Perth, Australia - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: March 15, 2025
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ABOUT PERTH | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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The City Of Light
Perth is located on the west coast of Australia, where the Swan River crashes into the Indian Ocean. It is the state capital and largest city in Western Australia. Whilst the area has been home to Australia’s indigenous people for over 40,000 years, little is known about the area until Captain James Stirling founded the city in 1829. Whilst Stirling is credited with the discovery of Perth, he was not the first European explorer to visit the area.
Despite first being settled by the western world in 1829, Perth didn’t gain city status until 1856. Its population grew rapidly after that, especially during the West Australian gold rush, with discoveries close by in Southern Cross in 1887.
Known for its isolation, peace and stunning scenery, the city has a reputation as a hotspot for tourism. This will come as no surprise when you also take into consideration its year-round sunshine/warm climate, sandy beaches, fantastic wildlife, and the majestic Margaret River region, highly prized for its wine, just to the south of the city.
My Extended Short Stay
Perth was meant to be a short stop on my journey around the circumference of this vast continent. It was a city I had no pre-conceived thoughts of, although I had heard it was nice and like ‘a warm England’. Three weeks later, I was still in the city and never want to leave. How did this happen?
Having arrived after one epic drive from Melbourne, a journey that had us crossing the Great Ocean Road and the Nullarbor and left me smelling like a guy who had shared a moving tin can with 6 others for a couple of weeks, Perth offered so much. Firstly, and most importantly: a shower and my own bed. I stayed on Newcastle Street in Northbridge, which is central and only a short walk to the city’s hotspots.
As far as hostels go, mine was not great, but like most terrible hostels, it provided me with the time of my life. To date, Planet Inn Backpackers is the only hostel I've stayed at that within a space of 3 weeks, not one person left. It became home, we all had our jobs around the hostel, and we did things as a family. Every night was a piss up and I can honestly say I never wanted to leave.
When the time finally came for me to leave, four other members of the hostel came with me and stayed for up to five months, and within a week 90% of the inmates had left. My stories and times here are amongst the best I have ever had, and I will always look upon my time in Perth with love and fondness.
During my time in the city, I met some of the most amazing people, went to my first Aussie Rules game (watching the mighty West Coast Eagles), relaxed for days at a time in the shimmering crystal clear seas and on beautiful endless beaches, spent time with the 'roos on Heirisson Island, chilled in the lush green botanical gardens and parks around the city, and that's not to mention the endless piss-ups and nights out. There were trips to Fremantle and other stunning locations around the city, but my favourite times were leading tours around the city, always ending with a big team BBQ amongst the 'roos climbing trees, and just generally getting off our face drunk.
Perth gave me so much, and all I can do in return is urge you to go, see it for yourself and create your own stories, make your own memories and meet new strangers.
So Should I Go There?
I guess this is a difficult one to answer, in part due to its remoteness. The city itself is a beautiful one, and somewhere I really enjoyed being. Whilst remote, it has everything it needs to be self-sufficient and really doesn’t need the help of others, although the addition of Fremantle (which almost gets incorporated into Perth) adds a touch of class and beauty. With its older architecture and unique feel, it truly is beautiful.
When I say the city had everything, I mean it. This diverse landscape roams from the chilling blue waters and crystal beaches to the west, through the beauty of the vast parks such as Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens (complete with a boardwalk and views over the city CBD), and down into the meandering Swan River, leading east out to the barren desert.
Yet there is more to Perth than just its scenery; it has all the elements of a great city. The nightlife around Northbridge was beyond booming, and more importantly not the massive dent in the wallet that other cities in Aus charge as standard. Not once do I remember the walk back to the hostel and thinking 'that was shit', it was the bomb. It reminded me of madness in Kingscross, Sydney but with a small streak of safety, style and sophistication. There wasn’t a dull night and that really is remarkable when you consider the amount we went out.
You really get a sense of pride from the people of Perth, and so you should. It’s a wonderful place, and this pride shines through particularly when it comes to sport. The city is the place to be on sports day, especially when it comes in the forms of AFL and cricket, and with teams such as The West Coast Eagles and Fremantle, you know you’re in for a ride. And then there is the hallowed turf of the WACA, home to Western Australia Cricket, which you may recognise from the Ashes.
