There's so much to see and do in Perth in summer, and every region has its own unique flair!
With that in mind, we've compiled region-by-region mini-itineraries for your Perth summer getaway, to help you get started on planning your #staycation to remember. You'll fall in love with Perth all over again!
Perth City
Perth City is a perfect spot to base yourself for urban explorations galore; from bushwalking in Kings Park to strolling the South Perth Foreshore, checking out our hippest small bars, meeting the meerkats at Perth Zoo and a whole lot more. And with its central location as the hub of Perth's public transport, it's easy to get out and about!
If you're looking for cool things to do in Perth City, you won't be disappointed. Adventure-lovers will have a great time on the Matagarup Bridge Climb, while comedy lovers will be ROTFLing at the Comedy Lounge. And to experience the Swan River in a deep and meaningful way, the Little Ferry Company offers up a variety of small-group charter tours on their vintage-chic Edwardian-style solar-powered ferry. This includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch and twilight tours around Perth's central waterways, showcasing the beauty of Elizabeth Quay, and new East Perth developments such as the Optus Stadium, and Claisebrook Cove.
For some great post-adventure F&B, you'll love Goody Two's and The Stables. Goody Two's is a late-night cocktail bar with Japanese flair and flavours, including an unmissable cherry blossom installation branching out across the roof. They're known for fun, unique cocktails, tasty bar food and an exciting atmosphere including DJs and dancing every weekend. The Stables is a hidden oasis lying behind iconic iron gates down a cobblestone path, transporting you from the bustle of Perth CBD to a landscaped space perfect for dining, drinking and socialising with good company. The venue pays homage to the historic roots of this heritage building, which is the site of Perth's original horse stables and dates back to 1894.
After your grand day out (or two!), it's time for the stay part of your staycation! Nightcap at Belgian Beer Cafe and Parmelia Hilton Perth are both great choices. The rooms at the Parmelia Hilton have been recently refurbished, and include 22 stylish suites, an outdoor pool, a gym, a bar, and the popular Adelphi Grill with its sizzling steaks and seafood. Nightcap is another gorgeous place to stay, full of Belgian old school style and charm with a distinct 1930s vibe.
Fremantle
Fremantle's quirky, eclectic atmosphere, attractions galore, boutique shopping and fab foodie culture make it a perfect staycation if you're looking for something a little different! Fremantle Tram Tours are a great way to get around as you explore Freo's history, present and future; the spooky Ghostly Tour with dinner is a real winner! The Fremantle Arts Centre is a fab way to keep out of the heat, as you explore fascinating exhibitions, join an art course and/or listen to live music on the FAC lawn every Sunday. Check their website for the latest details on what's on.
What to eat and drink? Well, The Old Synagogue has recently opened its doors to much fanfare, and has recently been awarded 'Perth's Best Hospitality Venue' and 'Best New Venue' at the Australian Hotel Association (AHAWA) Awards. This venue has seen the restoration of not one, but two state heritage listed buildings and the development of a state of the art modern beer and wine garden (The Arbor), a modern Asian restaurant (Tonic & Ginger), artisan cocktail bar (L'Chaim) and craft beer bar and bistro (Mr Chapple). A hearty l'chaim (cheers) to that!
Of course, the classic Freo fish and chips is an experience not to be missed during your staycation, and nothing spells fish and chips more than Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. The harbour is a fully operational fishing port, meaning there's always seriously fresh fish on offer - in fact, a fresh seafood market sells direct to the public! You can pick up some tasty fish and chips at Cicerello's Fremantle or at the Kailis Fishmarket Cafe.
Where to stay? Well, the 4 and a half star Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydes is a top choice, housed in a stunning heritage building with beautifully-appointed rooms. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Freo, within easy walking distance to major attractions, markets, museums, art galleries, beaches, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. And just out of central Fremantle, you'll find Discovery Parks Coogee Beach, located right on the beachfront of stunning Coogee Beach. The park is also located on a cycle way (walkway) that runs north into Fremantle or south down to Woodman Point Regional Park, and there's many gorgeously unspoiled reserves in the area where you can get back to nature.
