How To Spend A Luxury Weekend In Perth, Australia [2026]

Let me be honest with you: planning a luxury weekend in Perth is harder than it should be.

Search for it and you’ll get budget backpacker tips or generic “top 10” lists that send you zig-zagging across the city with no idea how the pieces fit together.

I’ve come to call Perth my second home. I’ve watched the sun sink over the city on free sunset picnics in Perth, and I’ve worked my way through Perth’s brilliant café scene one flat white at a time.

This time, I’m turning things up a notch. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly where to dine, drink, stay and unwind for a high-end weekend in Perth, with a ready-made 3-day itinerary and the practical Australia travel tips that’ll save you a few headaches along the way.

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Why Perth Is Perfect For A Luxury Weekend

Perth sits on Australia’s far west coast, closer to Bali than to Sydney. For years, that isolation gave it a reputation as a sleepy stopover on the way to Margaret River or the Kimberley.

That reputation is well out of date. Today, you’ll find rooftop restaurants, hidden speakeasies, world-class museums and a riverfront that glows at golden hour, all packed into a compact, walkable city centre.

What I love most is the pace. Perth does luxury without the rush of Sydney, so a weekend here feels like a proper recharge rather than a sprint. 

4 Best Beaches You Can’t Miss In Perth, Australia

You can’t talk about Perth without talking about the coast. The beaches here aren’t just places to swim. They’re where locals meet for sundowners, long lunches and the nightly show of the sun dropping straight into the Indian Ocean.

1. Cottesloe Beach

“Cott” is Perth’s postcard beach: soft white sand, impossibly clear turquoise water and the heritage Indiana Tea House watching over it all. Norfolk Island pines line the beach, it’s patrolled in the warmer months, and rock shelves at either end make sheltered swimming and snorkelling spots on calm days. Swim in the late afternoon, then grab a glass of Margaret River chardonnay as the sky turns pink.

It’s about 11 km from the CBD, and the Cottesloe train station on the Fremantle line is roughly a 10-minute walk from the sand. Parking on Marine Parade fills up quickly on weekends. If you visit in March, Sculpture by the Sea turns the beach into a free open-air gallery.

2. Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is about 14 km north of the CBD, and it’s the liveliest beach on this list. The foreshore promenade is lined with beach bars and eateries, and there’s an outdoor amphitheatre for events. The open-air Scarborough Beach Pool is heated using geothermal energy, so you can swim laps facing the ocean even in winter.

This beach works well for a whole day, because you can swim, eat and stay on for sunset without leaving the foreshore. Peasholm Dog Beach is at the southern end, separate from the main swimming area.

3. Leighton Beach

Not every great beach day needs a cocktail menu. Some of my happiest hours in Perth were spent bodyboarding at Leighton Dog Beach, dodging surfers and then playing fetch with an over-enthusiastic Kelpie whose owner was happily soaking up the sun.

Leighton beach sits just north of Fremantle, so it pairs easily with a day exploring the port town. Dogs are only allowed in the designated off-leash area, so check the signs before you let yours loose.

4. City Beach

City Beach is one of the closest beaches to the CBD, about 10 to 15 minutes by car, and it has wide, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

The consistent waves make it a good beach for beginner surfers, and the grassy reserves, playgrounds and volleyball courts keep families there all day. Beachfront restaurants serve fresh West Australian seafood, and it’s my pick if you want a long, lazy lunch with sand still on your feet.

Spots like Bert’s, which opened on Challenger Parade in 2025, are open seven days from 6 am, so you can do breakfast or a long Sunday lunch. 

4 Fine Dining To Try Out In Perth, Australia

Perth’s food scene leans hard on pristine local produce: Rottnest Island crayfish, Manjimup black truffles, Shark Bay crab and premium Wagyu. If you enjoy restaurants in Sydney, you’d also love these. 

1. Wildflower: Rooftop Fine Dining At Sunset

Wildflower sits on the rooftop of COMO The Treasury, in the historic State Buildings. Its menu follows the 6 seasons of the Noongar calendar (Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang), so the dishes change as the wildflowers and the weather do. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city skyline and the Swan River, so time your booking for sunset.

The menu is a tasting format, with 4, 6 or 8 courses, built around native ingredients like Manjimup marron, bush tomato and finger lime, and the cocktail list uses native botanicals too.

It’s the most expensive of these 4, so save it for the special night. It serves dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm, and lunch Wednesday to Friday. Ask for a window table when you book.

2. Hearth: Cooking Over Open Fire

Hearth is inside The Ritz-Carlton Perth at Elizabeth Quay. It cooks over open fire and embers, using local hardwoods, and keeps its ingredients hyper-local. Expect smoky, confident dishes that let West Australian produce do the talking, such as gently torched Shark Bay scallops, Pilbara wagyu beef and smoked dry-aged Wagin duck.

It’s a good choice for a long, unhurried dinner, and it’s easy to walk to from the waterfront, so it fits well after an afternoon around Elizabeth Quay.

