Best time: September to March (to coincide with the wildflowers, festivals and best of the beach weather)

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1 5 Day Itinerary BEST OF PERTH ENJOY BEACHES, BUSHLANDS, WORLD-CLASS WINES AND OCEAN SUNSETS, ALL WITHIN 30 MINUTES FROM PERTH. You can easily experience all of Perth s must sees and must dos in as little as five days, including the panoramic views from Kings Park, Fremantle history, Rottnest s beautiful beaches, Western Australia s oldest wine region, and the dolphin playgrounds of Rockingham and Mandurah. Go discover what makes it one of the world s most liveable cities. Best time: September to March (to coincide with the wildflowers, festivals and best of the beach weather) HIGHLIGHTS: Kings Park & Botanic Garden Fremantle Rottnest Island Swan Valley Perth beaches Dolphins (/au/attraction/kings_park_and_botanic_garden/56b266a d74c4ec01) The view from Kings Park Page 1 of 15

2 DAY 1 Morning: Perth to Kings Park Begin your day the way many Perth locals love to start theirs, by taking in the iconic cityscape on a morning walk, run, drive or cycle along the Swan River foreshore (/au/attraction/swan_river_foreshore/56b266a32cbcbe7073ae04f3). From here, it s just a short hop up to the best views in the city from Kings Park and Botanic Garden (/au/attraction/kings_park_and_botanic_garden/56b266a d74c4ec01) one of the largest inner city parks in the world. Catch the free CAT bus, make the ten-minute drive, or take the 25- minute walk from the centre of Perth. Head for the information centre, at the end of Fraser Avenue, to pick up maps and find out about regular guided walks and cultural tours. (/au/attraction/kings_park_free_guided_walks/56b266f d74c4f2b6) A visit between August and September brings the added bonus of spring blooms, when the park is filled with Western Australian wildflowers. Afternoon: Kings Park to Perth Lunch in Kings Park, or head back to Perth and discover the hidden gems of the West End, laneways and arcades from chic fashion boutiques and quirky cafes, to cool small bars. Evening: Perth Perth s award winning chefs plate up the finest fresh local produce with premium wines. Check out the Australian Good Food Guide ( for restaurant options. Book an early table and catch a show at Perth Concert Hall ( State Theatre ( Heath Ledger Theatre or His Majesty s Theatre ( Page 2 of 15

3 (/au/destination/fremantle/56b266c1d5f da9d6d) Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle DAY 2 Morning: Perth to Fremantle Fremantle (/au/destination/fremantle/56b266c1d5f da9d6d) and its beautifully preserved 19th century port streetscape, is just a 30-minute drive or train ride from central Perth. Or you can take the scenic route via the Swan River (/au/attraction/swan_river/56b d74c4f9eb), on a cruise from Barrack Street Jetty (/au/attraction/barrack_street_jetty/56b267ca7b935fbe730e70dd). Head for the Cappuccino Strip to ponder the impossibly long list of morning coffee options before hitting the history trail to World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison (/au/attraction/fremantle_prison/56b266faaeeeaaf773cf9bdd). On an insightful guided tour of this maximum security gaol you ll learn of the conditions endured by convicts and the daring escapes during its 136-years of operation. In striking contrast, a visit to the modern architecturally designed Western Australian Maritime Museum (/au/attraction/western_australian_museum_-_maritime/56b2671e7b935fbe730e65f3) gives unique views of some of the most awe-inspiring vessels in maritime history. If you re visiting on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday, experience the aromas, produce and crafts of Fremantle Markets (/au/attraction/fremantle_markets/56b266dfd5f da9fb9) shoppers and visitors have been drawn here for more than a century. Afternoon: Fremantle Page 3 of 15

