You’ll Love These 9 Dining Experiences In Perth

Perth isn’t just about stunning beaches and rugged coastlines — it’s also a city that offers some truly memorable dining experiences. You’ll find everything from elegant river cruises to wild desert Stargazing dinners, each offering unique ways to enjoy Western Australia’s natural beauty while indulging in delicious food and drinks. Personally, I love the Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour because it combines incredible landscapes with a mouthwatering barbecue and the chance to see the stars through telescopes. It’s an adventure that tickles all your senses, from the fiery sunset to the cosmic wonder overhead.

For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, the Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a leisurely way to enjoy Perth’s skyline and water views with a tasty buffet and live music. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a peaceful night out, these experiences showcase Perth’s natural charm paired with top-notch food. Now, let’s explore the best dining experiences in Perth, each with its own flavor and personality.

1. Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour

This tour is a standout for travelers craving a full sensory experience. It includes spectacular sunset views of the Pinnacles, a guided stargazing session, and a delicious barbecue dinner with wine, all in the middle of Western Australia’s most surreal landscape. The tour kicks off with stops at the Lancelin Sand Dunes, where sandboarding and photography are popular activities, then moves on to Nilgen Lookout and Hangover Bay, both offering scenic natural beauty and cultural insights like plants used by Aboriginal tribes.

What makes this trip special is the balance between nature, cuisine, and astronomy. The desert’s otherworldly pinnacles glow golden at sunset, then transform into a starlit canvas. The guided stargazing, with telescopes and telescopic binoculars, adds a magical touch, especially since the dark desert sky has no light pollution. Reviews highlight how comfortable the transport is and praise the knowledgeable guide who shares Dreamtime stories of the night sky, making this more than just a sightseeing tour but an immersive cultural experience. The price of $178.59 is reasonable considering the length and variety of activities.

Bottom line: If you love natural wonders, celestial sights, and a good meal under the stars, this tour is a perfect choice. It appeals especially to those wanting a full day into night adventure with scenic beauty and cosmic surprises.

2. From Perth: Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner

This tour offers a comprehensive day trip to experience the Pinnacles at sunset, with the added bonus of dinner and star gazing at Nambung National Park. It begins with a scenic drive from Perth, including a stop at Guilderton Lookout, which provides sweeping views of the coastline, giving you a taste of Western Australia’s diverse landscapes.

What’s unique about this tour is the combination of guided sightseeing, a picnic dinner with local wine, and the use of telescopes to spot stars in the clear desert sky. The itinerary includes stops at Hangover Bay, for some photo ops, and at the Pinnacles, where the sun setting over the limestone formations makes for unforgettable photos. The tour is well-reviewed for its smooth logistics and the driver/guide’s commentary, enriching the experience with cultural and natural insights. At about 9 hours long, it’s a full day but well worth it for those seeking a balanced mix of scenery, food, and astronomy.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a leisurely, guided day with scenic viewpoints, a picnic dinner, and stargazing in a stunning natural setting.

3. Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour

For around $132.69, this small-group tour provides an intimate experience of the Pinnacles at sunset. It includes national park entry, a guided walk, and travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. The real highlight is the stargazing session, with a telescope provided so you can get close to the stars.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on quality over quantity — fewer people mean more space to enjoy the night sky and ask questions. The guided walk through the desert offers insights into the formations, while the small group size ensures a more personal experience. Reviews praise the guide’s astronomy knowledge, especially for pointing out constellations and sharing stories about the night sky, creating a captivating atmosphere. The tour is perfect for those wanting to skip the full-day crowds and enjoy the desert’s serenity at dusk.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who value a cozy, guided stargazing experience with a touch of desert walk and a more personal setting.

4. Swan River Dinner Cruise

A classic way to combine dining and sightseeing, the Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise with a hot buffet, live entertainment, and panoramic views of Perth’s skyline. You’ll glide past shimmering waters, watching the city lights come on as evening falls, making it a great way to relax after a busy day.

The buffet features a variety of dishes, and the lively atmosphere—complete with music—adds to the enjoyment. Guests love the friendly service and the fact that you get to see Perth from a quieter vantage point, away from the crowds. The cruise is especially appealing to those seeking a romantic or celebratory night out, with enough flexibility to just sit back and soak in the scenery.

