Perth is one of Australia’s most underrated capital cities—effortlessly blending urban culture, ancient landscapes, native wildlife and some of the country’s best sunsets. With the Swan River winding through the city, world-class beaches minutes away, and vast natural parks right on the doorstep, it’s an ideal destination for a short but memorable getaway.

This carefully planned 2-day Perth weekend itinerary is designed to help you experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. From panoramic views at Kings Park and Botanic Garden to twilight adventures on Matagarup Bridge, and from wildlife encounters in Yanchep National Park to golden-hour magic at Cottesloe Beach, this itinerary strikes the perfect balance between nature, culture and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting Perth for the first time or rediscovering it with fresh eyes, this weekend guide shows you exactly how to make the most of two days in Western Australia’s sunniest capital.

Getting there

Perth is easily accessible via Perth Airport, with direct domestic flights from major Australian cities and international connections from Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Hiring a car is highly recommended, especially for visiting Kings Park, Yanchep National Park and the coastal suburbs at your own pace.

Within the city, Perth is easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Parking is available at most attractions, though it’s worth planning ahead in the CBD (Central Business District, i.e. the city centre or downtown).

Arrive in Perth in the evening, collect your hire car and settle into your accommodation. Staying near the coast, such as Scarborough, is ideal for easy beach access and relaxed evenings. After check-in, keep the night low-key—rest up and get ready for a big first day exploring the city!

Start your Perth weekend with a visit to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world.

Perched above the CBD, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers sweeping views over the Swan River and the city skyline, along with beautifully curated native gardens. For the best views of Perth city and the Swan River, head to the following viewpoints:

• Lotterywest Federation Walkway
• Kaarta Gar-up Lookout (formerly Mount Eliza Lookout)
• State War Memorial

For a deeper understanding of the park, join one of the free guided walks led by Kings Park Volunteer Guides. Tours depart daily from the Visitor Information Centre, with the meeting point located near the Free Guided Walks signpost at the bottom of the steps outside the centre. These 1.5-hour walks run at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm every day except Christmas Day, offering valuable insight into Western Australia’s unique flora and Aboriginal heritage.

Note​:   As you may have gathered from our previous itineraries, we're huge fans of the iconic Big Things found throughout Australia, and Perth boasts several of these larger-than-life structures! The Big Things are a collection of approximately 150 oversized landmarks spread across the country, serving as prominent tourist attractions. Situated along major highways and between popular destinations, these landmarks not only draw tourists but also make for excellent rest stops during long road trips. During your time in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, don't miss the opportunity to visit some of these quirky and charming Big Things:

The Big Mega Fauna sculptures: Located within May Drive Parkland in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the BIG Mega Fauna sculptures bring Western Australia’s ancient past to life. These larger-than-life installations depict prehistoric animals that once roamed the region millions of years ago, offering a fascinating glimpse into the continent’s megafauna era. Set against a natural bushland backdrop, the sculptures are both educational and visually striking, making them a great stop for photos, a gentle walk, and a deeper appreciation of Australia’s deep-time history—especially for families and curious travellers.

​The Big DNA: The BIG DNA structure at the base of the iconic DNA Tower is a striking artistic installation that symbolises the building blocks of life and the interconnectedness of nature. Designed to resemble a twisting double helix, it cleverly mirrors the tower’s own spiral staircase design while reinforcing Kings Park’s strong focus on science, conservation and biodiversity. Even if you don’t climb the tower itself, the DNA structure is worth a visit as a quick and meaningful stop that blends art, education and the park’s broader environmental story.

As the sun begins to dip, head to Matagarup Bridge for one of the city’s most exhilarating experiences.

The Zip + Climb experience is the world’s only zipline launched from a bridge! This immersive adventure takes around two hours, beginning with a guided walk up and over the bridge, including the glass-floor Sky View platform, before clipping into the thrilling 400-metre zipline. The Twilight Bridge Climb and Zipline delivers unbeatable views of Perth at dusk, as the city lights flicker on and the Swan River glows below—an unforgettable highlight and a truly unique way to experience the city from above!

Take on Perth’s most thrilling urban adventure — book your Matagarup Daytime Bridge Climb & Zipline or Matagarup Twilight Bridge Climb & Zipline now!

After your adventure, make your way to Elizabeth Quay for dinner.

This lively waterfront precinct is packed with restaurants, bars and walking paths, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. Enjoy the city atmosphere before heading back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Begin Day 2 by driving into the city to visit The Bell Tower.

Note​:   On the way to The Bell Tower, keep an eye out for several playful Big Things dotted around East Perth and the CBD — each adding a creative, light-hearted twist to Perth’s streetscape.

The BIG Bunnies: Tucked away in a quiet residential pocket of East Perth, the BIG Bunnies are a delightful surprise that instantly brings a smile. These oversized rabbit sculptures pop up unexpectedly among suburban streets, making them a fun photo stop and a great example of Perth’s growing public art scene.

