Perth is a city we visited on several occasions and we have always loved the city! When I was backpacking around Australia in 2011, Perth was just only one of the many beautiful destinations I visited, but when we later lived in Kununurra for almost 4 years, Perth became more important to us.
It was the destination of Sem’s first ever flight in 2015… route: from Kununurra to Perth.
But before Sem was born we spend quite a bit of time in Perth to arrange all the things we needed for our permanent visa. ( Stuff that couldn’t be arranged in Kununurra )
We rented a small Nissan Micra and drove all around and across Perth. We slept one night in the lovely beach suburb of Scarborough, and then found this place of a lovely lady called Joanna, which we found on Gumtree. ( We weren’t familiar with Airbnb back then )
Joanna lived in a cosy home together with her housemate Jason, 10 minutes from the city centre of Perth and it was not only cosy and fun, but it also saved us a lot of money compared with staying in a hotel or motel.
Getting Australian Permanent Visa stuff done
In order to apply for our permanent visa we needed to arrange a lot of things. I had my IELTS test already done in Germany before we left the Netherlands as a obligation for our 4 year temporary visa that was linked to my job.
For our permanent visa, Lion also had to do his IELTS test, which he did at the Perth University. We also both needed medical exams and some other paperwork.
Buying a car in Perth
We also bought a new car ( our lovely Kia ) and other stuff we don’t have in Kununurra ( read: Kununurra has only a handful of shops and delivery costs are sometimes more expensive than the product itself ; )
Just before we left Kununurra to travel around Asia for two months, we sold our old backpackers Holden Commodore station. We needed a 4-wheel drive and something a bit more reliable in the outback. So when we came back from our Asia trip we were looking for a car in Perth, as there are way more options than in Kununurra.
In Kununurra there are only a handful of cars for sale, which are either way to expensive, or way to crappy.
So after two days searching and driving all around Perth in our rental car we found the one.
We also spend time with friends in Perth and I did two barista courses at the Australian Barista Academy, which were great!
After a while going from point a to z across the whole city, we started to get familiar with Perth and we really felt at home here in those 10 days and during the other short stays we had in Perth on layovers or short trips.
Things to do in Perth
Here is a bit more about the things we like to do in Perth.
Perth is only a tiny city compared with cosmopolitan Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, but has lots on offer for everyone.
From Kings Park featuring expansive bushland in the close shadows of the city centre to picturesque Cottesloe Beach, Perth is a place to embrace the great outdoors and designed to ensure that both visitors and locals are getting the benefits of fresh Aussie air.
Amongst the chic hotels, bustling bars and an array of restaurants there is a culture to Perth that celebrates Western Australia and welcomes intrigue. The Art Gallery of Western Australia and Perth Institute of Contemporary Art both showcase the talents of the local indigenous communities, ensuring that an afternoon spent around culture will also be a valuable history lesson.
Perth also offers many little parks, shops and a compact and cosy city centre to wander around in or just relax on one of the many terraces.
Mostly during the summer months, Perth offers many cosy ( food ) festivals and many activities for young and old, but also during other seasons, there are many things to do in and around Perth.
For undercover entertainment, you can go to the Burswood Complex, a massive entertainment complex with a hotel, casino and restaurants.
What we also really loved about Perth was just walking along the Swan River watching Perth’s skyline and around Barrack Square, where you will find the Bells Tower, built at 82.5 metres-high with copper and glass and featuring 18 bells, a unique building.
Things to do in Fremantle
Fremantle is only a short drive away from Perth, and it’s definitely worth visiting to have a look at the buildings that popped up when British settlers arrived.
Or if you have time, stay at least a few nights in Fremantle.
Fremantle has a wealth of 18th Century buildings like the old Fremantle Prison, which is a fantastic way to experience some man made history as well as appreciate the freedom you have experienced on a road trip around the wild and wondrous Western Australia.
Fremantle is also well known of it’s famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ where you find a wide array of coffee cafe’s, a super relaxed vibe, shops and flash cars who drive up and down the strip to see and be seen 😉
If you just want to relax and chill out in Fremantle, no worries! Fremantle has a few beautiful pearly white beaches and clear blue water and a few lovely parks to spend a morning or afternoon in.
And definitely visit the popular Fremantle Markets if you are there during the weekend.
Hot tip for Fremantle → Enjoy a lazy afternoon at the Little Creatures Brewery. It’s an amazing place to eat delicious food, drink a nice and cold beer or wine, and enjoy the views if you are sitting on the outside terrace in the back.
Plan your trip to Perth & Fremantle
We have created this Perth & Fremantle Travel Guide for you to make planning and booking your trip easy!
Cheap Airfares to Perth
If you are not doing the big lap or travelling Australia by car, you might wanna find the best flight to Perth. We use www.skyscanner.com for all our flights. It’s one of the most popular flight search engines and it compares hundreds of airline companies and booking websites. A big plus for us is that Skyscanner can look for flights in the cheapest month, and it will also automatically look for the cheapest dates in that particular month.
Where to stay in Perth & Fremantle
There are several campings around Perth & Fremantle. Free camping around or close to Perth & Fremantle has not that many options, but have a look at the app WikiCamps for options.
Are you looking for something luxurious like a 5 star hotel in Perth? Or perhaps an apartment to share with family and friends in Fremantle? Agoda offers accommodation in Perth and surroundings suitable for any budget or wish list. Check out all hotels in Perth & Fremantle
Airbnb in Perth & Fremantle
Airbnb offers many lovely accomodation in Perth & Fremantle for any budget.
Book via our special link to get a whopping $$$ discount off your first booking with AirBnb, so you can definitely score yourself a bargain.
Have you booked your trip via Airbnb before? Book your next Airbnb accommodation in Perth & Fremantle easy and fast right here ↓
We personally love staying in an Airbnb if not camping, as often you find these little gems you won’t find anywhere else.
What do you think of this amazing warehouse style apartment from only $81! That’s cheaper than many hotels ( and campings if you are with kids ) and it looks just amazing! ↓
And… Click here for an Airbnb discount code of $50!!!! for your first ever Airbnb experience… Believe us, it won’t be your last 😉
Tours and Transport in Perth & Fremantle
Are you visiting Perth and surroundings for a trip and don’t have your own car? Don’t worry.
Viator offers a wide range of tours and excursions in the Perth area for travellers who’d just like to sit back an relax and see the highlights with a professional guide.
You can also book your transfers in Perth via Viator.
Check out many different tours for the best prices right here ↓
Rental Cars in Perth
Want to discover Perth & Fremantle and surroundings on your own? Rentalcars.com compares the best car rental companies for you, so you don’t have to search for hours to get the best car rental deals in Perth. Search now below ↓
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Ja was erg mooi daar😍😍😍😍