ElainePerth, the sunniest capital in Australia, blends relaxed coastal living with a vibrant urban spirit. Think endless blue skies, a thriving food and arts scene, and a pace of life that’s refreshingly unhurried. It’s perfect for travellers seeking both energy and ease. From stunning beaches and local eats to day trips and insider tips, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable visit.
Also read: 10 Must-Have Experiences In Perth and Australia’s South West
The flight to Perth
Before going, Singaporeans are required to have a visa, so do remember to apply for a visa for entry via the AustraliaETA app, it costs around S$20.
It takes approximately five hours to reach Perth from Singapore. On arrival, be prepared for strict airport immigration checks, which can sometimes cause delays.
Getting around Perth
Public transport is easy to use, and Google Maps is a handy tool for navigating the network. There are buses, trains and ferries. You can get a SmartRider Card at Transperth InfoCentres, Authorised retail outlets and Perth Airport (Terminal 1) at Smarte Carte Baggage Services. It’s the same way as in Singapore, tap on at the start and tap off at the end of your journey using the card reader. If you don’t want to get a card, you can also get a one-time use tickets at train and ferry terminals.
Other than the paid public transportation, there are also 2 types of free public transportation available in the CBD. The Free Transit Zone (FTZ) and Central Area Transit (CAT) Buses are both simple to use as well.
Uber is also widely available and convenient for saving time, though it does come at a higher cost.
Shopping and city hours in Australia
Most shops close by 4–5 pm, including supermarkets. So, prepare for early evenings, we had a lot of chill nights because of this. Another thing to note is that most places are cashless! We exchanged quite a bit of cash but barely used it. Credit/debit cards or mobile payments are the norm. AUD to SGD exchange rates were really close, which made converting prices in our heads a breeze.
Weather
As we all know, winter is usually at the end of the year, but for Australia, winter is in the middle of the year! The winter season usually starts around June and ends around August. We visited in March, and the weather was rather unpredictable, chilly one day and warm the next.
Where to stay in Perth
We stayed in Perth’s CBD, and the convenience was unbeatable. Most places were walkable, and public transport made it easy to get around. There were plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, so we never had to go far for meals or essentials. At night, the area stayed lively, but we did notice a few homeless individuals and some drunk revellers. It never felt unsafe, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re expecting quiet evenings.
If you prefer a quieter area to stay at, you can consider Subiaco. Chic cafes are tucked between boutique stores and luxury beauty shops. Leederville offers a similarly relaxed atmosphere, blending indie bookshops, vintage record stores, and quirky boutiques with eateries dishing out everything from handcrafted gelato to upscale tapas.
South Perth is also a wonderful area to stay at if you enjoy serenity, scenic landscapes. It offers one of the best views of Perth’s city skyline across the Swan River. South Perth is also just across the Swan River from Perth’s CBD, so you won’t be far from the main attractions.
Also read: Best Airbnb Stays in South Perth to book in 2025
Food in Perth
Dining out isn’t cheap, expect to pay around S$20-S$40 for mains at restaurants. Although it’s not widely sold, kangaroo meat is actually legal to consume in Perth. Tipping also isn’t expected in Perth, which is a nice bonus when you’re already spending a lot on food.
These are some of the foods we tried while we were in Perth!
Tony Roma’s
If you ever had the chance to dine at Tony Roma’s in Singapore before it closed, you’ll remember their ribs as nothing short of legendary. Sadly, my experience at the Perth branch was far less impressive. The ribs lacked tenderness, the sauce didn’t suit my taste, and I left most of them untouched. Even the starters were rather forgettable.
Sushi Hub
I went back to this place every single day because it was just that good! Their sushi tasted incredibly fresh, and they had so many varieties to choose from. Plus, it was one of the cheaper places I dined at, which was a bonus considering how expensive everything is in Australia.
Belgian Beer Cafe
We stumbled upon this charming restaurant just a short walk from our hotel, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions of the trip. The waitresses and the gentleman manning the oyster stand were wonderfully friendly, making us feel right at home.
We arrived just in time for happy hour, so we treated ourselves to oysters and prawns at a fantastic price. When the oysters ran out, the oyster stand host kindly made up for it with extra prawns, on the house!
For my main, I opted for chicken topped with melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. The chicken was perfectly tender, and the combination of cheese and sauce was absolutely spot on.
The Reveley
The Reveley had a great atmosphere, and the food was delicious too. I had the Shark Bay king prawn spaghettini and loved that the prawns were chopped up, so I didn’t have to peel them myself. My mother ordered the market fish and couldn’t stop raving about how good it was, she even wanted to take a picture with the restaurant! The prices were a little steep, but that’s pretty typical for restaurants in Perth.
Macca’s (McDonald’s)
I liked the variety at Perth’s McDonald’s, though the food itself was fairly average. My chicken burger was on the dry side, and the fries were just like the ones back in Singapore. They did, however, sell Cajun sauce, which I couldn’t resist bringing home with me.
Final thoughts
Also read: 10 Places to Visit in Perth on a One-Week Road Trip
I think Perth is one of those cities that surprises you at every turn, from its beaches and wildlife to the food and local vibes. I loved exploring it at my own pace, and I’m sure you will too!
