Michelle Cacija

As you step into the vibrant city of Perth, Australia, you are embraced by a symphony of beauty – from the beautiful beaches whispering stories of the ocean to the lively city streets buzzing with life. Day trips to places like Rottnest Island, where charming Quokkas warmly welcome you to their island, and the Pinnacles, where you feel transported to a different planet, await your exploration. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and discover the paradise on Australia’s west coast! Servus and welcome to my four-day Perth Blog!

Please note that this itinerary may not be perfect as everyone travels differently, and unexpected changes are part of any journey. All content on this website has been personally experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I cover all my travel expenses independently, the stories and opinions shared are genuinely my own. For more travel pictures and videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Perth
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities in Perth
6. Where to eat in Perth
7. Summary of activities in Fremantle
8. Other Australia Blogs

The Basics about Perth

When to visit

The best time to visit Perth is probably during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is mostly pleasant, with temperatures averaging 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and many outdoor events and activities to enjoy. Keep in mind that the weather can change unexpectedly, as we experienced during our visit in the middle of March, when it was incredibly hot, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). So, depending on when you visit, be sure to bring sun protection like sunscreen and a hat!

Time period

Regarding the time period, I’d suggest planning five to six days to fully enjoy everthing the city and its surroundings have to offer. This way, you can explore Perth’s beautiful beaches, vibrant food scene, and also visit nearby attractions like Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the Pinnacles, and Wave Rock without feeling rushed. If you have even more time, a road trip along the West Coast could be a fantastic idea. That’s still on my bucket list!

Getting there

Flying is probably the most efficient way to reach Perth, unless you live close by or have time for a long road trip, depending on where you start your journey from.

Where to stay

In Perth, it’s probably a good idea to stay in the central business district (CBD) for easy access to attractions. Since we enjoyed our stay at the “the Great Southern Hotel” ^{(unpaid ad)} in Sydney, we chose to stay at the same company in Perth. It’s situated in the CBD, offering a good location to explore the city from.

On Arrival

To get from Perth Airport to the subway and city, you can take an Airport Shuttle Bus, depending on your terminal, which operates frequently. From there, you can easily connect to the subway and other public transportation options to reach different parts of the city.

Getting around

Getting around in Perth is quite convenient! You can use public transport like buses and trains operated by Transperth. Perth also provides free bus services within the city center, making it easy to explore different areas of the city without worrying about transportation costs. Plus, walking or biking can be great options to explore certain areas!

What to pack

Obvisiouly it depends on when you go, but if you go in March like us, I recommend packing lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, including shorts, t-shirts and dresses. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking through the city or nature, I recommend brining a few comfortable enclosed shoes. Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are fundamental. I also suggest bringing a hoodie or jumper for cooler nights, and an umbrella for rainy weather. Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Australia, don’t forget to bring a Type I power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

The amount you’ll spend in Perth depends on factors like your choice of accommodation, travel style, and planned activities. Compared to Europe, it can be relatively expensive, but with proper planning, you can save a significant amount of money and enjoy your visit.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Perth. Australia is known for having some of the safest and highest-quality tap water in the world, with strict regulations ensuring its cleanliness and safety for consumption. Most cities and towns have reliable and accessible water supplies that meet high health standards, making it perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap. In many areas, particularly in urban settings, you’ll find public water fountains and refill stations.

Toilet situation. Public toilets in Australia are free and well-maintained, with facilities available in cities, national parks, and most tourist areas.

Tipping in Australia isn’t as customary or obligatory as in many other countries, such as the United States or Europe. While service workers do appreciate tips for exceptional service, it’s not expected. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is a nice gesture if you are particularly pleased with the service, but it’s common for Australians to simply round up the bill or leave small change.

The Currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are widely available across the country, and credit cards are commonly accepted in most establishments. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases, especially in more remote areas or markets but in general, Australians prefer using cards over cash for transactions. The country has seen a significant shift towards cashless payments in recent years, with cards being widely accepted across various sectors.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

Since my partner and I landed in the late afternoon, we didn’t have too much time to explore the city. After figuring out how to get from the airport to the city and checking into our hotel, we went to the closest supermarket to buy a few groceries for the next days. Later, we strolled a little bit around in our area and discovered Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a beautiful green space located not too far from the city centre. It’s a nice place to relax, have a picnic, or take a stroll around the lake.

Day 2

The next morning we decided to just explore the city, starting with the city centre, which has a charming European flair with its architecture. You’ll find beautiful buildings, cozy cafes and many shops. It’s a great place to explore and soak in the European-inspired atmosphere right in the heart of Perth! As a European, I have to say that I felt like I was beamed back home.

After exploring the city centre, we headed to the main waterfront area, Elizabeth Quay. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering nice views of the Swan River and the city skyline. You can enjoy a walk along the promenade, dine at waterfront restaurants, or even go for a boat ride on the river. We considered a boat tour but found it quite pricey, so we opted to skip it. Instead, we walked along the promenade and sat down for a while to relax and take in the view.

Later, we discovered that Perth provides free buses, so we hopped on the bus to Kings Park, a botanical garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature, stroll among Australian native plants, and admire panoramic views of the city and the Swan River. Upon our arrival, the park was bustling with visitors. We went to grab an ice cream and relax on the grass to enjoy the view.

After enjoying our ice cream, we decided to stroll around the botanical gardens when suddenly I got stung by a wasp. I’m not kidding, it really happend, but I didn’t see it happen. It happened so quickly, and I felt a sharp pain for a few seconds. My hand swelled up within moments, so my partner asked an ice cream shop for some ice cubes. I ended up walking around Kings Park with a swollen hand, which sounds worse than it actually was. Since I’m not allergic it wasn’t that bad. We also tried the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, an elevated walkway in Kings Park that offers a unique view of the park’s plants and animals. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the walk. After an hour of cooling down the sting and exploring Kings Park, the swelling had disappeared, leaving only a small mark visible.

