ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR PERTH & FREMANTLE (WESTERN AUSTRALIA)
I can’t believe it took me this long to visit Australia and Western Australia in particular - but wow, what a first impression. From dreamy beaches and wildlife encounters to wine valleys and some of the best food spots, this trip completely stole my heart. If you’re planning your first time in WA, I summarized everything I loved most in this blogpost and I will tell you why I already want to go back.
Western Australia feels already like such a warm welcome on the airport. There’s this incredible sense of space that you notice the moment you arrive - endless coastlines, open roads, sunsets that seem to stretch on forever. During this trip, I explored Fremantle, spent time on Rottnest Island, visited Swan Valley, and made it out to the Pinnacles Desert & each place added something completely unique to the experience. From turquoise beaches and quokkas to vineyards and surreal desert landscapes, the diversity within just one region is honestly mind-blowing.
What surprised me most, though, was the food scene. I already had high expectations, but Western Australia exceeded them. So many creative, high-quality spots, beautiful produce, relaxed atmospheres & that effortless mix of beach lifestyle and serious culinary talent. And then there are the people. Warm, open, laid-back in the best possible way. You feel welcomed immediately, whether you’re at a café, a winery, or just asking for directions.
Western Australia isn’t loud about its beauty - it doesn’t need to be. It’s confident, natural, and unforgettable. This was my first time visiting, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Lots of love,
Magda
MY FAV Food SPOTS IN PERTH
Neho - Asian Fusion dinner
If you're looking for a dining experience that offers bold flavors and an exciting fusion of Asian cuisine, Neho is the place to be. Specializing in Southeast Asian flavors, Neho infuses dishes with touches of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean influences to create a truly unique culinary journey. The restaurant is all about sharing - both in the food and the experience - making it perfect for a meal with friends or family. The meals are crafted to be enjoyed together, bringing people around the table to savor each bite. We loved each plate and tried the super tasty Peking duck, the Udon bolognese (what a tasty fusion plate!!), the mushroom tacos, tom yum gambas and the asian green veggies. Alongside their exceptional food, Neho offers a range of Asian liquors, including Asian beers and inspired cocktails such as the amazing “tom yum” cocktail, for that authentic Asian dining feel. Also make sure to try their super tasty desserts such as the asian panna cotta and yuzu cheesecake! With creative experiments in flavors and cooking techniques, Neho promises a dining experience that’s both innovative & deeply satisfying - highly recommend dinner here!
Karla - Australian dinner
We really loved our dinner at Karla! From the moment we walked in, the warm, contemporary ambiance set the tone for a fantastic evening. The menu at Karla offers a creative mix of modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. We opted for a few share plates, and every dish was bursting with flavor. I can highly recommend the sashimi and the asian chicken with it’s tasty tom yum rice as a side! With its stunning interior and chic vibe, Karla is the perfect spot for a special night out or a casual, yet elevated dining experience in Perth. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy top-notch food - make sure to reserve upfront!
Kickin'Inn Perth CBD - seafood dinner
If you’re craving tasty flavors and a fun, casual dining experience, Kickin’Inn is the place to be. Known for its mouthwatering seafood boils, this place offers a unique way to enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes. You get to choose your seafood - think prawns, crab, mussels, and clams - and then pick your spice level, from mild to fiery hot! The signature Kickin' sauce is a must-try, adding a rich, zesty kick to every bite. The food is served in a casual, no-frills style, making it perfect for a laid-back dinner with friends or family. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it an unforgettable experience in the heart of Perth's CBD.
Giant Coffee - coffee, matcha, pastries & bagels
Make sure to visit this hidden gem on your stroll through Perth for coffee! We tried the flat white (did you know it’s originally from Australia?) and the cappuccino with beautiful latte art. The lovely team is super kind and makes sure you have the best time! You can also grab some pastries such as their almond croissant, einspanner, high quality matcha or their homemade bagels if you’re hungry.
Arrival Hall - coffee, cake & brunch
This lovely spot is actually a mix between a home décor store and a cute coffee shop. You can stroll around and check out their colorful products inside, order a coffee, enjoy a cake and then relax and sit back in the charming garden on a quiet street in Northbridge. We loved the relaxed and casual vibe & can highly recommend a visit!
Telegram Coffee - coffee & pastries
When we researched for a nice coffee after our morning walk we came across this lovely spot in the beautifully restored State Buildings. The coffee was really good (of course again went for flat white), the service really kind and the atmosphere really beautiful. Can highly recommend grabbing a coffee here or taking it away to go.
Rooftop at QT - sunset drinks
we actually stayed at the QT hotel so we were told about this amazing rooftop bar right at the check in. We went for the first time on a Saturday and it was for sure a place to be! The atmosphere was super lively, full of locals and tourists enjoying the last sun rays sipping delicious drinks - really the place to be for sunset I guess!
Longview Cottesloe - beach front breakfast, lunch & dinner
We already researched this stunning restaurant upfront as we wanted to enjoy a lovely breakfast directly at the beach. This was for a sure a good idea as the restaurant was packed and due to our reservation we got a first row seating with a lovely view over the stunning beach! We loved the avocado toast and crab scrambled eggs.
The Beach Bus - acai bowl & coffee
After a long beach walk we wanted to grab an authentic acai bowl and found this spot located directly at the beach. You can choose from several acai bowls - we went for the strawberry chia berry and peanut butter one and grabbed two coffees with it. The acai bowl was super tasty, not too cold and also no added sugar, really liked it!
