Perth is one of my all-time favorite places to visit. Nestled on the western coast of Australia, Perth is a city that feels like a breath of fresh air.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches, trendy suburbs, small islands, and natural beauty, it offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
While it’s easy to say that Perth is only known for its crystal blue beaches and wildlife experiences, this city has so much more to offer than you think.
Whether you’re sipping wine in the nearby Swan Valley, beach hopping along the coastline, or looking for the opportunity to take your very own selfie with a quokka, Perth is the perfect destination for you.
Let’s take a look at the 36 best things to do in Perth Australia that showcase just how incredible this city really is.
Enjoy Kings Park
Kings Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in the great views of Perth’s skyline and the Swan River. It’s one of the largest inner-city parks in the world spanning over 400 hectares, that’s 60 hectares larger than Central Park in New York!
It’s also home to the incredible Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora.
Take the free blue CAT bus from Perth’s city centre to Kings Park and enjoy an afternoon exploring the cultivated gardens, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Explore Swan River
The very heart of Perth! Swan River also known as the ‘Derbarl Yerrigan’ is a beautiful river that flows straight through the metro area of Perth.
There are plenty of adventures to be had on and around the river. Enjoy a relaxing picnic along the riverside, walk or bike the 6-mile (10km) Swan River Trail Loop, or take a scenic river cruise to soak in the stunning views of the city skyline.
Relax at Cottesloe Beach
One of the best things to do in Perth Australia is relax at Cottesloe Beach. It’s the quintessential spot for swimming, sunbathing, and catching a vibrant Indian Ocean sunset.
Don’t miss beachside restaurants like Indigo Oscar, located right above the iconic Indiana Tea House, or Il Lido a cute Italian canteen directly across the road.
Visit Rottnest Island
Just a short 20-minute ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is famous for its adorable quokkas and clear waters. Rent a bike and explore its stunning bays and underwater marine life.
Stroll Around Elizabeth Quay
Perths waterfront precinct! Elizabeth Quay is packed with attractions like art installations, the Swan Bell Tower, and plenty of riverside dining.
Be sure to walk across the Elizabeth Quay Bridge for spectacular views of Swan River. The waterfront also offers easy access to Perth’s public transport system with ferries, buses, and a central train station all located within the precinct.
Sip your way through Swan Valley
Known for being Western Australia’s most famous and oldest wine region. Swan Valley is just a short 30-minute drive from Perth.
Eat, drink, and be merry at the many boutique cellars and breweries. The top seasonal festivals not to miss are the Swan Valley Wine Harvest Festival and the Swan Valley Food & Wine Festival.
Discover gold at the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Perth located right in the heart of the city.
Learn about Australia’s gold rush era and the important role the mint played in refining and producing gold coins.
Witness a live gold-pouring demonstration where molten gold is poured into a mold to create a real gold bar, and marvel at the world’s largest gold coin, weighing in at a whopping 1 tonne (1,000 kg) worth millions of dollars. (Highly recommend).
Relax at Hyde Park
A gorgeous park just north of Perth. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll around the lake or a picnic under the many shady Moreton Bay fig trees.
The park is stunning in autumn when the leaves start to change color, and in spring, the iconic jacaranda trees bloom bright purple flowers that cover the park.
Venture to Margaret River
If a road trip is on the agenda then a drive through Margaret River should be your first stop. Best known for its craft breweries, surfing spots, and five-star wineries Margret River is a paradise for wine and nature lovers.
From June to December is whale watching season where you can watch the mighty humpback whales and southern whales migrate to give birth to their calves.
Admire the art gallery of Western Australia
When in Perth, you won’t want to miss the Art Gallery of WA. Located in the Perth Cultural Center this public state gallery showcases an impressive collection of Indigenous and contemporary art.
It’s free to visit and a great place to escape the heat when touring the city. Check out their calendar for new exhibitions, art performances, and events.
Wander the WA Botanical Garden
The Botanic Garden is located within Kings Park and highlights some of the state’s most diverse flora and fauna.
During the spring months the garden bursts to life with colorful wildflowers, native from all over WA. Enjoy the many walking trails, picnic areas, and various viewpoints throughout the garden.
Shop the Fremantle Markets
If you plan to visit the lively suburb of Fremantle, then a pit stop at Fremantle Markets is a must.
Browse the many stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and street food while soaking in the vibrant bohemian atmosphere. The markets are open Friday to Sunday 9am to 6pm.
Tour Fremantle Prison
Unique things to do in Perth definitely include stepping back in time with a guided tour of the historic Fremantle Prison.
