre, a historic venue that adds a cultural flair to the suburb’s vibrant lifestyle.

• Fremantle: Rich in maritime history, Fremantle, or 'Freo,' is characterized by its Victorian architecture and the famous Fremantle Markets, offering local arts, crafts, and foods. The Fishing Boat Harbour presents fresh seafood spots and pubs with seaside ambiance. Fremantle also has a thriving arts community and hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

• Cottesloe: Famous for its pristine Cottesloe Beach, this suburb offers spectacular ocean sunsets and a relaxed beachside culture. Its Marine Parade is lined with cafes and pubs, providing both local and visiting beachgoers with quintessential coastal dining.

• Scarborough: Known for its redevelopment including a new beach pool and revamped esplanade, Scarborough attracts surfers and families alike. It features a lively beachfront scene with casual eateries, bars, and a bustling Sunday market.

• Mount Lawley: An artistic enclave northeast of the CBD, Mount Lawley is famous for Beaufort Street's strip of independent theaters, artisan bakeries, and vintage clothing stores. The suburb thrives with a bohemian spirit, evident in its popular cafes and indie bookshops.

• Leederville: A short distance northwest of the CBD, Leederville is famed for its vibrant Oxford Street, a lively hub of specialty coffee shops, independent boutiques, and street art. It distinguishes itself with an artsy vibe and energetic nightlife, including a cinema that hosts retro film nights and a variety of music venues.

Fremantle, or 'Freo' as everyone call it here, is this little cute port town in Perth area, home of many vintage stores, cafes and the beautiful South Beach. If you want to live like a local, this is the place to go! Freo has an amazing community vibe and art scene.

I stayed in this area, living with one of my friend originally from there.

What to do in Fremantle?

• Go to the Fremantle Markets, open Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays for a food court and wide range of craft stalls

• Check out the Fremantle Arts Centre, an Australian Gothic building built by convicts. Here, you can see a variety of exhibitions or attend a live music show

• Enjoy South Beach, a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water

• Watch sunset at the top of the War Memorial hill

• Visit the Fremantle prison or the WA Maritime Museum

Where to eat in Fremantle?

• Breakfast/Brunch:

  • Best Wishes Coffee

  • The Cool Room

  • Good Things

• Bar/Beer Garden:

  • Percy Flint

  • Patio
    

Rottnest, locally known as "Rotto", but originally named "Wadjemup" by the 'Noongar' aboriginal people, was used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. European explorers arrived in the 17th century and the island was later used as a penal colony for aboriginal prisoners.

In both world wars, it served as a military defense point and internement camp.

Rottnest is also home of the 'quokkas' a small marsupial that's often referred to as the "world's happiest animal" due to its friendly nature and smile-like facial expression. you'll find them everywhere here!

No cars are allowed on the island, you can rent bikes to cycle around. Know that if the wind is not in your favor, some hilly parts get a bit tough.

It also has a big surf history, but just like other places in WA, shark presence is a reality.

The surf at Rottnest Island was first ridden in the early 1950s by pioneering surfers who traveled to the island searching for new waves. Strickland Bay is perhaps the most famous, known for its powerful left-handers and stunning scenery. It has been ranked as one of the top 50 surf spots in the world!

Direction Perth's city center where you will get big city vibes surrounded by skyscrapers. The Central Business District (CBD) features Victorian-era architecture, museums, and many attractions. The city center is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Swan River, banks as beautiful as dangerous with fishers reporting increased sightings of bull sharks in the river.

What to do in Perth's city centre?

• Spend an afternoon at Kings Park and Botanic Garden and stay for a stunning sunset

• Check out art exhibitions at Elizabeth Quay and walk over the bridge at night for a stunning view over the city

• Pay a visit to the WA Museum Boola Bardip or The Art Gallery of Western Australia.

• Head to Northbridge to end your day in the vibrant nightlife hub

Where to go out in Perth?

Restaurants:

• No Mafia

• La Cholita

Bars:

• Picabar

• The Bird

Western Australia's coast is truly stunning, with clear white sand and turquoise waters.

Pick one of the following spots for your perfect beach day:

• Cottesloe Beach: one of Perth's most iconic beaches, known for its golden sands and clear blue waters. Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and beach volleyball are popular here. The annual "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibition is a highlight, transforming the beach into an open-air art gallery.

• Scarborough Beach: famous for its lively atmosphere and extensive facilities, including a recently upgraded beachfront precinct with a pool, skate park, and climbing wall. A surfer's heaven, the area also has lots of cafes, restaurants and bars. If you're up for some fun at night, hit up the Scarborough Sunset Markets, a cool spot with live music and awesome street food.

• Trigg Beach: a hotspot for surfers due to its consistent surf breaks, with conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach is bordered by Trigg Bushland Reserve, adding a natural backdrop and opportunities for coastal walks.

• Clayton's Beach: known for its seclusion and natural setting, making it a favored spot for those looking to escape the more crowded city beaches. The beach is accessible via a walking trail that winds down from the cliffs, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline. The strong currents and often rough surf make it suitable for more experienced surfers.
  

• South Beach: known for its relaxed bohemian vibe and scenic beauty. The beach area is well-maintained with a grassy parkland and scattered Norfolk Pines providing ample shade. It’s smaller and typically less crowded than some of the city’s more central beaches. This beach is great for swimming, with calmer waters protected by offshore breakwaters. The beach also hosts community events, including markets and outdoor concerts during the summer.

If you are staying longer in the area, why not explore more along the coast?

• The Pinnacles Desert: A surreal landscape within Nambung National Park, featuring thousands of limestone spires naturally formed from seashells. The desert offers a striking contrast against the vibrant blue sky, especially at sunrise or sunset.

• Lancelin Sand Dunes: Western Australia’s premier sandboarding destination, these massive white sand dunes provide a perfect playground for dune buggying and 4x4 adventures, just 90 minutes north of Perth.

• Yanchep Lagoon: A protected coastal spot with calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The lagoon is surrounded by a reef, creating a natural pool that makes it safe for all ages to enjoy the water.

• Caversham Wildlife Park: Located in the Swan Valley, this wildlife park offers up-close encounters with native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.

• Dunsborough: A coastal town known for its scenic beaches, boutique shops, and laid-back cafes. Dunsborough is a gateway to the famous Margaret River wine region and offers tranquil waters for swimming and snorkeling.

• Bunker Bay: A stunning, sheltered beach near Dunsborough with crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, ideal for swimming and relaxing. The area is also popular for whale watching during migration seasons.

• Yallingup: Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Indian Ocean, Yallingup is famed for its surf breaks, rugged cliffs, and scenic walking trails. The town’s caves and nearby wineries add to its charm.

• Busselton Foreshore: Home to the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The foreshore features pristine beaches, a bustling marina, and a vibrant cultural precinct with art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.