Daisies - acai bowl & coffee
We passed by here on our way from the train station to the beach and were surprised how packed it was! Apparently one of “the spots” with locals for grabbing a tasty acai bowl and coffee. There is a cute outside seating area and a little shop inside - we took our coffee to go and just enjoyed the lovely vibe while waiting for our drinks.
Bennies by the Beach - acai bowl & coffee
You can’t beat this amazing location overlooking the ocean for a refreshing acai bowl and coffee! We really like the acai bowl (added peanut butter to it) and enjoyed it after biking all the way to Scarborough. Make sure to check their opening hours as we arrvied around 11:30 and they then closed at 12:15 - still can really recommend enjoying your acai bowl here!
Further food spots on my list in Perth:
Brunch & Coffee
SoHo Lane
Deli Gabe
Petition
Dinner
Peasants Paradice
Ugly Baby
Wines of While
Lotus
Cosy Del's
My Bayon
Balthazar
Ah Um
MY FAV Food SPOTS IN FREMANTLE
Bread in Common - wood fired dinner
If you’re looking for an amazing dinner experience in the hear of Fremantle I can highly recommend Bread in Common! We loved the amazing cozy atmosphere and the lovely seating. Make sure to reserve in advance as it can get pretty fully booked especially on the weekend! The menu includes many veggie dishes as well as high quality meat and fish plates - we shared the market fish, which was really tasty, a pan seared barramundi on our evening. We didn’t try their bread for which they’re famous for and you can even get to go or for brunch - so we might need to return!
Emily Taylor Bar & Kitchen - Asian fusion
We loved our dinner experience at Emily Taylor & can highly recommend reserving your next dinner here! We opted for the outdoor seating area and were welcomed by the super lovely team. The food menu includes amazing asian inspired plates and we went for the super flavorful ceviche (with a rich coconut taste), their signature fried rice and the pad kee mao (with beef and rice noodles) - 12/10!
Further food spots on my list in Fremantle:
Brunch & Coffee
T.O.P Coffee Roasters
Best Wishes Coffee
Ghetto Blaster
Gelato & Desserts
Kuld Creamery
High St Gelato
Yo-Chi
Dinner
Vin Populi
Ode To Sirens
Cassia
Tonic + Ginger
Madalena's Bar
Nonna's Pizzeria & Cucina
What to do in Perth & FREMANTLE
Pinnacles Sunset Dinner Stargazing Tour
I was sooo excited for this tour to the Pinnacles and can honestly say it was the highlight of our trip - it should be on your bucket list too! This unforgettable experience offers the chance to view planets and the moon through advanced telescopes and astro binoculars, all while enjoying the beauty of one of Western Australia’s most remarkable landscapes. The Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its ancient, rugged terrain and clear, dark skies free from light pollution making it a prime spot for stargazing. We went with Lumineer Adventure Tours & it was way more than a five star experience! The team provides you with top-of-the-line astronomy equipment, allowing you to see celestial wonders in great detail and explains everything to you with so much in depth knowledge!
Beyond the stargazing, the tour also includes a visit to Lancelin for some thrilling sandboarding on its giant dune - perfect for an adrenaline rush and some unforgettable photos. You’ll also get the chance to explore scenic spots like the Nilgen Lookout and Hangover Bay, or even take a short walk through Nilgen Nature Reserve during wildflower season.
As the day turns to night and the sun set over the Indian Ocean, we enjoyed a delicious Aussie BBQ dinner with tasty salads & sides in the heart of the Pinnacles Desert with a glass of Australian wine. An unforgettable experience! If you're planning your trip to Perth, be sure to book early as this popular tour tends to sell out fast!
Rottnest Island
If you're in Perth or Frementle, a day trip to Rottnest Island is an absolute must! We decided to catch the ferry (make sure to book upfront!) from Fremantle, but you can also hop on from Perth, both offering beautiful views as you cruise across to the island. The ferry ride was incredibly smooth (only 30 minutes!), and as we approached Rottnest, the turquoise waters and rugged coastline already had us excited for what was to come. Once we arrived, we grabbed coffee at Lane Café & rented bikes (which I highly recommend booking in advance especially if you go on the weekend!) and set off to explore the island. Cycling around was the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery (we choose to get our bikes directly from the ferry company which was really nice and convenient) - quiet beaches like the Basin and Pinkys Beach are postcard-worthy, and we stopped to take countless photos along the way and also greeting the cute little quokkas along the path.
Later, we made our way to Havza for lunch & wow what a view! We loved our lunch - from the Greek salad to the fish of the day, everything was simply so tasty and delicious (I highly recommend to reserve your spot)! We then ended our day after a relaxed afternoon at the beach in the the Mezz bar where there was even happy hour and the perfect ending to a day of exploring. Trust me, this is one of those trips that you'll remember forever!
Swan Valley Wineries
A visit to the Swan Valley wineries is a delightful journey through one of Western Australia's premier wine regions. Just a short drive from Perth (we took an uber), the valley is home to a collection of boutique wineries offering stunning views, exceptional wines, and warm, welcoming atmospheres. As you tour the wineries, you’ll discover a range of varietals from crisp whites to bold reds, crafted with local expertise and passion. We enjoyed a super tasty lunch at Sandalford Wines with a really tasty sourdough woodfired pizza with lobster on top, grilled octopus with fennel and a super refreshing avocado and sprout salad. Afterwards we tried their wine tasting (you can taste 5 wines) and took two bottles of rose with us - the tasting is even for free when you’re purchasing a bottle of wine per person!
We ended our day in the swan valley with a lovely visit at the Yahava KoffeeWorks where they showed us how they’re roasting their coffee beans. We then enjoyed a tasty coffee and flat white overlooking the small lake on their benches outside and were super full and ready to go back to Perth - what a great experience!!