So be it a night out, a day of shopping, sports and maybe (definitely) relaxing in the parks and beaches in the non-stop sunshine then yes, you should visit Perth. In fact, it really bothers me that so many people come to Australia but so few make it to the west coast. Everyone concentrates on the east coast, namely Cairns down to Sydney, but I really suggest breaking that mould and getting out here: Margaret River to Broome has some of the best scenery in Australia. Don’t be a sheep, be a wolf.
I had the most remarkable time, I really did. But like a lot of places, it was the people that made this so special. That’s the key thing with travelling; if you’re with the right people you could be in the middle of a turd-infested hell-hole of a swamp and be laughing non-stop. I'd rather that than be in the middle of paradise itself whilst being bored to death with idiots who don't get you, wishing you were in that old dirty swamp.
What to do when Backpacking Perth
Ok, this is where I let myself down a bit, I got fucked up on so many occasions, and fucked up bad here. I didn’t get too much done in the city, spending most of it recovering. Whilst I had an amazing time in Perth, I can't run through the whole city with you. But below are just a few things I managed to crawl out of bed for, normally nude and covered in new pen-inked tattoos. God bless those anonymous artists. So here goes.
Heirisson Island
The first of my suggestions must be spending time on Heirisson Island. The island is a matter of minutes from the city, yet is a place of tranquillity and greenery. The beauty of this small island is that, bar the road that crosses it linking the two bridges, there's no form of pollution or noise. It really is all lakes, trees and grasslands, and what isn’t beautiful about that?
However, the big draw for me, and I should imagine many travellers, is that several super friendly kangaroos roam the grasslands, most of which are more than happy to spend time with you, and maybe allow a little selfie together. You don’t get a more authentic Aussie experience than chilling in the sun with a BBQ amongst the kangaroos. On the west of the island, you can sit on the rocks as the Swan River crashes onto the island and take in the stunning views of the CBD, which I think is best done at night.
Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens
Next is Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens, again only a short stroll from the city centre. This mass of greenery is somewhere to savour, and when I say 'mass of', I mean it's huge. The park covers over 4km and in my opinion has the most spectacular views of both the Swan River and the city itself. Not only has it got the size, harmony and sights, it has exquisite cafes, fountains and wildlife. I loved relaxing in the park amongst the wildlife, listening without any sounds of the big city.
As well as the natural beauty there are many incredible monuments, none more impressive than the war memorial that stands overlooking the city and the river below. My favourite section of the park is the wooden walkway the guides you through the trees with glimpses out on to the horizon. Eventually, they will lead you down to open fields complete with impressive fountains, and lakes, and all that live in and around them.
Some of my favourite photos come from this park, and when I return the Perth this will be one of the first places I come back to.
Perth Zoo
I openly admit I am not a fan of zoos and I would much rather see the animals out in the wild. However, the day here at Perth zoo was phenomenal, and not just for entertainment. The animals seemed well looked after, cared for and happy, which adds so much to the zoo, and brings an ambience that most zoos don't have. After all, happy animals make for happy people.
We got the boat over from the city and spent over 5 hours in the park. The park, for the most part, separates into countries and continents, each housing the specific animals and plants, indigenous to said country. We started in the Australia section before making our way out into the tiger zone, which was something of a highlight. We must have waited a good 25 minutes (a good sign that the animals are free to come and go), but eventually, we saw the most attractive cats and the wait was worth every second. The rest of the zoo continued to amaze us.
There were so many epic enclosures, learning areas, and fantastic exhibits within the zoo, the animals almost became a bonus find, such as when we were followed by one little wallaby as we walked through his enclosure. He clearly loved having company.
As mentioned, it wasn't just the animals that make the zoo so special. It was the plants and environments that the animals called home. With so many species in the zoo, I was in awe of the beauty, diversity, and the way the keepers maintained its wonderful condition. The whole day was brilliant, other than the weather, which was a little more British than I was hoping for!
Scarborough Beach
There are many many wonderful beaches in Australia, and the west coast is littered with them. Scarborough, admittedly not the most picturesque or attractive of the bunch, did produce one of my favourite memories within Australia, and one of the most staggering sunsets of my life.
