Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Perth, Australia, a city that often surprises visitors with its blend of vibrant urban life and stunning natural scenery, you’ll want an easy way to get a feel for its many sights. The Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a flexible way to explore the city without the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets or rushing between attractions. Many travelers find it a handy introduction, especially if time is limited or if you’re keen on seeing the main highlights without committing to a full-day tour.

What we like about this experience is its flexibility—you can hop off whenever something catches your eye and jump back on when you’re ready. Plus, the audio commentary in multiple languages, including a special channel for kids, makes it accessible for international visitors and families. On the flip side, one potential consideration is the timing and schedule, which some reviews point out can be affected by city traffic or delays, impacting your plans if you’re tight on time.

This tour suits travelers who want a straightforward overview of Perth, whether you’re a first-timer or someone who simply wants to maximize their sightseeing with minimal hassle. It’s especially good for those who enjoy audio-guided tours and value the convenience of a multi-stop route around key city spots.

Key Points

• Flexible and customizable: Hop on and off at 15 different stops, tailoring your day to your interests.
• Multilingual commentary: Available in several languages plus a dedicated children’s channel, making it family-friendly.
• Affordable: Priced at around $39.45, offering good value for a two-hour city overview.
• Convenient routes and stops: Includes major sights like Kings Park, Bell Tower, Swan River waterfront, and Botanic Gardens.
• Weather considerations: Open-top buses mean exposure to the elements; bring sunscreen or rain gear depending on the forecast.
• Timely but variable: Some reviews mention delays; expect occasional traffic-induced hold-ups.

The Experience in Detail

Starting your Perth city tour is simple—you can hop on at any of the 15 stops listed around the city. The buses operate between 9:15 am and 5 pm, giving you a wide window to plan your day. The full circuit takes about two hours if you simply stay on, but most people hop off at various stops to explore. Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, so you can spread out your sightseeing or revisit your favorite spots without rushing.

Once onboard, you’ll enjoy audio commentary in multiple languages, which makes the experience accessible whether you’re a native English speaker or speak French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, or Hindi. There’s also a special children’s channel read by Kev, the green kangaroo, which keeps kids entertained and engaged.

Stops and What You Can Expect

The stops are thoughtfully placed near major attractions, making it easy to plan your day. For example:

• Stop 1: 3 Barrack St – This is the starting point for many, close to the city center. It’s a good spot to hop on and start the tour.
• Stop 2 & 3 (Hay Street & James Street) – Perfect for shopping and exploring Perth’s central business district. You’ll find plenty of cafes and shops to browse after hopping off.
• Stop 4: Perth Stadium Bus Stn – If you’re catching an event or just want to see the sports precinct, this stop gives an inside look at the city’s sporting hub.
• Stop 5: Crown Perth Food Court – For a quick meal or snack. The bus stops right next to the taxi rank here.
• Stop 6 & 7: Hay Street & Cambridge House – Close to attractions like the Perth Mint, where you might appreciate a quick visit or photo opportunity.
• Stop 8: St Georges Terrace – The civic heart of Perth, lined with historic buildings and offices.
• Stop 9 & 10: Kings Park & Roe Gardens – The highlight for many. Kings Park offers sweeping views of the Swan River and the city skyline, and the Botanic Gardens within the park feature thousands of Western Australian plants.
• Stop 11: Blue Boat House – Inside Kings Park, perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll.
• Stop 12: Vietnam War Memorial & Stop 13: Watertown Outlet Centre – Great for history buffs or shoppers.
• Stops 14 & 15: Murray Street & William Street – Located near the Perth Visitor Centre and popular retail zones.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the good value and the interesting commentary. Many mention that the bus is clean and well-maintained, with polite drivers ensuring a smooth ride. As one reviewer pointed out, “The commentary was interesting and helpful for first-time visitors,” highlighting how useful this is for orientation.

Others appreciate the opportunity to see Perth’s top spots without the hassle of public transport or driving. One traveler noted, “It’s a great overview of the city, and the ability to hop off at your leisure makes it flexible.” This is especially true if you’re on a tight schedule or if you want to avoid missing out on key sights.

However, some reviews highlight timing issues—waiting between stops can sometimes be longer than expected, especially if traffic jams occur. One reviewer shared, “The bus does not run on time… we waited for over 30 minutes at two stops,” which can be frustrating if you’re trying to fit a busy itinerary into one day.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The flexibility of hopping on and off at 15 stops means you can customize your day.
• The audio commentary adds educational value and makes exploring more engaging, especially if you’re new to Perth.
• The scenic routes, especially through Kings Park and along the Swan River, make for memorable views.
• The affordable price offers good value for a two-hour city overview and extended sightseeing with a 24 or 48-hour pass.

Cons:

• Open-top buses mean you’re exposed to sun, wind, or rain—bring appropriate gear.
• Traffic delays can affect schedule and waiting times; if you’re on a tight timetable, this could be a concern.
• The bus stops are spaced out, so if you’re looking for detailed access or visiting lesser-known sites, this might not cover everything.
• Some reviews mention the audio volume isn’t always loud enough, and headphones can sometimes fall out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick yet thorough introduction to Perth. If you’re short on time but want to see the main highlights, it’s a practical choice. Families with kids might also find it fun, especially with the dedicated children’s channel.

It’s also suited to those who prefer self-paced sightseeing—you can hop off at attractions that interest you most and rejoin the bus later. However, if you’re someone who wants deep dives into specific sites or personalized guided experiences, this might feel too superficial.

Final Thoughts

The Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a balanced and accessible way to familiarize yourself with the city. Its affordable price point combined with multilingual commentary makes it a good value, especially if you’re new to Perth or traveling with family. The route covers all the main sights, from Kings Park to the Swan River waterfront, delivering stunning views and easy access to attractions.

While it’s not without flaws—occasional delays and the open-top nature that leaves you exposed—the overall experience is positive. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, the informative narration, and the convenience of multiple stops designed to suit different interests.

If you’re visiting Perth for the first time and want a simple, cost-effective way to get your bearings, this tour fits the bill. Just remember to factor in the weather, be prepared for possible delays, and plan your day accordingly. It might not be the most in-depth tour, but it’s a solid starting point for discovering this vibrant city.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially because there’s a dedicated children’s channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo. It makes the ride engaging for young travelers.

Can I hop off at any stop and rejoin later?
Absolutely, your ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the 15 stops during the validity period, giving you flexibility to explore.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
The commentary is available in multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi.

Is food and drinks included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included unless specified, but there are stops at places like Crown Perth Food Court where you can grab a snack.

Does the tour include entry into attractions?
No, the ticket covers transportation and commentary, but entry to attractions is paid separately if you choose to visit.

What should I bring for the open-top bus?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days, or rain gear if rain is forecasted. Temperatures can vary, and the open top exposes you to the elements.

How long does the full circuit take?
The complete loop lasts about two hours if you stay on the bus without hopping off.

Are there any special considerations for timing or delays?
While most reviews mention punctual stops, some delays can occur due to city traffic or road closures, so plan your day accordingly.

In the end, this tour offers a straightforward, no-fuss way to get a feel for Perth’s main sights. It’s perfect if you want an overview without the commitment of a guided full-day tour, and it’s a good option for those who value flexibility and convenience.