Perth Beaches
Perth's picturesque, pristine beaches are the stuff of bucket-list dreams for many across the globe, and we're lucky enough to have them right here on our collective doorstep! Book yourself into the gorgeous Hillarys Harbour Resort on the threshold of Hillarys Boat Harbour, where you can enjoy boutique shopping, beachside fun, boardwalk strolling and perfect views of the Indian Ocean; beat the heat at Island Aqua Park Hillarys, and get up close and personal with WA marine life at AQWA. You can get a great bite to eat at the boat harbour, or head a bit further north to enjoy the Mediterranean vibes, fab food and craft beer of The Marina Mindarie.
Scarborough Beach is another favourite staycation spot! Ramada VetroBlu Scarborough Beach is a perfect place to base yourself and explore the Sunset Coast, with accommodation varying from studio to three bedroom apartments, as well as three and four-bedroom split level penthouse apartments that are perfect for extended stays with fam and friends. Their bright and airy rooms are modern and spacious, including basic kitchenette to full kitchen and laundry facilities, an onsite gym and more.
If you're feeling like something to nosh on while enjoying stunning Indian Ocean views, Zoie Cafe is just the ticket. Renowned for its signature coffee blend, tasty food and award-winning gelato, Zoie will tantalise your tastebuds with savouries and sweets to satisfy any craving. Whether you feel like a romantic date night gazing at stunning sunsets over the ocean, or having an al-fresco summer brunch after a morning swim, Zoie's a top spot.
Lastly, if you've always wanted to learn to surf, now's the time! Head to Brighton Beach for surfing lessons with Scarborough's Perth Go Surf. They offer adults and kids' lessons for groups, as well as private group and individual lessons, with the added option of renting surfboards. The perfect West Aussie staycation adventure!
Rottnest Island
Perth's island playground, Rottnest Island, is renowned worldwide for its cute quokkas - considering they're largely nocturnal, they're reason enough for a Rotto #staycation so you can venture out at night and see them at their most active. Samphire Rottnest offers 80 spacious rooms, all with private balconies and views over the property and over the bay. Outside your room, a sanctuary of lagoon-like pools, native landscaping and fresh outdoor dining spaces help you sink into island life. Or stay at the Discovery Rottnest Island eco-resort, enjoying Rottnest's first low-impact glamping experience as you sleep (almost) under the stars in a luxury eco-tent, explore boardwalks through the sand dunes to Pinky's Beach Club and laze by the resort pool.
So, what to do on the island? Rottnest Cruises offer a fabulous Sundowner Cruise: a 2-hour Cast & Cruise sundowner. As the sun slowly sets, you'll soak up the magic of Rottnest Island’s golden glow. Departing from Thomson Bay, then dropping anchor in a tranquil bay, this is a classic West Australian boating experience on a premium 69-ft boat, The Crusader III. Sip, socialise and take in breathtaking views of the Island's coastline while you relax. You'll be served seafood canapes along the way and can even throw in a line to fish!
Worked up an appetite after your Rotto explorations? Head to the main strip for two delish spots: Hotel Rottnest and Frankies on Rotto. At Hotel Rottnest, the stunning ocean views are complemented by equally picturesque new bars, and a beautifully restored historic building. Enjoy the welcoming service, great food, cold beer, and an impeccable wine list - the perfect way to relax after a long day! Next up, Frankie's on Rotto is open for breakie, lunch and dinner, boasting a casual and family-friendly vibe with something for everyone on the menu. Whether you're savouring a locally-roasted coffee to accompany breakfast, or enjoying a mouthwatering sourdough pizza, pasta or salad a little later in the day, this is a perfect place to kick back and enjoy great food during your Rottnest stay. (And if you're feeling too tired to venture out, they'll even deliver your dinner to your accommodation!)
Rockingham
Rockingham is the perfect #staycation spot for a marine adventure; whether you love the sea, or love seafood, you'll find plenty here. Base yourself at Quest Rockingham to be in the heart of the action, or have a true-blue Aussie adventure at the beachside Cee and See Caravan Park.
Rockingham is famed for its animal encounters: with Perth Wildlife Encounters you can swim with a pod of friendly wild dolphins, or hop on their Penguin Island Ferry to go penguin-spotting, swimming, snorkeling, or exploring this beautiful, unspoiled nature reserve. Next up, Capricorn Seakayaking offers fun sea kayak tours of Penguin and Seal Islands, which are suitable for 8 years of age and above. It's a great way to see these amazing spots in a new light!