Then we caught the bus back to Elizabeth Quay and wandered through the city until we discovered our lunch spot: Mr. Potatoe ^{(unpaid ad)}. It’s like a poke bowl but with potatoes. They’re completely gluten free and provide many vegan and vegetarian options. If you’re ever in Perth and share a love for potatoes, give it a try!

Day 3

For our third day, we booked a half-day tour to the Pinnacles Desert, which included sand duning and nature walks. Since the tour didn’t start until the early afternoon, we visited the Art Gallery of Western Australia before. Here you will find a diverse collection of art, from indigenous Australian art to contemporary pieces and historical works. As a European, Australian museums can seem a bit random. Each one I visited had a variety of artworks in their galleries without clear similarities or connections. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting place to explore Western Australia’s art scene and appreciate a wide range or artistic styles and genres. Plus, entry is free.

Then, we headed to our main and final destination: the Pinnacles Desert. The Pinnacles Desert is a unique natural attraction located in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes in Western Australia. It’s known for its eerie limestone formations called “pinnacles” that emerge from the yellow sand, creating a surreal landscape that has existed for thousands of years. Thousands of these formations are scattered throughout the desert. You can either explore the desert by driving along the Pinnacles Loop Drive or walking among the pinnacles on trails. It’s a must-visit destination in Western Australia! And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some native animals like kangaroos, emus, and various bird species.

After enjoying a real Australian BBQ right in the middle of the desert, we watched the sunset and waited for the stars and planets to appear. The Pinnacles Desert is a famous and incredible location for stargazing. Its remote setting and minimal light pollution make it an ideal place to marvel at the night sky. Though we didn’t have a clear sky the entire time, we were able to see thousounds of stars and even caught a glimpse of the moon and Jupiter through the telescope, which was truly amazing!

Day 4

On the fourth day, we planned to visit the town of Fremantle. Fremantle, or Freo as the locals call it, is a port city located near Perth in Western Australia. By car, Fremantle is about a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD. If you take the train like us, it takes approximately 25 minutes. The city is known for its maritime history, arts scene, and lively markets. You have the opportunity to explore the historic Fremantle Prison, enjoy fresh seafood, relax at beautiful beaches like Bathers Beach or stroll along the charming streets.

Upon arriving in Fremantle, we headed to the Fremantle Prison. It was constructed by convicts in the 1850s and served as a prison until 1991. The prison offers guided tours that provide insight into its dark past. When we checked online, almost every tour was sold out, but we decided to inquire in person as well, and we were lucky. All tours still had available spots, so it’s essential to always check in person even if something appears booked online! The duration of the tours varies but they typically lasts from one to two hours, depening on the tour you choose. It’s a must-visit for history and prison enthusiasts, and those keen on exploring the corridors and learning about Australia’s convict history.

After finishing the tour at the prison, we strolled around the town and the waterfront. Fremantle’s town and streets have a unique charm with their well-preserved heritage buildings and vibrant markets, which reminded me a little bit of a mix of New Orleans, Louisiana, and European cities. You can wander along the historic streets like High Street and Market Street, where you’ll find a mix of botiques, cafes, and galleries. The waterfront is an area with a blend of historical charm and modern attractions. You can enjoy scenic views of the harbor, explore the Martitime Museum or Shipwrecks Museum, hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island, or simply relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the promenade. While exploring the waterfront, we visited the WA Shipwrecks Museum where you can learn more about the maritime history of Western Australia and admire the numerous shipwrecks along its coastline. The entry is free.

In the early evening, we took the subway and drove back to Perth, where we had dinner at Grill’d ^{(unpaid ad)} in the CBD.

Day 5

For our last day, we booked a trip to Rottnest Island, which is a small island located off the coast of Western Australia, near Fremantle. It’s known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife, including the adorable quokkas. You can enjoy cycling or walking around the island, exploring the lighthouse, admiring the salt lakes, swimming, and snorkeling in the clear waters, and relaxing on the beaches. This is probably the biggest must-visit when you are in Western Australia!

While we cycled around the island, we encountered so many quokkas. After seeing thirty, I stopped counting. We also admired the salt lakes, which are a unique feature of the island, took a free tour of the lighthouse, which was super interesting, and relaxed by the water.

Before heading back to the ferry, we enjoyed our lunch on the island while being entertained by a lot of quokkas running around the area. Remember to respect their natural habitat and not to disturb them. While they may approach you out of curiosity, it’s best to keep your distance and avoid touching them to ensure their well-being. Enjoy observing these friendly creatures from a distance!

Then we took the ferry back to Perth, which took another 25 to 30 minutes. After arriving at the port, we returned our bikes to the rental company, and a driver picked up and drove us back to our accommodation. Now it was time to pack our suitcases and bid farewell to Perth. We will definitely come back one day!

Summary of activities in Perth

• Kings Park
• Elizabeth Quay
• Lotterywest Federation Walkway
• Art Gallery of Western Australia
• Hillarys Boat Harbour
• Rottnest Island
• The Pinnacles
• Visit the town of Fremantle
• The Wave
• Perth Mint
• State War Memorial
• The Bell Tower
• Boat tour on Swan River

Where to eat in Perth

• Mr. Potatoe – healthy low carb potatoe bowl; offers many vegan and vegetarian options, 100% gluten-free ^{(unpaid ad)}
• Grill’d – Australian burger restaurant; offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options ^{(unpaid ad)}

Summary of activities in Fremantle

• Fremantle Prison
• WA Shipwrecks Museum
• Fremantle Boat Harbour
• Femantle Markets
• WA Maritime Museum

Other Australia Blogs