​The BIG Paper Planes: Located outside Elevation Tower on Adelaide Terrace, the BIG Paper Planes installation features two oversized, angular sculptures crafted from dark steel, folded to resemble paper planes frozen mid-launch. It’s an eye-catching stop that works especially well for photography, with the clean building lines and open forecourt providing a striking backdrop as you pass through the eastern edge of the CBD.

​The BIG Pen Nibs: Located outside Stirling Gardens near The Bell Tower, the BIG Pen Nibs pay tribute to writing, history and communication. Their bold, sculptural form stands out against the surrounding greenery and heritage buildings, making them a subtle yet meaningful landmark.

Join the 30-minute Bell Tower Tour and Bell Chiming Experience, which starts mid-morning and provides a fascinating introduction to one of Perth’s most iconic landmarks. The experience includes a live bell chiming demonstration, where you can see the bells in action and gain insight into the traditional art of bell ringing. During the visit to The Bell Tower, you’ll learn about the historic Swan Bells—some of the oldest bells in the world—and their journey from London to Western Australia, along with the city’s strong maritime heritage.

Afterwards, head up to the Observation Deck for sweeping views across the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay and the Perth skyline, making this stop both educational and visually rewarding.

Collect a packed lunch and head north to Yanchep National Park.

Note​: On the way to Yanchep National Park, stop briefly at Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup campus to see the impressive BIG Periodic Table.

The BIG Periodic Table outside Building 15 is a striking outdoor installation that brings science into the public realm. The display features oversized element tiles arranged in the familiar periodic table format, turning a core scientific reference into an engaging visual experience. It’s both educational and eye-catching, highlighting the university’s strong focus on science, technology and innovation, and makes for a quick, curiosity-sparking stop.

At Yanchep National Park, enjoy a relaxed lunch surrounded by nature before setting off along the popular Koala Boardwalk. This easy stroll is along a raised boardwalk where koalas can often be spotted lazing among the treetops, with interpretive signage providing insight into their behaviour and habitat. It's a gentle, rewarding introduction to the park and a favourite for visitors of all ages.

Afterwards, choose between the many scenic walking trails in Yanchep National Park depending on your time and energy levels. We did the Woodlands Walk, the Caves Walk and the Dwerta Mia Walk, and thoroughly enjoyed them. More details on these walking trails can be found in the park's website.

Finish your Perth weekend at Cottesloe Beach, one of the best places in Australia to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Note​: Along the way, make a quick stop at the BIG Ball & Chain sculpture and the BIG Sundial near Marine Parade.

The BIG Ball & Chain sculpture: Located near the corner of Forest Street and Curtin Avenue in Cottesloe, the BIG Ball & Chain, also known locally as the Metal Balloon, is a striking public art sculpture that playfully challenges expectations. Despite its heavy, industrial appearance, the oversized spherical form appears to float lightly above the ground, creating an intriguing visual illusion. It’s a fun and engaging stop for visitors, offering a unique and captivating experience.

The BIG Sundial: Situated along Marine Parade near Cottesloe Beach, the BIG Sundial is both a functional timepiece and a piece of outdoor art. Designed to track the movement of the sun throughout the day, it’s a subtle reminder of Perth’s famously sunny climate and its strong connection to outdoor living. With ocean breezes and coastal views close by, the sundial makes for a pleasant pause before heading to the beach and is a fitting prelude to watching the sun dip below the horizon at one of Western Australia’s most iconic sunset spots.

Arrive at Cottesloe Beach with enough time to slow down and truly enjoy the coastal atmosphere before sunset. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, dip your feet in the Indian Ocean, or simply relax on the grass or sand as locals gather for an evening swim or picnic. As the sun begins its descent, settle in and watch the sky transform into soft shades of gold, orange and pink, reflecting beautifully over the water. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a full weekend of exploring — soak in this final, unforgettable Perth moment before heading back to your accommodation.

Note​: As we were based in Scarborough during our Perth visit, it made perfect sense to head to Sunset Hill at Scarborough Beach for sunset after our stop at Cottesloe Beach. This is a popular spot for locals and tourists to watch the sun go down over the water and is less crowded than Cottesloe.

A weekend in Perth proves just how much this laid-back city has to offer in a short time. From elevated city views and cultural landmarks to wildlife encounters and iconic beach sunsets, this 2-day itinerary showcases the very best of Western Australia’s capital without feeling rushed. Whether you’re chasing nature, adventure or pure relaxation, Perth delivers it all—often in the same day. With thoughtful planning and a hire car, this weekend escape leaves you with unforgettable memories and plenty of reasons to return.

​Love our itinerary? Excited to visit Perth? Book your accommodation via Booking.com below at cheaper prices!