Adventure tours
Perth
Rottnest Island Tandem Skydive with Perth Ferry
Jump over Rottnest Island with a tandem instructor, then return to Perth by ferry. Includes island admission and beach landing.
1 day
from
A$516.50
Overview
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is WA’s sunlit capital — compact, easy to walk and well‑connected by Transperth with quick day trips to Rottnest, Fremantle and the Swan Valley.
Perth feels more like a relaxed beach town with a capital’s services — wide streets, riverfront parks and short hops to islands and wineries. The city’s spread gives you beaches, bars and Kings Park within easy reach without the crush of east‑coast traffic. What sets Perth apart is space: late sunsets, big skies and fast access to diverse day trips (Rottnest Island ferries, Fremantle markets, Swan Valley wineries) all within roughly two hours. Budget hack: get a Transperth SmartRider for cheaper fares, use the free CAT buses in the CBD and stock up at Aldi or Coles to slash food and travel costs during your stay.
Things to do
Explore exciting things to do in Perth
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Things to know
Get to know Perth
Top 4 things you need to know before travelling to Perth
Getting around — use SmartRider and the free CATs
Transperth covers trains, buses and ferries; buy a SmartRider at major stations or kiosks to cut fares. The CAT buses are free in the CBD and a fast way to jump between Elizabeth Quay, Hay Street and Northbridge. Peak trains run often—check Transperth timetables before late‑night plans.
Rottnest & day trips — book summer ferries and bikes early
Rottnest is a single‑day favourite. Ferries depart from Fremantle and Barrack St; in summer and long weekends ferries and on‑island bike hires sell out. Bring water, reef‑safe sunscreen and lock up your luggage — allow a full day and prebook bike hire and ferry for weekend travel.
Money & food — where to save on groceries
Supermarkets like Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are in the CBD and suburbs; Aldi generally undercuts the others on basics. Eat cheap in Northbridge and along Beaufort Street for Asian and kebab options. If you’ll be in Perth a week or more, cook in hostel kitchens — bulk groceries and shared meals save the most.
Sun and water safety — respect the ocean
Perth sun is intense year‑round; SPF 30+, a hat and sunglasses are non‑negotiable. Swim between the red‑and‑yellow flags on patrolled beaches and obey local signage for rips. Water is cooler in winter—check local surf reports before heading out.
Why backpackers love Perth
Backpackers dig Perth for a few blunt reasons: cheap(ish) hostels clustered around the CBD and Northbridge, easy social scenes in hostel bars and pub strips, and short travel times to surf beaches and island trips. Northbridge is the go‑to for late‑night eats and cheap Asian joints; Fremantle has markets and coastal vibes for chilled afternoons.
Transport is straightforward — frequent trains and free CAT buses mean you won’t bleed money on cabs. Hostels run pub crawls and communal breakfasts, so it’s easy to meet other travellers. Perth’s scale also means you can do a beach morning, a brewery afternoon and a riverwalk by sunset without wasting a day.
FAQ
Travel FAQs Perth
Common questions backpackers ask about Perth
Use Transperth services that link the airport to the city and then hop on a free CAT around the CBD. Buying a SmartRider before multiple trips will drop fare costs. For door‑to‑door convenience, rideshare or taxis are widely available but pricier.
Not necessary for the CBD, Northbridge and beach suburbs — public transport and ferries cover most highlights. Hire a car if you plan to explore the South West, national parks or go beyond day‑trip distances.
Book ahead for summer (Dec–Feb), university O‑week (late Feb/early Mar) and long weekends. During shoulder seasons you can often find same‑day deals, but weekends in Fremantle and Rottnest trips still sell out fast.
Central areas like the CBD and Northbridge are generally safe but use common sense: keep an eye on belongings, stick to lit streets, and avoid isolated beaches after dark. Emergency services are reliable—call 000 for urgent help.
More places to explore near Perth
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