Where to Stay in Perth (12 Best Places & Areas, By a Local)

12 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Perth

From Margaret River in the southwest to Jurien Bay in the north and everywhere in between, Western Australia covers a variety of landscapes and offers many experiences. I aim to cover as many accommodation options and areas in and around Perth as possible to make your stay incredible!

Perth City

👉 Best Area For First-Timers & Nightlife | ✨ Best Perth City Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth • Pan Pacific Perth • Crown Metropol Perth • Kings Park Motel • Spin Off Hostel

Perth City is central and convenient for most of the city’s nightlife attractions. This is the best area for first-time visitors and those who enjoy bright city lights, fine dining, bars, and lots of activity. 

Looking for a laugh? The Comedy Lounge is perfect for a fun night out. Or you might like to dance the night away at one of many late night clubs open until the small hours of the morning. Connections Night Club opened in 1975 as Perth’s (and Western Australia’s) very first gay club. Ellington Jazz Club is the place to enjoy cool jazz and delightful drinks.  

Perth City buzzes with small rooftop bars like the luxurious Songbird Bar in the Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay. For more casual options, try the Mechanics Institute Bar or Hello Rooftop Bar at the Rechabite on Northbridge. 

Pan Pacific Perth is situated right in the Perth CBD and boasts lovely river views. The on-site restaurant, Uma Restaurant, is one of the best South American restaurants I have ever eaten at. Budgeters can book a room at Kings Park Motel, which is close enough to make your way into the city on a free City CAT bus. It’s also right next to the beautiful Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

While not technically in the Perth CBD, Crown Metropol at Crown Casino is a resort-style accommodation popular with visitors and locals. The Crown Casino is open all hours if you would like to try your luck on the blackjack table or enjoy a drink in one of the bars or restaurants on-site.

Pros of Staying in Perth City:

• Close to the city’s cultural precinct for theatres and music venues
• Easy to get around on foot and a central spot to catch public transport
• Lots of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars
• Shopping late at night on Fridays and weekends 

Cons of Staying in Perth City:

• Busy traffic and noise
• Accommodation is more expensive

Coastal Perth

👉 Best Area For Beach Lovers | ✨ Best Coastal Perth Hotels: Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough • Quality Resort Sorrento Beach • Cottesloe Blue Apartment

The Perth coast is well known for its long sandy beaches and sunsets over the horizon. It’s only 25 minutes from the Perth CBD and booking a room at one of its ocean-side hotels and apartments is your ticket to both those things.

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is literally across the car park from iconic Scarborough Beach, where the surf rolls in 24/7. The Sandpit Beach Dancing Amphitheater at Scarborough is a great place to join in or simply sit and watch the salsa dancers at sunset in summer.

The Scarborough beachside public pool is close by for laps and lazing by the pool. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and specialty shops in Scarborough should you need a new pair of swimmers or some snacks. A visit to Peter’s By The Sea for the quintessential Australian experience of  fish and chips is a must while in this area. 

In Cottesloe, you are never far from the white sands and iconic surf club building of Cottesloe Beach. Cottesloe is very popular with the cafe crowd, and there are many places to stop for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Il Lido Italian Cantina in Cottesloe is one of my favourite restaurants. 

A little further north, the Quality Resort Sorrento Beach is close to both the Hillarys Boat Harbour shopping and eating precinct and the Aquarium of Western Australia.

Pros of Staying in Coastal Perth:

• The beaches are super close
• Restaurants and bars are plentiful in Scarborough, Cottesloe and Sorrento
• Public transport is available to the Perth CBD

Cons of Staying in Coastal Perth:

• Further away from the city nightlife
• Summer is the best season to stay by the beach – it may get windy in winter

Fremantle

👉 Best Area For History & Culture | ✨ Best Fremantle Hotels: Garde and Warders Hotel• The National Hotel• YHA Fremantle Prison

Fremantle (or Freo to the locals) is a port city with a huge character and a fascinating history. It’s also the place where you can catch a ferry to Perth’s favorite holiday island, Rottnest Island.  

People love exploring Fremantle’s maritime history. The WA Maritime Museum and the Shipwreck Galleries are situated in the heart of Fremantle, and are worth a visit to learn about Western Australia’s sometimes gruesome maritime history. If you fancy a trip into the old Fremantle Prison constructed by convicts, you can go in the cold light of day or grab a torch to see it at night (with a guide, of course). 

Visit Fremantle Markets, where you’ll find souvenirs, gifts,  eateries, and bars. The markets attract buskers and street performers, and the atmosphere is always fun.  

