Skip to Content

How to Spend 4 Days in Perth – An Itinerary to See it All!

How to Spend 4 Days in Perth – An Itinerary to See it All!

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Are you heading to Perth and wondering exactly what to do? I know how difficult it can be to plan an itinerary when there’s simply too much to see!

Don’t worry though, you’re in good hands – I’m from Perth! Because of this, I know the top sights to see, as well as our favorite local spots. 

Four days in the city is the perfect amount of time to explore iconic areas, like Kings Park, and the best corners of the city (I’m looking at you, Fremantle!). I even added in a romantic sunset dinner cruise and a day trip to Rottnest Island, so there’s quite a variety to this Perth itinerary!

Day 1

Morning – Explore Kings Park

Bailey walks along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway through the treetops in Kings Park, Perth
Lotterywest Federation Walkway!
View from Kings Park of the city of Perth
Kings Park is gorgeous!

4 days in Perth is just enough time to see my favorite parts of the city. To kick it off, I’m taking you to one of the most popular areas, Kings Park! Did you know this park is actually one of the largest city parks in the world? It’s even bigger than Central Park in New York City or Hyde Park in London, so we have a lot of ground to cover here.

Plan to spend all morning here, so wear good walking shoes and grab some breakfast along the way. 

Since I grew up in Perth I’ve spent countless hours at this park and know it like the back of my hand. It lies along the Swan River, so I love that this feels like a city escape, without having to leave the city at all. You can really enjoy nature by visiting the Botanic Garden, located in the park. There are over 3,000 species of flora and a good portion of them are plants that can only be found in Western Australia, so it’s an authentic look at my home state’s beauty.

If you follow the Bushland Nature Trail, you’ll see some of the main sights of Kings Park. There is actually a lot of history here and on this 25-minute loop trail, you can see the State War Memorial, the Flame of Remembrance, the Whispering Wall, and other memorials and statues. There are info boards along the trail to give some context for these memorials – it’s pretty interesting to learn about. 

However, the most iconic King’s Park site is the DNA Tower, and once you see its spiral design, you’ll understand how it got its name. Take the 101-step climb to the top to see some of the best views of Perth! It’s worth the climb, and a great way to sneak in a little workout!

There’s also a fun way to explore Kings Park without racking up the step count. This 1.5-hour segway tour covers a lot of ground and will take you by the classic Kings Park areas, all while learning about the history from your guide. Now, I’ve never personally done this tour, but I’ve always thought riding a segway would be so fun – so give it a go for a unique way to explore! This tour is $129 AUD and takes off at 10:30 am, book it before you go here!

Lunch – Fraser’s restaurant Kings Park

Spending the morning exploring a massive park means you’ve earned a delicious lunch. Since Kings Park is so large, it’s no surprise that there are restaurants located within the park itself. Fraser’s restaurant is an icon in Kings Park and has been around for decades. It’s not just a casual eatery either, it’s actually quite luxurious!

Many people come here for dinner, but we love stopping at Fraser’s for lunch to enjoy its large patio that overlooks the park and the Swan River. Plus, it’s a bit more of a relaxed vibe at lunchtime, which is exactly what we needed after walking for the past few hours! 

As far as food goes, you will find too many good options. We got the pork cutlet with chimichurri and the snapper plate, but there were lots of other seafood and chargrilled filet offerings that were calling our name. Fraser’s is also known for their huge wine selection, so of course we had a glass with lunch – it is vacation after all! 

Fraser’s is open every day from 11:30 am so treat yourself to a relaxing lunch on day one!

Afternoon – Visit one of Perth’s best beaches

Cottesloe Beach, Perth at sunset
Cottesloe Beach, Perth is one of my personal favorites!

Perth is one of the sunniest cities in the country and also has 19 beaches surrounding it. So of course, this is an essential addition to your itinerary. Heading to the beach is something all of us locals love, whether we are having a lazy day on the sand, hitting the surf, or even snorkeling. Our personal favorite beach is Cottesloe Beach, which is a quick 20-minute Uber ride from Kings Park. 

Locals might argue which beach is best, but we love Cottesloe because of its super clear water and incredibly soft sand – you’ll have to feel it to believe! Because of the water’s great visibility, this is a fun spot to go snorkeling and catch a glimpse of all of the colorful fish. I recommend starting near the surf club, as the water is a bit calmer and makes for the best snorkeling.

Otherwise, you can spend the day enjoying the sun and sand, swimming in the water, and watching the surfers (maybe you can get out there and try it for yourself!). Bring a beach towel and sunscreen, as Australia has notoriously harsh sun rays. 

Cottesloe is also famous for the Sculpture by the Sea event, which is really fun to check out if you’re in town then. Every March, artists build sculptures all around the beach, they are really impressive! Even if you miss the event itself, you might see sculptures that stick around after. 

There are even more beach options, such as Scarborough Beach! This is a top contender for the best beach in Perth because it has a great surf scene and it’s usually less crowded. Trigg Beach is another good option, and it’s the closest beach to downtown. Finally, Coogee Beach was named one of the best beaches in the entire country, so it’s worth a stop for sure!

Sunset/dinner – Get fish and chips

Bailey enjoys fish and chips at Coogee Beach, Perth
Fish and chips at the beach are something Australians love!

Let’s wrap up your first day of exploring with a classic Australian dinner, fish and chips at sunset! You’ll find lots of fish and chips shops along the beaches. This is a classic Perth activity, we all love grabbing a platter and heading to the beach for dinner overlooking the ocean. I remember doing this as a kid, and we still enjoy this tradition today!

So after you spend the afternoon at Cottesloe Beach, hang around for sunset. Amberjacks is right next to the beach, so grab your fish and chips to go and head to the grassy knoll near the beach. You’ll see plenty of other people doing this too!

For a bit more upscale dinner option, Indigo Oscar is seriously tasty and overlooks Cottesloe Beach. They serve Latin-style seafood that will blow you away. I love the crab arepas (it made us feel like we were back in Chili!) and the swordfish ceviche was so fresh. With big windows that overlook the ocean and a great cocktail menu, it’s a comfy way to watch the sunset. You can stop by Indigo Oscars every day except Mondays, and they are open until 12 am.

Day 2

Morning – Swim with wild dolphins

Bailey climbs out of the water during the dolphin swim in Perth, WA
It was so cool!
Three dolphins swim in the water in front of us on the dolphin swim in Perth
They get so close!

Get ready for some adventure, because today starts off with a bang! We are going to take advantage of Perth’s gorgeous coastline and access to wildlife and go swimming with wild dolphins! You read that right, the first time we did this we were so excited, so I recommend this activity to anyone traveling through. 

We highly recommend this top-rated day tour, not only for the fun but also because the crew is simply amazing! They are passionate about the animals and the ocean and take great care of the natural environment. The coolest part was that the crew became friends with the resident dolphins, and gave them nicknames, learned their personalities, and the dolphins clearly recognized the crew too. This made the experience a lot more personal and fun for all of us on the tour, and we appreciate knowing the tour companies are reputable. 

You can either choose to drive yourself to Rockingham (about 40 minutes outside of Perth) or have the tour pick you up from your hotel – that’s what we did! We liked that this tour felt relaxed as we cruised on the boat until we spotted dolphins, which didn’t take long. Then we geared up and jumped in, having a long time to swim with the dolphins. The crew provided all of our snorkel equipment and made sure we felt safe and ready to go, it was a seamless day.

They also provided a great onboard lunch and got us back to Perth by about 2:30 pm. This left the rest of the afternoon to continue exploring. If you select the option with transportation, it is $339 AUD per person, and that also includes lunch and snorkel gear. This was one of our favorite experiences in Perth, so I’d say this is an essential addition to your itinerary!

Related Read: Want to get out of the city? Take a trip to Penguin Island – read all about it here!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Afternoon – Wander around Fremantle

The main street called Market Street in Fremantle, WA
Fremantle is one of Perth’s favorite suburbs!

After your exciting morning, head back to your hotel, get cleaned up (maybe sneak in a quick nap) and we will continue exploring! Make your way to Fremantle, one of my favorite corners of Perth’s metro area and only 25 minutes from downtown. This is a charming historic port city full of old-timey architecture, quaint shops, and markets. It’s simply fun to wander around, but you can also check out my full guide to the best things to do in Freo (as we locals call it!). 

Plan on spending the afternoon and evening here, which is just enough time to see the highlights. The Fremantle Markets are a staple in the city – it’s a historic market made up of 150 vendors selling almost anything you could think of. This is a great spot to pick up a souvenir or perhaps a snack at Gelatissimo!

The main street in Fremantle is High Street and I always enjoy exploring this area, no matter how many times I’ve done it before. It’s full of those quaint, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery has some really beautiful pieces to look at, and it’s even cooler because it’s all made by Aboriginal artists who use traditional techniques. It’s a neat part of Australia’s history that you can check out!

There is also some unique history in Fremantle. The Roundhouse is the oldest public building in the entire state, and you can explore it for yourself! It was used as a prison from 1831 to 1886 until the Fremantle Prison was built. 

Once you’re done exploring the city, be sure to head to Bathers Beach. They have lounge chairs available to rent and this is another popular sunset-watching beach. South Fremantle Beach is another excellent beach not too far away! If you loved the fish and chips by the ocean last night, you can find it again by grabbing dinner at Sealanes, near South Beach!

Dinner – Dinner in Fremantle

The National Hotel in Fremantle, WA
Imagine having dinner and drinks on the rooftop at the National Hotel!

As you wander through Fremantle, I’m sure you’ll notice about a hundred amazing restaurants to try. There is a surprising amount of dining options, this area is known for its restaurant scene! But, I’ll narrow down a few options to help you decide!

If you like historic buildings and rooftop views, then be sure to stop by The National Hotel! I’m sure you’ll pass by it as you’re exploring, it’s a rather large building and quite beautiful. The rooftop bar is a must-visit, even if you’re just going for drinks! But if you do decide to have dinner here, the chicken parmigiana is delightful, and their burgers are huge. 

Tonic + Ginger is another one of our favorite Freo restaurants, as the ambiance is hard to beat! They are a trendy Asian fusion restaurant and all of their dishes are made to be shared. We love this concept, that way we can try a variety of dishes. They also have a “Feed Me Feast” where they craft the menu for you, so you get something really delicious.

Another unique restaurant is Lions and Tigers, crafting Indian-fusion dishes. I don’t know about you, but anytime I can have dal, chutney, masala, and other unique creations – I’m pretty happy! The design is modern and the staff is really welcoming, so we always enjoy stopping in here. 

Night – Go for drinks in Fremantle

A cocktail at Darling Darling
Photo credit: Darling Darling
A cocktail at Darling Darling bar in Fremantle
Photo credit: Darling Darling

To finish off day two of your itinerary, hit the town in Freo! This neighborhood of Perth is popular for a reason and there are a ton of fun bars to check out. 

Freo.Social is a great music venue, so if you fancy a live show, check their schedule to see if anyone is playing while you’re in town! If there isn’t any live music, they always have some sort of event like bingo, comedy shows, or a DJ.

If you like a good themed bar, you’ll love Darling, Darling! This bar is designed as if you’re in a pirate ship, and I gotta say, it’s pretty impressive decor and the cocktails are even better. Jungle Bird is a tiki-themed bar, so of course there are great rum cocktails and a super fun vibe. 

For a truly unique night out, you have to hit the Flight Club. This is Fremantle’s dart bar, and if you’ve never been to a dart bar before you’re in for a treat. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but was greeted with a 1920s style and a lively crowd, as people get really into darts! You can reserve a dart area, almost like a bowling lane (but much nicer), and you and your friends can play a game of darts. 

Even if you don’t end up playing, you can still enjoy their bar and kitchen. Overall, it’s a really fun atmosphere and a nice change of pace. Flight Club is open daily, and closes between midnight and 1 am, depending on the day.

Day 3

Morning – Visit a museum or two

The Perth Mint, Western Australia
The Perth Mint, Western Australia

Let’s dive into Perth’s history by exploring some museums! There are a surprising amount of museums in the city, and each is pretty unique. Even if you’re not a huge museum person (like us, admittedly!) I’m sure you’ll find one or two that are quite interesting. There is plenty to explore from classic museums like Natural History and Art or niche museums like the Mint or Video Game Museum. 

