How to Spend 3 Days in Perth

Three days in Perth means you’re lucky enough to fully experience it, especially if your itinerary includes tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of the city plus Western Australia’s southwest coast. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled 72 hours in Perth, replete with a day trip to the wine country or the Pinnacles.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Start today getting oriented with a walking tour of Perth’s art, cultural sights, coffee scene, and chocolate industry, and then explore the city independently on a leisurely hop-on hop-off bus tour. Wildlife lovers will want to check out the Perth Zoo or Aquarium of Western Australia, while those looking for a more relaxing way to see the city should opt for a cruise on the Swan River, the flowing heart of the city that separates central and western Perth from the southern suburbs. Lunch and sightseeing cruises are available to admire the riverfront scenery, which includes King’s Park, yacht clubs, and upscale homes. The evening offers another chance to get out on the river with a dinner cruise, where you can admire the lights of the city while enjoying a full meal and sipping Australian wines. Or perhaps discover the local bar scene on a walking tour of Perth watering holes.

Day 2: Surrounding Experiences

After breakfast, head out onto the Indian Ocean with a ferry ride from either Perth or Fremantle to Rottnest Island, where you can relish a day of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, bike riding, and looking for the resident quokkas. If you don’t want to leave the city for the whole day, opt for a whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour. For something more gourmet, book a half-day tour to the Swan Valley for wine tasting as well as samplings of beer, cheese, and chocolate. If you’re more of a history buff, you’ll enjoy a tour to the port town of Fremantle, known for its café scene and historical attractions—particularly Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When evening rolls around, explore Perth’s dining establishments with a restaurant and bar discount pass, which offers savings at participating businesses.

Day 3: Day Tripping

Perth’s top two day trip destinations lie along the coast of Western Australia—one north of the city and one south. Outdoor lovers will want to go north to the Pinnacles, a group of limestone rock formations that create an otherworldly landscape inside Nambung National Park. Tours often include stops at Caversham Wildlife Park to see koalas and the town of Lancelin, known for its large sand dunes where you can try your hand at sandboarding. South of Perth lies the Margaret River wine region, where you can go wine tasting at a local winery, plus visit attractions such as the Busselton Jetty and Mammoth Cave. If you have time for more than one day trip, consider the Perth Sightseeing Pass to save on multiple tours that suit your interests.