Guidebook for Swanbourne
Parks & Nature
The iconic white-sand Aussie beach with surf-lifesaving club.
Part of the beach is dog-friendly and...
if you are a free spirit you can head north to find a clothing optional area.
17 locals recommend
Swanbourne Beach
The iconic white-sand Aussie beach with surf-lifesaving club.
Part of the beach is dog-friendly and...
if you are a free spirit you can head north to find a clothing optional area.
Rottnest Island.
Not really a national park, but certainly a State institution.
Hire a bike and spend the day cycling around the island, stopping of to swim and snorkel or just sunbathe...
Don't forget your coffee at The Dome.
Reduced price ferry on Tuesdays.
466 locals recommend
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island.
Not really a national park, but certainly a State institution.
Hire a bike and spend the day cycling around the island, stopping of to swim and snorkel or just sunbathe...
Don't forget your coffee at The Dome.
Reduced price ferry on Tuesdays.
Your best chance to see kangaroos in Perth.
The island is home to a small family of roos, but even without those, this is a pleasant spot to escape the city.
Note that a new bridge is being developed (2023) so I'm not sure if access to the remaining part of the island is still possible.
58 locals recommend
Heirisson Island
Your best chance to see kangaroos in Perth.
The island is home to a small family of roos, but even without those, this is a pleasant spot to escape the city.
Note that a new bridge is being developed (2023) so I'm not sure if access to the remaining part of the island is still possible.
Great for a picnic with views to the city. Botanical gardens and garden of remembrance. Dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day.
846 locals recommend
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Fraser AvenueGreat for a picnic with views to the city. Botanical gardens and garden of remembrance. Dawn memorial service on ANZAC Day.
Family friendly beach with shark net and great snorkeling off the end of pier if it isn't too windy.
375 locals recommend
Cottesloe Beach
Family friendly beach with shark net and great snorkeling off the end of pier if it isn't too windy.
Drinks & Nightlife
Little Creatures
40 Mews RdOne of the two breweries in Freo.
(Also see Gage Roads)
Rodney's Bait n Tackle
598 Stirling HwyQuirky bar, often has live music.
Mojo's Bar & Cafe
237 Queen Victoria StSmall music venue with eclectic mix of live music.
Northbridge is the place for nightlife and clubs. Sadly my clubbing days are a distant memory so I can't provide any recommendations.
281 locals recommend
Northbridge
Northbridge is the place for nightlife and clubs. Sadly my clubbing days are a distant memory so I can't provide any recommendations.
A traditional Aussie pub. Good value chicken parmi on Tuesday and steaks on a Wednesday.
19 locals recommend
Albion Hotel
535 Stirling HwyA traditional Aussie pub. Good value chicken parmi on Tuesday and steaks on a Wednesday.
Gage Roads Freo Brewery
At "A" Shed in Freo. Lively local brewery with views of the harbour.
Food Scene
Vans
1 Napoleon StOne of my favourites for a splurge meal
Barchetta
149 Marine ParadeCurrently closed pending a new lease...
Huong Viet Noodle House
Good value Asian restaurant in Claremont
Shopping
Claremont Quarter
9 Bay View TerraceSupermarkets and more...
Fremantle Markets
Henderson StreetRuns from Friday to Sunday.
Getting Around
Best value car rental in town, but also look at local Cottesloe Car Hire if you aren't going too far.
29 locals recommend
Bayswater Car Rental Subiaco
260 Hay StBest value car rental in town, but also look at local Cottesloe Car Hire if you aren't going too far.
Entertainment & Activities
The only place I am ever likely to be able to hold a million dollar gold bar!
153 locals recommend
The Perth Mint
310 Hay StThe only place I am ever likely to be able to hold a million dollar gold bar!
The UWA campus is worth visiting in itself, however if you are here in the summer, you should try to catch the Somerville Open Air Cinema which screen non-Hollywood (often subtitled) movies as part of the Perth Arts Festival.
53 locals recommend
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling HwyThe UWA campus is worth visiting in itself, however if you are here in the summer, you should try to catch the Somerville Open Air Cinema which screen non-Hollywood (often subtitled) movies as part of the Perth Arts Festival.
Swim with wild dolphins and experience the emotion of looking into another species eyes with recognition. One of the best wildlife encounters I have experienced.
Although habituated to swimmers, the Rockingham dolphins are not fed or rewarded in any way other than stimulating their curiosity.
13 locals recommend
Rockingham Dolphin Swim
Val StreetSwim with wild dolphins and experience the emotion of looking into another species eyes with recognition. One of the best wildlife encounters I have experienced.
Although habituated to swimmers, the Rockingham dolphins are not fed or rewarded in any way other than stimulating their curiosity.
Sightseeing
Fremantle Prison
1 The TerraceImagine life as a convict...
Pinnacles National Park, about 2.5 hours north of Perth.
Desert landscape, Lobster lunch and a swim at Hangover Bay.
38 locals recommend
Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
Pinnacles National Park, about 2.5 hours north of Perth.
Desert landscape, Lobster lunch and a swim at Hangover Bay.
A small National Park with camping facilities and the only Koalas in WA. About 1 hour north of Perth.
113 locals recommend
Yanchep National Park
Indian Ocean DriveA small National Park with camping facilities and the only Koalas in WA. About 1 hour north of Perth.