Founded in 1829 by Captain James Stirling, Perth was home to indigenous populations for over 38,000 years. The often overlooked capital of Western Australia today boasts big city attractions and a sublime laid-back tempo. There's much to do from horse racing, to exploring parklands, bush and clean beaches. A flight to Perth is a splendid idea.
The city is served by the Perth Airport (PER) where both international and domestic carriers land. British nationals require a visa to travel to Australia. A flight from London to Perth or a flight from Manchester to Perth will usually have a stopover, so package holidays to Perth are a good idea to keep things simple.
Perth is 8 hours ahead of the United Kingdom. The official currency in use is the Australian Dollar (AUD). English is the most widely spoken language.
The best time to visit is in spring. A flight to and hotel in Perth will need to be booked early. December through February features scorching summers while March through May brings international visitors. Package holidays to Perth are cheaper during the winter months of June, July and August.
March features the Hyde Park Fair; an extravaganza of rides, markets, car shows and live music. There's also the Cambridge Street Festival in March – expect pop-up stalls, amusement rides, circus art and more. Popular springtime festivals include the Curious Collective Markets and the Perth Craft Beer Festival. The Subiaco Arts Centre hosts the Perth International Arts Festival and Perth Comedy Festival are also popular.
Experience live music and sport at the 15,000 capacity Perth Arena, one of Australia's most imaginative and complex steel structures. The likes of Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones have performed here. Indoor skydiving awaits at iFly, Perth's glass flight chambers where large wind generators lift you into a cushion of air. Now everyone can be a superhero on their Perth city breaks!
Rib-tickling interstate and international comedy awaits at the city's number one producer of live comedy entertainment, Comedy Lounge. Also consider Australia’s Only Inner City Camel Riding Tour, Camel West. Your camel will take you past the Swan River, Canary Island Date Palms, the Bell Tower, Barrack Square and Elizabeth Quay.
Perth caters to all visitors whether the culture vulture, the outdoorsy kind, the eternal gourmet or the art and history buff.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Perth.
Craft your own culinary itinerary during your weekend in Perth where you'll find Western Australia's highest concentration of alfresco restaurants and sensational rooftop bars. Indulge in everything from classy coffees and cakes, to Nepali momos and Japanese maki. How about some freshly caught seafood served with organic produce and local wines on your Perth city breaks? Vegetarians and vegans are spoilt for choice in Perth, as are visitors keen to eat international at Perth's myriad food trucks, noodle houses and tapas bars.
The city's biggest malls, Hay Street and Murray are home to excellent speciality stores. Check out stunning Kimberley pink diamonds, Australian opals and Kalgoorlie gold at the highbrow King Street. The neighbourhoods of Subiaco, Claremont and Fremantle meanwhile beckon for their eclectic mix of artisan and boutique shops selling local designs and accessories.
Mount Lawley is the to-go place for vintage clothing. Beat the heat with a trip to Perth's iconic shopping arcades: Carillon City, Piccadilly Plaza and Trinity Arcade are highly recommended. Quirky souvenirs can be bought at the ambient night markets and inner city villages. Your flight to and hotel in Perth await so come on over!
Planning on flying to Australia? If a city break in Perth doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Australia ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!