Cruises in Perth

After exploring Western Australia's capital city on foot, you'll probably want to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Taking a cruise is one of the best things to do in Perth, as it's a complete, fun and family-friendly experience.

There are a variety of options, you can take a dinner cruise, go whale watching in winter, or book a ferry to Rottnest Island from Perth, where you can meet the quokkas. In this article, I'll tell you all about the options in detail.

Swan Valley is a wine region located thirty minutes from Perth, easily distinguishable because it surrounds the Swan River. It has a variety of attractions including wineries, breweries and galleries.

These tours are usually very comprehensive, as you can see the city from the river canals. They usually include tea, lunch and a tasting of the best wines. Please note that children under the age of three are not permitted.

One thing to be aware of is that during the rainy season in Perth, these boat tours may be affected. July is the month with the most rainy days, the tide is usually high and it is dangerous to set sail. In such cases, for the wine tasting and gourmet tasting, the transfer is usually done by bus for safety reasons.

Interesting details

• Price: from €140 per person.
• Duration: approximately seven hours.
• When to do it: the best time to take this cruise is from February to March. During these months the grape harvest, known as the grape picking season, takes place and grapes are used for the production of local wines.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes a guide to the Swan River.
• Disadvantages of this option: tipping is usually not included, however you can ask your guide if it is compulsory. It is a rare practice in Australia, reserved for some attractions, restaurants and transport systems.

Australia's wilderness is breathtaking, so I suggest adding a whale watching experience to your itinerary. On this activity you will sail to Hillarys Boat Harbour, a resort where fun is never in short supply.

Hillarys is a very active area, especially during the whale watching season which runs from May to November. Each year the whales follow a defined route, so the chances of seeing them are quite high. Specifically, Perth has the best chance from September to November.

The advantage of these cruises is that they often include personalised tips, so you can catch the spectacle. In addition, you can stroll through the alleys of this coastal city, where bars, restaurants and luxury shops abound.

To make the most of it, I recommend wearing a swimming costume, so you can take advantage of the most outstanding water activities. You'll usually find pools with water slides, yoga and pilates classes, cooking workshops for the kids and live shows.

Interesting details

• Price: from €44 per person.
• Duration: around two hours.
• When to do it: the best time to do this activity is from November to May, while the best time is in the afternoon.
• Advantages of this option: you can select the option of pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, so you don't have to worry about anything. Transport in an air-conditioned coach is also available.
• Disadvantages of this option: Additional activities are available at Hillarys, but are not included in the cost of the tour.

Rottnest Island is a coastal area west of Fremantle, characterised by crystal clear waters and a variety of corals. It's important to take this ride with a professional guide as there are dangerous spiders and snakes on the island's grounds.

This is home to the happiest animals on earth, known as quokkas. They are the size of a cat, like to interact with people and are very friendly with children. They are endangered and it is important not to touch them, feed them or flash around them. Just wait for them to approach voluntarily.

There are about 300 people living on this island and no cars are used, only a few tourist buses. The cheapest way to visit the island is by ferry, while the most expensive way is by plane. Here you can go hiking, cycling and enjoy the company of a biologist guide who knows the history of the area.

Some of the sites you can visit on your bike tour are:

• Rottnest Island Beaches: one of the best options is Salmon Bay, which is open around the clock, offering an ideal space to share with the family.
• Wadjemup Lighthouse: Built in 1849, it is the highest point on the island. The views from the hill are breathtaking and the best way to get there is by bicycle.
• West End: this is an area with a variety of water activities, as it is surrounded by interesting bays.
• Quokka area: Quokkas can be seen almost anywhere on the island, but remember that they are nocturnal animals. In summer it is common to see them on the shores of bays, on the sides of roads you will be cycling along, or under the shade of trees.

Details of interest

• Price: from €80 per person.
• Duration: approximately one day.
• When to do it: The best months to take the ferry to Rottnest Island and wander around are November and October. I suggest avoiding the winter months of June to August, as well as the rainy months of May, July and September.
• Advantages of this option: The total fee includes the use of the facilities.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not suitable for people with health problems. In addition, it is important to be in good physical condition for this adventure.

If you want to see the sights of Rottnest and explore the wildlife, I suggest you opt for this tour. This type of experience departs from Perth by sailing down the Swan River on a cruise for about an hour, then transferring to a ferry which will take you to Wadjemup Lighthouse and West End.

When you get down to the island you can enjoy a coach ride on your own or if you prefer, you can opt for a guided tour, which usually includes child seats as well as entry to the island.

Additional activities are available at an extra cost, including snorkelling, cycling, paddle boarding and much more. You'll also have free time to discover the island at your own pace, exploring the trails, historic areas and traffic-free roads.

Details of interest

• Price: from €83 per person.
• Duration: around eight hours.
• When to do it: the best time to do this tour is in summer. It's also important to arrive early, as your guide will let you know the boat schedule.
• Advantages of this option: You'll return to Perth the same day, so it's ideal if you have little time in your itinerary.
• Disadvantages of this option: This is a tour with a maximum capacity of 32 people, so places sell out quickly.

If you're short on time for a tour of Perth, but want to see the best of the city and stroll along the Swan River, I suggest taking a scenic cruise.

