A Detailed Itinerary for Three Days in Perth, Australia

When Brian and I were planning a trip Down Under, I knew I wanted to add a visit to Western Australia to our itinerary. I had seen the other side of the country in detail as a youth studying abroad, so wanted something new to reward the long flight over.

While there are so many fun adventures to plan on the western side, most visits here start in Perth, a laidback city with a thriving cultural scene and excellent outdoor spaces.

Dedicate at least three days in Perth and you’ll fall in love with this place just as we did. I promise it’s worth the effort, with fewer tourists to boot.

How Many Days to Spend in Perth

A weekend in Perth is enough if you’re looking for a quick city break in Western Australia. With three days in Perth, you can plan a day trip outside of the city or tackle your itinerary in a more leisurely fashion.

If you only have two days in Perth, I’d suggest a full day in Perth proper and a second day in nearby Fremantle. You don’t want to pack in too many day trips if you’re only in Perth for 48 hours, as you’ll want to get to know the city first.

What to Do With Three Days in Perth

You can spend three days in Perth like this:

• Stroll Elizabeth Quay.
• Walk the Lotterywest Federation Walkway at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
• Enjoy brews with a view at The Island Brew House.
• Take the train to Fremantle for Fremantle Prison and the Round House.
• Hit the beach or take a ride down the Swan River.
• Explore Perth’s casual dining scene at places like Toastface Grillah.
• Take a day trip to the Lancelin Sand Dunes or Margaret River.

I know you’re here for more than a list, though. Let’s dig into all that you can do with three days in Perth.

Three Days in Perth: Day 1

We flew to Perth from Sydney after some quality time in New South Wales. You’ll likely have connections through Sydney Airport anyway, so you may as well hang out for a while.

Try to time your arrival for the morning. Our flights got into Perth Airport around 10am, so we didn’t lose much time in Perth. This suggested itinerary assumes you have three full days in Perth. 

Note: If you arrive midday or in the evening on day one, you may want to finagle an extra day in your Western Australia itinerary. I didn’t want to leave, to be honest!

Stop 1: Brunch

If you arrive by mid-morning as we did, your hotel room or other Perth accommodations likely aren’t ready yet. Our pick for a quick bite was Toastface Grillah, a quasi-gourmet grilled cheese shop. 

The location was weird with little room to sit, but if it’s nice enough outside you can remedy that quickly while you enjoy your “Cluck Tha Police” with chicken and Brie. It’s all quite ridiculous and yet very much worth your time.

Interested in something with a little less quirk? Here are a few more options for brunch or breakfast in Perth:

• Gusto Food: This buzzy spot is known for its indulgent sweet treats, but you won’t be hurting if you want something savory. The decor here is on point, too.
• Sayers Sister: This sweet little cafe in Northbridge serves up yummy creations and ambiance. You’ll want to have your Instagram accounts ready for this one.
• Zamia Cafe: This popular breakfast and lunch spot is on the west side of Kings Park. Feel free to start there on your Perth itinerary to be more efficient with your time.

Stop 2: Elizabeth Quay

Walk off your toasties for a stroll around Elizabeth Quay and the Perth central business district. Yes, this part of town is named after THAT Elizabeth. No matter how you feel about the royals, it’s a nice spot to see the harbor and the funky Elizabeth Quay Bridge.

We had a minor freakout here when it started to sprinkle as we didn’t bring along rain gear, but we embraced it as a sea mist and kept on keepin’ on. Don’t miss the First Contact Sculpture, a piece of aluminum art made by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. 

It represents the arrival of European ships to the harbor. The local Noongar people thought these ships were their returning ancestors. 

If you’re here with the kids, you may want to pop by the Elizabeth Quay Carousel, a cute merry-go-round that looks like a work of art that came to Perth via Italy.

Stop 3: Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Walk, order an Uber, or take a city bus ride to stunning Kings Park and Botanic Garden. If you’re able to walk, you’ll get fantastic views of the beautiful Swan River along the way. 

You can certainly break up the stroll with stops for waterfowl photos. We loved watching the cormorants drying their wings on the rocky shores of the river, posing for us as if we were National Geographic.

The park itself is quite large and a great green space. Expect to spend at least a few hours here, more if you take your time. No matter what you do, listen for bird activity like extremely loud cockatoos. 

You can pick and choose what you’d like to prioritize or tick things off one by one as we did if you have the energy. We started on the Kokoda Track, a steep climb of 150 steps to Perth city skyline views.

From there, walk the free Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a treetop bridge with an exposed path beneath your feet that freaked Brian out just a little bit.

You’ll see the Giant Boab, or “Gija Jumulu,” along the way.

Fun fact: This big ol’ tree is estimated to be around 750 years old. It recently received a clean bill of health after local arborists worried that damage to its root structure would signal its doom. You can all breathe a sigh of relief now.

If you have anything left in the tank, spend it climbing the DNA tower. The viewpoint at the top of the curving stairs is the highest point in the park. 

We finished up at the State War Memorial, a spot with more expansive views of Perth. This city is quite photogenic.

