Best Perth Cruises

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 is a complete experience, fun and ideal to share with the family.

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

Swan Valley is a wine region located thirty minutes from Perth, it is easy to distinguish it because it surrounds the Swan River. It has a variety of attractions, such as wineries, breweries and galleries.

This type of tours are usually very complete, since you can see the city from the river channels. They usually include tea, lunch and tasting of the best wines. Please note that children under the age of three are not allowed.

One thing to keep in mind is that during the rainy season in Perth, these types of 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 wine tasting and gourmet tasting, the transfer is usually done by bus for safety measures.

Details of interest

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

The nature in Australia is breathtaking, so I suggest adding a whale watching experience to your itinerary. In this activity you will sail to Hillarys Boat Harbour, a resort where fun is never lacking.

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, in Perth there is more opportunity from September to November.

The advantage of this type of cruises is that they usually include personalized tips, so you can capture this spectacle. In addition, you can stroll through the alleys of this coastal city, where bars, restaurants and luxury stores abound.

To make the most of it, I recommend wearing a bathing suit, 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.

Details of interest

• Price: from 44 € per person.
• Duration: about 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 return to the hotel, so you don't have to worry about anything. Transportation in an air-conditioned coach is also available.
• Disadvantages of this option: at Hillarys you can do additional activities, but they are not included in the cost of the tour.

Rottnest Island is a coastal area west of Fremantle, characterized by crystal clear waters and a variety of corals. It is important to take this ride with professionals, as there are very dangerous spiders and snakes on the island.

Here inhabit 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 use flash around them. You should only wait for them to approach voluntarily.

This island is inhabited by about 300 people and no cars are used, only a few tourist buses. The cheapest option to visit the island is the ferry, while the most expensive is to travel by plane. Here you can go hiking, biking and enjoy the company of a biologist guide who knows the history of the area.

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

• Rottnest Island Beaches: one of the best options is Salmon Bay, which is open twenty-four hours, offers an ideal space to share with the family.
• Wadjemup Lighthouse: it was built in 1849 and it is the highest point of the island. The views from the hill are impressive, the best way to get there is by bicycle.
• West End: is an area with a variety of water activities, as it is surrounded by interesting bays.
• Quokka area : qu okkas 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 shore of a bay, on the sides of the roads where you will be pedaling by, 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 walk around it are November and October. I suggest avoiding the winter months from 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 nooks and crannies of Rottnest and explore the wildlife, I suggest you opt for this tour. This type of experience leaves from Perth sailing down the Swan River on a cruise for about an hour, then transferring to a ferry that 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 include child seats as well as entrance to the island.

Additional activities are at an extra cost, you can go snorkeling, biking, paddle boarding and much more. You will 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: about eight hours.
• When to do it: the best time to do this tour is in summer. In addition, it is important to arrive early, your guide will indicate the boat schedule.
• Advantages of this option: you will return to Perth the same day, so it is ideal if you have little time in your itinerary.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is an excursion with a maximum capacity of 32 people, so places sell out quickly.

If you are 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 excursion, you will be able to live new experiences and take advantage of the leisure potential of the area. During the activity you will pass through:

• Barrack Street Jetty: this is Perth's harbor and one of the most important shopping areas. In the surrounding area there are bars, restaurants and transport stations within easy reach.
• Perth Belfry: it is an imposing building that measures about 82 meters, 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 there are cultural heritage sites, which were inhabited years ago by indigenous Australians.
• Kings Park: is a free park that can be seen from the Swan River. There is also a botanical garden, its spaces are ideal for relaxation.
• 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 neighboring city of Fremantle. From the river you can view nearby attractions. Depending on weather conditions, you can make stops to visit the colonial High Street, Fremantle Market and Fremantle Prison.

If you are looking for activities to do with children in Perth, this cruise is a safe and ideal option to share with the family. The plans are suitable for all ages, as there are everything from free playgrounds to beer gardens.

Details of interest

• Price: from £36 per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• When to do it: the best season 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 commentary from the captain of the boat.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a short trip, ideal for relaxing. If you are looking for long stops to explore the sights, you may need a different type of cruise.

If you are 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 nighttime illumination.

It's an ideal activity if you want to take a leisurely waterfront stroll, accompanied by live entertainment. This experience stands out for being private, usually the maximum capacity is 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 preference in a buffet service on board the boat. Some of the food options may include shrimp, chicken, lasagna, 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.

Details of interest

• 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 is ideal if you are looking for activities to do in Perth with children.
• Disadvantages of this option: the cruise route may change depending on holidays, weather changes or 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. When you get on board you will have a table reserved at the buffet, with gastronomic proposals prepared with seasonal ingredients. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best things to do in Perth during your vacation.

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 harbors. Usually these types of cruises do not stop in Fremantle, but from the sea you can see the picturesque cottages.

Details of interest

• Price: from 60 € per person.
• Duration: about three hours.
• When to do it: the best time to do it is at noon. 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 beverages are not usually included in the price, so if you want to taste a beer, a chardonnay or a shiraz, you must 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 designed for those who want to relax by sailing through Fremantle, a coastal town known for having more kangaroos than people, while tasting Australian wines.

The boats usually have enclosed areas with air conditioning, a great option if you take the cruise at noon or during a humid day. If you are adventurous you can also enjoy the open air deck to view Perth and the Fremantle Harbour area.

Without a doubt this experience is one of the best things to do in Perth during your vacation.

Details of interest

• 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 is a short cruise, ideal if you have little time to explore Perth and its surroundings.
• Disadvantages of this option: there is only room for 50 people, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially in high season.

Generally, these types of attractions can be booked up to five days in advance. However, the 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 twenty-four hours in advance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Wear non-slip sneakers, as water often splashes on 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 less, or ask the captain.
• Choose the right season, this will depend on the type of cruise you want to take. There are areas that are best visited in winter, others that are best visited in summer and avoid the rainy season.

• It is a comfortable option and many offer gastronomic experiences.
• You will be able to escape the tourist crowds, as the capacity does not exceed 100 people. In addition, there are a variety of areas, both indoors and outdoors.
• It is ideal for getting to know port cities near Perth, especially if you have little time in your itinerary.
• You will have the opportunity to share with people from other cultures.