What to Do in Perth in One Day: My 24-Hour Itinerary

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

Most travellers arrive in Perth, pick up their campervan or rental car, and immediately start driving north along Western Australia’s famous coastline.

Honestly, I think that’s a mistake.

Before visiting Western Australia, I expected Perth to be little more than a starting point for the road trip. Instead, it ended up becoming one of my favourite cities in Australia. Compared with Sydney and Melbourne, Perth feels calmer, more relaxed and far less hectic. It has beautiful parks, fascinating history, great food and some of the most memorable sunset moments of my Australian travels.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Perth in one day, I’d recommend giving the city at least 24 hours before heading north. You can explore historic Fremantle, enjoy panoramic views from Kings Park, discover Perth’s city centre and finish your day watching the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach.

In this guide, I’m sharing my ideal one-day Perth itinerary, including the best things to see, practical tips and the places I personally wouldn’t skip.

If you’re planning a longer trip, you can also check out my complete West Coast Australia itinerary and my guide to how many days you need in Western Australia.

How to Spend One Day in Perth: Quick Overview

If you only have 24 hours in Perth, here’s how I’d organise your day.

  • Morning: Explore Fremantle Prison and Fremantle Markets.
  • Early afternoon: Visit Kings Park and enjoy the views over Perth.
  • Afternoon: Explore Perth city centre, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Elizabeth Quay.
  • Evening: Head to Cottesloe Beach for sunset.

This itinerary combines history, culture, nature and coastal scenery without trying to squeeze every attraction into a single day.

You’ll need to be a little flexible with timings, especially if you want to join a guided tour at Fremantle Prison or spend longer exploring the markets. If you prefer a slower pace, choose the attractions that interest you most rather than rushing between all of them.

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Morning: Explore Fremantle

I’d start my one-day Perth itinerary in Fremantle, a historic port city just outside Perth that’s known for its heritage buildings, lively markets, cafés and relaxed atmosphere.

Fremantle feels different from the city centre, and that’s exactly why I think it’s worth including. It’s a great place to spend the morning wandering around, learning about Western Australia’s history and finding somewhere nice for lunch.

1. Visit Fremantle Prison

One of the most interesting places to visit in Fremantle is Fremantle Prison.

Built by convicts in the 1850s, this historic prison later became one of Australia’s most notorious correctional institutions. Today, visitors can explore its history through guided tours covering everything from prison life to escape attempts and the stories of former inmates.

Even if you’re not usually someone who visits historical attractions, I think this is worth considering. Hearing the stories behind the building makes the experience much more interesting than simply walking around an old prison.

I’d recommend joining a guided tour if you have enough time, as the guides bring the history to life.

Practical tip: Check the official Fremantle Prison website for current tours, availability and ticket prices before visiting.

2. Browse Fremantle Markets

After exploring the prison, head to Fremantle Markets, one of the best places to eat, browse local products and soak up the atmosphere.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of food stalls, local produce, handmade gifts, crafts and other independent sellers. It’s a lovely place to wander around without having a strict plan.

I ended up spending much longer here than expected, walking around with a coffee in hand while deciding what to eat. Sometimes those slower moments become the best part of travelling, and they’re exactly what makes my Australia travel diaries so special.

The markets are also a convenient place to grab lunch before heading back towards Perth.

Practical tip: Entry is free, but check the Fremantle Markets website for opening days and hours, as they don’t operate every day.

Read my Australia travel diaries for more personal stories from my time travelling around the country.

Fremantle Markets in Perth during a West Coast Australia travel diary stop, showing vibrant stalls, local food and relaxed weekend atmosphere in Fremantle.

Afternoon: Discover Perth City

After spending the morning in Fremantle, make your way into Perth city centre.

Perth might not have the same internationally famous landmarks as Sydney, but that’s part of its appeal. The city feels relatively relaxed, has plenty of green spaces and offers beautiful views of the Swan River.

It’s also one of the reasons I answer yes when people ask me, is Western Australia worth visiting?

Here are the Perth attractions I’d prioritise during the afternoon.

3. Enjoy the Views at Kings Park and Botanic Garden

If there’s one place I’d recommend adding to almost any Perth itinerary, it’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

This huge urban park offers panoramic views over Perth’s skyline and the Swan River. It’s one of those places where you can appreciate the city without feeling like you’re in the middle of a busy city at all.

You can explore walking trails, discover native Australian plants, visit different lookouts or simply find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the scenery.

I love that Perth combines city life with so much open space. Kings Park is a perfect example of that, and it’s an easy way to experience a different side of the city.

Cost: General access to the park is free.

If the weather is nice, I’d give yourself enough time to walk around rather than just stopping for a quick photo. You don’t need to follow a particular route to enjoy it.

4. Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia

If you enjoy art or want to learn a little more about Australian culture, consider visiting the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

The gallery features a range of Australian art, including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, alongside other exhibitions and collections.

It’s a good option if you want a cultural activity during your afternoon, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere indoors to escape the heat.

I’d treat this as an optional stop rather than something you absolutely have to squeeze into your day. If you’d rather spend more time outdoors, you could skip the gallery and enjoy a longer walk around the city instead.

