As the capital city of Western Australia, Perth has a rich past that continues to influence it to this day. For more than 45,000 years, Aboriginal Australians occupied the region and developed economic, cultural, and ecological practices that lasted generations. In 1829, Captain James Stirling embarked on a project to settle the Swan River Colony because of its fertile soil. Over time, however, Perth evolved into a major metropolitan center with a complex legacy. Enjoy over 19 beaches in Perth due to its perpetually sunny weather — the city experiences an average of eight hours of sunshine per day — and participate in cultural events like the Fringe World Festival. Get in touch with Gray Line Worldwide and plan the Australian trip of your dreams today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Perth
A mesmerizing landscape within Nambung National Park in Western Australia, the Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its thousands of limestone pillars that are its namesake. Rising dramatically from the golden sands, the Pinnacles formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Local indigenous groups, including the Nyoongar, reflected the importance of the desert through their traditional stories and beliefs. For generations, Dreamtime stories of the Pinnacles were orally passed down as part of the rich spiritual layer of the site. Plan a drive or brave a walking trail to see the awe-inspiring monuments up close for yourself.
A picturesque town and internationally renowned wine region, the Margaret River is a destination celebrated for its natural beauty, gourmet food, and vintage blends. For over 40,000 years, the area was home to the indigenous Wardandi who developed a deep spiritual connection with the land and sea. Now considered one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the Margaret River supports the creation of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In general, the area boasts over 200 wineries, many of which offer guided tastings and tours. The Margaret River region also hosts a wide variety of wine-based festivals and events, which can make Perth a beacon for wine lovers everywhere.
Fremantle Prison is a historic site located in Western Australia that offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s complex colonial past. Built between 1851 and 1859, the prison was constructed using local limestone by the growing convict population. It served as a maximum-security prison until its closure in 1991. In 2010, Fremantle Prison was dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance in Australia’s past. The institution itself includes several buildings, including a main cell block, chapel, and governor’s residence. For modern-day visitors, Fremantle Prison provides a range of guided tours, including the Convict Prison Tour that dives deep into the history of the prison and some notable inmates. The Torchlight Tour is a spookier, evening-based spin on the daytime option (and is definitely popular with amateur ghost hunters).
The Perth Cultural Centre provides a communal space for celebrating the arts, Australian cultural practices, and other activities for residents and tourists. A focal point for various institutions and organizations, the cultural centre also features the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), the recently renovated Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip (which offers educational exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Western Australia), and the State Library of Western Australia. Several festivals, live performances, and markets routinely utilize the space, so make sure you check the cultural centre’s schedule during your stay.
A picturesque region located just 15 miles northeast of Perth, Swan Valley is known for its rich agricultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and delicious food and wine scene. One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Swan Valley was established in the 1820s and offers Shiraz, Chenin, Blanc, and Verdelho vintages. Several popular events — including the Swan Valley Wine Show and Swan Valley Gourmet Escape — use fresh vegetables, fruits, and artisanal products to showcase the region’s distinctive cuisine. Perhaps most fascinating are Swan Valley’s Food Trails, experiences that let guests sample an array of gourmet cheese, chocolates, and handmade goods.
Eleven miles off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is a popular holiday destination brimming with beaches, wildlife, and backstory. Rottnest Island boasts over 60 beaches and 20 bays, many of which are filled with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Particular favorites include the Basin, Pinky Beach, and Longreach Bay. With a backdrop of rugged cliffs, limestone formations, and green vegetation, visitors can observe the island’s most famous and friendliest inhabitants: quokkas. These small marsupials are often called the “world’s happiest animals” due to their cuteness factor and inquisitive nature. Rottnest Island is also a car-free zone, which means that walkers and bikers rule the roads. Enjoy a variety of watersports — including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding — and take time to explore the Rottnest Island Museum.
A lively waterfront precinct in Perth, Elizabeth Quay opened in 2016 as a popular destination for locals and tourists. Offering a mix of recreational, cultural, and dining experiences, the seaside spot also provides stunning views of the Swan River, Perth skyline, and BHP Billiton Water Park. Elizabeth Quay is home to various public art installations, including “The Spanda,” a sculpture symbolizing the connection between the city and river. Guests can select between a diverse array of casual and upscale dining options, and shoppers can get their fill of boutiques and larger retail outlets. For visitors interested in checking out Rottnest Island or attending a Swan River cruise, Elizabeth Quay is more than likely the origin point for the journey.
More commonly known as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the shorter-nicknamed “King Park” covers 400 hectares on Mount Eliza, which designates it as one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Filled with over 3,000 species of native Western Australia plants, visitors can opt to walk or cycle along the popular Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Kings Park is also home to several memorials like the State War Memorial, which commemorates Western Australians who served in several major wars. From about August to November of every year, the park literally blooms with thousands of wildflowers, and spaces dedicated to concerts, festivals, and outdoor cinema keep the party going all year long.
Found about 9 miles from Perth’s central business district, Cottesloe Beach is an easily accessible and beautiful seaside destination where you can work on your tan, play in the sand, and bond with family and friends. Visitors can watch beach volleyball players of various skill levels compete while surfers catch waves in one of the many designated areas for the sport. Whether you opt to stay there or not, the Cottesloe Beach Hotel is a historic landmark and hub for dining options in the evenings. Events like the Cottesloe Sculpture by the Sea exhibition also attract residents and locals to Cottesloe Beach’s shores.
Committed to showcasing native Australian ingredients and offering a memorable dining experience, the Wildflower Restaurant serves contemporary meals inspired by the indigenous ethos of six seasons. This philosophy underpins the practice of curating varying menus based on the availability of fresh ingredients and time of year. Located in Perth’s State Buildings, Wildflower features offerings specific to Australia’s unique ecosystem, including kangaroo, barramundi, and native herbs and spices. Specialized tasting menus allow guests to sample a variety of recipes before ordering. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind meal and discover for yourself why Wildflower is the recipient of numerous international accolades and awards.
Discovering the Wild Side of Panama City Panama City is famous for its skyline and the Panama Canal, but beyond the ci[...]
Panama
Experience Bali’s Iconic Landmarks Bali, the Island of the Gods, offers breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and thr[...]
Bali Indonesia
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the most remarkable museums ever created. This iconic institution has captivated ar[...]
Loved the train and the history about it. Staff at the museum made the visit a memorable one.
The driver and the tour guide were very friendly and explained in detail the places we visited. The lunch provided was satisfactory and met our expectations.
Our coach was at the pick-up point when we arrived, and we soon set off out of Perth. Our driver took us at an easy pace, pointing out things of interest on the way and telling us a few stories and some history of the places we passed through. We visited a number of places during...
Notifications