Perth isn’t just about pristine beaches and striking landscapes — it’s also a fantastic city for dining experiences that combine scenery, culture, and good food. Whether you’re after a magical sunset, a relaxed river cruise, or a taste of the desert’s otherworldly charm, Perth’s menu of options won’t disappoint. Personally, we’re particularly drawn to the Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour, which offers a unique blend of natural wonder and celestial spectacle — a must for anyone who appreciates both landscape and starry skies.
Focus here is on memorable experiences that go beyond just a meal. Perth’s dining adventures often include spectacular settings, local storytelling, and a chance to connect with Western Australia’s wild side, all in one package. Read on for a detailed look at the best options available, carefully ranked to help you decide.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of dining experiences that highlight Perth’s natural beauty and culinary options. From sunset dinners in the Pinnacles Desert to river cruises with buffet dinners and small-group stargazing tours with picnic meals, there’s something for every traveler. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Perth’s landscapes while indulging in good food and memorable sights. Here’s a quick preview:
- Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour
- From Perth: Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
- Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour
- Swan River Dinner Cruise
- Perth: Swan River Dinner Cruise
- Perth: Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner
- Perth: Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting
1. Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour
At number 1, this tour offers a truly immersive experience with spectacular desert scenery, a delicious barbecue dinner, and guided stargazing. It’s notable for combining natural wonders with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The tour includes stops at the Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding, the Nilgen Nature Reserve to see wildflowers, and Hangover Bay to learn about indigenous food and medicine — all before arriving at the Pinnacles at sunset. The highlight, however, is the night under a star-studded sky, with telescopes and astro binoculars enhancing the experience.
What makes this tour special is the attention to detail — from included hotel pickup and drop-off to the comprehensive itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and education. Visitors consistently praise the guides’ local knowledge and the stunning views of the Pinnacles as the light fades. The stargazing here is often described as “out of this world,” especially with the clear desert skies. Priced at $168.82 per person for a 9-hour journey, it’s a bit of an investment but offers a full day of activities plus the magic of the night sky.
Bottom line: If you love natural landscapes, celestial views, and a cozy dinner in the desert, this trip delivers. Bring warm clothing — the desert can get cold after sunset.
2. From Perth: Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
For around $122, this tour (see details) hits the sweet spot for travelers who want a top-notch sunset experience with dinner and stargazing. It departs from Perth and takes you to the Nambung National Park, home to the iconic Pinnacles. The highlight is the sunset view over the desert, which paints the landscape in warm golds and reds. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic dinner with local wine under the stars — a relaxed and scenic way to end your day.
This tour also includes a stop at Lancelin Lookout, offering views of WA’s largest dune network, and a telescope to spot stars. The commentary from guides adds context to the landscapes and night sky, making it both an educational and visual feast. Guests note that the weather can impact visibility, but when clear, the experience is unforgettable.
Bottom line: Ideal if you prefer a shorter, more budget-friendly option that still offers a full desert sunset and stargazing experience.
3. Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Dinner Experience Small Group Tour
Priced at $125.43, this small-group tour offers a more intimate experience (see details). It focuses on the desert landscape at dusk, with national park entry fees included. The tour departs from Perth and includes stops at Lancelin and Hangover Bay, giving you a chance to see wildflowers, walk on the beach, and appreciate WA’s natural diversity before reaching the Pinnacles for sunset.
The tour’s guided walk in the national park and the use of telescopes for star viewing are highlights. Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides who share stories about the landscape and stars, making the journey educational as well as scenic. The picnic dinner with wine adds to the experience, and the comfortable air-conditioned bus makes traveling easy.
Guests comment that the timing is perfect for sunset, and the smaller group size enhances the experience’s intimacy. At 9 hours, it makes for a long but rewarding day.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a guided, small-group experience with detailed commentary and a focus on starry skies.
4. Swan River Dinner Cruise
For a more relaxed evening, the Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour ride along Perth’s iconic waterfront. Priced at $101.70, this cruise is ideal if you want a peaceful dinner with views of the city skyline. As you glide past the illuminated buildings, listen to live music and enjoy a hot buffet dinner featuring a variety of dishes.
This experience is praised for its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see Perth from a different perspective. The lights reflecting on the water and the gentle movement of the boat create a romantic, low-key setting. It’s a good choice for celebrating a special occasion or simply winding down after a busy day sightseeing.
Guests appreciate the friendly service and the quality of the food, although some mention the entertainment can be a bit loud. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to combine dining and sightseeing.
Bottom line: Great for those seeking a casual, scenic dinner that’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
5. Perth: Swan River Dinner Cruise
At just $99, the Perth: Swan River Dinner Cruise offers a similar river cruise experience for budget-conscious travelers. This 2.5-hour cruise highlights the beautiful waterfront views and provides a buffet dinner and live music. It’s an excellent option if you want a relaxed evening with good food and scenic views.
This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Perth’s nightlife from the water, especially with the city lights shimmering on the river. The friendly crew and the variety of food options mean most guests leave satisfied and relaxed.
Bottom line: A solid choice for a accessible, scenic dining experience without breaking the bank.
6. Perth: Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner
This 8-hour tour (see details) emphasizes the moon-like landscape of the Pinnacles at sunset, with the added bonus of gazing at stars without light pollution. For about $148, you get a stop to see koalas, sunset views over the desert, and an evening of starry skies with telescopes, topped off with a typical Aussie pub atmosphere.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on wildlife spotting and the stunning transition from daylight to night. Guests mention the stunning scenery and the chance to see stars in a pristine environment as unforgettable. The tour is longer and more comprehensive, suited for those wanting an immersive experience.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a detailed, full-day adventure with a focus on nature, wildlife, and astronomy.
7. Perth: Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting
For active travelers, the Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting combines paddling along the river with enjoying wood-fired pizzas in a garden setting and a private wine tasting. At $109, it offers a smaller group, hands-on experience with the scenic beauty of Perth’s waterways.
The tour is ideal for those who want to combine outdoor activity with gourmet dining, and the instructional paddling makes it accessible to beginners. Guests highlight the beauty of the gardens and the personalized wine tasting. It’s a different way to explore the city’s natural environment while enjoying excellent food.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want an interactive, scenic experience with a focus on food and wine.
$109 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Perth Dining Experience
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you love spectacular landscapes with celestial views, the Pinnacles Sunset Tour or the small-group experience are excellent choices. For a more relaxed urban dining scene, the river cruises offer scenic, easy-going dinners with views of Perth’s skyline.
Active travelers or those wanting a more immersive natural experience should consider the kayaking tour, which combines adventure with dining. Budget-conscious visitors will find the Swan River Dinner Cruise and the Perth cruise to be attractive options.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular sunset and stargazing tours, which tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons. Consider your interests—whether it’s starry skies, scenic river views, or desert landscapes—and choose the experience that best suits your style.
Final thoughts
Perth’s range of dining experiences offers something for every taste — whether you prefer outdoor adventures, elegant river cruises, or starry desert skies. The Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing Tours stand out for their stunning scenery and celestial magic, while the river cruises provide a laid-back way to dine with a view. For active travelers, kayaking and wine tasting add a fun, hands-on element.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing an experience that matches your interests will ensure you enjoy Perth’s vibrant and varied culinary adventure. Take your pick and get ready for a memorable taste of Western Australia.