One of the most remote capital cities on the planet, Perth feels a world away from the rest of Australia in more ways than one. The sky is always blue, the people are relaxed and life unfolds at a slower pace. Looking out over the Indian Ocean, it’s a town where the beach and surf culture are woven into the fabric. Perth’s unique position on the southwestern tip of the mainland means it opens up a raft of new cruise destinations and gives you a new perspective on Australia.
Take some time to explore this eminently liveable city before you set sail. Swim at the famed Cottesloe Beach, take a scenic cruise along the Swan River, wander through the leafy Kings Park and explore the state-of-the-art museums. The city also has an emerging craft beer scene, lots of tasty restaurants and the Swan River wine region right on its doorstep.
Perth’s cruise port is the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, which is Australia’s largest cruise terminal. It sits in the Inner Harbour of the busy cargo port of Fremantle – look further out to sea and you can spot some of the world’s largest container ships loading freight. The cruise terminal is a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD and slightly longer from the airport. Fremantle is an interesting neighbourhood in itself, with lots of cafes, bars, shops and live music.
- What are popular destinations for cruises from Perth?
With more than 20,000km of coastline, there are a lot of options in Western Australia. From Perth you can sail north to swim with the whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef, learn about the pearling days of Broome or explore the rugged outcrops of the Kimberley coast. Head south to Busselton and discover fine wines in the Margaret River, hike the windswept cliffs of Albany and spot kangaroos snoozing on the beach at Esperance. You can also circumnavigate Australia from here, cruising around the Top End into Queensland or around the southern coastline. If you want to embark on a global adventure, cruises sail into Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam and beyond.
- How long are cruises departing from Perth?
Short cruises of just three or four days will take you to one or two nearby ports on the WA coast. For a longer journey up to Broome or the Kimberley, allow between 10 and 14 days. Cruises of 14 to 21 days or more can circle most of the way around the Australian mainland, depositing you in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.
- Can I find family-friendly cruises from Perth?
Absolutely! A number of large ships regularly sail from Perth, offering family-friendly fun like swimming pools, waterslides and waterparks, sports courts, games rooms, arcades and entertainment. They will also have kids’ clubs that suit all ages from toddlers to teens. Two of the most family-friendly ships departing from Perth are Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and P&O Cruises Pacific Explorer. Shore excursions are also suitable for the whole family, with wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, bushwalks and hikes, cycling and more.
- What amenities can I expect on ships departing from Perth?
Modern cruise ships sailing from Perth will have all the bells and whistles onboard. That means swimming pools and waterslides (perfect for escaping the WA heat), spas and wellness centres, gyms, sports courts, libraries and games rooms, and lots of spaces to relax. When it comes time to eat, you can choose from multiple outlets ranging from casual cafes and buffets to fine dining restaurants and specialty cuisine like sushi bars or Italian trattorias. Bars, lounges and nightclubs are perfect for a cheeky cocktail, and theatres host nightly live performances.
- Are there luxury cruises available from Perth?
Yes, you can cruise from Perth in five-star style. Luxury ships sailing here will offer spacious suites, all-inclusive fine dining, premium wines, indulgent wellness and impeccable service. Some lines to look out for include Ponant, Silversea, Oceania and Cunard.
- Are there themed cruises departing from Perth?
You can find some short cruises sailing from Fremantle that are themed around fun hobbies like comedy, music or the 1980s. Expect lots of entertainment, activities and dressing up onboard.
- How early should I arrive at the Perth cruise terminal?
Check in times for your cruise will be staggered to cut down on wait times for passengers. The process varies across different cruise lines, but you will be allocated a check in time based on your cabin or given the option to choose a check in slot when you book or through the lines’ app. At a minimum you will need to be at the cruise terminal at least one hour before the ship is scheduled to depart – remember, they won’t wait for you!
- Is there parking available at the Perth cruise terminal?
Yes, there is parking available at Victoria Quay, which is just next to Fremantle Passenger Terminal. This is paid parking on a first come, first serve basis, and is not secure or undercover. If you would prefer a gated parking complex, Secure Parking has a lot at Kings Square, a 15-minute walk from the terminal. You can book ahead online.
- Do cruises from Perth return to the same port?
There is only one cruise terminal in Perth, the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, so if you’re on a round trip cruise you will return to the same port. If you’re on a one-way cruise, you will finish in a different destination.
- What's the peak season for cruises from Perth?
As one of the sunniest cities in the world, cruises run from Perth year-round. There’s always something new to see, from the orcas in Bremer Bay between January and April or the whale sharks in Ningaloo from March to August. If you want to cruise from Perth to the Kimberley, the season is between March and October. The busiest months for cruising are between November and March, which coincides with the warmer months and the summer school holidays.