Perth (Boorloo) is the epicentre of Western Australia, a modern metropolis bound by sea and nature and packed with personality. Scratch the sparkling surface to uncover gritty history, edgy art and vibey nightlife alongside lush urban spaces, beach culture and Indigenous traditions.
With world-class wineries and wildly unique wildlife on its doorstep, Perth promises visitors both an indulgent escape and an epic city stay in one enticing package. Whether you’re after ideas for your first trip or inspiration for your next adventure, here are all the top things to do in Perth.
Table of contents
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Top 10 attractions in Perth
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Top 10 activities in Perth
- Experience the Aboriginal culture with a Noongar guide
- Spend a day in Fremantle
- Book a wine tour in Swan Valley
- Take in the beauty of the wildflowers
- Explore the beaches
- Hike to waterfalls
- Enjoy Perth’s food and bar scene
- Go on a day trip to Penguin Island
- Watch the sunset with seafood takeaway
- See the sights on the Swan River Walk Trail
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More of the best things to do in Perth
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FAQs about visiting Perth
Perched on Mount Eliza, the almost 400ha Kings Park is a beloved and much-utilised city parkland for sweeping views of the Perth cityscape and Swan River. It also houses the expansive West Australian Botanic Garden with more than 3,000 plant species.
The expansive green space spans walkways and tracks, natural bushland, picnic areas, playgrounds, landscaped gardens and lookouts with free 90-minute guided walks twice daily. Spring is the best time to visit for the brilliant wildflower blooms.
Dubbed Perth’s ‘green heart’, Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) is a rich cultural site, which can be explored via guided tours and experiences run by the local Noongar people or on DIY walks. It contains several other popular Perth attractions, such as the spiral DNA Tower, Floral Clock and State War Memorial, and hosts a year-round calendar of annual festivals and major music events, making Kings Park a significant fixture in the city’s cultural fabric.
Book an experience at Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden
2. Rottnest Island
The inquisitive resident quokkas may have placed Rottnest Island on the map and internet zeitgeist however, “Rotto” has plenty of other natural attributes in its favour. Just 19km offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is a popular holiday escape known for its 63 white sandy beaches, cultural heritage and water- and land-based activities. It’s a must for any Perth itinerary!
Ideally sized for a day trip or longer stay, Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) is a protected nature reserve with around 10,000 selfie-loving quokkas plus a thriving colony of New Zealand fur seals and with few vehicles, it’s extremely bike-friendly.
Hop on the short ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle to go surfing, diving, snorkelling, swimming and whale watching in season, tee off with golf or take off with skydiving and enjoy all the beach town amenities. Visitors can also connect to the island’s cultural heritage and World War II military history through art, shipwrecks and museums as well as the Wadjemup Bidi 45km network of coastal walking trails.
Book an experience at Rottnest Island
- Rottnest Island Round Trip Ferry from Perth
- Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Hire from Perth
- Rottnest Island Day Tour including Bike and Snorkel Hire from Perth
- Rottnest Island Ultimate Seaplane & Seafood Tour
- 15,000ft Tandem Skydive over Rottnest Island
- Rottnest Island Snorkel & Sail Tour
3. Elizabeth Quay
The Elizabeth Quay waterfront precinct is a recreational riverside hub for entertainment, dining, shopping and hotel accommodation in Perth’s CBD. Located on the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay links the city to the water with plenty of free public amenities to enjoy, including an island playground, water park, outdoor art, promenades and green spaces.
In addition, visitors can sample a range of waterfront bars and restaurants as well as fairground attractions. Elizabeth Quay is also the launchpad for an array of activities, such as cultural walking tours, scenic river cruises, weekly markets and annual events.
Highlights of the public art trail featuring WA artists include the arresting Aboriginal art sculpture, First Contact and the world’s largest free-standing carbon fibre structure, the arched Spanda. Don’t miss climbing the precinct’s striking centrepiece, The Bell Tower –a musical instrument and top Perth tourist attraction.
4. Fremantle Prison
Step back in time with an after-dark guided tour of the Fremantle Prison within Perth’s metro area. The convict penitentiary, which opened in 1850 and closed in 1991, housed some of the state’s most infamous criminals and is now a top tourist attraction full of notorious stories, making it one of the most unique things to do in Perth.
Entry to the Gatehouse, Prison Gallery, Convict Depot and Museum is free; however, the guided tours are where the 140-year-plus history comes alive in the sometimes funny and poignant retelling of jail folklore and tales by experienced guides.
Join a spooky Torchlight Tour in the dark or embark on a 2.5-hour immersive exploration of the convict-created underground tunnels via replica punts. There are also daytime tours of the UNESCO heritage-listed site, including Prison and True Crime tours, plus the Behind Bars experience that allows visitors to “do time” in the Fremantle Prison.
5. The Perth Mint
Follow the gold rush to The Perth Mint, a premier attraction and bona fide money-making facility near Elizabeth Quay and the CBD. Entry is free with multiple onsite features, including the world’s largest gold bullion coin – a one-tonne wonder.
Visitors can also delve into WA’s gilded history, witnessing a traditional live gold pour at the original 1899 melting house, checking your weight and value in gold, perusing nuggets and coins and holding a large bullion bar as part of the Gold Exhibition.
Book a guided one-hour The Perth Mint Gold Tour for a more in-depth heritage walk that will take you behind the scenes into the secure vault and gold rush history. You can also engrave your own pure gold medallion as a treasured keepsake from $39.
6. WA Museum Boola Bardip
The newish, modern WA Museum Boola Bardip (meaning “many stories” in the local Noongar language) opened at the Perth Cultural Centre in 2020 and focuses on the state’s social, natural and cultural history with permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Wrapping around heritage buildings, including the Old Perth Gaol, through two intersecting loops, the 6,000sqm space features eight galleries with the majority dedicated to the state’s natural history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as well as international and special exhibitions.