Stop 4: The Island Brew House

Rest your weary legs back in Elizabeth Quay and The Island Brew House, a casual spot with excellent scenery and beer that will do just fine. The bartender at the time told us they don’t get many Americans, which felt surprising until I realized where I was.

Western Australia isn’t as big a draw as cities on the other side of the country like Sydney and Melbourne. It’s more remote and harder to get to, but I’m sure you see how your efforts are rewarded if you make it to Perth.

Fun fact: We watched a seagull eat an entire chicken bone over a round of brews from here. It was harrowing.

Stop 5: Dinner

It’s been a big day for you in Perth, and you may be feeling the effects of jet lag or general travel at this point. We were feeling something super casual, so opted for dinner at Wok & Ladle: Thai Eatery for our evening meal.

It was cheap and delicious, and nobody in there judged us for being all sweaty from all of that urban hiking and urban drinking.

Here are a few more options if you want to class things up or comparison-shop:

• Bread in Common: This spot is known for its wood-fired bread, and you can open with that at dinnertime. Follow that up with share plates dictated by the seasons.
• Il Lido Italian Canteen: If you snuck in some beach time at Cottesloe Beach, enjoy Italian fare with sunset sea views at this pick.
• Wildflower: If you’re a foodie here for fine dining, Wildflower is one of Perth’s most acclaimed options. You’ll want to book reservations for this one.

Three Days in Perth: Day 2

Don’t sleep in too late today. You’ll be catching a train to Fremantle, a port city that’s still part of the Perth metropolitan area. We grabbed breakfast at our hotel and got single rides to Fremantle at the train station.

You don’t need to get tickets to Fremantle in advance. Trains run from Perth Station to Fremantle every 15 minutes or so. You have options for Freo. That’s apparently what locals call it, but I haven’t heard it in practice.

Note: If you’ll be using quite a bit of public transportation during your time in Perth, it may be more economical to look into the SmartRider card. The reusable cards come with discounts for frequent riders. We didn’t pick one up because this was the only day we used public transit, but it really depends on how long you’re here and your plans for Perth.

Try to nab a seat by a window as you’ll get some ocean views toward the end of your ride.

Stop 1: The Cappuccino Strip

If you didn’t have the luxury of free breakfast at your Perth accommodations, this buzzy section of South Terrace is just five minutes from the train station.

There are all kinds of pubs and Italian eateries for you to return to later if you’d like, but you’re here for the caffeine.

Gino’s is a classic option, especially if you love those Italian vibes. They have a full menu of breakfast sandwiches and parfaits for you to nosh on if you’re seeking something more substantial than gourmet coffee.

Optional Stop 2: Fremantle Markets

You’ll need to visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for the Fremantle Markets. Unfortunately, we didn’t time things right for our visit. I’d still recommend a stop if you’re here on a weekend, as these have been running since 1897.

Enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, local handicrafts, and delicious prepared foods at the weekend markets.

Stop 3: Fremantle Prison

I love a good prison tour, and Fremantle Prison is one of the most intriguing I’ve seen. A stop here was my driving force for visiting Fremantle in the first place. The historic prison was built by convict labor for, obviously, sentenced prisoners.

There are a few different tours you can choose from to get a closer look at the prison. Without a tour, you only see to see the free exhibits outside the gates, and that’s not as impressive a visit.

We booked the True Crime tour, as true crime is a general interest area for me. That one includes a deeper look at some of the prisoners jailed here. This isn’t appropriate for small children, by the way. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up.

For us adults, the tour was great. We got to go inside the cells and learn stories of escapes. At one point, the guide had to tell a woman disturbed by talk of the morgue that “it’s a prison, not Disneyland,” and it was exactly the attitude I needed.

If I ever found myself back at Fremantle Prison I’d book the Tunnels Tour that goes down into the maze of tunnels built by prisoners. Hard hats are involved!

Stop 4: Little Creatures Brewing

Visit Little Creatures Brewing after your time at the prison. Go down a rabbit hole of everything you learned there over beer, views of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, and snacks. 

We shared one of their pizzas and fish fritters that no longer appear to be on their menu, but the mussels look like a tasty replacement.

We were also treated to a 30-minute photo session on the harbor nearby by a group of young ladies who just were not pleased with the photos being taken by one another. 

It was more entertaining than anything else, but we had to laugh because the backdrop wasn’t all that incredible to begin with. There are more photogenic parts of town is what I’m saying.

Did we attempt the same after we were done with our beers? You better believe it.

Stop 5: The Round House

Before the Fremantle Prison, prisoners were held in the Round House, the oldest building in Western Australia. After its time as a prison, it became the new home of the chief constable. Doesn’t that sound cozy? 

Walk-ins are available for a historical tour, or you can time your visit to hear the cannons fired from the gun deck at 1pm daily. Whether you go inside or not, there are great views from here to the harbor and Bathers Beach below.  

Stop 6: Fremantle Museums

You’ll likely have time for one more stop in Fremantle before heading back to Perth proper. 

Choose between the WA Maritime Museum, home to an impressive submarine tour, or the WA Shipwrecks Museum, a journey through Australia’s oldest shipwrecks. If you’re driven by budget, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is free.

