Planning a trip to WA can be tricky for first-timers. For starters, we are the second-largest state in the world by land area, with three different climate zones, and one of the most isolated and spread out capital cities you’ll ever come across.
So, if you’re coming from all the way overseas or interstate, you’ll probably want to book a long stay hotel in Perth so that you can explore more of our state’s best attractions, from Rottnest Island to our famous wine regions.
A paradise for nature lovers, foodies, and history enthusiasts, let’s dive into our recommended itinerary for a leisurely week away in Perth while staying at Pier 21 Apartment Hotel.
Crawl the streets of historic Fremantle
If you’re new to Perth, one of the places you’ve probably heard the most about is Fremantle (or ‘Freo’, as it is referred to locally).
Fremantle was the first place to be settled by colonists who arrived in the area in 1829, and remnants of that period can be clearly seen today at Fremantle Prison, the Roundhouse, and the Fremantle Markets building, which are all must-see attractions.
While Freo is primarily known for its history as a port city, it is also a haven for artists, musicians, craftspeople, and some of Perth’s best bars, cafes, and restaurants.
If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, get crawling with our must-visit list of Fremantle bars or check out our more in-depth guide to planning a holiday in Fremantle.
Tour Perth’s Swan Valley
After you’ve enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast in our hotel’s Breakfast Lounge, head up north for a day trip to the Swan Valley which is home to many wineries, farms, orchards, and specialty food producers of honey, chocolate, and other goodies.
You can simply drive through and stop where your heart desires, but if you’re on a tighter schedule, here are some of the highlights we’d recommend seeing.
Caversham Wildlife Park
This park is the largest private collection of wildlife in WA, where you can see a diverse range of species up close – from cute marsupials to tiny desert reptiles and fearsome cassowaries.
You can get tickets to hold and pet some of the koalas, possums, snakes; feed the kangaroos and penguins; or watch the daily Farm Show where you can see how sheep shearing, cow milking, and other typical Aussie farming activities is done.
If you love animals or have the kids with you for the day, Caversham Wildlife Park is sure to be a hit.
Sandalford Estate Winery and Restaurant
For a long lunch enjoying some fine wines and dining, roll up to Sandalford Estate. Surrounded by rolling green lawns, manicured gardens and sculptures, this stunning winery is a producer of multi-award winning wines which you can sample at their Cellar Door Emporium.
The Margaret River Chocolate Company
Chocolate: what more can we say? You’ll find plenty of it lovingly crafted into many delicious and whimsical creations by the team at the Margaret River Chocolate Company, which has multiple locations throughout WA.
If you have enough time and the means to do so, we recommend heading on down to Margaret River itself for a day trip exploring all the other gorgeous vineyards, beaches, and walking trails.
Enjoy a night-time stroll around Perth’s CBD waterfront
Perth isn’t called the City of Light for nothing. Our beautiful city is adorned with multiple artistic and architectural installations that light up the night, particularly around Elizabeth Quay.
Close to this relatively new vicinity is where you can spy the Bell Tower, see the twinkling lights of South Perth over the water, and watch the Quay bridge itself become aglow with different colours.
If you’re feeling like a little something to eat or drink while taking in the views, you can grab a scoop of gelato from Gusto Gelato or slip into one of the nearby restaurants or rooftop bars for a fancy cocktail or two.
Get on the water at Wadjemup (Rottnest Island)
You can’t miss a trip to Wadjemup (also known as Rottnest Island) when you’re in Perth, which can be accessed by a 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle.
Here, you’ll discover an island bordered with pristine beaches and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish; winding roads that lead you through the bush up to breath-taking coastal lookouts and old lighthouses; and plenty of dining options.
Some of the island’s top-rated bars and restaurants include Isola Bar e Cibo, Hotel Rottnest, and Lontara, which collectively offer an impressive range of beers, wines, and artisanal cocktails alongside delicious food with a view.
Many visitors opt to hire a bike to get around the island, but you can also go on a segway tour, hire some snorkelling or stand-up paddle boarding gear, or go on a cruise around the waters.
Most importantly, you can’t leave without a quokka selfie! We know these cuties will be the main event of your holiday in WA, so make sure to make a few acquaintances – just remember to look but don’t touch our island friends.
Hike and bike up and down Perth’s coast
On your more ‘low-key’ days between all the excitement and seeing friends and family, nothing beats a morning coffee and stroll down West Coast Drive, which overlooks some of Perth’s best beaches.
The pathway is also shared with cyclists and dog-walkers, so if you’ve brought your pet dog on holiday with you to our pet-friendly apartments, it’s the perfect way to get some walkies in!
There are also some great biking trails near our serviced apartments in Fremantle too, so take advantage of our free bike hire and get exploring.
For comfort and convenience, check into our Fremantle serviced apartments
At the centre of all these activities is where you’ll find Pier 21 Apartment Hotels, offering modern and spacious accommodation in Fremantle WA. Our apartments contain everything you need for a long-term holiday, such as a kitchenette, laundry facilities, gym, and more.
Our friendly staff are also on hand to advise you on local attractions, where to go, and anything else you may need during your stay. You can explore our range of room types here, or simply give us a call on 08 9336 2555.