Three ways to beat jetlag in Perth, Western Australia

The best way to beat jetlag in Perth, Western Australia, is to accept it, get up early and do something. Options include cycling on Rottnest Island, walking in Kings Park and swimming at Scarborough Beach.

If coming from far away, the jetlag can hit hard in Perth, Western Australia. Shifting multiple time zones on a long flight, such as the direct flight from London to Perth, can send strange messages to your body.

Jetlag hits different people in different ways, but when landing in Australia, the common result is waking up really early and crashing way before your normal bedtime.

But if you’re getting up early, you might as well take advantage of it. Here are three ways to make the most of jetlag in Perth, and take advantage of an early start.

Perth jetlag tips: Take the first ferry to Rottnest Island

The chubby squirrel-like quokkas that inhabit Rottnest Island are arguably the cutest, most inquisitive creatures on earth. They can be found near the main settlement or the golf course. Save them for the end of the day, though.

Rottnest’s true appeal is in getting the early Rottnest Express ferry, hiring a bike and pedalling to a deserted beach of your choosing before the masses arrive on the island. Picture-perfect cove Little Parakeet Bay is an ideal target.

According to the Rottnest Express timetables at time of writing, the first Fremantle to Rottnest Island ferry of the day leaves at 07.29. Book your ticket in advance.

Quokka on Rottnest Island — A quokka on Rottnest Island. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

What to do in Perth with jetlag: Kings Park

Long Perth’s crowning glory, Kings Parkis four square kilometres of green majesty on a perch above the Swan. Big swathes are semi-wild native bushland with walking tracks, while the more primped sections include a treetop walkway and the Botanic Gardens, which showcases rare Western Australia plants – and explains traditional indigenous uses for them.

Kings Park offers some of the best views of Perth, but for jetlagged early risers, the attraction is that the network of walking trails is open 24 hours a day.

Perth jetlag advice: Go to the beach

Scarborough Beach, a genuinely stunning strip of dune-backed white sand with an engaging clutch of cafés, has been given a multi-million dollar makeover. Key additions have been a playground, a top drawer skatepark and a new open air swimming pool for those that don’t fancy a dip in the ocean. The general contouring and cleaning up of public areas have added to the appeal.

But for those getting up early with jetlag, the joy is in taking the plunge in the Indian Ocean. The surf is generally not too heavy, and the colours are postcardy teals and turquoises. It’s invigorating, and will properly wake you up.