Perth Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & Day Trips
The best things to do in Perth and the top day trips — Rottnest Island quokkas, the Pinnacles, Margaret River and the Swan Valley. When to go, what it costs and how to plan.
Perth is the sunny capital of Western Australia, on the Swan River near the Indian Ocean. The best things to do are the beaches and Kings Park in the city, and the day trips out of it: Rottnest Island for quokkas and swimming, the Pinnacles Desert, Margaret River wine and coast, and the Swan Valley. Perth is also the launch pad for the long road north to Ningaloo Reef.
In This Guide
Dundee Picks in & Around Perth
Three of the trips our team books most for Perth visitors.
Best day tripPinnacles Sunset & Stargazing Tour
The surreal Pinnacles Desert at golden hour, then stargazing on the way home — an easy, unforgettable day from Perth.
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Adrenaline15,000ft Rottnest Island Tandem Skydive
Skydive over Rottnest's turquoise bays and white sand — then land on the island for a swim with the quokkas.
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Go furtherPerth to Exmouth One-Way 5 Day Tour
Turn a Perth visit into the West Coast adventure — up to Ningaloo Reef and the beaches of the north-west.
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When to go
Perth has one of the sunniest climates of any Australian capital. October to April brings hot, dry days perfect for the beach and Rottnest. September to November adds wildflowers on the day trips. Winter (Jun-Aug) is mild and green but cooler for swimming.
How long to stay
Give the city itself 1-2 days for the beaches, Kings Park and Fremantle, then 2-3 days for the big day trips (Rottnest, Pinnacles, Margaret River).
Getting there
Fly into Perth Airport, well connected to the eastern states and Asia. The airport is about 30 minutes from the CBD.
Getting around
The city has trains, buses and a free CBD transit zone. The best experiences are out of town, so join a guided day tour for the Pinnacles or Margaret River, and take the ferry to Rottnest from Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys.
Where to stay
Stay in the CBD or Northbridge for nightlife and transport, or by the coast at Scarborough or Cottesloe for beaches. Fremantle is a characterful base with great food and markets.
What Does a Perth Trip Cost?
Prices vary with season and inclusions, so we show live prices on each tour. As a planning guide:
| Rottnest Island ferry / day | Live price | Ferry from Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys |
| Pinnacles day tour | Live price | Sunset and stargazing option is the pick |
| Margaret River day tour | Live price | Wine, coast and caves |
| Kings Park & city beaches | Free | One of the world's largest inner-city parks |
All tours booked through Dundee show live availability and a live price with instant confirmation and no hidden booking fees.
Dundee Local Tip
On Rottnest, hire a bike at the ferry terminal and ride the island loop — the best bays (The Basin, Little Salmon) are away from the main settlement and far quieter. Never touch or feed the quokkas, but a low, slow selfie is fine. [Dundee team: replace or add your own first-hand tip here.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Perth?
Rottnest Island (quokkas and swimming), the Pinnacles Desert, Margaret River (wine, coast and caves) and the Swan Valley for food and wine.
How do you get to Rottnest Island?
By ferry from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty, Fremantle or Hillarys Boat Harbour. On the island you get around by bike or the hop-on-hop-off bus — there are no cars.
How many days do you need in Perth?
Two days for the city, beaches and Fremantle, plus two or three more for the big day trips to Rottnest, the Pinnacles and Margaret River.
When is the best time to visit Perth?
October to April for hot, dry beach weather, or September to November if you want wildflowers on the day trips.
Related Travel Guides
Western Australia & West Coast Travel Guide 2026
How to plan a West Coast trip — Perth, the Pinnacles, Margaret River, Ningaloo Reef and the road north. When to go, how long you need, what it costs and which tour to pick.
Adelaide & South Australia Travel Guide 2026
How to plan a South Australia trip from Adelaide — the wine regions, Kangaroo Island and the wildlife of the Eyre Peninsula, including the famous Port Lincoln shark and sea lion swims.