Perth is a city rich in sunshine, adventure, and outdoor recreation. The city is a nature lover’s paradise, bounded by the endless ocean and the great Australian outback. You may barely scratch the surface in a whirlwind 48 hours, but you can still experience this wondrous city in all its glory. Uncover the best of both worlds on an action-packed adventure through the heart of the world’s most isolated city. 

Join us for a taste of everything on offer with this 48-hour Perth itinerary.

Morning

Get Cultured on a Walk around Perth’s Inner-City Precinct

There is no better place to start your Perth adventure than smack bang in the centre of the city’s vibrant CBD. First off, fuel up at one of Perth’s quintessential coffee shops or breakfast bars. La Veen Coffee on King Street is a morning ritual for many locals, with their lip-smacking breakfast menu and God-tier coffee,  or you can smash something light with a toasty from the hip-hop-inspired Toastface Grillah. After your food settles, slap on your sneakers and get cracking on one of Perth’s many walking tours. Either sign up for a guided tour or fly solo with one of Perth’s self-guided audio tours. The walk will take you past many of the city’s old quaint buildings including the Victorian-Gothic-inspired Perth City Hall (1867), Government House (1859) and Central Government Offices (1874). Weave your way through the picturesque Elizabeth Quay before wrapping up proceedings at Perth’s cultural precinct – home to the new WA Museum Boola Bardip, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. 

Afternoon

Kings Park – The Heart & Soul of Perth

Hop on one of Perth’s free transit zone buses and head across town to one of the city’s premier attractions – Kings Park. The heart & soul of Perth, its majestic gardens and pristine bushland present the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic. Scale the treetops over the striking glass bridge on Federation Walkway while enjoying sweeping views of the stunning city skyline and the sparking Swan River. An inner-city sanctuary to over 3,000 native plant species, you will be mesmerised by the natural beauty of one of the world’s largest urban parks. 

Evening

Putt for Glory at the Iconic Holey Moley

Venture back towards the city lights and into Northbridge for a fun-filled evening of mini putt at the iconic Holy Moley. Blending nostalgia with some of the craziest and most unique courses ever seen, Holey Moley will have you reliving your childhood favourites as you putt for glory at this full-service venue. Putt your way through shark-infested waters, twisted mazes, the Hogwarts school halls, a life-size monopoly board and the legendary Simpsons couch. With over 27 holes across three outrageous courses, who will be crowned mini putt champion in your squad? 

Sink your Teeth into Something Tasty in Northbridge

After tearing up the golf scene, it’s time to put the cue in the rack and stock up on something tasty. With loads of eateries to choose from, offering every cuisine under the sun, you may be hard-pressed to find a winner. Pop into Hoodburger for mouth-watering burgers stacked to the brim, or tuck into Nonna’s homemade pasta at Francoforte Spaghetti Bar. Put on your sombrero for a Mexican fiesta down at La Cholita or Aisuru Sushi for a modern twist on some succulent Japanese classics.

Morning

Soak up the Sunshine at Cottesloe Beach

Rise and shine after an eventful evening and head down to Perth’s favourite local hangout – Cottesloe Beach. A melange of crystal-clear waters, silky white sands, manicured lawns, and beautiful Norfolk Pines provide the ideal setting for a day in the sun. Soak up some rays, pop in for a swim, catch a few waves, or enjoy a picnic brunch on the quirky grass terraces that border the tranquil shoreline. If you’re feeling a tad peckish then you can’t go past the Big Breakfast or Buttermilk Pancakes at Barchetta on the foreshore.

Afternoon

Hop on Down to Perth’s Old Town

Dust off the beach sand and head on down to the idyllic port town of Fremantle. A historical seaside precinct, the streets of Perth’s Old Town ooze charm with its vivacious streetscape and 19th-century architecture. Grab lunch along the enchanting Cappuccino Strip, a late 19th-century boulevard littered with various bars, cafes, and restaurants. A town of culture and creativity, Freo bursts to life the second the weekend hits. Head on over to the Fremantle Markets for a look around the food stalls, arts & crafts, local delicacies and so much more in this pristine late 19th-century Victorian-style setting. 

Uncover the Eerie Stories Surrounding Fremantle’s Colonial History as a Convict Settlement

As the afternoon rolls on, it’s time to explore Fremantle’s colonial history in a little more depth. First settled in 1829, Fremantle became a stronghold for heinous convicts. Book a tour at WA’s oldest public building – the Round House, a 19th-century jail and whaling hub. Scale the eerie cells and underground tunnel built to transport whale products from the jetty to the town centre. A multiplicity shrouded in penal history, as the colony grew, so did the need for a larger prison. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison was built in 1852 off the back of rigorous convict labour. One of Fremantle’s most popular tourist attractions, immerse yourself in the ghastly stories and rich history of this 19th-century stronghold.  

Evening

Spy the Blazing Sunset over the Indian Ocean at Bathers Beach House

As day turns to dusk on a whirlwind 48 hours, it’s tradition to find a prime vantage point to spy the evening sunset. Bathers Beach House is the premier place to be, offering panoramic views of the beautiful Bathers Beach accompanied by tasty share platters and hearty mains. Soak up the scenery with a gentle nightcap on one of the reclining beach lounges as you watch the blazing sun set over the Indian Ocean. 

For kick on’s, Benny’s Bar & Cafe transforms into an entertainment hotspot after 9 pm, with live music and resident DJs, belting out all the classics. For something a little more chilled, drop by the stylish Strange Company or pull up a pew in the lush green courtyard at Freo’s favourite The Norfolk Hotel. Just don’t forget to nominate a designated driver to help get you home snug as a bug, or the train if you left your car in Perth. 

To whiz through Perth in 48 hours, hire a car from Perth Airport today!