Perth
Destinations · Greater Perth

Perth

Kings Park, Cottesloe sunset, Rottnest ferry and Australia's sunniest capital.

Perth (Nyungar: Boorloo) is the capital city of Western Australia. It is the fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth as of 2023. The world's most isolated major city by certain criteria, Perth is part of the South West Land Division of Western Australia, with most of Perth's metropolitan area on the Swan Coastal Plain between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp. The city has expanded outward from the original British settlements on the Swan River, upon which its central business district and port of Fremantle are situated. Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829 as the administrative centre of the Swan River Colony. The city is situated on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, where Aboriginal Australians have lived for at least 48,000 years. Perth was named after the city of Perth in Scotland. Initially established as a free settlement, the colony accepted transported convicts from 1850 to supply labour for public works and construction. Perth was proclaimed as a city by Queen Victoria in 1856. Substantial population growth occurred during the late 19th-century Western Australian gold rushes, and the city has continued to expand, particularly after World War II due to a high net migration rate. Post-war immigrants were predominantly from the British Isles and Southern Europe, while more recent arrivals see a growing population of Asian descent. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a series of mining booms in various regions of Western Australia propelled Perth into the role of the regional headquarters for significant mining operations. It became Australia's fourth-most populated city in 1984, overtaking Adelaide. Ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, Perth was classified by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network as a Beta global city in 2020. As of 2021, Perth is divided into 30 local government areas, comprising over 350 suburbs. The metropolitan contours span 125 kilometres (78 mi) from Two Rocks in the north to Singleton in the south, and 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the west coast to Sawyers Valley in the east. Beyond the central business district, predominant urban centres within the metropolitan area include Armadale, Fremantle, Joondalup, Midland and Rockingham. Most of those were originally established as separate settlements and retained a distinct identity after being subsumed into the wider metropolitan area. Mandurah, Western Australia's second-largest city, forms a conurbation with Perth along the coastline. Despite this, it is generally regarded as an independent city. Perth is home to many parkland areas and nature reserves, the most-visited being Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the world's largest inner-city parks. Other popular natural features include Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island. Notable heritage buildings and cultural sites include Perth Mint, WA Museum Boola Bardip and the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. All five of Western Australia's universities are based in Perth. The city is served by Fremantle Harbour and Perth Airport.

Background information about Perth adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Perth

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Perth

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Aug, Sep, Oct — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Mar, May if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
38°
13° low
18mm
Feb
37°
15° low
17mm
Mar
37°
13° low
20mm
Apr
31°
13° low
34mm
May
28°
11° low
84mm
Jun
24°
9° low
113mm
Jul
22°
9° low
128mm
Aug
24°
8° low
106mm
Sep
26°
8° low
70mm
Oct
31°
10° low
32mm
Nov
35°
11° low
25mm
Dec
36°
13° low
12mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

Beach & ocean conditions at Perth

Typical wave height around 0.9 m over the next two weeks. a wetsuit makes winter swims much more pleasant.

Avg wave height
0.9 m
Sea-surface temperatures from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Wave forecast from the GFS Wave model — check official sources before swimming, paddling or boating.

What else is around Perth

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🎡 Attractions (26)
  • Jacob's Ladder1.5 km
  • Rotary Wishing Well1.8 km
  • 5421.9 km
  • Cottesloe Pylon11.5 km
  • Wuyi12.3 km
  • 5.25 inch Gun Replica12.4 km
🏖️ Beaches (1)
  • Mosman Beach12.9 km
🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (53)
  • Unnamed1.8 km
  • Unnamed10.2 km
  • Unnamed10.4 km
  • Unnamed10.5 km
  • Unnamed10.9 km
  • Unnamed11.5 km
⛰️ Peaks & summits (12)
  • Cantonment Hill14.3 km
  • Mount Flora14.7 km
  • Clontarf Hill16.6 km
  • Unnamed17.1 km
  • Unnamed17.7 km
  • Unnamed18.0 km
🌳 Nature reserves & national parks (2)
  • Whistlepipe Gully17.4 km
  • Hedly Jorgensen Park19.6 km
🏰 Historic sites (81)
  • Chinatown Paifang0.3 km
  • Talbot Hobbs Memorial0.8 km
  • AIDS Memorial Perth1.1 km
  • Narrows Interchange1.3 km
  • Edith Dircksey Cowan Memorial1.6 km
  • South African War Memorial1.6 km
🏛️ Museums & galleries (10)
  • Museum of Perth0.7 km
  • Woodloes Museum11.5 km
  • Unnamed14.7 km
  • Midland Workshops Museum14.9 km
  • Treasure Gallery15.1 km
  • Unnamed15.7 km
🦁 Family — zoos, aquariums, theme parks (1)
  • Caversham Wildlife Park15.5 km
🎭 Theatres, cinemas & markets (14)
  • Hoyts10.7 km
  • Warwick Grand Cinemas12.7 km
  • Food Hall13.7 km
  • Ace Midland Gate Cinemas15.6 km
  • Mandoon Outdoor Cinema15.6 km
  • Hoyts Millenium15.9 km
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Perth

