Planning your first trip to Perth, Western Australia? Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city, known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle, vibrant dining scene, and easy access to natural attractions such as Rottnest Island and the Swan Valley. First-time visitors can enjoy a mix of city experiences, waterfront precincts, wildlife encounters, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures, all within easy reach of the city centre. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, family holiday, business trip, or extended stay, Perth offers something for every traveller.
If you’re planning your first visit to Perth, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Often overlooked in favour of Australia’s east coast cities, Perth combines stunning natural beauty, modern city attractions, and a relaxed pace of life that makes it easy to explore.
From world-class beaches and waterfront dining to unique wildlife encounters and award-winning wineries, Perth offers plenty to discover for first-time visitors.
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and one of the most isolated major cities in the world. Situated on the banks of the Swan River and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Perth enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, making it a fantastic destination in every season.
The city is serviced by Perth Airport, with direct flights from major Australian cities and a growing number of international destinations.
Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.
For many visitors, spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park offers panoramic views of Perth’s skyline, the Swan River, and the Darling Ranges. Visitors can explore walking trails, native gardens, cultural heritage sites and some of the city’s best lookouts.
Kings Park is around 4 kilometres from Metro Hotel Perth City, making it an easy trip by car or public transport.
Elizabeth Quay
Located in the heart of Perth, Elizabeth Quay is a lively waterfront precinct featuring restaurants, bars, public art, walking paths and family-friendly attractions. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the city or joining a Swan River cruise.
Metro Hotel Perth City is approximately 2 kilometres from Elizabeth Quay, with convenient public transport connections nearby.
The Perth Mint
One of Perth’s most historic attractions, The Perth Mint offers an insight into Western Australia’s gold rush history, with exhibitions, gold-pouring demonstrations and displays of precious metals.
The Perth Mint is around 750 metres from Metro Hotel Perth City, making it an easy walk for guests staying nearby.
Rottnest Island
No first visit to Perth is complete without a trip to Rottnest Island. Famous for its quokkas, pristine beaches and clear waters, the island is ideal for cycling, swimming, snorkelling or simply spending the day exploring.
Ferries depart from Perth and Fremantle, making Rottnest Island an easy day trip from either Metro Hotels Perth property.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s best-known coastal spots, popular for swimming, relaxing and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Cafes and restaurants along the beachfront make it an easy place to spend a few hours or combine with a trip to nearby Fremantle.
Cottesloe Beach is around 14–16 kilometres from Metro Hotels’ Perth properties and is easily reached by car or public transport.
Fremantle
Just 30 minutes from Perth, Fremantle is known for its historic architecture, markets, museums, cafes and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Spend some time exploring the Fremantle Markets, visit the WA Maritime Museum or wander through the city’s heritage streets.
Fremantle works well as either a half-day or full-day trip and can easily be combined with a stop at Cottesloe Beach.
Perth Zoo
Located in South Perth, Perth Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions, featuring native Australian wildlife as well as animals from around the world.
Metro Hotel Perth is approximately 2.8 kilometres from Perth Zoo, making it particularly convenient for families and visitors staying south of the Swan River.
Optus Stadium
Home to major AFL matches, cricket, concerts and special events, Optus Stadium is one of Perth’s leading sporting and entertainment venues. The surrounding Stadium Park precinct also offers walking trails, playgrounds and views across the Swan River.
Metro Hotel Perth City is around 3.8 kilometres from Optus Stadium, while Metro Hotel Perth is approximately 5 kilometres away, making both convenient options for visitors attending an event.
Perth’s dining scene has evolved significantly in recent years, with everything from casual waterfront eateries to award-winning restaurants.
Popular areas for dining include:
Wine lovers should also consider a day trip to the nearby Swan Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, where visitors can enjoy cellar doors, breweries, artisan food producers, and scenic countryside.
Perth is easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Options include:
Many of Perth’s major attractions are located within a short distance of the CBD, making sightseeing convenient and stress-free.
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Choosing the right accommodation can make exploring Perth even easier.
Metro Hotel Perth, located in South Perth, is a convenient base for Perth Zoo, the Swan River foreshore, Crown Perth and Optus Stadium, while still providing easy access to Perth CBD.
Metro Hotel Perth City suits visitors who want to stay close to the CBD, with The Perth Mint around 750 metres away, Elizabeth Quay approximately 2.2 kilometres away and Kings Park around 4 kilometres from the hotel.
Both hotels offer convenient locations for business and leisure travellers looking to experience the best of Perth.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break, family holiday, business trip, or longer stay, Perth offers a unique mix of city attractions, natural beauty, and relaxed Australian hospitality.
With beautiful beaches, waterfront precincts, iconic attractions, and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to see why more travellers are discovering Western Australia’s vibrant capital city.
Book your stay at Metro Hotel Perth or Metro Hotel Perth City and make the most of your first visit to Perth.
For easy access to major attractions, dining and transport, Perth CBD and South Perth are both convenient choices. Metro Hotel Perth City is well placed for the CBD, Elizabeth Quay, The Perth Mint and Kings Park, while Metro Hotel Perth offers easy access to South Perth, Perth Zoo, Crown Perth and Optus Stadium.
Three to four days is a good amount of time for a first visit to Perth, allowing time to explore the city, Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the coast, with the option of a day trip to Rottnest Island or Fremantle.
Yes. Perth has a good public transport network, including trains, buses and free CAT buses within the city centre. Many major attractions are also within easy walking distance of the CBD.
Popular attractions for first-time visitors include Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Elizabeth Quay, The Perth Mint, Perth Zoo, Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle, Optus Stadium and a day trip to Rottnest Island.
Perth is a year-round destination, although spring and autumn are especially popular for sightseeing thanks to mild temperatures. Summer is ideal for beaches and outdoor activities, while winter is generally cooler and quieter.
Image credit: Tourism WA