Additional museums that are part of the same museum group include:

• WA Museum Boola Bardip: This one takes an anthropological approach to the history of Western Australia. Learn about the different kinds of people, including indigenous populations, that call this region home.
• Museum of Geraldton: The placement of this museum is the main draw. You’ll be overlooking the Indian Ocean while you learn more about aboriginal history and culture.
• Museum of the Goldfields: This free museum offers exhibits about the Eastern Goldfields and the region’s mining history. You’ll see all kinds of gold bars and nuggets discovered in the city over the years.
• Museum of the Great Southern: This museum is a bit of a mishmash of exhibits that include a replica of the Amity, a brig used for exploration around Oceania in the early nineteenth century.

Stop 7: Dinner

Stroll the Fremantle city center some more and take in the unique street art before heading back to the train station for your short return trip to Perth.

I found Perth to have the more interesting dining scene, so that was our pick at the end of our day.

Northbridge is an option if you’re looking for modern Australian cuisine and some of the best street art in Perth. It has a bad rap after years of higher crime rates compared to the rest of Perth, but things have changed in modern Northbridge. 

READ MORE: Love street art? Plan a trip to Colombia to check out Bogotá.

A heavy police presence keeps most of the riffraff in line, but if you’re hanging out late anywhere in the city, use your common sense or don’t stay out that late. Does anything good happen after midnight? 

For dining, not hijinx, try Yes Please Perth for their organic beef tartar alone. Pretty Good Pizza is a great takeaway option if you’re ready to relax a bit back at your accommodations.

If you’re planning any self-drive day trips from Perth on your itinerary, pop by a Woolworth’s before you head back to your accommodations. It’s a great option for unique road trip snacks like savory chips. 

I love weird chip flavors, by the way.

Three Days in Perth: Day 3

Your final day as you explore Perth in three days is a choose-your-own-adventure sort of day. Stay in Perth for your final goodbyes to the city or hit the road for one of the best road trips from Perth.

If you stay in Perth, here are a few options:

• Hit the beach. Perth has a few beaches ideal for sun bums if you’re here in the summer months. Cottesloe Beach is the prettiest. Mettams Pool is ideal for snorkelers.
• Embrace Perth’s cultural scene at the Perth Cultural Centre. Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia or stay outdoors for the Urban Orchard and sculpture gardens.
• Take in the views from The Bell Tower. Your trip to the Observation Deck here is a little pricey, but visits include a demo of the chiming bells, too. You’ll even get a certificate that says you participated in the event for friends back home.
• Tour the Perth Mint. Learn about the impact of the Australian gold rushes, touch a real gold bar, and get mesmerized by molten gold on a guided tour. You’ll also get to put a value on yourself based on your weight in gold, so that’s something.
• Cruise the Swan River. I saved my motion sickness meds for the Great Barrier Reef, but a guided water tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are quite a few options for Swan River cruises, but book ahead.

Interested in exploring beyond Perth CBD? I have a full guide to Perth day trips, but here are a few options:

• Go underwater at Marmion Marine Park. This was the first marine park in Western Australia, just 25 minutes from central Perth.
• Take a drive to Yanchep National Park. It’s just 40 minutes from Perth to one of the most popular parks in Australia. The park is also home to the Crystal Cave.
• Love wine? Taste-test the best wine in Western Australia in the beautiful Swan Valley wine region or Margaret River region.
• Need that quokka selfie? A Rottnest Island ferry takes just 25 minutes from Fremantle or about 90 minutes from the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth.
• Want to make a fool of yourself in some sand? Hit the Lancelin Sand Dunes. This was one of our picks and it was absurd and loads of fun.

We had a few extra days in Perth so took trips to Lancelin and down into the Margaret River region during our Australian vacation. It’s hard to say which I enjoyed more since I love adventure and all the wine whether I’m traveling for funsies or travel guides.

It depends on your priorities and how many days you can dedicate to a Perth road trip itinerary.

What is the best month to visit Perth?

The best months to visit Perth are the spring months of September, October, and November. That’s when you’ll get the most wildflower activity in and around Perth.

We visited in July, which was our summer and Perth’s winter. We didn’t have beach weather, but we enjoyed quite a few mild, sunny days. The best time for you may be the time you’re able to book your trip!

Where to Stay in Perth

We stayed at the Metro Hotel Perth City, a budget-friendly option near the Swan River.

They offer free breakfast, free parking, and guest laundry services for travelers on a longer trip. We had already been in Australia for a bit by the time we arrived in Perth, so laundry was a huge plus for us.

We also stayed at the Ingot Hotel Perth for a night after our Western Australia road trip. The hotel was quiet with comfortable rooms, and they offer an airport shuttle if you need that for your return trip.

If you’d like to shop around, browse the map below for Perth accommodations:

Perth is always worth a visit.

It’s absolutely worth visiting Perth. The capital of Western Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, vibrant arts scene, and relaxed lifestyle.

You’ll also encounter fewer tourists when exploring things to do on a Perth three-day itinerary compared to cities like Sydney or Melbourne on the other side. This fantastic city is waiting!

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