Solo travel · Perth · Australia
Solo travel in Perth
How to enjoy Perth at your own pace.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Perth is easy and relaxed for solo travellers, with hostels in Northbridge and Fremantle, efficient trains and plenty of group tours to Rottnest and the Pinnacles. Many solo travellers base themselves in Perth CBD and Elizabeth Quay.
Key facts
- Base
- Perth CBD and Elizabeth Quay
- Getting around
- Train
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Language
- English
Solo travel tips
- Stay in Fremantle or Northbridge for walkable food, pubs and hostels.
- Join group tours to the Pinnacles or Margaret River rather than driving long distances alone.
- Cycling Rottnest Island is a great solo day; ferries and bike hire are simple to arrange.
- Carry water and sun protection on long walks; summer heat is intense.
- Use ride-hail ranks in Northbridge late at night rather than walking alone.
Where to stay
$$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping and solo travellers
Perth CBD and Elizabeth Quay
The CBD runs from the riverfront at Elizabeth Quay, with the Bell Tower and ferries to South Perth, up through the Hay Street and Murray Street malls to Perth station. Free CAT buses and the Free Transit Zone cover the centre, and Kings Park is a 20-minute walk west. It is the most practical base, though quiet on weekend evenings.
- Good
- Central for trains, ferries and buses; Walk to the river and Kings Park; Wide range of hotels
- Watch out
- Quiet in the evenings and on weekends; Office-district feel
- Nearby
- Elizabeth Quay, The Bell Tower, Kings Park, Northbridge
Great on your own
Park · Kings Park
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Watch sunset from the State War Memorial lookout, where the city lights come on across the river.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Historic site · Fremantle
Fremantle Prison
Book the Tunnels Tour ahead; it is the most memorable option and runs in small groups.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Iconic
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Waterfront · Perth CBD
Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower
Climb the Bell Tower for river views, then catch the ferry across to South Perth for the skyline from the other side.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Views
- Kids
Museum · Northbridge
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Start in the Ngalang Koort Boodja gallery on First Nations stories before moving to the natural-history halls.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- History
Gallery · Northbridge
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Pair it with WA Museum Boola Bardip across the plaza for a rainy or very hot afternoon.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
Market · Fremantle
Fremantle Markets
Combine it with coffee on the Cappuccino Strip next door and a walk to the Fishing Boat Harbour.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- History
Meeting people
- Swan Valley tasting day — Work your way through wineries, breweries, chocolate makers and fruit stalls in the Swan Valley, ideally on a tour or a river cruise.
- Fremantle Markets and the Cappuccino Strip — Graze through the market's food stalls, then join locals for coffee along South Terrace.
- Northbridge — Clubs, bars and late-night eateries around William Street, James Street and the Perth Cultural Centre.
- Fremantle — Historic pubs, breweries and live-music venues around South Terrace and the harbour.
Sensible precautions
Perth is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are extreme summer heat, strong UV, rips at surf beaches and sharks; swim at patrolled beaches and check SharkSmart alerts. Northbridge can be rowdy late on weekend nights.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Staying connected
- Mobile coverage is good in the metro area but patchy on long drives to the Pinnacles and in remote national parks.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Perth good for solo travellers?
Perth is easy and relaxed for solo travellers, with hostels in Northbridge and Fremantle, efficient trains and plenty of group tours to Rottnest and the Pinnacles.
+Where should solo travellers stay in Perth?
Perth CBD and Elizabeth Quay: Riverside business district of hotels, the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay's ferries.