Perth: How Many Days Are Needed To Visit & Fully Explore

By Josh •  Updated: 09/03/23 •  8 min read

If you’re wondering how many days to visit Perth, Australia, you’ve come to the right place.

There are some great things to do in Perth, including Rottnest Island, Cottesloe Beach, the Botanic Garden, and Elizabeth Quay.

Here’s how to spend two days in this beautiful city. You’ll have plenty of time to explore all of these and more.

You can also enjoy the city’s nightlife in the city and make sure to check out the best restaurants, bars, and clubs.

how many days to visit perth

Rottnest Island

If you haven’t been there yet, there are a few things you should know about the island’s many attractions and activities. Located just 19 km (12 miles) off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is home to more than 60 miles of sandy beaches and turquoise bays. The island is also home to quokkas, friendly marsupials that inhabit the pristine waters.

There are a number of ways to get to and from Rottnest Island, from driving to catching a ferry. If you’re interested in cycling, there are some paths you can take that are relatively sheltered from the wind, as well as a few smaller, sheltered beaches. Although the island is popular during school holidays, it’s quieter after the crowds have dispersed.

The island’s small town has an interesting history. The town includes a visitor’s center, cafes, restaurants, and a bike rental place. Several beaches are completely unspoiled and untouched. The ferry back to Perth can be crowded, but it’s worth it for the views and the epic sunsets. So, how many days to visit Rottnest Island in Perth?

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll want to spend some time on the island’s wildlife. Quokkas live on the island and roam freely around. You can get up close and personal with the adorable animals while exploring the island. Just be sure not to touch, or feed them, but keep your eyes peeled for them under the trees. When planning your trip to Rottnest Island, keep in mind that you’ll be traveling with a group of people, so you need to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Cottesloe Beach

The most popular beach in Perth is the world-famous Cottesloe Beach, a 0.6-mile stretch of sand with clear blue waters. Locals have been frequenting the beach for decades and spend most days at the shore. The beach is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from the city. The train station is only a 600-metre walk from the beach.

The best time to visit Cottesloe Beach is early morning or late afternoon. You can go fishing, but be aware of the Cottesloe Fish Habitat Protection Area, which prohibits net and spear fishing. If you are interested in walking, you can take the Hillarys to Cottesloe dual-use path, which is 25 kilometers long and passes through several beautiful areas of Perth. From the beach, you can explore historic landmarks, meet the locals, and eat seafood.

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Cottesloe has many restaurants. Beach Club and Cott & Co. are two of the best places to enjoy meals while enjoying the scenic views. If you prefer a more elegant dining experience, visit the Verandah Bar. You can choose from thirteen hotel rooms in this boutique-style hotel. Each of these has a private balcony or terrace overlooking the beach. If you want to spend the night in a secluded beach, book a room at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.

Depending on what you are looking for in your holiday, you can visit Cottesloe Beach anytime between October and March. While it is colder in the evening, it is still relatively warm during the day. Sculpture by the Sea takes place on the beach every March, which turns the beach into an art gallery. There are many activities for the whole family to enjoy, and the beach is also sheltered from strong winds.

When should you visit Cottesloe? The best time to visit Cottesloe Beach in Perth is during springtime, when the weather is largely unspoiled by rain and sweltering heat. Birds begin to chirp, and flowers bloom. You can visit Cottesloe Beach during springtime, but you should avoid the peak tourist season, when the town becomes overcrowded and prices increase.

Botanic Garden

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is a must-see in Perth. The gardens span 990 acres and boast an incredible variety of Western Australian flora and fauna. You can picnic or take a stroll here with breathtaking views of Perth City and the Swan River. You can also take a tour of the rainforest, which is reminiscent of the tropical rainforests of southern Queensland. However, make sure to plan enough time to explore the entire Garden in one visit.

If you want to see more, you can head to Kings Park, the largest inner-city park in the world, bigger than Central Park in New York City. This renowned park is home to more than 12,000 species of wildflowers, including the famous kangaroo paw. During the spring and autumn months, the park is filled with vibrant blooms of kangaroo paw and tiger lilies. There are also several species of native plants in the urban bush, including the 750-year-old boab tree. In addition to all these sights, the park also offers elevated views of the Swan River.

Whether you’re a botanist, a garden enthusiast, or just a nature lover, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in the Perth region. The Kings Park and Botanic Garden are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and science-based design, fostering the diversity of its plant and animal life. You can enjoy guided tours, a visit to the War Memorial, and even picnicking in the garden!

In addition to the gardens, you’ll also want to visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia, located within the Perth Cultural Center. This museum features an extensive collection of Australian and international art and is considered an art lover’s paradise. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find paintings and sculptures by famous artists dating back to 1829. You’ll also find an extensive botanical collection. If you have more time to explore, it’s well worth a visit.

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Elizabeth Quay

The most popular part of the city is its Elizabeth Quay area, which is a great place to take photos and admire fountains. While you’re there, don’t forget to try out your hand at bell ringing, as you’ll want to juggle the funky bells in the nearby bell tower! You can also board a boat and take a Captain Cook cruise up the Swan River – a unique experience in and of itself.

One of the best ways to spend a day at Elizabeth Quay is to catch the Fringe Festival, held each January and February. This event turns the area into a veritable kaleidoscope of color, festivities, arcades, and food. For an even more cultural experience, don’t miss the Sunday High Tea ceremony, held at the iconic Bell Tower. This unique tradition reflects the local culture and connects Elizabeth Quay to other attractions in South Perth.

During your visit to Elizabeth Quay, don’t forget to check out the BHP Water Park. This kids’ paradise offers exploding water spouts, winding water stations, and colorful mosaics representing local Dreamtime stories. You can even stop in the local beer brewery to sample the local fare. You can also enjoy a local beer at one of the bars and try the locally produced Sauma for some fun and delicious food.

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Once you’ve completed your tour, head over to the Barrack Street Jetty. From there, you can catch a TransPerth ferry to South Perth or Elizabeth Quay. A trip by boat will get you the best of two worlds: nature and culture. What better way to experience both in one trip than to take a boat trip! For a family-friendly experience, you can charter a boat to explore the city skyline from Elizabeth Quay.

The carousel at Elizabeth Quay is a highlight of the area. It has a one-kilometer circuit and features intricate artwork by local artists. First Contact is a giant aluminum sculpture, which describes the history of the European settlement in Perth. The iconic Bell Tower is also a striking sight. While your time at Elizabeth Quay is limited, you can also enjoy the art installation, Bessie Mabel Rischbieth Statue, and the beautiful waterfront in general.

Josh

Josh is a loving dad and husband, writer, business owner, and someone who loves to explore the world. He last travelled to Australia to visit Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns and am looking to head back soon to see more! He is a huge fan of hiking, drawing, and so much more!