Short on time, big on curiosity? Perth works surprisingly well as a one-day adventure, as long as you know where to go. You can squeeze in big views, blue water, good food and a little chaos after dark, even in 24-hours. Without wasting anymore time, let’s get into it.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia / Aerial view of Cottesloe Beach
Making the Most of 24-Hours in Perth
Maybe you’re in Perth for a stopover. Maybe you’re visiting a friend. Maybe you’re on your way down south to wine country or heading up north for a proper WA adventure.
Whatever the reason, you’ve only got one day in the city and you’re wondering how on earth to make it count. Do you swim? Do you sightsee? Do you eat? Do you wander? The answer is yes, to all of it.
Perth is big, no doubt about it. It’s one of the most spread-out cities in the world, stretching about 150 km from north to south along the coas.
But here’s the pleasant surprise: the good stuff is surprisingly easy to reach. The beaches sit close to the city, Kings Park literally overlooks it, and Fremantle is just a breezy drive away.
So, no dramas. With the right plan, you can fit the highlights into a single, very satisfying loop.
If You Only Have One Day in Perth, Do This
Perth might be huge, but the best bits sit closer together than you’d expect, and they make one day feel like enough (although if you can, a week would be much better…).
Credit: Tourism Western Australia / Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Start your morning fresh and early in Kings Park
Your “I’ve arrived” moment in Perth is best experienced with a wander through Kings Park; one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world and easily the best place to get your bearings.
The views here stretch over the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, the Perth skyline, and all the way out to the Darling Range in the distance. From the main lawn near the State War Memorial, the whole city sits right in front of you, with boats on the river, glass towers catching the morning light, and planes taking off far across the water.
You can get here from the CBD in five minutes by car, ten minutes on the free CAT bus, or fifteen if you walk up the hill (a good idea if you want to earn that first coffee). Once you’re in the park, there are a few areas worth drifting through.
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway gives you an elevated stroll through the treetops. The Botanic Garden shows off WA’s wildflowers and native plants without you needing to drive thousands of kilometres to see them. And if you’re here for the morning sun, the lawns around the DNA Tower or the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Pool are calm and open.
Coffee is easy too. Kings Park Café sits beside big lawns and views, while Zamia Café is tucked into the quieter western side with a more local feel.
Credit: ©Tourism Western Australia / Aerial view of Cottesloe Beach, with Indiana Cottesloe in the background.
Head straight to Cottesloe for a swim
After your Kings Park morning, make your way to Cottesloe Beach, the stretch of coast everyone pictures when they imagine Perth on a perfect day. From Mounts Bay Road, you can take a bus the whole way to the coast.
At Cottesloe, the water comes in shades of turquoise that look edited, and on a clear morning you can see right across to Rottnest Island.
Most people drift straight toward the Indiana Teahouse building, that big cream-coloured landmark that looks part beach club, part old-world pavilion. Swim if it’s calm and spend some time bobbing around if the swell is gentle.
Cottesloe changes depending on the wind; mornings are usually glassier, and the reef pockets keep things interesting under the surface.
When you’re ready to resurface into real life, stroll up to Il Lido for something warm and delicious, or keep your appetite for the next part of the day.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia / The Yard, Fremantle Markets
Drift into Fremantle and roam the markets
Slide down the coast from Cottesloe and you hit Fremantle within 30 minutes by bus; the part of Perth that feels most packed with character. Old port buildings, street art, outdoor buskers and people who look like they make their own kombucha are all found here. Freo wears its vibe proudly.
Wander toward the Fremantle Markets, and let the noise and colour wrap around you. Fruit stalls stack their produce like artwork, food vendors hand out sample bites, and the air smells like spice, coffee and a dozen cultures sharing one big, loud roof. Pick up a snack you can eat while walking and keep wandering.
When you’ve had your fill, drift back out into the streets for the next part of your Freo adventure.
Credit: Tourism Western Australia / Couple beer tasting at Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle
Stop at Little Creatures for a drink by the water
Follow the crowd toward the water and you’ll eventually hit Little Creatures, the brewery that feels stitched into Fremantle’s DNA. The smell of hops drifts out the door, and the place is filled with the happiness of an afternoon beer by the ocean.
Located in a former crocodile farm-turned boat shed at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Little Creatures opened in 2000 and helped kick off Perth’s craft-beer wave.
The brewery inside is all about serving fresh beer and pizza, all under the same roof. This is the spot you go to for getting the full “brewery meets locals hang-out” experience.
Grab a seat outside if you can. From there you get the harbour right in front of you, boats knocking gently against the jetty and a salty breeze that cools you down. Order something cold, watch the world shuffle past and pretend you’ve been doing this every weekend for years.
Credit: Tourism WA / Bartender preparing a drink at Mechanics Institute Bar
Finish in Northbridge for dinner + the night shift
When the sun drops, Northbridge takes over. Start with dinner at No Mafia for incredible pasta without an ego. If you want something more share-style and gardeny, The Standard is always fun and the food never misses.
After dinner, wander through the laneways and finish your night at Mechanics Institute, one of Perth’s best rooftop bars. No need for glitz, just great drinks and city views that make you feel like the day has come full circle. If you prefer something moodier, slip into Ezra Pound for a cosy, low-key finish.
Walk around a little, soak in the night atmosphere, and enjoy the feeling that you somehow managed to fit all the best bits of Perth into one day.
Credit: Great Eastern Motor Lodge
Where to Stay in Perth
Planning to explore Perth a little? Great Eastern Motor Lodge makes it easy. You’re close to the river, minutes from the city and in a spot that works for pretty much any kind of day you’ve got planned. Early mornings, lazy afternoons, quick trips out, it all works from here.
For the beginning or end of your trip, Sanno Marracoonda Hotel takes care of the airport side of things. It’s right near the terminals, comfortable enough to crash after a long flight and convenient enough to save you from those painful 4am wake-ups.