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Fremantle
24 km · 0h 26m
To Rottnest Island
20 km · 0h 28m
To Pinnacles Desert
188 km · 2h 24m
To Margaret River
272 km · 3h 22m
To Albany
412 km · 5h 9m
To Kalgoorlie
594 km · 7h 13m
To Esperance
695 km · 8h 22m
To Coral Coast
815 km · 9h 37m

Frequently asked about Perth

Where is Perth?
Perth is in Greater Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
When is the best time to visit Perth?
Based on 30 years of weather data, the most pleasant months at Perth are typically September, October, August — mild temperatures and lower rainfall. School holiday periods can also fit if you don't mind the crowds.
What's the weather like in Perth?
Summer daytime highs average around 38°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 8°C. See the climate panel above for the month-by-month breakdown.

Tours in Perth

Perth Kayak Tour - Canning River Wetlands
Perth Kayak Tour - Canning River Wetlands
★ 5.0 · from AUD $99
Optus Stadium HALO by Twilight
Optus Stadium HALO by Twilight
★ 5.0 · from AUD $119
Perth's True Crime Tour
Perth's True Crime Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $34
Perth Wine Region and Mandoon Estate - Guided Kayak Tour
Perth Wine Region and Mandoon Estate - Guided Kayak Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $99
Rottnest Skydive + Hillarys Ferry package
Rottnest Skydive + Hillarys Ferry package
★ 5.0 · from AUD $594
Bickley Valley Wine, Cider & Gin Tour - Premium Small Group Tour
Bickley Valley Wine, Cider & Gin Tour - Premium Small Group Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $220
Big Perth City Private Day Tours
Big Perth City Private Day Tours
★ 5.0 · from AUD $543
Pedals & Petals - Discovering Wildflowers Bike Tour Kings Park
Pedals & Petals - Discovering Wildflowers Bike Tour Kings Park
★ 5.0 · from AUD $69

Caravan parks nearby

John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park
Hovea
★ 4.7
Discovery Holiday Park
Discovery Holiday Park
Forrestfield · City of Kalamunda
★ 4.7
Caversham Wildlife Park
Caversham Wildlife Park
Whiteman · City of Swan
★ 4.6
Discovery Parks - Perth Airport
Discovery Parks - Perth Airport
Forrestfield · City of Kalamunda
★ 4.3
Cee & See Caravan Park
Cee & See Caravan Park
East Rockingham · City of Rockingham
★ 4.3
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island · City of Cockburn
★ 4.2
Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach
Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach
Coogee · City of Cockburn
★ 4.2
Discovery Parks - Swan Valley
Discovery Parks - Swan Valley
Caversham · City of Swan
★ 4.1

Nearby destinations

Fremantle
Fremantle
Greater Perth
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island
Greater Perth
Pinnacles Desert
Pinnacles Desert
Coral Coast
Margaret River
Margaret River
South West

Perth travel articles

Geraldton Holidays
Geraldton Holidays
Geraldton Holidays offers a relaxing escape to one of Western Australia’s most welcoming coastal towns. Geraldton, located north of Perth, combines ocean scenery and relaxed regional charm. Geraldton Holidays are perfect for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, or both. Coral reefs line the coa
Perth Accommodation
Perth Accommodation
Many properties will not only serve up accommodation that is second to none but there are resorts that offer lagoon style swimming pools, spas, saunas,
Busselton Travel Information
Busselton Travel Information
Tucked away in Geographe Bay, Busselton is located roughly 3 hours south of Perth along the South West Western Australia coastline and boasts an array of
South West Of Western Australia Travel Information
South West Of Western Australia Travel Information
The South West corner of Western Australia is one of its most picturesque regions. It is also one of its wealthiest. In this area, there are many things to see and do. Agriculture is one of the region’s main industries. Around the Margaret River district, just south of Perth , one of Australia’s lea
Karratha Travel Information
Karratha Travel Information
Around 1,500km north of Perth if travelling via road or just two hours by air in the town of Karratha located in the Pilbara region where you can find an array of interesting activities, tourist destinations to see, and an array of attractions for all travellers to enjoy. Karratha in the local Abori
Carnarvon Travel Information
Carnarvon Travel Information
Recognised for its tropical fruits, abundance of succulent seafood, warm climate, and banana plantations, Carnarvon is a holiday destination waiting for you. Located around 900km north of the city of Perth on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, Carnarvon is within the Gascoyne Region and fringed b
Busselton Travel Information
Busselton Travel Information
Tucked away in Geographe Bay, Busselton is located roughly 3 hours south of Perth along the South West Western Australia coastline and boasts an array of attractions and activities for all travellers to enjoy. Whether you are wishing to visit the neighbouring Margaret River region, take in some of t
Geraldton Holidays
Geraldton Holidays
Geraldton holidays have something forever within this beautiful coastal town that is located 450km north of Perth.