4 Feast on fresh fish and chips at Fremantle s Fishing Boat Harbour (/au/attraction/fremantle_fishing_boat_harbour/56b267c52cbcbe7073ae1aac) for lunch. It s been the best place to grab the catch of the day since the early 1900s. Or sample some local handcrafted beers at one of the city s brew houses, alongside a tasty small bites menu and a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up Freo s free-spirited attitude it s a mecca for artists from the worlds of fashion, music, performing arts, painting, Aboriginal art and sculpture. Explore the boutiques and galleries and check out the calendar of events (/au/things_to_do/events/pages/events.aspx#/search-params/? keywords=&regions=perth+%26+surrounds&categories=events&interest=arts+%26+culture) for arts festivals. Evening: Fremantle or Cottesloe to Perth Select from Fremantle s eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, or take the 15-minute drive to Perth s iconic Cottesloe Beach (/au/attraction/cottesloe_beach/56b2678fd5f daabd8) for drinks and dinner beside an Indian Ocean sunset. (/au/destination/rottnest_island/56b266c1d5f da9d82) Cycle, swim and paddle around Rottnest Island DAY 3 Morning: Perth to Rottnest Island Page 4 of 15

5 Head out to Perth s idyllic island playground a car-free Class A reserve known as Rottnest Island (/au/destination/rottnest_island/56b266c1d5f da9d82), or Rotto for short. A morning ferry from Fremantle will get you there in just minutes. Regular ferries also run from Perth s Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour (/au/attraction/hillarys_boat_harbour/56b267c d74c4ff72). At only 11 by 4.5 kilometres, Rottnest is easy to explore in a day. Pick up maps and guides from the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/rottnest_island_visitor_centre/56b268b5d5f dabe05) and choose your preferred method of transport the Bayseeker Bus ( bike hire or walking. Before leaving Thomson Bay Settlement, stock up on water and picnic supplies at the island s bakery, cafes or general store. Head up to Oliver Hill (/au/attraction/oliver_hill_battery/56b267dc d74c5011c) to discover some of Rottnest s military history, or follow the coast to pretty Little Salmon Bay (/au/attraction/little_salmon_bay/56b268caaeeeaaf773cfb6e1). An in depth perspective "#quokkaselfie: How to Pose Like a Quokka" ( lfie-how-to-pose-like-a-quokka/) #justanotherdayinwa ( /) Afternoon: Rottnest to Perth Take your pick from the island s 63 white-sand beaches and 20 clear bays for a lazy picnic lunch. Little Parakeet Bay (/au/attraction/little_parakeet_bay/56b268c d74c50e68) is a picturesque spot for a swim and snorkel. Keep a look out for Western Australia s cutest marsupial, the quokka, seeking shade under the trees and shrubs. Return to Thomson Bay and head for the cafes or bars for an afternoon drink, taking in the view of Perth s city skyline from across the Indian Ocean. Head back to the jetty to catch the afternoon ferry back to Perth, Fremantle or Hillarys. Page 5 of 15

6 (/au/destination/swan_valley/56b267fe7b935fbe730e74bb) Sample wine and cheese at Lancaster Winery, Swan Valley DAY 4 Morning: Perth to Swan Valley Just a 25-minute drive from the city brings you to the wineries and microbreweries, gourmet treats, fresh produce, arts, crafts and beautiful bushlands of the Swan Valley (/au/destination/swan_valley/56b267fe7b935fbe730e74bb) Western Australia s oldest wine region. Your day of indulgence begins in Perth s oldest inland town, Guildford (/au/destination/guildford/56b267b3d5f daae5e), where you can pick up a free map of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail (/au/attraction/swan_valley_food_and_wine_drive_trail/56b268fc2cbcbe7073ae2a9e) at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/swan_valley_visitor_centre/56b268b5aeeeaaf773cfb5b5). If you have a designated driver for the day, let them take you cellar door hopping. Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet and fortifieds are among the specialties of the region. Some of the wineries offer alfresco dining beside the vineyards, pairing their wines with fine fresh local produce. Appreciators of hand-crafted beers will also find plenty to tempt their palate at the region s boutique breweries, many serving light bites and hearty fare for a lazy lunch in the beer garden. Afternoon: Swan Valley to Perth Follow lunch with a sugar hit from the Swan Valley s makers of fine sweet treats, including chocolate, nougat, nuts, ice creams and sorbets. Page 6 of 15