When I say it wasn't the best of the bunch, it was still outstanding. The sands were white, fine and ran through your toes like melted butter. The seas were clear, you could see the bottom metres from the shoreline in water that was perfect for dipping your toes -although I wouldn't want to risk heading too deep as this is shark territory. You don't want to end up as shark-bait!
Unlike a lot of west coast beaches, this one is surrounded by the vibrant seaside town of Scarborough, which caresses the beachfront with bars and restaurants, with great links back into Perth.
For me this beach is perfect, but I'm a sucker for white crisp sands, sunny skies and sunsets to die for. This is worth the short drive or the 990 bus, and jumps to my top spot in the city.
Optus Stadium and the AFL
The Australian Football League is massive in Australia, and the majority of the teams are located in and around Melbourne in the southeast. The west coast only boasts two top-flight teams: Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles.
The Optus Stadium in the city of Perth is the home of the West Coast Eagles, and being one of only two teams, there is passion here not felt across many cities in the west. This is felt none more so than on derby day, Freo v West Coast.
When I was in the city, the Eagles played at the Patterson Stadium, which was mightly impressive. They now play at the Optus Stadium, closer to the city with riverside views. The stadium looks even more dramatic and full of energy and enthusiasm. Gameday at the Patterson Stadium has to be one of the best sporting days I have witnessed, which I'm sure has been transferred to the new stadium.
If you get a chance to see the Eagles at home, take the opportunity. It really was a highlight of my time in not only the city, but the country as a whole. The atmosphere is buzzing. If it makes any difference, the West Coast Eagles are my Aussie Rules team, go drop them some support.
London Court
Next is one of the more obscure attractions I have found in any city around the world, and that is a little street called London Court. This narrow street in the heart of the city, surrounded by an almost castle-like facade, throws back about 60 -70 years and to the other side of the world. This narrow street shows off everything British, with old-fashioned shops normally only found on the old cobbled streets of 1950's Britain, yet with Tudor influence throughout.
Little sweet shops, tourist shops, cafes are just some of the street's offerings, all of which are overshadowed by the giant castle that guards the street. It really is a fun and funky place, and somewhere worth checking out.
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Perth
Perth is awash with hostels, hotels and BnBs, so accommodation is not something you'll need to worry about. Where to stay really depends on what you want from Perth. Personally, during my stay, I wanted cheap, cheerful and to be surrounded by young, like-minded travellers looking for people to laugh with all day and party with all night.
If that sounds like something you're looking for then you need to be looking at hostels, and ideally in and around the Northbridge area. I stayed in a little place called Planet Inn Backpackers on the main road, Newcastle Street.
The hostel at the time was bloody awful, but as I have said many times, the small, little 'shitty' hostels are the best. The reason Planet Inn Backpackers ranks as one of my all-time favourite hostel is, in part, thanks to the cheap prices and shoddiness of the hostel. It draws the real traveller; people who just want to have a laugh, enjoy life and not spend money on where they stay but spend it on drink, activities, living and creating stories.
The owner, the people that worked there, and the other guests are people I will never forget. They still today live in me, and I still stay in touch with many of them. This hostel brought us together and I love this place for doing that. Another aspect to the hostel I liked was the free breakfasts and occasional free meal, which helped out a lot.
Yes, it wasn't the comfiest night's sleep, and no, it didn't have the best facilities, but what it did have was a great rear yard, a pool table, a bar and amazing lounge with a TV. These areas combine together to give one of the homeliest feels I've had outside my own home. Never have I extended my stay more than here, and this feeling of a home away from home meant that not one person in the hostel left for 3 weeks. It was crap, but it was our crap. This hostel created a family for life, and it's because of what it was that this happened. When I return to Perth, even if I could afford a top-class hotel, I will grab a car, go past the hotel and laugh as I pass it on my way back to Planet Inn.
There's an overabundance of hostels in the area, and whilst I cannot speak for them, I can say this: if they are anything like Planet Inn you will be fine.
If you do happen to have that extra dollar and prefer a comfy night, some privacy and maybe a little less noise, then fear not, there are hotels for you. You can find hotels scattered across the city from the Botanical Gardens to Burswood across the river. Prices range as much as the locations, and you could easily spend anything from $29 (£17) to $575 (£314) a night.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Perth
When thinking of Perth, there are many many things I think of, be it laughter, drunken nights, the sun, the countless green parks, the wildlife, the list goes on and on...