Fremantle also has an artsy side. The Fremantle Arts Centre is worth a browse if you feel like immersing yourself in the arts. The art gallery shop has some delightful items on sale, featuring local artists and products. The Moores Building Art Space Gallery is a fabulous art space featuring mostly local artists. It also has a cafe for when you’ve had enough browsing. 

Fremantle has some superb historical accommodation offerings such as the budget-friendly YHA Fremantle Prison. It’s about a kilometer from Bather’s Beach and the historic Round House and within walking distance to cafes and specialty shops. 

Boutique Garde and Warders Hotel is a five-star experience perfect for couples, while The National Hotel is a fully restored step back in time that’s close to the beach and port.

Pros of Staying in Fremantle:

• Incredible food choices with great markets, cafes, and restaurants
• Easy to explore on foot
• A vast number of attractions such as museums, art galleries, and Victoria Quay
• Gateway to Rottnest Island

Cons of Staying in Fremantle:

• If you are driving sometimes parking is a challenge
• 40 minutes from Perth CBD

Perth Hills

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Exploring | ✨ Best Perth Hills Hotels: Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate • Guildford River Retreat • Eversprings Glamping

The Perth Hills area is a quiet retreat from the city. People stay here to go bush walking, rock climbing, and mountain bike riding or just to enjoy the serenity and bird life.

We don’t have big mountains in Perth. The Perth Hills (or the Darling Scarp) is a low escarpment running north to south. The area is full of walking trails and waterfalls in winter. Favourites of mine include the Serpentine Falls, Kitty’s Gorge, and Rocky Pool hikes.

The Bibbulmun Track starts in Kalamunda and stretches 1000 km south to Albany, but you can join it anywhere and hike as far as you like. If you plan on hiking overnight, check the weather and fire warnings before you leave. 

The stays I have chosen range from country style hotel guest houses, like Guildford River Retreat, to a serene escape into the Western Australian bush at Maya Maya Mandoon Estate. Maya Maya will also give you a taste of what it’s like to be on a working winery.

For a true getaway, glamping at Eversprings Glamping is divine. Eversprings is an adult-only bell tent retreat where you stay in the bush with nothing but alpacas and eucalyptus trees. It’s pretty special!

Pros of Staying in Perth Hills:

• Close to nature
• Hiking and biking trails aplenty
• Quiet and relaxing

Cons of Staying in Perth Hills:

• Further from restaurants and nightlife
• You will need a car to get around
• Further from the beaches in summer

Mandurah Peel Region

👉 Best Area For Exploring Waterways | ✨ Best Mandurah Peel Region Hotels: Seashells Mandurah • The Sebel Mandurah • Mandurah Quay Resort • Twin Waters Caravan Park 

The Mandurah Peel Region is sometimes overlooked as a holiday destination. But I’m here to tell you that Mandurah has everything you need for a complete vacation. 

It’s only 45 minutes from Perth, and people come to Mandurah for water tours and relaxing family holidays. It has white beaches, canals, a relaxed lifestyle, and even dolphins! While out and about in Mandurah keep an eye out for Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s Giants, too.

There are so many ways you can explore the Peel-Harvey Estuary in Mandurah. Last time my partner and I stayed in Mandurah, we took a lunch cruise up to the Murray River and back. It was such an incredible day with bird watching, a visit to an old convict built windmill, a delicious lunch, and, of course, dolphins everywhere. 

Seashells Mandurah is one of my favourite places to stay in Mandurah. It has beachfront views, an infinity pool, and the hotel is within walking or cycling distance of the marina’s restaurants and bars. You can hire eBikes from The Bike Kiosk.  

The Sebel Mandurah and Mandurah Quay Resort are both situated by the water and suited to families and groups. The ocean and estuary beaches in Mandurah are sheltered and ideal for young children.  

Pros of Staying in Mandurah Peel Region:

• A relaxed holiday atmosphere
• You can get around most places on foot or by bicycle 
• You will most definitely see dolphins

Cons of Staying in Mandurah Peel Region:

• It’s an hour away from Perth CBD
• Some attractions require a car to access

Margaret River Region

👉 Best Area For Nature Lovers | ✨ Best Margaret River Region Hotels: Karriview • Waterfall Cottages • Broadwater Resort • Caves House Hotel & Apartments

Stay in the Margaret River Region if you want to experience incredible forests, limestone caves, wineries, breweries, and some of the best surf beaches in the world. 

The Margaret River region holds a special place in my heart; I have spent many weekends in this part of the world. The Boronup Forest of Karri Trees might be my favourite place to visit, followed by the many limestone caves along the aptly named Caves Road. 