7 The region is a hotspot for arts and crafts too. Browse the galleries and workshops for unique pieces by local sculptors, painters, potters, printmakers and woodworkers. If you re travelling with children, there are lots of fun ways to keep them entertained, including Caversham Wildlife Park (/au/attraction/caversham_wildlife_park/56b266a d74c4ec29), The Maze- Home of Outback Splash Family Fun Park (/au/attraction/the_maze_- _Home_of_Outback_Splash/56caabbe1a b4020), Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail (/au/attraction/swan_valley_heritage_cycle_trail/56b268b2d5f dabdc8) and many more. To return to Perth, head to Guildford and retrace your tracks west along Guildford Road. (/au/destination/rockingham/56b266c1aeeeaaf773cf961f) Dolphins near Rockingham DAY 5 Morning: Perth to Rockingham Setting off early on the Kwinana Freeway south from Perth, allow at least 45 minutes for the journey to Rockingham (/au/destination/rockingham/56b266c1aeeeaaf773cf961f), so you arrive in time for a dolphin swim or watching tour from the jetty. Tours depart daily from September to early June, and are from three to six hours, depending on dolphin activity and sightings on the day. With a string of cafes and restaurants lining Rockingham s waterfront, lunch or afternoon tea is just a short stroll from the jetty. Page 7 of 15

8 Afternoon: Rockingham to Mandurah For more marine encounters, take the short drive south to Shoalwater Islands Marine Park (/au/attraction/shoalwater_islands_marine_park/56b267b62cbcbe7073ae198c). Ferries and wildlife cruises to Penguin Island (/au/attraction/penguin_island/56b267b2aeeeaaf773cfa7a4) operate daily between 10am and 3pm (September to June), introducing you to Western Australia s largest colony of little penguins, as well as rare Australian sea lions and a variety of seabirds. Or, make the 20-minute drive south to Mandurah (/au/destination/mandurah/56b266c6d5f da9dec), where wild dolphins are frequently spotted year-round in the calm blue-green waters of Mandurah s bay and connecting waterways. You can also encounter them on a short dolphin cruise. Spend the rest of your afternoon browsing the shops, galleries and cultural centres that line the city s shoreline, or enjoy some of the many other water-based activities on offer crabbing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, bird watching... the list goes on. Evening: Mandurah to Perth Dine out at a waterfront cafe or restaurant, or in true local style, tuck in to a fresh feast of fish and chips on the manicured lawns of Mandurah s foreshore and don t forget to keep your eye out for more dolphins in the bay. Join the Kwinana Freeway heading north from Mandurah and you ll be back in Perth within an hour. IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION Be Sun Smart. Always apply sunscreen (at least +15 SPF), wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of water. If you re visiting in the warmer months (December to March), seek some shade between 11am and 3pm. See Cancer Council WA ( for more advice. Surf and marine conditions can vary significantly. Always read safety signs and swim between the red and yellow Lifesaving flags. Get more tips from Beachsafe ( Be aware that drivers are subject to alcohol limits that are strictly enforced. Moderation is always advised. Public car parks generally charge hourly fees in the heart of the city. You can opt to park on the outskirts and use the free Fremantle CAT (Central Area Transport) Service. Fremantle can also be accessed by train or bus from Perth city. Go to the Transperth website ( for timetables. All dolphin tours by boat are subject to weather conditions. The dolphins are generally very consistent in their habits and behaviours. However, as they are wild animals, sightings and interactions are not 100% guaranteed. See the tour operators terms and conditions for details. TAKE nothing but photos picking wildflowers is illegal and can attract a AU$2000 fine. RESPECT private property and don t trespass. PROTECT canola crops and prevent the Page 8 of 15

