Sun-soaked Perth is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
The capital of the state of Western Australia, it is also one of the most isolated cities on earth, with the Indian Ocean on one side and miles of the Australian outback on the other!
But don’t let its remoteness fool you – Perth is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination with a thriving art scene, cool music, and some of the best natural landscapes you’ll find anywhere.
If it’s your first visit to the city then you might be wondering how many days in Perth is enough to see the best of the sights.
Well, it’s possible to see some of Perth’s highlights in a 48-hour visit, but you’d need to be prepared for a pretty hectic schedule with little time to relax.
If, on the other hand, you’d like to enjoy the sights at a slower pace, then we’d recommend 3 or even 4 days in this spellbinding city.
How To Decide How Long To Stay In Perth
If you’re struggling to work out how many days for Perth you’ll need, this guide will help you make your decision.
First, we’ve listed all the things you’ll need to consider when figuring out the length of your stay.
Then we’ve listed some of the best things in the city to see and do. We’ve also suggested how long to spend at each, which will make it a lot easier for you to plan your itinerary.
Are you planning on staying for three days? Read our Perth itinerary.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure
First, consider the times when you arrive and depart from the city. If you arrive early in the morning, then you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing on your very first day.
But a late arrival will limit just how much you can do – so you might want to add an extra night to your stay to account for this.
The same will apply if you have an early departure time on your final day.
If you wish to save time on arrival, you could book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Next, think about what you’ll do with your bags if your hotel check-in and check-out times don’t match your arrival and departure times.
If there’s one thing that will seriously hamper your sightseeing, it’s dragging your luggage around with you!
The best option is to contact your accommodation provider to ask if they will store your bags for you. Most will do so happily, although you might be asked to pay a fee.
If your hotel doesn’t have a storage facility, then consider hiring a locker at The Citiplace Rest Centre, located in the City Railway Station Complex.
At the time of writing, a fee of $10.50 for the day will get you a locker measuring 900mm high x 760mm wide x 750mm deep.
Alternatively, book your luggage storage online. There are plenty of companies offering this service and you can arrange it before you depart for your trip, which might be more convenient.
Staying In Perth?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Perth.
Best budget hotel: Spinners Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Rosebridge House Bed & Breakfast
Best luxury hotel: COMO the treasury
Activities In Perth
Another good way to decide how many days in Perth you’ll need is to make a list of all the sights you want to see and all the activities you want to do.
Using the suggested times in this guide, you’ll then be able to calculate just how long you’ll need.
Make sure you factor in time spent queuing for attractions, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (November to March).
You also need to add on the time you’ll be spending traveling from one activity to another.
We also recommend you book tours and activities in advance, especially if you’re traveling during high season.
Pace Of Activities
Thinking about the pace at which you want to see the sights is important when deciding how many days for Perth you’ll need.
If you love being on the go from dawn to dusk, then 2 days in Perth would be long enough to visit the major attractions.
But if you’d like to see even more of the city – or perhaps spend longer at your favorite spots – then we’d recommend planning for a 3 or 4-day break instead.
Transportation
The great thing about Perth is that it’s super easy to get around!
The nicest way is on foot – after all, the weather is great and the scenery gorgeous, so what’s not to enjoy?
The Central Area Transit (CAT) bus services make it easy to cover a wider area, running in regular loops around the city and stopping at all the main attractions. Better still, they are entirely free!
If you prefer to drive, there are plenty of places to park. What’s more, three car parks – His Majesty’s Car Park, the Cultural Centre Car Park, and the Pier Street Car Park – all offer 3-hour free parking on weekends and public holidays.
Other options include trains, the hop-on-hop-off Perth Explorer Bus, or cycling. And if you want to see more of the Swan River that runs through the city’s center, you have a choice of ferries, boats, and even gondolas from which to enjoy the views!
What To Do In Perth
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Perth, with suggestions for how much time you should plan to spend at each.
See How Money Is Made At The Perth Mint
Located in the heart of the city, this unique attraction has to be on your ‘must-see’ list.
Here you can learn all about the history of gold in Western Australia, see a one-ton gold coin, engrave your own medallion, and even watch a live gold pour!
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
Swim With Wild Dolphins
Head to Rockingham – a 45-minute drive south of Perth – to enjoy probably the most memorable moment of your trip!
On this tour, you’ll step aboard a custom-built dolphin swim boat that is designed to make it easy to access the water.
You’ll cruise Rockingham’s bays and islands looking for some of the 200 dolphins that inhabit the area.
Then, after an introductory snorkeling lesson – you’ll join them in the water for a fun swimming session!
Suggested time: 6 hours
Enjoy The Views At Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the most stunning inner city parks in the world, Kings Park is a treasure trove of Aboriginal and European history, filled with beautiful flora and offering stunning views of the city skyline, along with the Swan and Canning Rivers.
The Botanic Park contains more than 3000 species of plants unique to Western Australia, with two-thirds of its total area protected as bushland.
Free guided walks are available to help you make the most of your visit, or – for a fun option – why not book a segway tour?
Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours
Tour The City’s Best 4 Distilleries
Perth has a lively gin scene and this tour gives you the opportunity to meet the people that make it.
You also get to learn all about gin production and smell, touch, and taste for yourself the botanicals that each distillery uses.
Suggested time: 6.5 hours
Explore Swan River
Perth’s beautiful river is loved by visitors and locals alike. It offers something for everyone and there are opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, waterskiing, or just enjoying a picnic and soaking up the views!
A fun option is to join a Swan River Lunch Cruise that runs from Perth to Fremantle (or vice versa).
Not only do you get to see the city from a new perspective but you also get to enjoy a buffet lunch made with Western Australia’s abundant seasonal fresh produce.
Suggested time: 2.5 hours
Ring The Bell At The Bell Tower
Ever fancied trying your hand at bell ringing? Well now’s your chance, because a visit to Perth’s unique Bell Tower includes the opportunity to chime its historic bell. You also get to learn more about the art of campanology during a behind-the-scenes look at the bell-ringing chamber.
A visit to the tower also gives you the chance to take in some cool city views!
Suggested time: Up to 1 hour
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For an experience you’ll never forget, why not book an aerial sightseeing tour aboard a seaplane?
Taking to the skies from the Swan River, you’ll see Perth’s city center and nearby islands from above while your pilot shares his knowledge about each location.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the kangaroos on Heirisson Island. Also included are low-level views of the Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium.
You can even opt to enjoy a luxurious picnic once you’ve landed.
Suggested time: 2 hours
Visit St Mary’s Cathedral
Located at the center of Victoria Square, this beautiful building is considered a landmark of the city and is among its most popular attractions.
Recently renovated, it dates back to the early 19th century and houses many beautiful artworks, along with stunning stained glass windows and a grand organ.
It is free to visit, or you can pay to join a public tour.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Final Thoughts On Perth Getaways
So, just how many days do you need in Perth to see its main highlights and get a taste of its culture?
We hope this guide has helped you decide just how long to stay and that you enjoy your visit to this relaxed and welcoming city.
Visiting Australia soon? Read one of the following guides:
