Perth Accommodation & Beach Houses

Perched on the south-western coast of Australia, Perth is one of the world's most isolated cities. Yet despite its remote location, it's a travel destination that offers so much for the visitor - great food, a thriving arts scene, unique wildlife, and some of the best beaches in Australia. For holidaymakers who appreciate privacy and comfort when away from home, staying in Perth holiday accommodation is the ideal way to uncover the magic of this vibrant metropolis.

Once the country’s best-kept secret, today Perth increasingly features on the itineraries of travellers. The white sands of Cottesloe Beach, shopping at King Street, cruises on the Swan River, walking tours, lazing at Kings Park, and the many cosmopolitan attractions are just a few reasons.

Like everything else, housing styles in Perth have also undergone a change. But some of the older-style homes still stand, such as Californian beach houses and cottages featuring Art Deco elements. Renting your own accommodation in Perth adds a nice local touch to your holiday in Western Australia. Whether you're seeking an apartment in the city or a cosy beach house, you'll find a wide range of Perth accommodation, perfect for every budget.

Perth Transport: Getting to the City and Finding Your Way Around

Visitors arriving at Perth Airport can access rideshare services such as Uber or Ola, as well as taxis, outside each terminal. Car hire is also available at the airport, with services including Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Hertz, and Europcar.

However, the most affordable way to reach your Perth accommodation is to use the city’s public transport system. Travellers arriving at Terminals 1 or 2 can catch bus 380 to the city, and those arriving at Terminals 3 and 4 take bus 40.

Local trains and buses are also a great way to get around, once you’ve settled in. Free buses transport passengers throughout the inner city, enabling you to easily visit attractions such as Kings Park and Perth Cultural Centre.

What to eat on your holiday in Perth

Given its coastal location, it is no wonder that Perth has some of the best and freshest seafood around. Chilli Mussels, where mussels are cooked in chilli and tomato jus, is a popular local delicacy. And you do not even have to travel far to taste it; Chilli Mussels are available at pretty much every eatery in the city.

Seafood lovers can also try the fresh Crayfish at any restaurant in the summers. The Twilight Hawkers Market held at Forrest Place is perfect for when you want to hog on street food while enjoying live music. The market operates in the evenings from October to April every year.

For a memorable upscale dining experience, drop by at the C Restaurant which holds the distinction of being the sole revolving restaurant in Western Australia. Australian food with a contemporary twist, cocktails, high-tea and a bird’s eye view of the city from 33 floors up is what you can expect here.

Perth's best beaches

Conveniently located between Perth and Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach has long been one of the city's most iconic destinations. Boasting a wide golden expanse of sand, terraced lawns, and the imposing art deco Indiana Teahouse, it's the perfect spot for a refreshing swim during Perth's sweltering summers. Each March, thousands of art-lovers flock to Cottesloe Beach for the annual Sculpture by the Sea competition, reputed to be one of the world's largest public sculpture exhibitions.

Located 24km off the coast of Fremantle, Rottnest Island also offers a dazzling selection of gorgeous beaches. Ranging from surfing hot spots such as Strickland Bay to sheltered family beaches like the Basin, the island is considered to possess some of Australia's most beautiful beaches. Visitors seeking a beach house holiday in Perth could also consider a sojourn at City Beach, Sorrento, Scarborough, or South Fremantle.

Perth's unique cultural scene: Indigenous art and historic shipwrecks

Perth’s main culture hub is Northbridge, just minutes from the city’s main shopping and business district. Here, visitors will find many of Western Australia’s major arts and cultural organisations, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which houses an impressive collection of Indigenous Australian art as well as works by other Australian and international artists. Nearby, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts is a venue for both the visual and performing arts. Also located within the Perth culture district, the State Library of Western Australia and the main campus of the Western Australian Museum hold regular exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Just over 20km south of Perth, the historic port of Fremantle is also renowned as a creative melting pot, boasting many galleries, museums and performing arts spaces. Located in an iconic 19th-century building, Fremantle Arts Centre is at the forefront of the vibrant local arts scene, with regular exhibitions and creative classes for both adults and children. At weekends, its gardens and intimate courtyard serve as very hip live music venues, while its gift shop sells high-quality works by some of Western Australia's most gifted craftspeople.

Holidays with kids in Perth: wildlife parks and beaches

Perth is an outstanding holiday destination for families, as you'll find heaps of fun things to keep younger travellers entertained. Perth Zoo has been a favourite with children since it first opened in 1898. As well as exploring the zoo independently, visitors can listen to insightful talks by the animals' keepers, watch the animals get fed, go on guided walks, and take part in special behind-the-scenes animal encounters. The zoo also hosts special children's events throughout the year, including teddy bears' picnics and the immensely popular Happy Zoo Year program.

Other destinations that young animal-lovers may enjoy when visiting Perth are Caversham Wildlife Park, Penguin Island, and AQWA - the Aquarium of Western Australia. During school holidays and on some weekends, the Parks and Wildlife Service also run their popular Nearer to Nature program, which enables children to learn about the natural world in a fun, hands-on way.

Hiking in local nature reserves is also an enjoyable family activity, and kangaroos can regularly be seen in the early evening at both the John Forrest and Beelu National Parks. During the gloriously hot summers, what better way to enjoy quality family time than at the beach - both Cottesloe and Triggs are firm favourites with locals and visitors alike.

Where to go out on your holiday in Perth

A nice day of sightseeing is wrapped up best by a cold beer, live music and a stroll to check out the city’s nightspots. Perth checks all the right boxes for a memorable night out. Walk through the city laneways and discover a new bar every night of your holiday , or head to the most popular joints to experience the vibe for yourself.

The Must Winebar is one such place. Stylish and upscale, the award-winning place is frequented by wine lovers enthusiastic to try out a few from the 500 names on its master list. Choose from the French bar food menu and unwind France-style in the heart of Perth.

For a taste of the city’s best live music and clubbing scene, Metro City in Northbridge is the place to head to. Every weekend here brings Perth’s biggest and best house party. Drop in on R&B Saturdays to catch a live gig by famous artists. With nine bars across four different levels, you can party till you drop.

Exciting Perth excursions: Rottnest Island's quokkas and native wildflowers

A favourite outing of visitors to Perth is to Kings Park - a 400 hectare reserve situated on Mount Eliza, overlooking Perth City and the Swan River. As well as having cultivated parklands and picturesque water features, much of the park is preserved native bushland. Situated within Kings Park, the Western Australian Botanic Gardens protects thousands of native flora species - many of which are found only in the western part of Australia.

Another unmissable day out is a boat trip to Rottnest Island, situated just 23km off the coast of Fremantle. The island is home to some of Australia's prettiest beaches, where you can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and more fun activities. Rottnest Island is also the home of cute marsupials called quokkas, which are firm favourites with visitors due to their gentle and curious nature.

Events in Perth: celebrating sun, fun and food

A large, modern city with a population of over two million people, Perth hosts dozens of exciting events each year. One of the city's best annual festivals is the Royal Perth Show, which takes place from late September until early October. Combining the charm of a traditional country fair with all the thrills of a sideshow alley, there's always plenty to entertain visitors.

Other popular annual events in Perth include the Kings Park Festival, Telethon Kids' Carnival, Angove Street Festival, Avon Descent Family Fun Days, Perth Fringe Festival, and the Perth City Christmas Pageant. Local markets are another much-loved feature of the city, with everything from food to fashion on offer. Fremantle Markets have been operating since 1897, and are open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays - come to soak up the atmosphere and pick up some seriously fresh produce.

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