With fans of rugby league and pop music pouring into Western Australia’s capital, Perth recorded its most expensive June on record for hotel stays, early performance figures from CoStar show. The surge underscores a simple reality for travelers: marquee events can transform an ordinarily value-friendly city into one of Australia’s priciest overnight stops almost overnight.
Record June for Perth hotels
CoStar’s preliminary data for June 2025 paint a striking picture. Market-wide occupancy averaged 77.7 percent, up 8.6 percent year over year and the city’s best June showing since 2015. The average daily rate (ADR) climbed 11.84 percent to AUD232.56, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) jumped 21.4 percent to AUD180.64. Those gains pushed both ADR and RevPAR to their highest June levels since CoStar began tracking the market.
State of Origin Game II drives a single-night spike
The sharpest escalation came on 18 July, when the New South Wales Blues met the Queensland Maroons in Game II of the State of Origin rugby league series at Optus Stadium. In a prepared data summary, CoStar reported that occupancy that night hit 93.6 percent, ADR climbed to AUD318.02 and RevPAR soared to AUD297.63. Even veteran hoteliers accustomed to the AFL’s Grand Final weekend had rarely seen numbers like that for a winter month. For travelers, the lesson is straightforward: book early—ideally before the match schedule is finalized—or prepare to stay farther afield in suburbs such as Fremantle, Joondalup or Mandurah, each an easy train ride from the stadium district.
Katy Perry concerts keep rooms tight
Rugby league wasn’t the only draw. On 23 June, Katy Perry’s “The Lifetimes Tour” took over RAC Arena for the second of two Perth shows. Hotel occupancy that night reached 81 percent, according to CoStar, with ADR at AUD226.79 and RevPAR at AUD183.59. Although those numbers did not eclipse the rugby league spike, they kept pressure on last-minute inventory and signaled that Perth’s events calendar can quickly shrink room supply.
What drives the pricing power?
Three dynamics converged:
- Event concentration. Both the State of Origin and Perry’s concerts fell within a four-week window, giving hotels limited time to replenish inventory.
- Seasonal base demand. Even in winter, Perth draws corporate visitors tied to the state’s mining industry, helping occupancy stay above 70 percent on all but four days of the month.
- Venue proximity. Many of the city’s newest properties cluster around Elizabeth Quay, the CBD and Burswood—areas within a short ride of Optus Stadium and RAC Arena, allowing hotels there to command premium pricing.
Tips for travelers
- Secure refundable rates early. Perth often posts decent shoulder-season bargains, but major events wipe them out. Lock in a flexible booking before the fixture list firms up.
- Consider apartment hotels. High ADRs make extended-stay brands and serviced apartments cost-competitive, especially for families.
- Look south and west. Fremantle’s boutique properties and beach-side rentals in Cottesloe or Scarborough frequently keep lower midweek rates even when the CBD spikes.
- Use public transport. Transperth trains and ferries link outlying suburbs to downtown and the stadium precinct, saving taxi fares and parking headaches.
FAQ: Perth hotel prices during big events
How far out should I book for State of Origin?
Inventory starts tightening as soon as match tickets are released. Six months ahead is safest for in-city stays.
Will rates drop closer to the date?
Rarely for headline events. Same-day deals appear only if tour groups cancel at the last minute.
Is July always expensive?
Not necessarily. The 18 July spike was event-driven; other July weeks can resemble typical winter pricing.
Does staying Sunday night help?
Yes. Conferences empty out and weekenders fly home, so Sunday nights outside event windows can be 15–20 percent cheaper.
Outlook for the rest of 2025
Though June set fresh benchmarks, travelers will watch August and September closely. Perth is scheduled to host international soccer friendlies and the start of the AFL finals series. CoStar has yet to release projections, but if June’s pattern repeats, room rates around Optus Stadium and RAC Arena could once again sprint past the AUD300 mark.
Bottom line for travelers
Perth has plenty to tempt visitors—Swan River sunsets, Margaret River wine excursions and a lively food scene—but timing is everything. Travelers who plan around the city’s event calendar, broaden their neighborhood search and capitalize on flexible booking windows will still find value, even in record-breaking months.
