Kate's Guidebook
Sightseeing
One of the best beaches in Perth, known for its great year-round surfing.
289 locals recommend
Scarborough Beach
One of the best beaches in Perth, known for its great year-round surfing.
Rottnest Island is an absolute paradise that is one of the best day trips from Perth. Located just off the shore of Perth, a trip to this idyllic gem is not to be missed when you’re in Western Australia.
One of the best things about planning a trip to Rottnest Island is that it’s one of the only places in the world where you see quokkas, which are arguably among the cutest animals on earth! They are adorable little marsupials who look like they’re smiling at you, and they’re super friendly because they have no natural predators.
The name Rottnest actually comes from a Dutch explorer, who mistook the quokkas for rats, and thus dubbed the island “rats nest island.” Nowadays, locals affectionately call the island “Rotto.”
In addition to its super cute wildlife, a day trip to Rottnest will give you access to 63 (yes, really!) beaches, 20 bays, several historic military sites, tons of exciting tours, and lots of wonderful bars and restaurants.
It also has an interesting – and sometimes shocking – history, since it was a colonial settlement, an Aboriginal prison for almost 100 years, and also played an important role in Australia’s defense during WWII.
All in all, there are a ton of things to do on this amazing little island
466 locals recommend
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is an absolute paradise that is one of the best day trips from Perth. Located just off the shore of Perth, a trip to this idyllic gem is not to be missed when you’re in Western Australia.
One of the best things about planning a trip to Rottnest Island is that it’s one of the only places in the world where you see quokkas, which are arguably among the cutest animals on earth! They are adorable little marsupials who look like they’re smiling at you, and they’re super friendly because they have no natural predators.
The name Rottnest actually comes from a Dutch explorer, who mistook the quokkas for rats, and thus dubbed the island “rats nest island.” Nowadays, locals affectionately call the island “Rotto.”
In addition to its super cute wildlife, a day trip to Rottnest will give you access to 63 (yes, really!) beaches, 20 bays, several historic military sites, tons of exciting tours, and lots of wonderful bars and restaurants.
It also has an interesting – and sometimes shocking – history, since it was a colonial settlement, an Aboriginal prison for almost 100 years, and also played an important role in Australia’s defense during WWII.
All in all, there are a ton of things to do on this amazing little island
Elizabeth Quay is a new waterfront precinct that unites central Perth with the Swan River. Its focus is a 730m terraced-promenade surrounding a newly formed inlet and a completely new island created by excavating the land that joined it to the shore.
TCL worked in collaboration with ARM Architecture on the design and documentation of the project.
The island is planted with indigenous species to encourage wildlife. It is a venue for large public events and, between events, a secluded place to relax. There is a children’s playground and the soft garden landscape is an oasis within the surrounding city. The island has a stone revetment and a sand ramp designed for small recreational craft and wild swans. There is a water-treatment facility for surface run off — a sustainability measure to preserve water quality.
Elizabeth Quay is programmed for specific uses including festivals, Anzac Day celebrations, particular performance types and sports including volleyball. There are places for eating and drinking. There is public art with freestanding structures and a light installation by artist Stuart Green that illuminates the edge of the inlet. There is BHP Billiton Water Park, a paved water-play area inspired by Western Australia’s dry lakes. It produces mist and jets that create water rooms.
Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment is a symbol of Perth’s coming of age as a lively and diverse international centre of living, culture, creativity, learning, entertainment and business.
198 locals recommend
Elizabeth Quay
The EsplanadeElizabeth Quay is a new waterfront precinct that unites central Perth with the Swan River. Its focus is a 730m terraced-promenade surrounding a newly formed inlet and a completely new island created by excavating the land that joined it to the shore.
TCL worked in collaboration with ARM Architecture on the design and documentation of the project.
The island is planted with indigenous species to encourage wildlife. It is a venue for large public events and, between events, a secluded place to relax. There is a children’s playground and the soft garden landscape is an oasis within the surrounding city. The island has a stone revetment and a sand ramp designed for small recreational craft and wild swans. There is a water-treatment facility for surface run off — a sustainability measure to preserve water quality.
Elizabeth Quay is programmed for specific uses including festivals, Anzac Day celebrations, particular performance types and sports including volleyball. There are places for eating and drinking. There is public art with freestanding structures and a light installation by artist Stuart Green that illuminates the edge of the inlet. There is BHP Billiton Water Park, a paved water-play area inspired by Western Australia’s dry lakes. It produces mist and jets that create water rooms.
Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment is a symbol of Perth’s coming of age as a lively and diverse international centre of living, culture, creativity, learning, entertainment and business.
Hillarys is the perfect place for kids with beautifully groomed public parklands and a sheltered beach easily accessible by pram or wheelchair.
Visitors can enjoy leisure and adventure activities such as boat cruises, seasonal whale watching, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving, jet boarding and helicopter flights.
30 locals recommend
Hillarys
Hillarys is the perfect place for kids with beautifully groomed public parklands and a sheltered beach easily accessible by pram or wheelchair.
Visitors can enjoy leisure and adventure activities such as boat cruises, seasonal whale watching, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving, jet boarding and helicopter flights.
Food scene
Discover the Swan Valley - WA's Oldest Wine Growing Region on Perth's Doorstep, located 25 minutes from Perth City.
Home to world-class wineries, breweries and distilleries, the Swan Valley is bursting with music and flavour. Pull up on a patch of grass under a shady tree or dine at one of the many stylish venues along the riverside. Add a side dish of art, historical architecture and the oldest pub in Perth and it is a day out of rustic sophistication.
125 locals recommend
Swan Valley
Discover the Swan Valley - WA's Oldest Wine Growing Region on Perth's Doorstep, located 25 minutes from Perth City.
Home to world-class wineries, breweries and distilleries, the Swan Valley is bursting with music and flavour. Pull up on a patch of grass under a shady tree or dine at one of the many stylish venues along the riverside. Add a side dish of art, historical architecture and the oldest pub in Perth and it is a day out of rustic sophistication.
It has an amazing range of chocolate products, with FREE entry and tastings, as well as viewing windows to see the products being made.
69 locals recommend
Margaret River Chocolate Company
5123 W Swan RdIt has an amazing range of chocolate products, with FREE entry and tastings, as well as viewing windows to see the products being made.
Step inside the Fremantle Markets and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of over a hundred years of vibrant culture and heritage.
Fremantle Markets has rightfully earned itself a reputation as one of the best destinations in Fremantle for locals and tourists alike, as well as a leading source of independent wares and produce. It's undoubtedly one of the best and most well-known markets in Western Australia.
527 locals recommend
Fremantle Markets
Henderson StreetStep inside the Fremantle Markets and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of over a hundred years of vibrant culture and heritage.
Fremantle Markets has rightfully earned itself a reputation as one of the best destinations in Fremantle for locals and tourists alike, as well as a leading source of independent wares and produce. It's undoubtedly one of the best and most well-known markets in Western Australia.