Bottom line: If you want an elegant, no-stress dinner with excellent views and entertainment, this cruise offers solid value at around $114.76 per person.

5. Perth: Swan River Dinner Cruise

This cruise is Perth’s only dedicated Swan River dinner cruise. It combines a 2.5-hour voyage with a buffet dinner and live music, allowing you to watch Perth’s cityscape light up at night. The relaxed pace and scenic route make it an excellent choice for a special night out, whether celebrating or simply enjoying the city’s waters.

Guests consistently praise the delicious buffet and the ambient setting of the illuminated skyline. The intimate atmosphere and the chance to unwind on the water make it a popular option. For travelers who prefer a more tranquil, scenic experience compared to busy land-based dinners, this cruise offers a tasty and memorable night out.

Bottom line: Best suited for lovers of waterfront dining and scenic riverside views, with a focus on relaxation and good food.

6. Perth: Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner

In this 8-hour tour, you’ll explore the famous Pinnacle Desert at sunset, with the chance to see koalas en route, and then enjoy star gazing in the moonless desert night. The guided experience emphasizes the magic of Western Australia’s landscape, with stops at scenic coastal spots like the Western Australian coastline.

The tour includes a dinner, typically at a rustic Australian pub, where you can taste local flavors and relax after a day of sightseeing. The highlight is the moonlit desert sky, free from light pollution, making star observation particularly spectacular. Reviewers mention the “stunning sunset,” and the unique opportunity to see stars without city lights.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine wildlife, natural scenery, and star gazing in one immersive evening.

7. From Perth: Perth Wildlife Tour Under the Stars with Dinner

This 10-hour tour is a wildlife lover’s dream, taking you deep into the forests of Western Australia. You’ll see native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and endangered mammals at Barna Mia sanctuary, then enjoy a picnic dinner in a secluded forest.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on native wildlife and nocturnal animal encounters, combined with a dinner in nature. Reviewers mention how the guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, adding depth to the experience. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to see Australian animals in their natural habitat while dining outdoors under the stars.

Bottom line: Best for wildlife buffs and those interested in engaging with Australia’s unique fauna in an authentic setting.

8. Swan River Sunset Dinner Cruise in Perth

While this cruise has a lower rating (1/5), it still offers a 3-hour sunset experience on the Swan River. It’s a more budget-friendly option at $43, focusing on relaxing scenery and casual dining. If you’re after a quick, inexpensive way to enjoy water views, it might be worth considering, but reviews suggest it’s less polished than other options.

Bottom line: Suitable for travelers wanting a quick, affordable river cruise experience, though the lower rating warrants caution.

9. Perth: Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting

For the active foodie, this kayaking tour combines paddling on the Swan River with a private wine tasting and wood-fired pizzas in lush gardens. Over four hours, you’ll learn paddling basics before exploring Perth’s waters in a relaxed, scenic way.

Reviews are mixed, but many appreciate the personalized wine experience and the chance to combine outdoor activity with good food. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy being on the water and want to add a bit of exercise to their dining adventure.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a hands-on, active experience paired with excellent food and wine in a peaceful setting.

How to Choose Your Perfect Dining Experience in Perth

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. Want a romantic night with skyline views? The Swan River Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. Looking for an adventurous outdoor experience? The Pinnacles Desert Stargazing Tour offers a blend of natural beauty, cuisine, and astronomy. For wildlife lovers, the Perth Wildlife Tour Under the Stars delivers close encounters with native animals while dining under the stars.

Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited small-group sizes or seasonal departures. The tours offer a variety of experiences that highlight Perth’s diverse landscapes, excellent local cuisine, and unique culture.

Final Thoughts

Perth’s dining experiences extend far beyond traditional restaurants. Whether it’s savoring a delicious buffet on a scenic cruise, marveling at stars over the Pinnacles Desert, or enjoying native wildlife and outdoor picnics, there’s something to suit every taste and interest. For a romantic evening, the Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a relaxed water-based escape, while the Pinnacles Stargazing Tour delivers a more adventurous, cultural experience.

Consider your travel style, interests, and how much time you want to spend on your culinary adventure. Perth’s diverse landscapes and excellent food make it a destination that truly satisfies the palate and the soul. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your memorable meal amid some of Australia’s most stunning scenery.