3. Long Chim: Thai Street Food In A Brick Vault

Head down into the vaulted brick basement of the State Buildings for chef David Thompson’s take on Thai street food. Thompson opened it in 2015, and it has become one of Perth’s best-loved restaurants for big, punchy flavours and no toning-down of the chilli. Add punchy cocktails and a buzzing courtyard under umbrellas, and it’s a fun late-night option when you want something less formal.

It’s mid-range, so it’s the best value of the 4. Dishes are made for sharing, so go with a group of 3 or more, and order a mix of salads, curries and something grilled.

4. Shadow Bar & Kitchen: A Late Supper In Northbridge

Shadow Bar & Kitchen is set in a converted banking hall in Northbridge, and it serves classic Italian fare alongside a serious wine list. Dark timber, moody lighting and late hours make it perfect for an intimate supper after a show.

It’s at 214 William Street, in Perth’s nightlife district, so you can walk there from the theatres and bars nearby. 

One more thing: in Perth, luxury doesn’t stop at dinner. Some of my favourite meals here were breakfasts, from the to-die-for bagels at La Veen to the perfectly golden toasties at Lowdown Espresso Bar.

5 Places For A Night Out In Perth, Australia

As the sun dips below the horizon, Perth wakes up. Forget the “sleepy city” label, the nightlife here ranges from hidden bars with passwords to stadium concerts for 60,000 people.

If you’ve explored Melbourne’s laneway bar scene, Perth’s small bars will feel familiar, usually with a little more breathing room.

1. Sneaky Tony’s

This speakeasy is hidden down a laneway off Roe Street in Northbridge, behind an unmarked steel door. It’s named after the Prohibition-era mobster “Tony the Hat” Cornero, who was caught running 1,000 cases of rum. On Friday and Saturday nights you’ll need a password to get in, and you can find it on their Facebook or Instagram page.

Inside, you’ll find exposed brick, low lighting and shelves holding more than 300 rums. Order a classic like an Old Fashioned or a Piña Colada, or ask the bartender to build you something off-menu. For a group, get a punch bowl. If someone doesn’t drink rum, there are boutique beers, and the food is bar snacks and burgers (with tacos and fried chicken also reported).

There’s no sign, so listen for the music, and expect a short wait at the door on weekends.

2. The Standard

The Standard is at 28 Roe Street in Northbridge, in a converted warehouse with 3 levels. It has an elegant indoor dining room, a leafy garden courtyard, and a rooftop deck with views over the city skyline. It’s lively without being loud, which makes it a great first stop of the night.

The food is Mediterranean-inspired share plates, and the menu changes with the seasons. Past menus have included pickled mussels, duck liver parfait, mortadella with sweet and sour onions, and wood-baked goat’s brie with burnt honey. Order 3 or 4 plates between 2 people, then add a cocktail. It’s also known for punch bowls and espresso martinis.

Good to know: it’s an easy walk from Perth station, so it works well before a show or a night out.

3. Mechanics Institute

Mechanics Institute is a heritage-listed rooftop bar at 222 William Street, with the entrance at the rear down a brick alleyway. It’s a multi-level outdoor space with a relaxed, rustic feel, and it’s known for smart cocktails, craft beer and wine. The cocktail list changes regularly, so ask what’s new. Bar bites include steak sandwiches, cheese boards and pizzas.

Go early on a warm evening and grab a spot by the railing, since that’s where the city views are best.

Good to know: it’s a few minutes’ walk from The Standard and Sneaky Tony’s, so you can do all three in one night.

4. Optus Stadium

For something bigger than a bar, Optus Stadium hosts AFL matches, international concerts and major events, and it holds around 60,000 people. It has been widely praised as one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, and it sits on the Swan River at Burswood. If you’re not catching an event, the stadium also runs a rooftop walk called Vertigo, so check the schedule.

Afterwards, walk back across the Matagarup Bridge, a pedestrian bridge by the river. It’s a highlight in itself, especially at dusk with the city lights across the water.

Good to know: event nights get busy, so plan how you’re getting home. Trains and buses typically run extra services, and rideshare fares jump after big events.

5. Crown Perth

Across the river in Burswood, Crown Perth bundles luxury hotels, fine dining, a theatre, nightlife and a casino into one complex. It’s an easy option when you want dinner and a show without moving venues. It’s also close to Optus Stadium, so you can pair it with an event.

Remember to book a table before the show, because restaurants fill up on show nights. Check the Crown Theatre’s what’s-on page to see what’s playing during your visit. 

3 Culture And Green Spaces In Perth, Australia

Perth pulls off something many cities struggle with: huge pockets of nature and world-class culture, right on the edge of the CBD.

1. Kings Park And Botanic Garden

Covering around 4 square kilometres/ 1.5 square miles, Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, bigger than New York’s Central Park. Walk the glass-and-steel Lotterywest Federation Walkway for a treetop view across the city and the Swan River.

