The capital of Western Australia, Perth, is the most isolated city in the world. However, what it lacks in size and isolation, the city makes up for with its beauty and activities.
With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Australian Outback on the other, there is so much to love about the city.
While once regarded as a big country town, Perth’s restaurants, pubs, bars, galleries, cafes and festivals have repositioned itself as a fantastic city worth visiting.
So, with so much to see and do, what is the best way to spend 72 hours in Perth?
Day 1: Explore Perth
The first of your three days in Perth will consist of exploring the city!
What to see and do in Perth?
In the morning, head down towards the river with a coffee or smoothie in hand.
Continue walking towards the water until you reach Elizabeth Quay, Perth’s picturesque riverfront esplanade. Before heading to lunch, take a walk along the Elizabeth Quay Bridge, which offers stunning views of both the city and the river. Head somewhere for lunch with stunning views of the river.
After lunch, it’s time to head to King’s Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Spanning a vast 400 hectares, this park is home to a plethora of birds, including cockatoos, kookaburra, lorikeets and more.
Sitting atop Mount Eliza, this park boasts sprawling views over the CBD, Swan River and Perth Hills in the distance.
Make your way back to the city for a pre-dinner drink at Frisk, an excellent cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes. For dinner, wander along Fitzgerald Street and choose the first restaurant that catches your eye!
Where to eat in Perth?
There are so many fantastic places to eat in Perth. Some of the places to try out on your first day include
- The Island at Elizabeth Quay: This restaurant boasts a stunning outdoor area overlooking the river and city with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
- Authentic Bites Dumpling House: Known for their great value, high-quality, home-made dumplings, Authentic Bites Dumpling House is a must!
- Baan Baan: If you’re looking for dynamic and exciting Thai street food and home-style meals, Baan Baan is the place to go!
Where to stay in Perth?
- The Westin Perth (high-end accommodation)
- QT Hotel (mid-range accommodation)
- ibis Perth (low-end accommodation)
Related: This is the best time to visit Australia.
Day 2: Fremantle
A 30-minute drive south of Perth will take you to Fremantle, which is well worth a day trip during your 72 hours in Perth!
What to see and do in Fremantle?
Start your day in the beachside town with a delicious breakfast or bunch at one of the many cafes to choose from.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to take a tour of the Fremantle Prison, which was built during the 1850s. Or you can visit The Roadhouse, where you can admire its 1800s architecture.
No trip to Perth would be complete without a trip to the beach. So, head towards Little Creatures Brewery, hire their beach-cruisier bikes and ride to South Beach.
After an afternoon laying in the sun and splashing in the surf, head back to Little Creatures, return your bikes and try some of their world-famous beers. The brewery offers brewery lessons and tours with guided tastings for $25 per person.
Finish your day in Fremantle at Harbourside Freo, a fantastic waterfront spot that boasts stunning sunset views and delicious food.
Where to eat in Fremantle?
- Bread in Common: This rustic cafe serves some of Fremantle’s best breakfast and brunch dishes.
- Harbourside Freo: Sitting on the waterfront, Harbourside Freo boasts stunning views (particularly for sunset) paired with delicious food.
- Angel’s House: Known as one of the best French restaurants in Fremantle, Angel’s House serves quality French cuisine and wine.
Day 3: Perth Beaches
It’s been said that Western Australia is home to some of the best beaches in Australia, and you can find plenty of them along Perth’s coastline.
What to see and do in Perth?
Start your third and final day in Perth with brunch in Scarborough, one of the city’s quirkiest towns, home to a seaside pool, shopping centre, skatepark and more.
After brunch, head north along the coast to Trigg Beach, one of Perth’s most famous surf spots. Once you’re there, take a walk along the beach or find a spot to watch the surfers catch some waves. Or, if you want to go for a mid-morning swim, head to Mettams Pool, a prime swimming area on the next beach north.
For lunch with a view, head to Island Market Trigg. Boasting gorgeous views of the beach and ocean and a selection of pizzas, seafood and meat dishes, you can’t go wrong with grabbing lunch at Island Market Trigg.
After lunch, drive 20-minutes south to Cottesloe. This lively town is famous for its beachfront Surf Live Saving Club, grassy areas for picnics and a breathtaking white sand beach. Take an afternoon dip in the ocean and stay at the beach until sunset; you won’t regret it!
Once the sun has gone down and you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Il Lido Italian Canteen for some of the best Italian dishes in the city.
Where to eat in Perth?
- Monty’s Cafe: For some of the best breakfast dishes in Scarborough, Monty’s Cafe is the best place to fuel up for the day.
- Market Trigg: Serving delicious pizzas, salads, seafood and more with jaw-dropping ocean views, what else could you ask for?
- Il Lido Italian Canteen: Known for having some of the best Italian dishes in the city, this is a fantastic place to finish your final day in Perth.
Related: Is Australia expensive as a tourist?
Final Thoughts
Perth is a vibrant city that boasts the perfect balance between urban living and nature and is one of the most underrated cities in Australia.
Home to stunning beaches, fantastic restaurants and a great way of life, your three days in Perth will open your eyes to the awesome Western Australia city, leaving you wanting more.
The best time to visit Perth is from September to November (spring) when the city is in bloom, the weather is perfect, and the temperatures are comfortable.
With so much to see and do in this lively city, when will you start planning your visit?
