Suburb of Perth, Western Australia
Photo: Francescorenna, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Perth City or Perth CBD is the central business district in Perth, but there are plenty of other things to see than just tall buildings and busy men in suits.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Ranged along the ridge of Mount Moira, this large and lush park is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy a panorama of the Swan River and surrounds. Multiple paths wind through gardens showcasing flora from different regions of WA including a boab tree brought down on the back of a truck from the Kimberly. The striking War Memorial and Flame of Remembrance are also here. It's a hot, uphill, 2-km walk from downtown, but its northern boundary at Kings Park Rd is within the Free Transit Zone. The handiest bus is the Green CAT, M-F only, to Stop 16. The Red CAT (7 days) also runs nearby, use Stop 19 on Ord Street.
Equally loved and loathed by residents this arch is all that remains of the 1866 Tudor style accommodations for soldiers of the Enrolled Pensioner Guard. The two wings were demolished in 1966 to make way for the Mitchel Freeway but public protests held back the wrecking ball from dispatching this part of Perth's history.
If you don't get the chance to see some real ones, do like everyone else and take a photo with these friendly Roos. The larger than life size bronze kangaroo sculptures were installed in 1997, and have become a magnet for international visitors, who are subsequently disappointed with the diminutive size of their real life counterparts.
Five to six wild kangaroos roam around this island in the Swan River. They are usually hiding in the bushes, but can come out so have your cameras ready. You can even get close and pet them! Take Red Cat bus to Queen's Gardens and walk to the Causeway bridge. Cross the bridge, then turn right for the kangaroos.
The nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the world. Even today it still produces coins and gold bullion from its original premises, albeit now restricted to producing non-circulating coins (which are still legal tender, but worth more than their face value in market value). You can buy and sell gold, jewellery and souvenirs, see the mint in operation and watch molten gold being poured to create gold bars. (Walk from City Centre along Hay Street east or catch the red CAT)
A bell tower is at the foot of Barrack Street, in front of the ferry wharf. The bells are from the church of St Martin-in-the-Field in London, and were a gift from the London to the people of Perth. The bell tower has a modern design, and is somewhat controversially regarded by locals. Inside the tower you get a view over the river and city or you can look around the outside of the tower, and hear the bells at noon.
Crown Perth Casino
An all-in-one entertainment precinct. The casino offers all games, the theatre provides a venue for some of the best touring productions, while the Dome is a 20,000 capacity arena that regularly hosts tennis tournaments and international concerts. Also included within the complex are a number of bars and pubs, including Paddy Hannan's (named after the first person to strike gold in West Australia) and the infamous nightclub The Eve. Take the Thornlie line (platform 4) from the central station, McIver or Claisebrook (platform 2).
A major urban redevelopment area on the Swan River, on the fringe of the city centre. Spend an hour or so wandering about the brightly coloured, modern and strikingly unusual architecture before you wind down with a meal and a hot or cold bevy. Views of the city centre from the footbridge that runs above the cove are particularly stunning at night. (Take the yellow CAT to the Haig Park Circle stop during daylight hours or take the Midland, Armadale or Thornlie line to Claisebrook transfer station which is located within the Free Transit Zone).
A month-long annual festival held around February is Perth's biggest arts event, offering local and international acts of every artful stripe. Most performances are ticketed but a number of free exhibits or street performances may be worth catching.
A month-long annual festival held from late January to late February, Fringe World is Perth's fringe festival. It offers diverse shows from Australia and overseas performing across dozens of venues in Perth. Many performances are free, and those that are ticketed are affordably priced.
You can't walk too far without passing one of these stores that are a good place for a cheap lunch. Ready made salad Baguettes, wraps and bagels are usually quite fresh since they have a high turnover. Some stores have seating in store or alfresco. The one in Carillon Arcade is nice.
Extremely cheap Japanese food.
Has amazing views of the entire city including Kings Park. The food is good but the view is most definitely the defining feature.
Has an impressive selection of imported and local beers on tap, with specialised glassware to match.
The motto of this very impressive pub/bar is "The Spirit of Rock" and, as such, the music policy leans towards contemporary rock and pop music (when the resident DJ isn't spinning, punters can select from a wide range of tunes from a state of the art video jukebox). The towering liquor cabinets are almost two stories high and as one might imagine, the draft beer, cocktail and "shooter" list is equally as monumental (Carnegie's has the longest cocktails list in Perth according to local press) and it is all complemented by a friendly and outgoing team of bar-staff. Tuesday night is quiz and $6 pints night whilst Wednesday nights feature half-price cocktails from 6PM.
Bar and restaurant with a focus on breakfast. Located right on the river with great views. Also has live music and a great beer selection.
Head here late on a Saturday night for some indie dance hits and an eclectic crowd.
This unpretentious bar/club serves some very tasty cocktails to complement its uber-cool music policy. The crowd has a friendly and "up for it" attitude.
Maggie's
Probably the most popular nightclub in Perth. Magnet House is full every weekend - usually plays quite mainstream music.
Goodearth Hotel
3.5 star hotel, offers 181 apartments, 1-2 bedrooms and studios
Close to St George's Terrace, Northbridge entertainment precinct.
Stunning view of the City and Swan River. 3.5-star hotel, offers 94 hotel rooms and apartments.
3.5-star hotel, offers 170 rooms. Offers studio and a one-bedroom serviced apartments, all fitted with a fully equipped kitchen. It has a restaurant which serves all three meals for the guests.
Provides 3 types of rooms and 4 types of suites along with a business centre, a recreation centre and outdoor pool.
Open 7 days and until 9PM on weeknights.
By ferry
A ferry makes the short hop across the Swan River, running between Barrack St Jetty on the City bank and Mends St Jetty in South Perth.
By bus
Transperth buses are free within the city centre Free Transit Zone.
By train
You're unlikely to use the train for journeys just within the city centre, the bus is generally more convenient.60 to go one way.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Perth · International · PER
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about City and Australia.
Compare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
7 min read
Plan your trip to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with match cities, ticket windows, domestic flights, visa rules, and budget advice.
8 min read
Discover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Complete 2026 guide to visa-free travel for US citizens. Learn where American passport holders can go without a visa, new eTA rules, and entry fees.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.