When you're ready to eat, Vanilla Sprinkles is a cupcakes and coffee van offering up sheer deliciousness at Point Peron from 7:15am to noon every day of the week, and Rustico Tapas & Wine Bar is a buzzing, hole-in-the-wall beach side tapas and wine bar serving up award winning food and warm, friendly service.
Mandurah and Peel
The gateway from Perth to the southwest, Mandurah and Peel are firm favourites with summer vacationers, offering up everything from Venetian canals and bustling boardwalks to pristine white-sand beaches and lush, green forests. Base yourself at The Sebel Mandurah or Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets for a luxe life at a great price, and get yourself some fish and chips to eat on the foreshore from Cicerello's Mandurah, or grab some wholesome fare from Mataya Eatery.
Explore the waterways of Mandurah with Mandurah Cruises; the Dolphin and Scenic Cruise is a great way to cruise the canals and chill with the dolphins, and the Sunset Tapas Cruise is a perfectly romantic experience. And you won't want to miss Mandurah's Aboriginal Cultural Experience Mandjoogoordap Dreaming; in the local dialect of the region's first people, 'Mandjoo' means (meeting place) and 'goordap' means (of the heart), and when you come along for a tour with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming you'll learn about secret and wonderful places, each with their own story to tell, and see Mandurah in a fascinating new light.
Swan Valley
As Perth's food bowl, the Swan Valley is not only the perfect getaway destination for foodies, it's also a great place to meet native Aussie animals while beating the heat at Perth's Outback Splash water park! Nearby Whiteman Park is one of Perth's most popular attractions, and Whiteman Park Tours lets you see it in exciting new ways thanks to the Nocturnal Woylie walks, Whiteman Explorer and Down Memory Lane tours.
The Swan Valley is foodie paradise, and also a great spot for lovers of a bevvie or two. Check out Sin Gin Distillery for some stunning spirits full of local and international botanicals; The Henley Brook for hearty pub fare, elegant premium wines and delicious dishes of Nikola Estate, and the Feral Brewery Company's craft beers and modern Aussie culinary delights.
Mandoon Estate is an award-winning winery, restaurant and boutique hotel that's a just-perfect base for your Swan Valley adventures, or check out Swan Valley Oasis Resort for your own oasis away from the bustle of the city.
Perth Hills
The Perth Hills is another great getaway spot, known for its lush forests and incredible city views from up high. Stay at the Quenda Guest House near the edge of John Forrest National Park and enjoy a dip in their freshwater pool in summer; or get back to nature in style with Eversprings Glamping - the Perth Hill's newest adult only accommodation situated on a 100-acre alpaca farm overlooking a secluded picturesque valley.
Away from your accommodation, enjoy some fine wine and dining at Plume Estate or fantastic food truck fare at the Travelling Snack Restaurant. And while you're here, don't miss Lake Leschenaultia - a beautiful, unique recreational lake nestled in scenic bush land in the charming village of Chidlow, or catch a fave flick in the great outdoors at the Kookaburra Cinema.
Avon Valley
Thanks to the Avon Valley, the countryside is right at our doorstep! We suggest starting your adventure with a drive out to Toodyay where you can join the Toodyay Self Drive Tour run by Lumineer Adventure Tours. Including a sunset BBQ dinner in a paddock followed by listening to ancient stories of the night sky, created by the world's first astronomers - the Australian Aborigines, after which you can stargaze with Lumineer Adventure Tours' mobile observatory. Stay the night in the quaint heritage town of Toodyay at the Pecan Hill B&B.
Next, head to Northam and visit the Bilya Koort Boodja – Centre for Nyoongar Culture & Environmental Knowledge, check out the town's public art and enjoy a craft beer and meal on the deck at Summer Creek Restaurant & Brewery in Bakers Hill overlooking the creek and paddocks of the 90 acre property. Next, drive to York for another night or two, staying at the Laurelville and enjoying the fine pub fare of the Greenhills Inn.
We hope we've inspired you to start planning your great Perth summer getaway adventure - let's make the most of this stunning weather in our favourite city and its amazing backyard! And if you're looking to get a great deal on a staycation, don't miss our Stay and Play in Perth feature for offers on accommodation, tours and attractions and food and drink.
