Australia · 2026 itinerary
Perth 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Perth: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Central city gallery featuring Indigenous art, colonial works and contemporary exhibitions. Spacious, quiet, with a decent shop.
🕐 10am-5pm Wed-Mon, closed Tuesdays
Free entry💡 Check the free lunchtime talks – they rotate exhibitions monthly and skip the queue by entering from the Perth Cultural Centre side.
Hotels near Art Gallery of Western Australia →A reclaimed waterfront plaza with a playground, public art and a bridge shaped like a swan. Good people-watching spot.
🕐 Open 24 hours; public toilets and benches available
Free entry💡 Bring your own snacks – cafes here are pricey. The free water play area opens 10am-6pm November to March.
Hotels near Elizabeth Quay →Hyde Park Hotel · ££
Cranked · ££
Deeper Into Perth
A vast bushland park overlooking the Swan River and city skyline. Walk the treetop bridge, see native plants, and use the free BBQ areas.
🕐 Open 24 hours; Botanic Garden 9am-5pm daily
💡 Go at sunset for the city lights. The free guided walks leave at 10am from the information centre.
Classic white sand beach with clear water and a long concrete promenade. Great for a swim or just sitting. The Norfolk Island pines give shade.
🕐 Open 24 hours; lifeguards present 9am-5pm Dec-Feb
💡 Train from city to Cottesloe station is $5 return. Swim between the flags – the shelf drop-off can surprise. Fish and chips from the kiosk are decent value.
Drasko's Hot Chicken
Totally Thai
Final Favourites & Departure
Australia's oldest operating mint. See gold bars being poured and handle a solid gold nugget. Entry is cheap, not free.
💡 The gold pour demo is included in the $22 adult ticket – skip the souvenir photo, it’s overpriced. Free lockers for bags.
Red Chilli Sichuan Restaurant
The Spaniard
Getting Around Perth
Explore CBD free of charge; CAT (Central Area Transit) buses cover all major attractions; ideal for moving between hotels and local venues
Most budget-friendly airport option; purchase Smartrider card at airport for seamless local transit transfers to other buses/trains
Fastest reliable option; Smartrider card integrates with entire local transit network for easy city exploration; trains are modern and frequent
Book ahead via Uber or local taxi apps for guaranteed availability; fixed-price airport taxis available at taxi rank outside terminals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Perth?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Art Gallery of Western Australia and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Perth?
See our full best time to visit Perth guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Oxford Hotel, The Richardson, City Stay. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.