A scenic cruise allows you to enjoy the best views as well as see popular sights. On this river trip, you can experience new things and take advantage of the leisure potential of the area. During the tour you will pass through:

• Barrack Street Jetty: this is Perth's harbour and one of the most important shopping areas. Nearby bars, restaurants and transport stations are within easy reach.
• Perth Belfry: it is an imposing building that measures around 82 metres, from the river you can get the best views of its structure.
• Swan Brewery: you can learn about the history of Swan's most important traditional breweries. Nearby are cultural heritage sites, which were inhabited years ago by indigenous Australians.
• Kings Park: it is a free park that can be seen from the Swan River. There is also a botanical garden, its spaces are ideal to relax.
• Royal Yacht Club of Perth: it is a nautical club that receives visitors from different cultures.
• Mansion area: from the water you can see some of the most impressive mansions of Perth, built on the edge of the river.
• Fremantle Seaport: located in the neighbouring city of Fremantle. From the river you can view nearby attractions. Depending on weather conditions, you can make stops to see the colonial High Street, Fremantle Market and Fremantle Prison.

If you're looking for activities to do with children in Perth, this cruise is a safe and ideal option for families to share. From free playgrounds to beer gardens, there's something for all ages.

Details of interest

• Price: from €36 per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• When to do it: the best time to take this cruise is from December to March, during the summer. I especially recommend you to schedule this activity in February, as it is the hottest month of the year.
• Advantages of this option: you can usually cancel at least 24 hours in advance. They usually offer real-time feedback from the boat captain.
• Disadvantages of this option: It's a short trip, ideal for relaxing. If you're looking for longer stops to explore the sights, you may need a different type of cruise.

If you're looking for things to do in Perth at night, a scenic cruise is a great option. It gives you a glimpse of the city's night-time illumination.

It's an ideal activity if you want to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, accompanied by live entertainment. This experience stands out for being private, usually with a maximum capacity of 50 people, so I suggest you book in advance.

Dinner is usually based on a full menu, where you will have the opportunity to choose the dishes of your choice from a buffet service on board the boat. Some of the food options may include prawns, chicken, lasagne, roast beef, among others.

A variety of beverages such as Australian wines, soft drinks, water, tea or coffee are also available. Some have cocktails, which you can enjoy for an additional fee.

Interesting details

• Price: from €100 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• When to do it: it is ideal to do it during the summer, as it is important to set sail in good weather conditions.
• Advantages of this option: Child seats are usually available, so it's ideal if you're looking for things to do in Perth with children.
• Disadvantages of this option: The cruise route is subject to change, depending on public holidays, weather changes or the rainy season. Don't worry, just keep in touch with your guide.

If you want to enjoy a meal on the river, you can opt for a cruise, usually with lunch. On board you'll have a table at the buffet, where you'll have a choice of food prepared with seasonal ingredients. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Perth during your holiday.

You can also sample desserts, the cost of which is usually included in the total price of the experience. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Perth skyline, as well as get a quick glimpse of the main local harbours. These types of cruises don't usually stop in Fremantle, but you can see the picturesque cottages from the sea.

Details of interest

• Price: from €60 per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• When to do it: The best time to do it is midday. You can do it from September to November to take advantage of the spring, or opt for the summer season from December to March.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes live commentary by the captain of the boat.
• Disadvantages of this option: Alcoholic drinks are not usually included in the price, so if you want to try a beer, a chardonnay or a shiraz, you have to pay an additional fee at the bar.

If you want to enjoy a short cruise, a sightseeing cruise between Perth and Fremantle is the ideal option. This is a plan for people who want to relax on a cruise around Fremantle, a coastal town known for having more kangaroos than people, while tasting Australian wines.

The boats often have enclosed air-conditioned areas, a great option if you take the cruise at midday or during a wet day. If you're adventurous you can also enjoy the open-air deck to view Perth and the Fremantle Harbour area.

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Perth on your holiday.

Interesting details

• Price: from £28 per person.
• Duration: Approximately one hour.
• When to do it: the best time to take it is during the afternoon.
• Advantages of this option: It's a short cruise, ideal if you have little time to explore Perth and the surrounding area.
• Disadvantages of this option: There is only space for 50 people, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season.

These types of attractions can usually be booked up to five days in advance. However, demand for cruises is quite high, so you run the risk of running out of space.

These types of experiences include some of the best excursions from Perth. For this reason, I recommend booking online, which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Wear non-slip trainers, as water often splashes onto the deck, making the floor unsafe.
• Don't forget to wear sunscreen, especially if you have children on board.
• If you suffer from seasickness, opt for the side of the boat that moves the least, or ask the captain.
• Choose the right season- this will depend on the type of cruise you want to take. Some areas are best visited in winter, while others are best visited in summer, avoiding the rainy season.

• It's a comfortable option and many offer gastronomic experiences.
• You can escape the tourist crowds, as the capacity is limited to 100 people. Plus, there's a variety of areas, both indoor and outdoor.
• It's ideal for getting to know port cities near Perth, especially if you're short on time in your itinerary.
• You will have the opportunity to share with people from other cultures.