Cost: General admission is free, although some exhibitions may require a separate ticket. Check the official website for current information.

5. Walk Around Elizabeth Quay and See the Bell Tower

Another easy stop when exploring Perth city is The Bell Tower, one of the city’s recognisable landmarks near the Swan River.

You can admire the tower from outside before continuing towards Elizabeth Quay, a waterfront area with walking paths, restaurants and views across the river.

I wouldn’t necessarily spend a huge amount of time at the Bell Tower itself, especially if you’re only in Perth for one day. However, it’s a convenient stop to combine with a walk along the waterfront.

If you’re travelling at a relaxed pace, grab a coffee or find somewhere to sit by the water before continuing to the coast.

Cost: You can see the Bell Tower from outside for free. If you’d like to go inside, check The Bell Tower’s official website for current ticket prices and opening hours.

Evening: Watch the Sunset at Cottesloe Beach

If there’s one thing I absolutely wouldn’t skip when deciding what to do in Perth in one day, it’s sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

I’ve watched sunsets all around Australia, but there’s something special about watching the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean on the country’s west coast.

As the sky changes to shades of orange, pink and gold, people gather along the beach and on the grass. Some bring takeaway food, others sit with friends, and plenty simply stop for a while to watch the sunset.

For me, it was the perfect introduction to Western Australia.

Even now, when I think about Perth, this is one of the first memories that comes to mind. After a day of exploring the city, it’s also a lovely way to slow down and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

You don’t need to book an expensive activity or spend much money to enjoy it. Bring some takeaway food, find a spot on the sand and enjoy the view.

Cost: Free.

My tip: Check the sunset time before heading to the beach, and arrive a little early to find a good spot. If you’re visiting during a popular period, the beach can get busy.

Where to Stay in Perth

If you’re spending 24 hours in Perth before starting your West Coast Australia road trip, staying somewhere central can make your visit much easier.

You won’t want to spend your limited time travelling back and forth across the city, so I’d look for accommodation with convenient access to public transport, restaurants and the places you want to visit.

My Hostel Pick in Perth

If you’re travelling solo or backpacking around Australia, a hostel can be a good option for keeping accommodation costs down and meeting other travellers.

One option to check out is Hostel G Perth.

Compare the location, room types and current prices before booking to see whether it suits your plans.

Is One Day in Perth Enough?

Yes, I think one day in Perth is enough to experience some of the city’s main highlights, especially if you’re fitting it into a longer Western Australia road trip.

In 24 hours, you can explore historic Fremantle, visit Kings Park, discover parts of the city centre and watch the sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

However, one day won’t give you enough time to explore everything Perth and its surroundings have to offer. If you have extra time, you could visit more beaches, discover additional neighbourhoods or take a day trip outside the city.

If you’re still planning your route, my guide to how many days in Western Australia you need compares different trip lengths, while my West Coast Australia road trip itinerary helps you plan the journey north.

I’d especially recommend allowing more time if you enjoy exploring cities at a slower pace rather than rushing between attractions.

Final Thoughts: What to Do in Perth in One Day

So, what should you do in Perth in one day?

My recommendation is to start in Fremantle, spend the afternoon exploring Perth city and Kings Park, and finish with sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

It’s a great combination of history, culture, nature and coastal scenery, and it gives you a feel for what makes Western Australia different from the rest of the country.

Before visiting, I thought Perth would simply be the place where my road trip started. Instead, it became one of my favourite cities in Australia.

If you’re planning a West Coast Australia road trip, I’d give yourself at least one full day here before heading north towards destinations such as Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Exmouth.

You might end up loving it as much as I did.

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FAQs: What to Do in Perth in One Day

What should I do in Perth in one day?

Start your day in Fremantle, where you can visit Fremantle Prison and browse Fremantle Markets. In the afternoon, explore Kings Park, Perth city centre and Elizabeth Quay. Finish your day by watching the sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

Is one day enough to visit Perth?

Yes, one day is enough to see several of Perth’s main highlights and experience its relaxed atmosphere. If you want to explore more beaches, neighbourhoods and surrounding areas, I’d recommend staying longer.

What is the best thing to do in Perth?

For me, watching the sunset at Cottesloe Beach was one of the highlights of visiting Perth. I’d also recommend Kings Park for its views and Fremantle for its history, markets and atmosphere.

Is Perth worth visiting on a West Coast Australia road trip?

Absolutely. Perth is more than just a starting point for a road trip north. It has beautiful parks, interesting historical attractions, a lively food scene and gorgeous beaches. I’d spend at least one day exploring the city before continuing your journey.

Do you need a car to explore Perth in one day?

Not necessarily. You can explore parts of Perth using public transport, and Fremantle is accessible by train from the city. However, you’ll need to plan your connections carefully if you want to visit Fremantle, Kings Park and Cottesloe Beach in the same day. A rental car can offer more flexibility, particularly if you’re already travelling around Western Australia.

What is the best time to visit Perth?

The best time depends on your preferences and itinerary. Spring and autumn can be good options if you want to explore the city without the hottest summer temperatures. For more detailed seasonal advice, read my guide to the best time to visit Western Australia.

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