9 spread of disease by staying out of canola fields. TRIP DETAILS *Distances marked with * include travel from Perth-to-Port by road and Port-to-Rottnest by ferry. **Distances marked with ** are based on travel via bicycle. START: DURATION: REGION(S): Perth 5 days Perth & Surrounds (/au/places_to_see/perth/pages/perth.aspx) DISTANCES: Perth to Kings Park Perth to Fremantle Fremantle to Cottesloe Cottesloe to Perth 1.5 km 20 km 8 km 11 km Perth to Rottnest Island (via Barrack Street Jetty)* 38 km Perth to Rottnest Island (via Fremantle)* 39 km Perth to Rottnest Island (via Hillarys Boat Harbour)* 52 km Thomson Bay Settlement to Oliver Hill (via salt lakes)** 5 km Thomson Bay Settlement to Oliver Hill (via Little Salmon Bay)** 8 km Oliver Hill to Little Parakeet Bay** Perth to Guildford Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail Swan Valley Heritage Cycle Trail** 4 km 14 km 32 km 10 km Page 9 of 15

10 Guildford to Caversham Wildlife Park Guildford to Bullsbrook (Outback Splash Family Fun Park) 13 km 38.5 km Perth to Rockingham Rockingham to Shoalwater Rockingham to Mandurah Mandurah to Perth 47.5 km 7 km 35 km 70 km Mapbox OpenStreetMap Improve this map Find out more about THE REGION Head to the Experience Perth website for more itineraries and further information on things to see and do in the region. Find Out More ( Page 10 of 15

11 Talk to THE EXPERTS Make the local Visitor Centre your first port of call as you travel around Western Australia. Western Australian Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/western_australian_visitor_centre/56b268b d74c50d39) Fremantle Visitor Centre (/au/accommodation/fremantle_visitor_centre/56b268b47b935fbe730e7d90) Rottnest Island Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/rottnest_island_visitor_centre/56b268b5d5f dabe05) Swan Valley Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/swan_valley_visitor_centre/56b268b5aeeeaaf773cfb5b5) Rockingham Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/rockingham_visitor_centre/56b268b4aeeeaaf773cfb59f) Mandurah Visitor Centre (/au/visitorcentre/mandurah_visitor_centre/56b268b d74c50d26) Find Out More (/au/plan_your_trip/visitor_centres/pages/visitor_centres.aspx) EXPLORE MORE BEST OF PERTH BEACHES Play all day on these iconic Perth beaches, Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, City Beach, Trigg Beach and Sorrent Beach. Page 11 of 15

12 PERTH CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Perth has a unique blend of arts and cultural activities to entertain even the most discerning traveller. PERTH INDULGENCE WEEKEND Perth s enviable city lifestyle offers plenty to indulge in personalised Swan Valley tours, hot air balloons, champagn breakfast and high tea. PERTH SHOPPING Fill a whole day with Perth shopping, from Fremantle Markets and the high-end fashion of King Street to Subiaco, Claremont, Leederville and Mount Lawley. Page 12 of 15

13 FREMANTLE HISTORY & HERITAGE A daytrip to Fremantle, exploring centuries of maritime, convict and colonial history, from Fremantle Prison to Fremantle Markets. AVON VALLEY WEEKENDER Enjoy a romantic weekender in York, Northam, Toodyay and the Avon Valley and discover a little slice of old Spain in New Norcia. WINERIES & WILDFLOWERS Take a weekend wildflower drive from Perth city to Gidgegannup, the Swan Valley and flora-filled pastures, orchards and woodlands of the Darling Range. Page 13 of 15

14 PERTH WILDFLOWER TRAIL See Perth s Kings Park, Rottnest Island, Swan Valley and John Forrest National Park put on some of the world s best wildflower displays. SWIM WITH DOLPHINS If a swim with wild dolphins is on your wish-list, you re in the best place enjoy aquatic encounters with Rockingham and Bunbury dolphins. ANIMALS & FAMILY FUN From Perth Zoo to the Swan Valley treat the kids, young and old, to two full days packed with animal fun and creature features. Page 14 of 15

15 A DAY IN FREMANTLE The historic port town of Fremantle is an eclectic and eccentric blend of exciting food, fashion, festivals, arts, culture and World Heritage architecture. ALL ITINERARIES Check out some itineraries to help inspire and plan your holiday in Western Australia. Ranging from short to long sta they cover a variety of destinations and experiences ensuring there s something... Page 15 of 15