Host City
Perth, Western Australia
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Perth (Noongar: Boorloo) is the capital city of Western Australia. It has a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth as of 2023. The world's most isolated major city, most of Perth's metropolitan area is located on the Swan Coastal Plain between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp. The city has expanded outward from the original British settlements on the Swan River, upon which its central business district and port of Fremantle are situated. (Wikipedia)
Access
Perth, Western Australia, is well-connected internationally, serving as a gateway to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Direct flights link Perth to major cities including London, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Dubai, with connections to every major Australian city. New routes from Auckland and Johannesburg will launch in December 2025.
Key International Connections
Asia: Direct flights to and from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Europe: Direct flights to London and Rome.
Middle East: Direct flights to Doha and Dubai.
Africa: New direct flights from Johannesburg will be added in December 2025.
Oceania: Direct flights to Auckland from December 2025.
Perth Airport:
Perth Airport (PER) is the main international gateway to Western Australia.
It features two international terminals (T1 and T3) and four domestic terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4).
A free terminal transfer bus connects the different terminals.
About Perth
Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, library and the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Getting around
The best way to explore Perth CBD is on foot or via our free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus services, which run in regular loops throughout the city with multiple stops at Perth’s top attractions and shopping destinations.
Buses and trains
Transperth is Perth’s public transport network, helping people get around the city by bus, train or ferry. When travelling with Transperth, you have the option to buy a cash ticket, or a SmartRider card. As the Transperth network is integrated, either can be used across all train, bus and ferry services.
There are three train stations located within the city centre: Perth Station, Perth Underground, and Elizabeth Quay. For access to outer parts of the city, you will need to use the City West, McIver, and Claisebrook stations.
If you are travelling in and out of the city on a Transperth bus, most stops terminate at either the Wellington Street or Esplanade Bus Stations. Both are a short walk to the City’s main business, shopping and tourism precincts.
A free transit zone (FTZ) also operates within the City of Perth boundaries. You can travel on any bus with the City of Perth for free. FTZ signposts are displayed on the route limits. For travel outside the FTZ, please purchase a ticket from the driver or purchase a SmartRider from Perth Station or from newsagents.
Find further information on the Transperth website to plan your journey, access timetables and more.
Once you’re in the city, hop on and off the free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses which operate daily. The CAT buses have four routes covering all parts of the city. CAT bus stops have distinctive stands and real-time passenger information that tell you when the next bus is due. The CAT bus timetable is available on the Transperth website.
If you’re a tourist in Perth, a popular way to see the City is with City Sightseeing Perth, who run Double Decker bus tours that allow passengers to hop on and off at Perth’s major tourist attractions.
To learn more about train and bus routes, fares, and timetables, head to the Transperth website.
Perth Explorer Bus
Hop On and Hop Off to your heart’s delight and discover the best Perth has to offer with the whole family. See the city and its unique flavour whilst enjoying Perth’s glorious sun on the top deck!
explorePerth
Things to do in Perth
Perth beaches
In Perth, there are 19 beaches to explore along the coast.
Perth’s beaches are blessed with snow-white sands and pristine waters, and attractions abound both above and below water. Discover Cottlesloe, family-friendly Scarborough and Rockingham, wildlife-rich Shoalwater Islands Marine Park or Mandurah's (Mandjoogoordap) uncrowded shores.
King’s Park
The 2.5km Law Walk loop may only take an hour, but it gets the heart pumping. Depart from the Swan Carpark (within Kings Park) and follow the rollercoaster-like bush trail up and down an escarpment overlooking the Swan River. Along the way, you can stop at the Dryandra Lookout, a sensational viewing platform, and the 620m-long Lotterywest Federation Walkway, which includes a tree canopy bridge with glass sides. Parts of this walk are wheelchair and pram accessible.