Built by convicts in the 1850s, it was originally constructed to house transported convicts from Britain. However, in 1886 it was handed to the colonial government and was later used to sentence local prisoners.
Choose from various tour experiences that explore the prison’s dark history and prisoner life.
Wander the Perth Zoo
Visiting Perth Zoo is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Perth Australia, especially for families with kids.
Just five minutes from the city center, this wildlife sanctuary offers visitors the chance to see iconic Australian animals like western grey kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, along with a diverse range of species from around the world.
Committed to conservation, the Perth Zoo plays a vital role in protecting biodiversity through active breeding and rehabilitation programs, educating visitors on the importance of wildlife preservation.
Hike in John Forrest National Park
Escape the bustling city and plan a visit to John Forrest National Park.
Explore the park highlights like the National Park Falls, Glen Book Dam, and the Swan View Tunnel, an old 340m long railway tunnel you can walk through.
I did a similar tunnel walk in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the United States. A very cool and eerie experience.
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Be in awe at Pinnacles Desert
Take a road trip out to see the incredible limestone pinnacles of Nambung National Park. It’s one of WA’s most famous natural highlights, and it’s not hard to see why.
The park is known for its otherworldly limestone rock formations, which rise from golden sand like ancient pillars.
These unique rocks vary in size, some even reach up to 16 feet (5m) high. They were formed over thousands of years from seashell deposits, shaped by wind and erosion.
The best time to visit the Pinnicles is at sunset when the sun casts a golden glow on the desert. It’s even a great spot for stargazing, as there is minimal light pollution.
Visit the WA museum Boola Bardip
This is WA’s main museum located in the Cultural Center in the city of Perth, similar to the Art Gallery of WA the museum showcases Western Australia’s history, culture, and natural landscape.
“Boola Bardip” means “many stories” in the Noongar language, which reflects the diverse perspectives the museum offers.
Have Fun at Adventure World
Adventure World is Perth’s only theme park and water park! Located in Bibra Lake, just 25 minutes from Perth.
There’s something for everyone at Adventure World as it’s home to some of the best rollercoasters and rides like the Abyss, Goliath, and the Kraken the longest and tallest funnel water slide in the world.
The park operates seasonally, and is normally open from late September to late April, making it a popular spot during those hot summer days.
Relax at Outer Suburb Beaches
From Scarborough to Trigg, Perth’s outer suburb beaches offer a mix of killer surfing spots, family-friendly beaches, and relaxed coastal living.
Don’t miss places like Cottesloe, Trigg, Leighton, Coogee, Mullaloo and Scarborough Beach. All are within a short drive from each other and offer great waterfront dining and entertainment.
Admire St Mary’s Cathedral
Situated in Victoria Square, just east of Perth is St Mary’s Cathedral, a historic and gothic-style church built in 1865.
The church is known for its gorgeous interiors, which feature high vaulted ceilings, and detailed stained glass windows.
The outside is a blend of gothic revival and contemporary design, which is due to the many renovations it has undergone over the years.
Sip at Little Creatures Brewery
Relax and unwind at Little Creatures, this iconic brewery has been a hot spot for locals and visitors since opening its doors in 2000.
The brewery is located in a huge warehouse that backs onto the Fishing Boat Harbor in Fremantle. It’s best known for its Little Creatures Pale Ale, its flagship beer, a blend of citrus and hops.
Grab a flight and relax in the beer garden overlooking the harbor.
Explore the WA Shipwreck Museum
After a long morning exploring the streets of Fremantle, pop into the WA Shipwreck Museum located along the Fishing Boat Harbor.
WA Shipwreck Museum is one of Australia’s most important maritime archaeology museums. It’s home to some of Australia’s most fascinating shipwreck relics.
The Western Australian coastline is considered one of the largest shipwreck regions in the world, with over 1,600 recorded shipwrecks.
Experience the Lancelin Sand Dunes
WA is home to many dunes due to its extreme combination of ocean climate and geological cycles. WA’s strong winds, particularly the southwesterly winds (aka “The Fremantle Doctor”), blows sand inland from the coastline, which causes the sand to pile up over time creating massive dunes.
The Lancelin Sand Dunes is one of the largest dunes in WA, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities. Enjoy sandboarding or quad bike riding down the dunes. Book your tour here.
Discover the WA Maritime Museum
If you enjoyed the Shipwreck Museum, you may want to check out the Maritime Museum too. A must-visit for anyone interested in ships, exploration, and naval history.
It’s free to visit and has many permanent exhibits on display, including the Australia II (The yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983) and HMAS Ovens, an old Navy war submarine.