Ngilgi Cave is one the bigger caves and it’s the perfect respite from a hot day as the temperature remains the same below ground. The Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is the perfect introduction to the First-Nation Noongar culture of the area.

While here, explore the Leeuwin-Natualiste National Park, swim in Injidup Natural Spa on the coast, and visit one of the many wineries. If travelling through Busselton, stop and explore the Busselton Jetty, the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere. The snorkeling in this area is incredible, with the Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculpture Trail creating a man-made reef.   

Karriview in Gracetown is the ideal spot for a private couples retreat, while some of the coastal resorts and hotels such as Broadwater Resort will have you relaxing on the coast in apartments with pools and views for days. The Waterfall Cottages are perfect for a quiet and peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. 

Pros of Staying in the Margaret River Region:

• Wilderness of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is on your doorstep
• World class surf beaches
• The climate can be cooler than Perth CBD in summer

Cons of Staying in the Margaret River Region:

• You will need a car to get around
• In busy seasons, accommodation can be hard to book

Rottnest Island

👉 Best Area For Couples & Families | ✨ Best Rottnest Island Hotels: Samphire Rottnest • Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island/Wadjemup is one of my favourite places. The island appeals to families and couples who like an active holiday of swimming and biking, or to those who simply wish to unwind on the beach with a book. It’s also home to the quokka, one of the cutest marsupials you will ever meet. 

Accommodation ranges from the luxurious Samphire Rottnest to the beautifully appointed glamping tents at Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island. The island has everything for families and couples including a fully stocked supermarket and specialty shops.

This A Class Reserve is a snorkeling, beach-going paradise. It’s the place I used to take my kids when they were little because they could roam free with their bikes. There are no public cars on the island. Bikes can be hired as part of your ferry fare or on the island when you arrive. 

A stay on Rottnest/Wadjemup usually involves a ferry trip unless you decide to fly on the Rottnest light aircraft that makes regular trips to the island. Day trippers are common, and it is possible to see most of the island in a day. But the true beauty of Rottnest is revealed with an overnight stay.  Once the day trippers return to the mainland, the island is yours.  

Rottnest has enough cafes and restaurants to give you choices.  One of my favorite places to go is the Sunsets Bar at the Wadjemup Lodge for delicious eats and drinks overlooking the salt lakes. And you can’t miss a visit to the famous Rottnest Bakery for a jam donut or two!

Visit the Wadjemup Lighthouse and climb to the top for incredible views. Snorkel the many snorkel trails around the island, or catch the Bayseeker bus and spend the day getting on and off as you explore each secluded beach.

Pros of Staying on Rottnest Island:

• It’s easy to get around on foot or bicycle 
• Everything you need is available on the island
• It’s usually slightly cooler on hot summer days

Cons of Staying on Rottnest Island:

• You need to catch a 40-minute ferry ride to get there
• Accommodation needs to be booked well in advance 

Rockingham

👉 Best Area For Water Sports | ✨ Best Rockingham Hotels: Quest Rockingham • Coastal by Rockingham Apartments • Palm Beach Guest House

Rockingham is around 45 minutes from Perth. It’s known for its calm beaches and the delightful Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Come here for white sand, dolphins, sea lions, and calm ocean waters perfect for kayaking or taking a jet ski tour. 

When the wind is blowing as it often does in this part of the west, kite surfing lessons and hire are available at Safety Bay Kitesurf School. Or learn how to windsurf at Safetybay Windsurfing Club. My partner booked a Jet ski tour a while back and explored the area around Carnac Island with a guide, which was so much fun.

The small township of Rockingham has all the usual supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants to make your stay perfect. Bikes are available from Bike Hire Rockingham to help you get around.

I recommend staying at Quest Rockingham for apartments with ocean views. Coastal by Rockingham Apartments are perfect for family groups. For budget stays, book a room at Palm Beach Guest House which is a 5-minute walk to the beach.

Pros of Staying in Rockingham:

• No city traffic and bikes available for hire
• Easy to walk around the town
• Close to water sports activities, tours, and attractions

Cons of Staying in Rockingham:

• You might need to rent a car to get there

Northern Beaches

👉 Best Area For A Coastal Retreat | ✨ Best Northern Beaches Hotels: Wilderstay Glamping • Nautica Residences Hillarys • The Marina Hotel Mindarie

Stay in Perth’s Northern Beaches area for its laid back vibe. The Northern Beaches and nearby Yanchep National Park, are popular destinations for tourists with young families or couples looking for a retreat from the bustling city. 