Kings Park is the classic sunset spot, but my personal favourite is a little further out. On a picnic at Gooseberry Hill, I had what can only be described as a Lion King moment, watching the sky turn orange, pink and purple over the city below.

Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Fraser Avenue, West Perth WA 6005

2. WA Museum Boola Bardip

In the Perth Cultural Centre, WA Museum Boola Bardip (meaning “many stories” in Noongar) tells the story of Western Australia, from First Nations heritage to natural history. The striking building, blending heritage facades with modern architecture, is worth the visit on its own.

Admission: AUD 15 / USD 10 (general admission, under-15s free)
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm (check the website for public holidays)
Address: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth WA 6000

3. Art Gallery Of Western Australia

Right next door, the Art Gallery of Western Australia holds an impressive collection of Aboriginal and contemporary art. Don’t miss the rooftop, where a sculpture walk and bar give you yet another angle on the skyline.

Where To Stay For A Luxury Weekend In Perth, Australia

Where you stay shapes the whole weekend. All 3 of these keep you within easy reach of the riverfront, the best restaurants and Northbridge.

• COMO The Treasury: Set inside the 19th-century State Buildings, COMO The Treasury is Perth’s most elegant boutique hotel. You’ll be steps from Wildflower, Long Chim and Telegram Coffee for your morning flat white.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Perth: Overlooking Elizabeth Quay, The Ritz-Carlton offers sweeping river views, an infinity pool and Hearth downstairs for dinner. It’s ideal if you want the waterfront on your doorstep.
• Crown Towers Perth: Across the river in Burswood, Crown Towers is a resort-style stay with lagoon pools, a spa and Optus Stadium within walking distance. Choose it if your weekend revolves around a concert or a game. 

What I Did For A Luxury Weekend In Perth, Australia

Luxury doesn’t have to mean constant activity. It’s something I learnt while glamping at Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, where a slow day with nowhere to be felt like the real treat.

For a laid-back afternoon, stroll out to Heirisson Island, where free-roaming kangaroos and gliding pelicans make for a very Australian break from the city. Boutique shopping along King Street or a wander through historic Fremantle are lovely options too.

Not every evening needs a reservation, either. After a packed itinerary, a night in your hotel with room service can be the most indulgent choice of all.

If you enjoy a little digital entertainment during downtime, an online casino Charmius offers another way to unwind without heading back out into the city. As always, it’s strictly for over-18s, so set yourself a budget and play responsibly.

The point is to leave room in your schedule. In my experience, the moments you didn’t plan are often the ones you remember most.

My 3-Day Luxury Weekend Itinerary For Perth, Australia

Rather than scheduling every hour, I like to split a weekend into loose blocks. Here’s how I’d put it all together.

1. Friday: City Lights And Rooftop Dinners

Check in, then start with a drink in the State Buildings. Head up to Wildflower or Hearth for dinner, and finish with cocktails at Sneaky Tony’s or along Elizabeth Quay.

2. Saturday: Coast, Culture And A Big Night Out

Head out early for a swim at Cottesloe, then spend the afternoon at WA Museum Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. In the evening, pair a long dinner with a show at Crown or a concert at Optus Stadium.

3. Sunday: Brunch, Kings Park And A Final Sunset

Start slow with brunch at one of Perth’s cafés, then walk off the bagels in Kings Park. Finish with a sunset drink overlooking the water before you head to the airport.

Got an extra day? Take the ferry to Rottnest Island. Breakfast at Rottnest Bakery, with quokkas wandering past your table, is an experience not to be missed. My Rottnest Island travel guide covers how to plan it, or you can book a Rottnest ferry and bike hire package to keep things simple.

My Tips For A Luxury Weekend In Perth, Australia

Getting around: The CBD is compact and walkable, and the free CAT buses loop around the city centre. Check Transperth for routes, or grab a rideshare for trips out to the beaches.

Staying connected: Sort out data before you land so you can book tables and call rides straight away. I’ve compared the options in my roundup of the best eSIM for Australia.

Getting to Perth: Perth Airport is roughly 20–30 minutes from the CBD by car or train. Flights from Sydney take around 5 hours, so give yourself a full long weekend, or pair Perth with a few day trips from Sydney on the same trip.

Dress code: Perth is relaxed, but smart casual is the safe bet for fine dining and rooftop bars. Pack a light layer, as evenings by the river can get breezy.

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A luxury weekend in Perth is all about balance: rooftop dinners and hidden speakeasies, ocean swims and riverside walks, big nights out and slow, sunny mornings. You come for the sunshine and leave having discovered one of Australia’s most underrated city breaks.

If you’ve got more time, stretch the trip with a ferry to Rottnest Island and its quokkas, or keep exploring with one of the best road trips in Australia. Heading east afterwards? Melbourne’s must-try local dishes make the perfect next chapter.

Have you planned your own luxury weekend in Perth yet? Let me know in the comments where you’d book first!