Perth as the Perfect Stopover: 3-4 Night Perth Itinerary
Arriving long-haul in Perth? A stopover here is a no-brainer. Here's why, and how to plan three or four days.
For travellers arriving in Perth on Qantas QF10 from London or long-haul from Europe, a stopover in Perth is the perfect chance to recharge the batteries and explore a piece of Western Australia before heading East to Sydney, Melbourne or indeed back overseas.
Perth, with its abundant sunny days, laid-back vibe, and proximity to spectacular scenery, is an inviting alternative to busier stopover cities from Europe to Australia.
Here's my carefully curated 3-4 night itinerary designed to help you make the most of your stopover in Perth, mixing equal parts relaxation to get over jet lag (I suffer) with the chance to explore somewhere new.
Why Stopover in Perth?
With direct flights from London, Paris, and Rome, Perth has established itself as Australia's "western gateway".
While you could easily spend a longer trip here, a 3-4 day stopover is enough of a break before your next flight, with gorgeous beaches, culture galore and unique wildlife (hello quokkas!).
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Arrival and Transfer to the City
Upon landing, the first priority is to make your way into Perth city. If you prefer comfort, consider a taxi ($40), but I recommend the Airport Line train, a faster and more affordable option at just a few dollars.
For more details on transfer options from Perth Airport to the City, see my full guide to Perth Airport Transfers.
Check-in and Relaxation
Once you've arrived in the CBD, settle into your accommodation. To make life easy, I like good hotels within walking distance of the train station for that handy 18-min Airport Line.
Hotel Options near Perth Train Station
After check-in, ease into the timezone by heading out for an evening stroll at Elizabeth Quay. This cool waterfront area is good for a walk, with lovely views of the Swan River and city skyline. There's places to get a coffee or something stronger. Check out my evening walkabout at Elizabeth Quay for tips on what to do.
Photo: Patrick Hughes - A view of Perth downtown high rise buildings from Elizabeth Quay
Day 2: Exploring Perth's Highlights
Morning: Kings Park and Perth Library
Start your first full day with a visit to Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. It offers incredible panoramic views of the Swan River and the city skyline. I took so many pictures in Perth, I think because of that big blue sky (find out about the gear I use).
Take a peaceful walk through the Botanic Gardens and pass by the War Memorial. This walk is great for getting into the timezone.
Now this might not be for you, in which case take time to grab a coffee from one of the fab independent stores in West Leederville like Hylin. However, I love a library, and Perth Library is one of my personal favourite spots for its architecture and quiet atmosphere.
If your hotel wi-fi is below par, the speed here is great so settle in to catch up on comms.
Afternoon: Cottesloe Beach
Take a short ride to Cottesloe Beach, Perth's iconic stretch of sand.
If the weather is sunny (odds are, it will be), Cottesloe is a strip of golden coastline and Indian Ocean waves. You can snooze, swim or enjoy everyone walking by!
If you've got time, the sunsets at Cottesloe are a must-do, so if you can stay until early evening, you'll love it. Don't forget your reef-safe sunscreen!
Evening: Dining at Jaw Sushi
For dinner, try Jaw Sushi in the city, where I had a reasonably priced meal and good service. Although I ordered sushi, I couldn't resist their crispy chicken - it was fantastic.
Day 3: Fremantle and Rottnest Island
Morning: Fremantle Exploration
On your third day, take a short train ride to the boho town of Fremantle (or "Freo" to the locals).
Famous for its café culture (such an important part of visiting Australia), markets, and maritime history, Fremantle is also home to the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison, a tour I really enjoyed (I learned a chunk about Irish history).
Top Tip: you can enter the prison grounds for free (check out the shop and No Escape cafe) and take a (paid) tour with a Fremantle Prison guide - I booked that directly here on the Fremantle Prison website.
Photo: Patrick Hughes - a sign through flaky paint bars at Fremantle Prison
Spend your entire morning here. I would eat at the market if it's open while you're there, I had a disappointing pizza at a local brewery - avoid.
Afternoon: Rottnest Island Adventure
In the afternoon, hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island, home to the famous quokka, known as the world's happiest animal.
To get the most out of the trip, explore the island by bike, snorkel at one of its 63 beaches, or just chill out on the beach. I recommend this specific tour which combines the ferry and bike rental into one.
Don't miss a selfie with a quokka before heading back to Fremantle in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Day Trip to the Swan Valley
Morning: Wine Tasting and Scenic Beauty
On your final full day, take a trip to Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region.
A short drive from the city, Swan Valley is known in particular for rich red wines and artisanal food producers. To be clear, if you do want to do some tastings, please take a tour or organise a driver for the day.
Your tour will recommend where to sample wines, and you could also House of Honey, famous for its local honey varieties.
The better wine tours, like this wine and food tour, include your wine tastings, a visit to a local brewery plus lots of local food tastings.
Optional Add-On: If you have extra time, consider extending your stay and visiting Margaret River or Pinnacles Desert, both located a few hours' drive from Perth. I stayed at the Grange Motel in Margaret River and highly rate Morries for food and wine, or Arc of Iris.
Day 5: Departure to Eastern Australia or Overseas
Photo: Patrick Hughes - Qantas QF10 at Perth Airport
Morning: Final Exploration and Qantas Lounge
Before heading to the airport, use your final morning for last-minute shopping or a relaxed coffee around Perth CBD. There's a very handy Woolworths on Murray Street (beside the train station if you're heading back to the airport) - perfect to pick up some nice Aussie snacks.
If you're flying with Qantas, make sure to check out the Qantas International Lounge for a relaxing pre-flight experience if you have a premium ticket or oneworld status. For more details on my lounge experience, see my Qantas Lounges Long-Haul article.
Catch your onward flight to Melbourne, Sydney, or beyond - here's my guide to the Qantas QF10 onward flight to Melbourne (a route now serviced by a narrow-body Airbus).
If you'd like a more detailed guide to Perth, consider reading my solo travel guide to Perth.
Practical Tips for Qantas QF10 Travellers
- Luggage Storage: If you don't want to drag your bags around, check out luggage storage at Perth Airport.
- Wi-Fi: Perth offers free public Wi-Fi in many areas, so once you're connected, you can wander the city and stay connected! Find out more here.
- Getting Around: Utilize Perth's excellent Transperth public transport - which extends to the airport and which I used to Fremantle. A free transit zone can be used within the City of Perth for free. Isn't that a fantastic idea?
Conclusion: A stopover worth the time
Look, not every international stopover city is worth spending 3-4 days out of your overall itinerary. However, if you're coming to Australia from Europe, Asia or the Americas, you're coming a huge distance, hopefully for a longer duration.
In that context, Perth's proximity to natural beauty and chilled approach is an ideal stopover for long-haul fliers. If nothing else, it's great to pause for a couple of days to acclimatise to one timezone before jumping to another! But there's so much more here. Add Perth into your itinerary!