Sun, surf, and skyline—Perth has it all. Tucked away on Australia’s dreamy west coast, this laid-back city is where beach mornings roll into rooftop evenings, and kangaroo spotting is just a ferry ride away. But before you dive into the turquoise waves or sip wine in the Swan Valley, you need the perfect place to crash.
Whether you’re a sunset chaser, a culture lover, or just here for the epic fish and chips, we’ve rounded up the best accommodation options near Perth’s top attractions and beaches. From breezy coastal stays to stylish city digs, this guide will help you land right in the heart of the action—without breaking the bank or missing the view. Let’s find your home base in WA’s most underrated gem.
Why Perth Accommodation Is Unique
Unlike cities where hotel districts feel detached from real life, Perth’s accommodation options are embedded in local culture. You’re not just booking a bed; you’re booking a lifestyle. Wake up in the CBD and stroll to galleries. Stay on the coast and step onto sand. Nest in Fremantle and let heritage buildings and eclectic energy colour your mornings.
Choosing the right area can elevate your entire experience — and Perth, with its village-style layout and seamless transit links, makes it easy to balance exploration and relaxation.
Stay in the Heart of Perth’s CBD
If you want to be at the centre of everything, Perth’s city centre is an ideal home base. The CBD offers a polished blend of heritage charm and contemporary sparkle. It’s where you’ll find five-star favourites like COMO The Treasury, QT Perth, and the wellness-focused Westin Perth.
Whether you’re here for business or a short holiday, the CBD gives you walkable access to Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, the Swan River Foreshore, and cultural highlights like Perth Cultural Centre. Plus, free CAT buses and train lines make navigating a breeze.
Fremantle: Where the Coast Meets Creativity
Just 30 minutes southwest of Perth lies Fremantle — affectionately known as Freo. This is the city’s artistic soul, where maritime history collides with boho energy. Here, old-world hotels sit beside organic bakeries and street performers.
Accommodation ranges from the unique Hougoumont Hotel, made partly from repurposed shipping containers, to the boutique Warders Hotel, housed in historic limestone cottages. Staying in Fremantle means you’re a stroll away from Fremantle Markets, the WA Maritime Museum, and a vibrant café scene that rivals Melbourne’s. It’s effortlessly cool and deeply local.
Scarborough Beach: Stay Where the Surf Rolls In
For travellers who crave salt on their skin and sunset views from the balcony, Scarborough delivers. It’s Perth’s most iconic beachside suburb, and the vibe is laid-back but lively.
Accommodations like Rendezvous Hotel and Seashells Scarborough offer unbeatable ocean views. The beach is flanked by promenades, skateparks, and the ever-popular Scarborough Beach Pool. It’s a magnet for surfers by day and a hotspot for sunset markets and beachside dining by night.
Coastal Class in Cottesloe
Chic, leafy, and effortlessly elegant — Cottesloe is a coastal suburb that attracts both locals and travellers who prefer a quieter, more refined beach experience. This suburb blends century-old architecture with modern luxury.
Stay at Ocean Beach Hotel or choose from high-end holiday homes perched just metres from the sea. Walk to artisan gelato shops, picnic under Norfolk pines, or visit during Sculpture by the Sea, when the foreshore becomes an outdoor gallery.
Northbridge: Perth’s Cultural Playground
Young, vibrant, and unapologetically diverse, Northbridge is for those who thrive after dark. Just a short walk from the CBD, this cultural quarter is stacked with hidden bars, late-night eateries, and art spaces.
Stay in stylish hostels like Spinners Hostel or trendy serviced apartments on William Street. By day, explore art galleries and Asian grocers. By night, dance in rooftop clubs or sip craft cocktails in intimate jazz bars. Northbridge is electric, and it never sleeps.
South Perth: Riverside Serenity
For postcard-perfect views of the city skyline, South Perth offers a serene escape. Accommodations like The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments sit right on the river, giving you front-row seats to Perth’s golden hour.