Food, however, doesn't appear on this list. At no point do I ever recall thinking, wow, I must recommend this place, and that is most unlike me. I love my food.
That doesn't mean to say it's not out there because it probably is, I was just too drunk or too hungover to find it. Not only that but, I was on a budget in Perth, and the majority of my foods included either, sadly, fast food takeaways or a trip to the nearest supermarket and a bit of home cooking back at the hostel. It is safe to say with all the takeaways and the alcohol I got fat.
There were times whilst exploring the city that hunger struck, so I did manage to try out a couple of the smaller restaurants and cafes and will have a crack at recommending those here.
Kings Park, is, as mentioned earlier, a wonderfully relaxing location, with great views and a couple of fantastic eateries. The best of the bunch is the larger Fraser's Restaurant, but I only ate at the smaller cafe next door, the not-so-imaginatively named 'Botanical Cafe'. Whilst it didn't have the prowess of Fraser's it was perfectly pleasant, with great staff, and a lovely selection of sandwiches and cakes along with a couple of hot meals.
It wasn't the cheapest, but that's in part down to the location. Yes, the food could be better and a little cheaper, but overall it was good enough for me. Not to mention it had the views up to the beautifully crafted war memorial, and beyond.
Next is the great Riverside Cafe, located at the Port on the northern bank of the Swan River. You really cannot miss the vast barn-looking building as you stroll on around the water's edge. I really like the look and feel to the cafe, and these good feelings continue when you check out the menu. Nothing seemed overly fancy or pompous, it didn't appear over the top or lavish; it was what it was, and that's easy food done right. Whilst I say easy food there was a good selection, from burgers to pasta and muffins to pastries.
I had a wicked pasta dish, and the flavours bubbled up, filling my mouth with flavour with every bite, it was beautiful. I really enjoyed my meal here, listening to the crashing waves fo the Swan river, with views and good company. I have to recommend it.
Finally, I have to mention Zambrero in Leederville. There are a few dotted across the city, but the one I went to was on Newcastle Street and an easy 10-minute walk from the Planet Inn hostel. And my god they are good.
I am a little biased as I love Mexican foods, especially if they are burritos and wraps. Those little cocoons of heaven are sent from the kitchen of God himself for all those who do good in the world in my eyes. Here at Zambrero's they make a killer burrito fresh in front of you, with a choice of ingredients selected by you. I cannot urge you enough to give them a try, I would happily have lived off them every day.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking Perth
Every night was drink night in Perth, and I do not remember most of them - they went off big time. Every night started in the hostel with cheap beers and even cheaper goon. Now, if you don't know what goon is or haven't ever heard of it, let me tell you: it is the cheapest, most disgusting bag of wine you'll ever taste, with 4-5 litres for $10. It will give you memory blackouts like no other, and a hangover to match. But the important word there is cheapest.
We would play drinking games all evening most nights, just getting so incredibly drunk that we didn't make it the clubs and bars, but on the nights where we pulled ourselves together, we would always head into Northbridge, a short 15-20 minute walk down Newcastle Street.
Northbridge has more than enough atmosphere, music, nightlife and places to grab that alcohol-soaking snack at the end of the night. This meant that we never had to venture much further, which for us was great. Not only was it close, but it was also the cheapest area for drinks in the city.
I don't actually remember many of the clubs or bars names, so again I'm not going to be much of help here, but if you just go with the flow on a night out and have already drunk your weight in cheap wine, then you'll have a blast. There are a few that throw out some great appetisers such as free hotdogs, or free drinks from 2100hrs to 2200hrs. I mean, whilst travelling you need to save every penny, and free is free.
Some of the best that I remember include The Mustang Bar, Air Nightclub, the Patriots Sports Bar and of course Universal Bar. Each very different, providing entertainment in the forms of shows, live music, DJ's and much more. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember much more than that, but when we return we'll take note!
What You'll Need to Blend In
A passion for wine (both cheap and good)
A love of all things Western Australia
The ability to protect yourself from the odd aggressive kangaroo
Be able to avoid said Kangaroo when they hop out in front of you on the highway
To be fearless in the persistent chase of the perfect wave, not knowing what might lie beneath
Be a miner (as in gold, not a child)
Grow that ridiculous moustache