Visit Western Australia’s only koala colony and explore the limestone caves at Yanchep. Make a date with some sharks at Aquarium of WA at Hillarys, or find a stretch of Perth’s finest sandy beaches and relax.

Hillarys Boardwalk and The Marina Mindarie are your go-to for eats and specialty shops, providing market-style precincts right on the water. The sheltered Hillarys Beach is a favourite with kids. In summer, there are often inflatable water toys and slides erected on the water.

Nautica Residences Hillarys are spacious apartments with easy access to the boardwalk and great family facilities. The Marina Hotel Mindarie is the perfect couples retreat. Wilderstay Glamping is situated in Yanchep National Park where you will stay in a luxury bell tent and have access to the Yanchep Inn Restaurant while immersing yourself in nature while spotting kangaroos.

Pros of Staying in Northern Beaches Neighborhood:

• Close to beaches
• Accommodation is close to eateries
• Quieter than the city

Cons of Staying in Northern Beaches Neighborhood:

• May need a car to get around

Swan Valley

👉 Best Area For Wine Lovers | ✨ Best Swan Valley Hotels: Discovery Parks Swan Valley • Quest Midland • Swan Valley Retreat

Are you a wine-lover? Stay in the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region. It’s only 35 minutes from Perth, making it an easy day trip, but it’s also the perfect wine lovers getaway. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan winds its way through the valley.

The Swan Valley Retreat is an adults-only retreat ideal for a romantic interlude, while Quest Midland and the budget-friendly Discovery Parks Swan Valley cater to larger groups and  families.

People come here for wine-tasting, cellar door experiences, and long lunches. The region also has craft brewers, gin distillers such as Limeburners and Giniversity, and bespoke chocolatiers like Whistlers Chocolate Company. A visit to Providore is a must for those who love the gourmet things in life.  

Pros of Staying in Swan Valley:

• Close to vineyards and wineries
• It feels like a real getaway
• Lots of great food

Cons of Staying in Swan Valley:

• You will need a car to get around

Jurien Bay

👉 Best Area For Wildlife Spotting | ✨ Best Jurien Bay Hotels: Jurien Bay Motel Apartments • Jurien Beachfront Chalets • RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Jurien Bay is the southern gateway to the Coral Coast, which stretches from Cervantes to Exmouth in the north. It’s known for Jurien Bay Marine Park and the playful sea lions, dolphins, and sea turtles that inhabit the park. It’s the perfect spot to stay for animal lovers.

The osprey (sea eagles) and other birdlife such as pelicans in this area are pretty spectacular if you can spot them. Book a sea lion tour with Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, and eat at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes for a truly Western Australian seafood experience. They also hold tours and cruises off Cervantes. 

The Jurien Bay Motel Apartments and Jurien Beachfront Chalets are ideal family accommodation with easy access to the beach. If budget accommodation is what you seek, RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is perfect.

Pros of Staying in Jurien Bay:

• Close to the ocean and marine park
• Easy to get around the town
• Great place for spotting wildlife

Cons of Staying in Jurien Bay:

• You will need a car to get to Jurien Bay
• Far from Perth CBD

Dwellingup

👉 Best Area For Forest Adventures | ✨ Best Dwellingup Hotels: Jarrah Forest Lodge • Begonia Cottage • Noble River Estate

Stay in Dwellingup for nature, adventure, or a relaxed forest getaway. This beautiful part of the Peel region has 125 km of world‑class mountain bike trails, and the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi bike trails. It’s also home to the Hotham Valley Railway!

Accommodation is basic but comfortable in this part of the world. The Jarrah Forest Lodge is one of the most affordable options in the area, and Begonia Cottage is a great choice for families as it’s within walking distance of cafes and the Hotham Valley Railway. 

Noble River Estate is spacious, surrounded by trees, and close to town. It’s a great choice for a larger group. However, if you have the equipment and fancy camping under the stars, the Lane Poole Reserve Campground is well worth a stay.

Pros of Staying in Dwellingup:

• A real forest experience
• A great place to camp
• Equipment available for hire – mountain bikes 

Cons of Staying in Dwellingup:

• You will need a car to get to Dwellingup
• Not many restaurants and bars
• Far from Perth CBD

Tips for Staying in Perth

Visit Kings Park

Visit Kings Park to enjoy the stunning parklands and city views at night or stroll the Botanic Gardens during the day. Have a picnic dinner on the grass or treat yourself to a meal at Fraser’s Restaurant overlooking the city.  The lemon-scented eucalyptus trees are also lit up along Fraser Avenue. Stunning! 