Most of these museums are close together in Perth’s cultural center, so you can walk between them. Some are driving distance, though, so keep that in mind as you plan your schedule!

Art Gallery of WA 

For our art enthusiasts out there, you’ll love the Art Gallery of WA! This art museum has it all, from classical styles to contemporary art. It also houses the State Art Collection and is in a historic building. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and is free to enter (donations are recommended!). 

You can find the Art Gallery of WA in Perth’s cultural area.

Perth Cultural Center and WA Museum Boola Bardip 

Right across the street from the art museum is the official Perth Cultural Center! There is always some fun program going on and it is a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Within the cultural center, you’ll find various museums, theaters, and the State Library, and there is also a lot of cool artwork posted around here. 

One of the most popular museums in Perth is located in the Cultural Center, the WA Museum Boola Bardip. The name means “many stories” in the Whadjuk Noongar language, which was the area’s native people group. Inside, you will find a huge blue whale skeleton, dinosaur bones, models of plants and animals native to Perth, and so much more! It is definitely an interactive museum and is fun for anyone to explore. 

We usually spend about 2 hours here, you can visit daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is $15 AUD. 

Perth Mint 

Heading out of the cultural area, you will need to drive to reach this one. The Perth Mint is one of those museums that doesn’t exactly feel like a museum because it’s so hands-on. This museum is all about money, gold, and the history of the gold rush! You can see tons of gold artifacts on display, and they still produce and export $26 billion AUD worth of gold, silver, and platinum bullion bars and coins. 

There is a guided tour of the Perth Mint that lets you get a closer look at the process. You can hold a gold bullion bar worth $700,000, see a solid bar being made from molten gold, and also see the largest coin produced (which is worth $50 million, by the way!). This is a really unique museum experience and the tour can be booked in advance for $24 AUD.

The Nostalgia Box Museum 

Another eclectic museum is the Nostalgia Box Museum. This is perfect for gamers, as it’s all about the history of video games and consoles! They have over 100 historic video game consoles, many are still functional and you can play them. Test your skills on Mario Kart, Pac-Man, or Space Invaders, or simply gawk at the collection. Admission is $18.70 AUD and you can visit Wednesday through Sunday. 

Lunch – Have Lunch in Elizabeth Quay

Bailey with a beer and pizza at The Island Brew House in Elizabeth Quay, Perth
The Island Brew House!
Elizabeth Quay Bridge in Perth, Australia

You can’t visit Perth without spending some time in Elizabeth Quay. This lively part of the city is full of activities, and the fact that it lies right next to the Swan River makes it all the more lovely to explore. It is full of shopping, unique city attractions, art and history, and lots of restaurants and bars. So before we get to exploring, stop for lunch!

There are tons of restaurant options, but The Lucky Shag is my recommendation if you haven’t been to a proper Aussie-style bar yet. It has a lively atmosphere and gorgeous views right on the river! They make great pizzas, burgers, and seafood dishes, and you know it’s fresh by the location. Nearby, The Island Brewhouse is another one of our favorites for a pizza and a pint of locally brewed beer!

Six Senses The Quay is where we go if we are looking for something a bit classier. With huge windows overlooking the water and a relaxed, modern design, it’s a great spot to take a break. But let’s be honest, we come here for the amazing Thai food. Pad Thai, crispy pork and basil rice, salt and pepper squid … you can’t choose wrong!

For those true seafood lovers out there, you must stop by the Oyster Bar Elizabeth Quay. This spot is legendary in the Quay and they truly knock it out of the park with their variety of seafood dishes. But the staple is oysters and you can get them freshly shucked, fried, or however you’d like! I also love this spot because the portions are big and it’s not too expensive, which isn’t always the case at seafood restaurants. 

Related Read: If you love craft beer like we do, be sure to check out our favorite breweries in Perth!

Afternoon – Wander Elizabeth Quay

perth city elizabath quay
There is so much to see in Elizabeth Quay!

Elizabeth Quay is one of the most popular areas of Perth for a reason, we love simply wandering around here. There are often markets or events happening around the quay, but there are also a handful of staples to check out. The Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge connects one side of the quay to the other. It makes exploring easier and also gives city views off to one side, and beautiful river views on the other!