This area is a favourite for families and travellers seeking peace. Spend your day picnicking in Sir James Mitchell Park, visiting Perth Zoo, or taking a scenic ferry ride back across the river. It’s tranquility with a skyline backdrop.
Stay Close to the Action at Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys is a northern coastal hub that blends entertainment with relaxed seaside charm. Ideal for families and water lovers, the area is home to Hillarys Harbour Resort and other apartment-style stays.
You’ll be right next to Sorrento Quay, with its bustling shops and restaurants, and walking distance to the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA). Day cruises, fishing charters, and watersports are all at your doorstep.
Rottnest Island: The Quokka-Filled Getaway
Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth, Rottnest Island (or Rotto, as locals say) offers a magical escape. With no cars, the island breathes calmness.
Stay at the luxurious Samphire Rottnest, the social Rottnest Hostel, or glamp at Discovery – Rottnest Island, nestled in the dunes of Pinky Beach. Explore over 60 beaches, cycle scenic routes, and meet the island’s famously photogenic residents — the quokkas.
Where to Stay on a Budget
Budget travellers don’t have to compromise in Perth. Hostels like The Emperors Crown, Billabong Backpackers, and Beatty Lodge offer clean, central accommodation with a social atmosphere.
Suburbs like Victoria Park, East Perth, and Mount Lawley offer affordable Airbnb and short-term rentals, often close to public transport and local amenities.
Indulge in Luxury Escapes
For those seeking indulgence, Perth’s luxury hotels impress with thoughtful design, spa offerings, and prime locations. Crown Towers Perth in Burswood is the crown jewel — offering fine dining, private cabanas, and sweeping river views.
Other top-tier options include The Ritz-Carlton Perth at Elizabeth Quay and COMO The Treasury, a design-lover’s dream blending heritage and modern minimalism.
Hotels or Airbnb: What Works Best?
Perth’s accommodation scene is flexible. Hotels are great for short, service-focused stays. Airbnb options offer more space, especially for longer trips or families.
Trendy areas like Subiaco, Leederville, and Mount Hawthorn are known for stylish Airbnbs with character, often near cafés and boutiques.
Backpacker-Friendly Areas
Backpackers are drawn to Northbridge, Fremantle, and East Perth. These neighbourhoods are walkable, filled with character, and plugged into Perth’s nightlife and transit lines. Hostel culture thrives here — it’s easy to meet people, share stories, and find the next adventure.
Travelling with Kids?
Families will appreciate suburbs like Como, Innaloo, and South Perth, which offer quiet streets, parks, and self-contained stays. Proximity to the zoo, playgrounds, and kid-friendly beaches makes travel less stressful and more fun.
For the Love of Ocean Views
Nothing beats waking up to the sound of waves. If that’s your dream, Scarborough, Cottesloe, and Fremantle South Beach offer accommodations with unobstructed ocean views. Expect unforgettable sunsets and morning walks on the sand just steps from your bed.
Travel Sustainably in Perth
Eco-conscious travellers will find sustainable stays across the city. The Native Hotel in Fremantle uses eco-friendly practices without compromising comfort. On Rottnest, Discovery Parks offers solar-powered glamping in eco-sensitive zones.
Many Airbnbs now list their green credentials — look for solar panels, recycled materials, and low-waste policies.
Navigating Perth From Your Stay
Getting around Perth is refreshingly easy. The Transperth system of trains, buses, and ferries is reliable and affordable. The free CAT buses in the city and Fremantle make short trips effortless. Many accommodation areas are pedestrian-friendly, meaning you can explore without the hassle of renting a car.
When to Book and Why Timing Matters
Perth’s popularity peaks in summer (December to February), especially along the coast. Book early for beachfront stays. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and better deals — a sweet spot for savvy travellers.
The Perfect Base for Your Perth Escape
The magic of Perth lies in its diversity — not just of landscapes, but of experiences. Whether you’re sipping wine by the river, diving into turquoise waters, or wandering historic laneways, the right accommodation can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Pick your base with intention — beach or city, budget or luxury, peaceful or buzzing — and let Perth do the rest.
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