Watch the Sunset on Perth Beaches

Make time to view the sun set on Perth beaches.  Our unique position on the west coast of Australia means we can watch the sunset over the ocean. 

There is Transperth public transport available to City Beach, Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach. Transport can be paid for using your credit card to tap on and tap off.

Seek out Perth’s Unusual Attractions

Plan day trips to some of Western Australia’s unusual attractions such as the Pinnacles, Lake Clifton Thrombolites,  and Thomas Dambo’s Mandurah Giants. 

Consider a multi-day trip to Kalbarri to explore the gorge or to Sharkbay and Exmouth in the Northwest where you can interact with whale sharks, turtles and dolphins. There are multiple day tours you can book. Apply to be a volunteer at Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience where you get to interact daily with the resident dolphins. 

Check out the Margaret River Region for Great Food

Hire a car through Discover Cars and self-drive to the Margaret River Region and beyond. The southwest of WA is full of surprises and some of the most stunning forests and coast you will see in Australia.  

Western Australia’s best produce comes from this region. Visit Elephant Rocks in Denmark, the timber town of Pemberton for tall trees and wilderness, the wild coast of Albany, or the white beaches of Esperance.

Hire An E-Bike To Get Around

Hire an e-bike in Perth and explore our relatively flat bike paths from Perth to Fremantle and beyond. Bikes can be hired on Riverside Drive in the city from About Bike Hire. They have a range of bikes and kayaks available. They even deliver!

FAQs about Perth

How many days is enough for Perth?

I would suggest a minimum of 7 days in Perth, but it depends on how far you intend to roam. Western Australia is a vast state, and you could easily spend a month travelling around all our fabulous towns and cities. 

If you would like to go further and explore the Southwest or Northwest coasts you will need more time.

What areas of Perth are the most popular with tourists?

Rottnest Island and Coastal Perth are probably the most sought-after by travellers. After all, we have the most divine beaches! It all depends on what interests you. The southwest and Margaret River Region are very popular at any time of the year.

What are the best parts of Perth to stay for a weekend?

Rottnest Island, Mandurah, Margaret River or the Swan Valley are ideal short break (or weekend) getaways.  Long term accommodation is available in these popular locations. Just ensure you book early for holiday weekends.

What are the best parts of Perth to stay with kids?

Rottnest Island is a favourite with families. Kids can roam free with their bikes and the accommodation is very family friendly especially if you can secure a self-contained unit.  

Hillaries Marina in the Northern Beaches region is also a great place for kids. It has a safe swimming beach, The Aquarium Of Western Australia (AQWA), Island Aqua Park, and lots of places to eat and shop.

Finally, Mandurah has calm waters and a large variety of apartment accommodation suited to families. 

What is the best time of the year to travel to Perth?

Perth has a Mediterranean climate which means our winters are mild compared to some of Australia’s eastern states. Autumn and summer are perfect if you want to spend time by the coast or in the Margaret River Region.  

Winter is the ideal time of year to travel to Western Australia if you plan on hiking, biking, or heading north to Jurien Bay and beyond. The temperatures are lower and it’s not as uncomfortable to move around. You will also be more likely to see the whale sharks in Exmouth.

What is the best way to get around Perth?

Perth has a great public transport system. There’s a train from the Perth International Airport to the CBD or beyond. We have free CAT buses within the CBD limits and a train and bus system to other suburbs. Check out timetables and ticketing information on the Transperth website. There is also the usual ride sharing services such as Uber and Didi, and we have Swan Taxis and Black & White Taxi services.

When traveling to the northwest or southwest of Perth you might find it more convenient to hire a car or take an organised tour.

Is it safe to swim in Perth?

Always swim between the red and yellow flags at Perth beaches. There are currently eight shark barriers in Perth and surrounding areas. 

Fresh water in the rivers in the southwest is generally safe, but always take care to check for underwater obstructions. Crocodiles are found in the northern Kimberley and Pilbara Regions.  Always take note of warning signs before swimming anywhere.

What should I do if I see a snake in Perth?

Snakes in the Perth Bush or coastal areas will be more scared of you than you are of them.  The advice is always to stop and let them move away in their own time. Wear covered shoes when hiking and keep an eye on the trail ahead. In the unlikely event you are bitten follow the advice of the Royal Lifesaving WA.

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I hope I’ve helped you decide where to stay in Perth! Leave me a comment if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help you. To continue planning your trip, check out my guide to the Best Things to Do in Perth next!