Another “can’t miss” quay attraction is the Bell Tower. You literally can’t miss it at 82.5 meters (230 feet) high and it’s even the largest instrument in the world. There are 18 bells within the tower and it rings from 12-1 pm Thursday through Sunday. 

We took a tour of the Bell Tower to learn a little bit more. Here, we saw the bells that are from the 14th century, originally created for a church in London but were too heavy and were gifted to Perth! They even let you ring the chiming bells on this tour, which was more fun than I’d like to admit. Tours are available at 10:30 am, 11 am, and 1 pm for $22 AUD. 

Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, checking out the Elizabeth Quay Carousel is a must! Kids especially love riding on it, but we thought it was cool to see this historic structure – it was made by an Italian engineer who also built the carousel by the Eiffel Tower. You’ll also find the BHP Water Park, the ideal thing to do on a hot day! During the day, there’s a popular splash pad for the kiddos, but at night, it lights up in an array of colorful lights!

As you wander around Elizabeth Quay, you’ll find plenty of fun things to see. After a few hours, head back to your hotel to freshen up and put on your fanciest clothes. Tonight’s activity is one of my favorite things to do in Perth!

Dinner – Go on a sunset dinner cruise

Captain Cook Cruises (WA) Meal on the swan river cruise
Photo credit: Captain Cook Cruises
Captain Cook Cruises (WA) seating with a view
Photo credit: Captain Cook Cruises

How do incredible sunset views, a gourmet dinner, and a cruise along the Swan River sound? Well lucky for you, that’s just what we have planned to wrap up today’s itinerary! We loved this sunset dinner cruise in Perth, it truly is as relaxing as it sounds. 

We set sail from Elizabeth Quay at 7 pm, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy drinks on the deck, the golden sky, and beautiful views of the river and the city. Beer and wine are complimentary on this cruise (cocktails can be purchased at the bar) but we loved the local Australian wines on offer. 

We then headed to our table inside for a buffet dinner, and I’m talking about a gourmet buffet dinner! They didn’t take any shortcuts here featuring king prawns, roast beef, gnocchi, barramundi, multiple types of salads and starters, and dessert! Buffets can often be disappointing, but this one certainly was not. We enjoyed our yummy meal while taking in those sunset views, and the live music on board made the ambiance so luxurious. 

Before we knew it, our 2.5-hour cruise was heading back to the docks! I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the incredible views or the amazing food – it was a great experience. The cruise is offered on Friday and Saturday nights, so I highly recommend reserving it as far out as you can to secure your spot. It is $170 AUD per person, which we thought was a great price for the cruise, drinks, and dinner!

Day 4

Day trip to Rottnest Island

Daniel and Bailey at one of the beautiful bays on Rottnest Island
Another beautiful beach!
Bailey with a Quokka on Rottnest Island
Our first-ever selfie with a quokka!

Just like that, we are on our last day in Perth! So naturally, we saved the best for last and are taking a day trip to Rottnest Island. Located about 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) off the coast, Rottnest Island is famous for its adorable little quokkas, stunning blue water, and 63 different beaches. So if you’re ready for a day in paradise, head to Rottnest!

There are a few ways to get to Rottnest Island, either on your own via ferry or by taking a day tour. You can book ferry tickets in advance for $119 AUD round trip (including port fees) and spend the day exploring on your own. The island is car-free, so you either need to rent a bike to explore or book a shuttle. That’s why we think taking an organized tour makes the whole day easier, as you don’t have to plan any logistics or figure out how to get around on the island!

We joined this full-day tour, which was a good balance of organized activities and plenty of time to enjoy the island on our own. Our tour met at the Barrett St Jetty in Elizabeth Quay (where you were yesterday) and organized all of our ferry tickets and logistics – such a stress relief! This ferry ride was pretty fun too, as we got more gorgeous views of the Swan River as we made our way to Fremantle, and then the ferry crossed over to Rotto (what we locals call Rottnest Island!). 

