Day one: Dive into the city’s culture
Your three-day adventure in Perth kicks off by immersing yourself in the city’s cultural jewels. Start your morning at the Perth Mint, where you can learn about the history of gold in Western Australia. It’s like visiting a giant treasure chest, minus the pirates. Take the guided tour, marvel at the largest gold coin in the world, and maybe even try your luck at some gold panning. This visit will take about 1.5 hours, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve struck gold, pun intended.
After your golden experience, stroll over to Elizabeth Quay. Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes lining the waterfront. The stunning views of the Swan River and the city skyline will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Spend about an hour here to soak in the atmosphere and snap some Instagram-worthy photos. Remember, the ducks are photogenic too!
Lunch time! Head to Fried Ice Cream at the Quay for something sweet and savory. Their fried ice cream will have you questioning your life choices—like how you survived without it until now. Grab a seat by the water and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This should take about an hour, giving you time to digest before the next adventure.
In the afternoon, visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia. It’s free and full of local and international art that’ll make you feel cultured. Spend around two hours wandering through the exhibits. Pro tip: find the exhibit that features local artists and give them a nod of appreciation; they’re just trying to make it like everyone else.
As evening sets in, make your way to Northbridge, the nightlife hub of Perth. Treat yourself to dinner at Long Chim, where you can dive into some delicious Thai street food. Try the Pad Thai; it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plan to spend about two hours here, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps a cocktail or two. You’ve earned it!
Day two: Escape to Rottnest Island
Day two is all about adventure. Rise and shine early because you’re off to Rottnest Island. Catch a ferry from Fremantle; the trip takes about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance. The last thing you want is to miss out on the island vibes because you didn’t plan ahead!
Once you arrive, rent a bike immediately. Riding around the island is the best way to explore, and you’ll need to work off that dinner from the night before. Spend your morning biking along the beautiful coastal paths. Stop at Pinky Beach to take a dip, and don’t forget to snap a selfie with a quokka. These little critters are the real stars of Rottnest, and if you don’t get a quokka selfie, did you even go?
After a morning of biking and beach time, grab lunch at the Rottnest Island Hotel. Their burgers are a hit, and you’ll need the energy for more exploring. This should take about an hour.
In the afternoon, continue your biking adventure. Head over to the Lighthouse for some stunning views; it’s a great spot for more quokka selfies too. Spend about two hours here before returning the bikes.
Catch the ferry back to Fremantle and treat yourself to a relaxed dinner at Little Creatures Brewery. Their beer is legendary, and the atmosphere is laid-back. Plan to spend about two hours unwinding after your busy day.
Day three: Savoring Swan Valley
For your final day, it’s time to indulge in some of the best wine and food that Perth has to offer. Head to Swan Valley, just a 30-minute drive from the city. Start your day at Maison Saint-Honoré for breakfast. Their pastries are heavenly, and you’ll want to try everything. Spend about an hour here to fortify yourself for the day ahead.
Next, hit the wineries! Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- Sandalford Wines: Try their award-winning reds and enjoy the stunning grounds.
- Houghton Wines: Their tasting room is cozy, and the wines are delightful.
- Mandoon Estate: A great spot for lunch with a winery and brewery on-site. Perfect for when you can't decide between wine and beer.
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours winery hopping. Don’t rush; take your time, sip slowly, and maybe even grab a bottle or two to take home. After all, you can’t let your friends know how much fun you had without some evidence.
After your wine adventure, head back to Perth and freshen up for a fabulous dinner in Northbridge. Try Wildflower for a delicious meal that showcases local produce. Make a reservation; you want to make sure you can sit down to this culinary experience.
Spend your last evening reflecting on your trip and planning your next visit—because trust me, you’ll want to come back. Whether it’s the quokkas, the wine, or the incredible food, Perth has a way of luring you back in.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a whirlwind three days in Perth that’ll leave you with memories, new friends (quokkas count), and a serious craving for more adventures!
