Heading to Perth? Where do you start?
Perth is the gateway to WA but also a genuine, world-class tourism destination in its own right. With a Mediterranean-esque climate, stunning waterways and beaches, an incredible diversity of produce and cuisine, a renowned wine industry, and an annual calendar of spectacular (and delicious) events, Perth’s appeal is well-founded.
If you’re a first-timer, seriously, where should you start? Should you just stay in Perth? Or visit Margaret River? What about Rottnest Island? Could you do all of them on your precious short break? These are common questions, and who better to answer them than an ATAS accredited Perth travel agent with unbeatable local knowledge and all the tools, experience and relationships to help you plan the perfect Perth holiday.
Perth – A city by the river
Founded in 1829, Perth is now a thriving, modern city that brims with restaurants, bars, shopping, cultural attractions and festivals, and sporting events of global significance. It’s also home to Kings Park on Mt Eliza overlooking Perth City and the Swan River - one of the largest city parks in the world.
Perth is commonly the first port of call for leisure and business travellers alike, and is the leaping-off point for just about every corner of the state. But before they head off on adventures across WA, the city’s many gems, nearby wineries and family-friendly attractions keep visitors happily occupied. With so much to see and do in and around Perth, seek out an ATAS accredited Perth travel agent who can listen and recommend the perfect experiences and places to stay.
Much of the life of the city takes place on and beside the wonderful Swan river. Follow the river downstream to Fremantle, and you’ll pass some of Perth's poshest homes. Alternatively, head upstream to discover the state’s oldest wine region - the Swan Valley.
Festivals and sport aplenty
With most of WA's major professional sporting teams based in Perth and downriver at Fremantle, there's almost always something going on at one of the cities' major stadia and venues. Take your pick from cricket, AFL, sailing, tennis, soccer and more. Be sure to ask a Perth travel agent for the good oil on what's likely to get the barrackers riled up and raucous when you're in town.
Culturally, Perth's events and festivals calendar is as good as you'll find anywhere in Australia. Visit between mid-January and mid-February and you may well find yourself at Fringe World—Western Australia's biggest and most popular annual event. Fringe offers something for everyone from comedy, circus, theatre and cabaret. Fringe typically overlaps with the Perth Festival which runs for three weeks from early February each year.

Fringe World Festival, Perth. Photo credit - Tourism Western Australia
Foodies find a lot to get excited about in Perth with a schedule of festivals and events right through the year including Sunset Wine & Brews at Scarborough Beach, City Wine, and Unwined Subiaco—the largest showing of West Australian wineries anywhere in the state. Slightly farther afield, three hours to the south, each November you'll find the renowned Margaret River Gourmet Escape—an extraordinary, world class festival of food and wine.
Just east of Margaret River lies
Manjimup where the richness of the soils and the cool climate are ideally suited to growing premium grapes and black truffles. The Australian truffle season runs from June to September, kicked off here with the annual Truffle Kerfuffle festival. An ATAS accredited Perth travel agent can help you build the perfect foodie itinerary.
All at Sea
Like elsewhere in Australia, Perth’s cruise market is booming. Perth is served by the port of Fremantle, a place even more laid-back than Perth itself. Many of the world's great cruise liners visit here en-route to Asia, Africa, Australia's east coast ports, and New Zealand. If you're considering a cruise, chat to an ATAS accredited Perth travel agent—many are genuine cruise experts—about precisely what you're looking for. You will benefit from their expertise and exclusive special offers.
Closer to shore is Rottnest island—an absolute favourite getaway for Perth locals and visitors alike. Rottnest sits 18 kilometres offshore from Fremantle. Perhaps best known for its quokkas—a small native marsupial, the island is also home to southern fur seals and Australian sea lions. The island’s beaches and coves are breath-taking, and can be explored on day trips from Perth or as part of a multi-day island stay.
Ferry transfers to Rottnest depart from both Fremantle and Perth, taking roughly 25 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. Work with an ATAS accredited Perth travel agent to help you plan the perfect visit to Rottnest—their expert local knowledge will be just the ticket.
Perth is blessed with a multitude of accommodation options driven by a flurry of recent luxury landmark hotels. ATAS accredited
Western Australia travel agents can help you select the perfect hotel to suit your budget, taste and requirements. What’s more, they’ll be in your corner should anything go wrong as you travel.
Tackle your Perth holiday planning with an ATAS accredited Perth travel agent. You'll travel with the confidence of having a professional in your corner every step of the way.
ATAS accredited travel agents—experience you can trust.