Swan River Loop
If you like to be within sight of city skyscrapers, this easy 10km loop walk is for you. Kicking off from Elizabeth Quay, it traces the edge of the placid Swan River, heading east then crossing to the city’s southern side using the Causeway Bridge. It cuts through Heirisson Island – jump off the trail to explore the island’s western side, where a handful of tame kangaroos roam (best seen before 10am or after 5pm). Return to the path and tour South Perth’s parklands, refueling at Mister Walker jetty cafe. If you’re tired, return to base on the commuter ferry, or plough on and cross back along the Narrows Bridge. This one’s also do-able on bike.
Quokkas and beaches: Rottnest Island
Only 19km over water from Perth, the Wadjemup Bidi groups together a number of walks that link to create an entire circumnavigation of Rottnest Island. Take on the whole 45km journey, or choose your own adventure, with 5-10km sections revealing coves and beaches, salt lakes and boardwalks, quokka-populated bushland and steep hills. Wadjemup is the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island, and bidi means trail in the language of the island’s traditional owners, the Whadjuk Nyoongar. Check the Island Explorer bus timetable for drop-off and pick-up points.
Margaret River
The Margaret River region’s main airport is at Busselton which is a 45-minute drive from Margaret River town. Daily coach services are another option.
Margaret River town has a relaxed, nature-loving, artistic vibe. Its main street is dotted with diverse galleries, characterful cafes, produce providores, surf shops, a pub with a 600-bottle wine list and an excellent local ice-creamery. Most residents are deeply passionate about surfing, or wine – usually both. See many of them at the popular Saturday Farmers Markets.
Some of the region’s top surf breaks are only a 10-minute drive away; the World Surf League championships are held at Surfer’s Point each year. It’s reached by turning off Caves Road, something you’ll do if you’re visiting the premium wineries. The drive gives way to heritage winemakers Cullen, Vasse Felix and Moss Wood, as well as the newer and lesser-known Cherubino, Mr Barval Fine Wines and Passel Estate. In all, the region bears more than 200 vineyards.
The Margaret River region’s coastline enjoys a long whale watching season, with humpbacks leaping from June to December. In the bush, wildflowers bloom on either side of the Cape to Cape Track and the local’s secret, the Wadandi Track, from August to November. The South West corner of Western Australia, where Margaret River lies, is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots.
Beneath the region’s terracotta soils, limestone caves bear remarkable stalactites and stalagmites – walk or do a guided cave crawl through the cool, dim environments. Above ground, a variety of polished accommodation, from high end retreats to tipi glamping ensure peaceful nights.
Perth offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden, experience the vibrant city life in Northbridge, or enjoy a Swan River cruise to Fremantle or Rottnest Island.For nature lovers, there are bushwalks, or explore the beaches. Additionally, Perth boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with attractions like the Art Gallery of WA and the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Nature & Outdoors
Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Offers panoramic city views, walking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
Heirisson Island: Home to Western Grey Kangaroos.
Cottesloe Beach: A popular spot for swimming, surfing, and enjoying the Indian Ocean.
Rottnest Island: A car-free island with beaches, wildlife (including quokkas), and bike trails.
Swan Valley: A wine region with vineyards, restaurants, and scenic drives.
Hiking: Explore bushwalks and hiking trails, including the Eagle View Walk Trail.
Arts & Culture
Perth Cultural Centre: Features the Art Gallery of WA and WA Museum Boola Bardip.
The Bell Tower: An interactive bell-ringing experience with river views.
Scitech: An engaging science discovery center.
Aboriginal Experiences: Gain insight into the local culture through stories, lessons, and traditional songs.
Other Activities
Swan River Cruises: Offers scenic trips to Fremantle, Rottnest Island, and the Swan Valley.
Northbridge: A vibrant area with shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Matagarup Bridge: Offers zip-lining and bridge climbs with city views.
Optus Stadium and RAC Arena: Venues for sporting events and concerts.
Fremantle: A historic port city with markets, shops, and restaurants.
Food and Wine Trails: Explore local produce and culinary experiences in various regions.
