Most travellers arrive in Perth, pick up their campervan or rental car, and immediately start driving north.
Honestly, I think that’s a mistake, especially if you’re following my full West Coast Australia itinerary.
Before visiting Western Australia, I expected Perth to be little more than a starting point for the famous West Coast road trip. Instead, it ended up becoming one of my favourite cities in Australia. Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Perth feels calmer, cleaner and far less hectic. The city has beautiful parks, fascinating history, great food and some one of my favorite sunset moments in Australia so far.
If you’re wondering how to spend 24 hours in Perth, this itinerary covers the city’s highlights while still leaving enough time to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, especially if you’re still deciding how many days in Western Australia you need.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Perth: Morning in Fremantle
Start your day in Fremantle, one of the most characterful parts of Perth.
Located about 30 minutes from the city centre, Fremantle combines history, culture and great food, making it the perfect place to begin your day, especially if you’re exploring the region during the best time to visit Western Australia.
Fremantle Prison
The first stop on this 24-hour Perth itinerary should be Fremantle Prison.
Even if you’re not usually interested in history, this place is surprisingly fascinating. Built by convicts in the 1850s, it later became one of Australia’s most notorious prisons. Walking through the old cell blocks and hearing stories about prison life, daring escape attempts and infamous inmates made it far more interesting than I expected.
I highly recommend joining one of the guided tours. The guides bring the prison’s history to life and make the experience much more memorable.
Cost: Guided tours start from around AUD 23 per person, depending on which tour you choose. Personally, I think it’s money well spent if you’re interested in Western Australia’s history.
Fremantle Markets
After the prison, head straight to Fremantle Markets.
This is one of the best places in Perth to grab lunch, browse local stalls and soak up the atmosphere. Inside you’ll find everything from fresh produce and handmade gifts to street food and local coffee.
I ended up spending much longer here than planned, wandering around with a coffee in hand while deciding what to eat. Sometimes those slower moments become the best part of a trip, and they’re exactly what makes my Australia travel diaries so special.
Cost: Entry is free. Lunch and coffee will usually cost between AUD 15-30 depending on what you order.
Afternoon: Explore Perth City
After lunch, make your way into Perth city centre.
While Perth doesn’t have the same famous landmarks as Sydney, that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. It’s easy to navigate, feels incredibly relaxed and offers plenty of beautiful places to explore, and it’s also why I answer yes, when anyone asks me: Is Western Australia worth visiting?
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
If there’s one attraction that deserves a spot on every Perth itinerary, it’s Kings Park.
The park offers incredible panoramic views over the Perth skyline and Swan River and is often considered one of the best urban parks in the world.
There are walking trails, native gardens, lookouts and plenty of peaceful spots to relax. Whether you want to go for a walk, take photos or simply enjoy the scenery, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here.
Best of all, it’s completely free.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
If you need a break from the sun, head to the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
The gallery showcases a wide range of Australian and Indigenous art, offering an interesting insight into the country’s culture and history.
Even if you’re not usually a museum person, it’s worth spending an hour here while exploring the city.
Cost: General admission is free, although some temporary exhibitions may charge an additional fee.
The Bell Tower
One of Perth’s most recognisable landmarks is The Bell Tower.
Located near Elizabeth Quay, it’s a quick stop that fits perfectly into a one-day itinerary. While you don’t need a huge amount of time here, it’s worth seeing while exploring the waterfront area.
The nearby riverfront also makes for a pleasant walk before heading towards the coast.
Cost: Viewing the tower from outside is free. If you’d like to enter and see the bells up close, tickets start from around AUD 18-22.
Evening: Sunset at Cottesloe Beach
If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip when deciding how to spend 24 hours in Perth, it’s sunset at Cottesloe Beach.
I’ve watched sunsets all around Australia, but West Coast sunsets somehow feel different.
As the sun slowly drops into the Indian Ocean, the sky turns shades of orange, pink and gold. Locals gather on the beach, travellers sit on the grass with takeaway food and everything seems to slow down for a while.
For me, it was the perfect introduction to Western Australia.
Even now, when I think about Perth, this sunset is one of the first memories that comes to mind.
Cost: Free. Bring a takeaway coffee or fish and chips and enjoy one of the best sunset spots in Perth without spending a fortune.
Is 24 Hours in Perth Enough?
While you could easily spend several days exploring Perth and its surroundings, one day is enough to experience many of the city’s highlights.
In just 24 hours, you’ll explore historic Fremantle, learn about Western Australia’s past at Fremantle Prison, enjoy local food at Fremantle Markets, take in the views from Kings Park and finish the day with one of Australia’s most beautiful sunsets.
It’s a packed day, but it’s a great introduction to the city.
FAQs About How to Spend 24 Hours in Perth
How do you spend 24 hours in Perth?
The best way to spend 24 hours in Perth is by exploring Fremantle in the morning, visiting Kings Park and Perth city centre in the afternoon, and ending the day with sunset at Cottesloe Beach.
Is one day in Perth enough?
Yes. While Perth deserves more time, one day is enough to see the city’s main highlights and get a feel for its relaxed atmosphere.
What is the best thing to do in Perth?
If I had to choose just one thing, it would be watching sunset at Cottesloe Beach. It’s one of the most memorable experiences in the city.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to spend 24 hours in Perth.
While most travellers rush straight towards destinations like Kalbarri, Shark Bay or Exmouth, Perth is worth slowing down for. The combination of history, beautiful parks, relaxed city life and spectacular coastal scenery makes it one of Australia’s most underrated cities.
If you’re starting a West Coast road trip, give yourself at least a day here before heading north.
You might end up loving it as much as I did.
Check Out My Other Western Australia Travel Guides
- Is Western Australia worth Visiting?
- Best Time to Visit Western Australia
- How Many Days you need in Western Australia
