When it comes to layovers, the common plan is to curl up with a good book, a tasty snack and a comfortable airport chair to await the call for your connecting flight. However, what happens when you’re in town visiting Perth (the gateway to Western Australia) with spare few hours and a curiosity to see what the city has to offer?
Thankfully, you’re spoilt for choice with convenient local options, which is why we’ve put together the following list of suggestions for how to kill time around Perth airport.
Things To Do Inside The Perth Airport
Being stuck at an airport is generally seen as an activity we don’t often enjoy, however, the Perth Airport provides a multitude of eateries, cafes, shops and facilities to help keep you entertained, comfortable and relaxed during your layover.
Whilst the airport doesn’t have specific airport accommodation on site, there are numerous facilities for duty-free shopping, money exchanges and areas to relax whilst you wait. However, if you’re after something more, you can choose from the following activities.
Get In Some Retail Therapy
There’s nothing like some retail therapy from the surrounding shops inside the airport to take your mind off waiting for your boarding call. If you’re after an authentic taste of Australia, be sure to visit stores like Perth Street Market, The WA Store and Australian Way for a range of gourmet produce, clothing, handcrafted Aboriginal products and gift ideas to bring home a memory of your time in Perth.
Grab A Bite Or Pint
There is also a range of fantastic eateries to choose from to satisfy your post-flight cravings. Experience some of the most renowned local coffee varieties from any of the numerous airport cafes like Long Shot and Toby’s Estate, or enjoy a pub classic meal at The Crafty Swan Kitchen and Bar.
Check Out The Public Viewing Area
If you enjoy a bit of plane spotting, the Perth Airport Public Viewing Area is located at level 3 at T1 International and is open to the public 24/7. Accessible from the level 1 departures area and located just 320 metres from centreline of runway 03/21, the viewing area offers a great vantage point for arrivals and departures, making it a great spot for families to get some fresh air, photos, or just to marvel at the wonders of aviation up close.
A helpful hint for photographers – try and get there in the afternoon or late morning to avoid direct sunlight in the early mornings.
Activities Nearby To The Perth Airport
If you’re in Perth for an extended layover and have half a day to kill, you can explore some of Perth’s best features, all within a short drive away from the arrival gates. Hire a vehicle from the airport or book a ride-share service and earmark the following list of things to do near Perth Airport.
Head To The Crown Casino
Located just 7 kilometres from the Perth Airport is the Crown Casino in Burswood where the action never stops. With a range of casino games, bars, lounges, restaurants and even a Crown Spa, it’s the perfect environment to spend a few hours during your layover. Located within the Crown complex is The Merrywell which a regarded as Crown Perth’s hero pub, with a selection of “all things delicious with a twist” as stated on their website.
Wine Tasting In The Swan Valley
Western Australian is known for its delicious range of wines, with its famed Margaret River Region providing some of the best wines on the world stage. But you don’t need to drive 4+ hours South of Perth to enjoy a tasty Rose or Merlot, the Swan Valley is located within a 25-minute drive North of the Perth Airport.
Depending on the amount of time you have, and the day of the week you’re in town, there is a suite of suggested itineraries to showcase the very best bits of the valley. Take the Swan Valley Wine Lover Tour of the best wineries in the region, or go on a Cultural Discovery Tour for a dose of Aboriginal and pioneer history.
Have the kids with you? Visit any of the various child-friendly venues in the region, including animal farms, chocolate factories and of course wineries for a long lunch amongst the leafy vineyards.
John Forrest National Park
If you’re wanting to go out and explore the Western Australian wilderness without travelling too far out of the city, there are several options available, each within a 20-25 minute drive from Perth Airport. One of the most popular options is John Forrest National Park which provides the perfect opportunity to get up and close with the local kangaroos and other wildlife, whilst taking in some of the most breathtaking views of the Perth landscape.
Take a bushwalk or cycle around the numerous paths to discover waterfalls, sweeping views of the ranges and Perth CBD, as well as a series of heritage trails to get an authentic taste of Western Australia’s great outdoors.
A Shopping Spree At DFO
If you have space in your suitcase for a few extra clothing items, why not head down to the DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) shopping complex, located just 2 minutes’ drive from the airport. Recently opened in October 2019, the impressive complex boasts more than 100 specialty stores including designer brands like Coach, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren, ideal for fashionistas and bargain hunters due to competitive factory prices and regular discounts of up to 70 per cent off.
Embrace Your Inner Thrill Seeker at iFLY
If you want to enjoy the thrill of skydiving without the fear of jumping out of a moving plane, then iFLY Perth provides the ultimate layover activity to kill a few hours. Located less than a 10-minute drive from the Perth Airport, the popular indoor facility gives you the ability to soar like a bird inside a 14ft wind tunnel tube, mimicking the exhilaration of skydiving without the risk. Open 7 days a week until late and available from ages 3 and above, this is a popular favourite for travellers and families seeking a thrill whilst in town.
Just Want To Relax? We’ve Got You Covered
Long flights can be tiring and sometimes the best thing to do whilst on an extended layover is to recharge and refresh in cosy accommodation that isn’t too far from the airport. If you want to enjoy some downtime away from the noise of the planes, we have a range of airport accommodation options located just a short drive away.
Our one-bedroom ensuite cabins are ideally suited to business travellers, as well as our two bedroom cabins which can fit up to six people – perfect for travelling families looking for a comfortable and convenient place to relax. We also offer a free shuttle bus from Perth Airport so you won’t need a car, plus our friendly staff have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the local area.
If you’ve not spotted something in this article you wish to do, the team at Perth Central Caravan Park can help you book day trips or popular tours to make your temporary stay in Perth an entertaining one. After all, there is so much to see in this beautiful city and we’re only too happy to show you the very best Perth has to offer.
Arriving in Perth for a layover soon? Check out the range of airport accommodation or contact us ahead of your stay to make your arrangements.