Once we got on the island, we were loaded into a sightseeing coach where our guide took us to all of the important sites. We learned about the island’s history, like how the Noongar people previously inhabited it, then was an Aboriginal prison, and eventually turned into a WWII military base. They also took us to the Wadjemup Lighthouse and to a popular quokka gathering spot! We liked this coach tour because it helped us figure out which parts of the island we wanted to return to in the afternoon – the quokka beach was definitely one of them!

Bailey at Little Parakeet Bay on Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia
The water is stunning around Rottnest!

We had a yummy lunch provided, which was another perk of taking a guided tour, and then we had a few hours of solo time! Of course, we went back to visit the quokkas, they are so cute and always look like they are smiling! Just be sure to respect these protected animals by not touching or feeding them, but you can definitely take a selfie. 

The rest of our free time we spent swimming in the water, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding. You can also rent bikes and explore the island, which is the best way to get around if you ask me! To get the full run-down, be sure to read our guide to visiting Rottnest Island here.

The tour wraps up by ferrying back to Perth. We were tired by the end but thought it was the best way to end our 4-day Perth itinerary!

When booking this tour, you can decide whether you want to leave from Perth or Fremantle, depending on where you’re staying, and if you’d like lunch included or not. We chose to depart from Perth and have lunch (we were going for convenience here!) and it was $223 AUD per person. Considering how the ferry ride alone is over half of that amount, and it included our amazing guide, a coach tour, and lunch, we thought this was a great deal for a day trip! With hundreds of positive reviews, we aren’t the only ones who loved it either.

Where to Stay in Perth

The Westin Perth hotel room with a view
Photo credit: The Westin Perth

Now that you have a full 4-day itinerary, it’s time to find a place to stay in Perth. Because many of our activities are within Perth’s CBD (Central Business District), I recommend staying in the heart of the city if you can. There are places to stay in the city center for a range of budgets. If you need some help narrowing it down, these are our top picks!  

The Westin Perth – $$$  

A mix of classy and contemporary, The Westin Perth is the place to stay when you’re looking for a touch of luxury. The prime location in the heart of Perth puts you within walking distance of the trendy Elizabeth Quay area as well as lots of restaurants and cafes. You can also use the hotel’s infinity pool or its signature restaurant run by iconic Australian Chef Guy Grossi.

Rooms here start around $400 AUD per night. Check availability on Booking.com.

Pensione Hotel Perth – $$ 

A nice mid-range option, the Pensione Hotel Perth is a refurbished boutique hotel with 98 rooms. It’s close to Elizabeth Quay, major shopping centers, the Swan River, and Northbridge. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into the 1960s with restored furniture and décor from the time filling the lobby. The staff members are really friendly and the rooms are super comfortable.

Rooms are reasonably priced under $150 AUD per night. Book this stay here on Booking.com.

Hostel G Perth – $ 

You don’t need to pay big bucks to stay in Perth’s CBD, Hostel G Perth has dorm rooms for around $40 AUD or private rooms for around $100 AUD. You’ll have a huge common area with movies on TV, a kitchen, and a great atmosphere with travelers of all ages.  

We really like hostels because they are affordable so you can travel longer and you might even meet some new friends to hang out with! Grab a room using Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.  

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia

Bailey stands smiles and leans out of a JUCY campervan while camping in Australia
JUCY is one of our go-to campervan companies (read below for a discount code!)
Star-RV-campervan-in-Australia-Daniel-making-food-2.jpg
Daniel is quite the chef!

With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!

Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.

You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

  • Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping).  The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
  • Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie on Rottnest Island, Perth
Thanks for reading!

We hope that you have the best time exploring Perth, I know you’ll certainly be busy with this 4-day itinerary. You can either follow it exactly or pick out your favorite activities. As a local myself, I can confidently say that you’re going to see the best of the city and maybe even find more hidden gems as you explore!

Thanks for reading our blog, if you found this helpful be sure to check out our other Australia posts. We’ve traveled all over the country and love sharing our experiences, tips, and favorite places. Here are a few to get you started:

12 Best Tours in Perth, Australia – from a Local!

How to Spend 4 Days in Sydney – An Itinerary to See it All!

16 Things to Know about Swimming with Whale Sharks in Exmouth

22 BEST Things to do on Rottnest Island