Get Up Close at Caversham Wildlife Park
Your opportunity to hand-feed baby kangaroos, cuddle a koala, and see wombats up close. Spend hours wandering through the park and enjoying the interactive experiences.
I recommend going in the morning so you don’t miss out on the popular attractions, as they are on at various times of the day.
The park is open from 9am to 4.30pm, last entry to the park is at 3.30pm.
Wander around Esplanade Park
Located right opposite Fremantle’s Fishing Harbor. Esplanade Park is another top spot to relax under the shady pines and soak in the harbor views.
Head to the nearby Esplanade Hotel for a drink or enjoy better views of the harbor on the Skyview Ferris Wheel at sunset.
Visit the Swan Bell Tower
The popular bell tower houses many historic bells and is one of Perth’s most interesting landmarks.
It overlooks the Swan River and features a set of 12 bells that were gifted from St Martin-in-the-Fields, an Anglican church in Trafalgar Square London.
They are considered to be the oldest tuned bells in the world still in use. Check out the tower’s observation deck for unique panoramic views of Perth and Swan River. You can book a tour here.
Enjoy the views at Fishing Boat Harbor
Fremantle’s historic waterfront is famous for its fresh seafood, lively pubs, and ocean views.
Treat yourself to all the fresh seafood you can eat! Restaurants include Kailis’ Fish Market Café, Cicerello’s and Bathers Beach House.
For beautiful sunset views head to Bathers Beach, and watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.
Snorkel Omeo Wreck
A shipwreck just off the coast of Coogee Beach. A super fun destination for swimming, and snorkeling.
The wreck sits in just 2-4 meters of water, making it the perfect spot for beginner snorkelers. Discover Coogee’s underwater Maritime Trail, featuring artificial reefs, sculptures, and plaques.
The best time to visit the wreck is in the early morning when the waters are calm and clear.
Explore Hillary’s Boat Harbor
A favored beachside shopping complex offering a mix of waterfront dining, shopping, and marina activities.
It’s also home to the WA Aquarium (AQWA) where visitors can enjoy WA’s colorful marine life.
The protected swimming area (Mettam’s Pool) is a particularly popular spot for families with kids, as it offers calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and water-based activities.
Climb the Matagarup Bridge
The Matagarup is a suspension bridge connecting East Perth to Optus Stadium over the Swan River.
For the ultimate thrill, you can climb the 314 steps, to the Skyview platform for incredible 360-degree views of the Swan River and Optus Stadium. Book here for bridge climb options.
Looking to make the most out of your trip to Perth, without breaking the bank?
Here are 5 more free things to do In Perth, Australia that won’t cost you extra!
Free guided city tours
Exploring Perth on foot is one of the best ways to soak in the city’s culture, history, and hidden gems, and the best part? You can do it for free!
Perth offers many free walking tours that run daily, covering various topics like history and architecture. I recommend checking out Oh Hey WA, they have heaps of cool informative tours that explore Perth’s rich history.
Fremantle Arts Centre
Fremantle Arts Centre is another free place to visit, offering free contemporary art exhibitions, live music, and cultural events.
Wander through the various galleries or relax in the shady outdoor courtyard. Every Sunday the center also offers free Sunday music sessions, where you can enjoy live performances.
Twilight food market
Calling all foodies! The Twilight food market, located in Forrest Place is Perth’s biggest street food market.
During summer, the streets are lined with food stalls where you can sample various cuisines. It’s the best way to kick off the weekend and enjoy great food, and live music.
Picnic at Lake Monger
Another great spot to visit is Lake Monger. This picturesque lake is home to an array of birdlife, including WA’s iconic black swans. Pack a picnic and enjoy some relaxing nature time under the shady trees.
Lake Monger is just one of the many beautiful nature reserves around Perth that you can visit for free, there is also Piney Lakes Reserve and Chidley Point Reserve which are just as lovely.
See the thrombolites in Yalgorup National Park
If you thought the Pinnacles were cool, you might also enjoy seeing the thrombolites in Yalgorup National Park. The thrombolites are cool rock-like structures at Lake Clifton formed by tiny microbial organisms.
You can get up close and look at the formations from the floating boardwalk extending to the lake. Yalgorup is free to visit, making it the perfect budget-friendly destination for nature lovers.
Whether you’re chasing beachside relaxation or Aussie wildlife encounters, there’s no shortage of things to do in Perth, Australia that’s for sure.
This vibrant and fun city and its surroundings offer memorable adventures for every type of traveler. Which of these activities will you explore first? Let me know in the comments below.
First time down under? Be sure to check out my other blog posts here.
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You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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