Western Australia
Western Australia is a place of extraordinary contrasts and natural beauty, offering unique experiences and stunning landscapes. From the perfect white sands and turquoise waters of the Coral Coast to the striking red gorges of Karijini National Park, the region is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Snorkel with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, watch the sunset over the ocean in Broome, or take a scenic road trip through the vast landscapes of the Kimberley.
In the south, discover world-class wineries and towering forests in the Margaret River region, or stroll through charming coastal towns with breathtaking beaches. Perth, the sun-soaked capital, blends relaxed city living with vibrant arts, dining, and outdoor experiences. Whether you're exploring ancient landscapes or tasting award-winning wines, Western Australia offers an unforgettable escape.
Getting around Perth is easy with buses, trains, and ferries run by Transperth. Free CAT buses operate in the city centre, connecting key attractions. For longer trips, rideshares, taxis, and car rentals are readily available.
Tap on and tap off with your mobile device
Get to places quicker. Just grab your phone and step out the door because you don’t have to stress about carrying an extra physical Card or remember to top up frequently. Add your American Express® Card to Apple Pay®, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay, then tap on and off with your mobile device, just like you use your Card.
Perth
Western Australia’s waterside capital, Perth, is a blend of natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and urban sophistication. Set on the Swan River and just minutes from white sandy beaches, Perth offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cosmopolitan charm. Wander through leafy Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, or catch a sunset over the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach. With a laid-back vibe and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of Perth’s easy-going pace.
Beyond its natural appeal, Perth boasts a dynamic food, wine, and arts scene. Discover local art and street murals in the inner-city suburb of Northbridge, enjoy fresh seafood and fine wine in vibrant restaurants, or hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island to meet the friendly quokkas. With nearby vineyards in the Swan Valley and day trips to natural wonders like Pinnacles Desert and Fremantle’s historic port, Perth is the perfect gateway to all that Western Australia has to offer.
Places to stay
Perth offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget, from luxury hotels with river or ocean views to stylish boutique stays in the heart of the city. For a unique experience, stay in historic Fremantle or unwind at a beachfront resort in Scarborough or Cottesloe. With so many choices close to dining, attractions, and nature, Perth makes it easy to find the perfect base for your Western Australian adventure.
Dining out
From trendy rooftop bars and waterfront restaurants along the Swan River to hidden laneway gems and vibrant food markets, Perth’s dining scene offers something for every palate. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, indulge in gourmet meals paired with local wines from the nearby Swan Valley, or sample international dishes that reflect Perth’s multicultural heritage. With its sunny climate and love of outdoor dining, Perth offers a rich variety of dining experiences that showcase fresh local produce, exceptional wines, and stunning natural surroundings.
As part of your Platinum® Card Global Dining Credit benefit, we’ve curated a selection of over 2000+ restaurants in 16 countries for you to explore. Take a look at our list of culinary highlights and create your next memorable experience. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
T&Cs and exclusions apply. Offer end date is 31 December 2025.
Shopping
Perth offers a diverse shopping experience, blending big-name brands with local creativity. Murray and Hay Street malls are the top spots for major brands and department stores, while nearby King Street offers Perth’s finest luxury boutiques and designer labels, all set within beautiful heritage buildings.
For something more local and eclectic, head to Fremantle Markets—open on weekends—where you’ll find handmade crafts, vintage fashion, artisanal foods, and live music in a vibrant atmosphere. Subiaco and Leederville also offer boutique shopping paired with cosy cafés and a relaxed village feel, while the upscale Claremont Quarter blends designer stores with sophisticated dining.
Entertainment
Whether you're a lover of live music, a fan of cutting-edge art, or simply seeking a night out under the stars, Perth delivers on diverse entertainment experiences. Northbridge is Perth’s cultural and nightlife heart, packed with stylish rooftop bars, craft breweries, and quirky late-night spots. For those drawn to the arts, His Majesty’s Theatre and the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia regularly showcase world-class performances. Art lovers will love the Perth Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of WA, the WA Museum Boola Bardip, and a rotating roster of street performances and pop-up exhibitions. Relax and catch a movie under the open sky at Moonlight Cinema in Kings Park or soak up the views from The Rooftop Movies. If you can, time your visit with one of Perth’s many festivals - Perth Festival, Fringe World, or Sculpture by the Sea.
Getting around
Thanks to its well-connected and efficient public transport network, getting around Perth is convenient and traveller-friendly. Transperth operates an integrated system of buses, trains, and ferries, with free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses serving key city areas like the CBD, Fremantle, and Joondalup. Uber and traditional taxis are also widely available, and renting a car is a good option for exploring outer regions like the Swan Valley or Rottnest Island.
Amex acceptance
59,000 Merchants were added to the American Express network in Western Australia in 2024*, meaning more places to shop, dine out and stay. Amex Cards are accepted widely across hotels, restaurants, shopping outlets and transport, meaning more “Yes” in the places you spend the most.
*Source: Based on American Express Merchant locations setup between January 2024 and December 2024, including through payment facilitators and OptBlue Sellers.
Useful tips
Useful tips
Perth offers free Central Area Transit (CAT) buses in the CBD, Fremantle, and Joondalup. They're a great way to get around key areas.
For longer trips on public transport, get a SmartRider card for discounted fares on trains, buses, and ferries. It's more cost-effective than buying single tickets.
Perth has one of the highest UV ratings in the world. Always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—even on cloudy days.
Head to Kings Park in the late afternoon for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Swan River. The sunsets here are incredible.
Many shops and cafés close early or don’t open at all on Sundays. Check hours in advance to avoid surprises.
Shop Small
Look for the “Shop Small” sticker at shops and restaurants or find participating Merchants on our map located here.