Visitors can find out more via workshops and guided tours on dedicated topics such as WA Dinosaurs and Aboriginal Culture or a one-hour Highlights Tour of the permanent exhibitions, free with entry.
7. Optus Stadium
Voted the world’s most beautiful stadium, the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium multipurpose venue plays host to a year-round event calendar from major sporting tournaments to international entertainment.
While nothing beats the thrill of a live AFL match or a music concert with a full house, visitors can also have a sneak peek at the onsite amenities on an Optus Stadium Tour. The 90-minute experience offers behind-the-scenes access to the Fremantle Dockers, West Coast Eagles and the Perth Scorchers changerooms, Victory Lounge, Coaches’ Room, media centre and the best field views.
Optus Stadium also offers the HALO Rooftop Climb for a 42m-high vantage point while daredevils can strap in for the suspended Vertigo experience. Among the wide range of experiences are Aboriginal Cultural Tours and a WA Sports History Tour, which offer an in-depth look at the significance of the land and legacy surrounding Optus Stadium.
Book an experience at Optus Stadium
- Optus Stadium Tours
- Optus Stadium HALO Rooftop Tour - 90 Minutes
- Optus Stadium VERTIGO Rooftop Tour - 90 Minutes
8. Cottesloe Beach
Affectionally known as “Cott” to locals, Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s best beaches. A stunning strip of white-sandy coastline just 15 minutes south of the Perth CBD, Cottesloe is beloved as a prime spot for city dwellers and visitors to swim, snorkel, surf and soak up the sunset ambience.
Its popularity stems from the picturesque setting with shady Norfolk Island pine trees and inviting terraced lawns for picnickers, a patrolled surf beach with a consistent swell, crystal-clear waters for swimming, plus rocks and reefs for snorkellers.
While the iconic beachfront Indiana Tea House is currently closed, Marine Parade offers an array of cafes, restaurants, ice-cream shops and takeaway spots to drink in the views. Every March, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe transforms the foreshore into an outdoor gallery with more than 70 installations from around the world – art lovers, culture seekers and those looking for a unique experience should mark this as the best time to visit Perth!
9. Art Gallery of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA is located in the Perth Cultural Precinct within a main minimalist and two heritage buildings that create the ideal backdrop to showcase an eclectic array of contemporary and classic local and international artworks. Top tip? It also houses Perth’s largest rooftop bar.
There is plenty of art appreciation on offer with curated pieces from the 1800s to now. The Balancing Act gallery is dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art with free guided tours of First Nations art and museum highlights for expert insights.
Visitors can also explore beyond the four walls on the AGWA Rooftop with an open-air sculpture walk of State Art Collection pieces. Accompanied by food and drink inspired by WA flavours, DJ beats and CBD views, it hits the spot to cap off your cultural foray.by bus will want to get off at Perth City Station or Barrack Street Perth Station.
10. Perth Zoo
Located only five minutes from the city, Perth Zoo is open 24/7 all year round and is one of the best things to do in Perth for families with young kids. The state’s main zoological tourism and conservation attraction features more than 1,300 animals from all corners of the globe, including native critters such as quokkas, numbats, bilbies, echidnas and even WA’s bird emblem, the black swan.
Nestled among naturalistic exhibits, some of Perth Zoo’s more unusual animals include red pandas, tamarins, sun bears and binturong in the Asian Rainforest, while the African Savannah is home to rhinos, lions, meerkats and zebras. Book a Close Encounter for a behind-the-scenes experience with some of the zoo’s rare residents.
Seek out the Australian Bushlands and Wetlands exhibits to come face-to-face with native fauna and join a free keeper talk or guided walk for more insights into the daily activities and conservation work at Perth Zoo.
Boorloo (Perth) is steeped in First Nations heritage with traditional custodians, the Noongar people, part of Australia’s largest Aboriginal nation. An immersive cultural tour led by a Noongar guide is the best way to connect to Country and gain authentic and personal insights from lived experiences of history spanning generations with several options available in Perth and surrounding areas.
In Perth, join Go Cultural Tours & Experiences or Djurandi Dreaming walking tours from Elizabeth Quay and learn about the local landscape and lore before European settlement. Nyungar Tours traverses Karrgatup (Kings Park) on a 70-minute walk, painting a picture through song and storytelling and Warrang-Bridil shares the Noongar cultural influences on Swan River attractions Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium.
In Culture Tours’ Walyalup Walking Tour (Fremantle) follows the Moorditj Noongar stories of the Mammong Bidi (Whale Pathways) and the Go Cultural Wadjemup Immersive Experience shares traditional ceremonies and songs on Rottnest Island.
2. Spend a day in Fremantle
Fremantle aka “Freo” offers an idyllic beach escape on Perth’s southern metro fringes. A port city in its own right, Fremantle has all the ingredients for a seaside sojourn, from weekday attractions to weekend markets and alfresco seafood to heritage sights.
Unsurprisingly, Fremantle’s lure lies in its maritime history and seaside appeal. Some of the top things to do in Fremantle on a day trip from Perth include the WA Maritime Museum for a deep dive into the state’s seafaring and shipwreck heritage, digging your heels in the sand at five pristine city beaches and checking out The Containbow – an Instagrammable arch of colourful sea containers welcoming visitors to the port city.
There is also Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle’s entertainment precinct and a working fishing haven, which includes plenty of spots to enjoy the sunset and cooling afternoon ‘Freo Doctor’ breezes with a bevvy on the beach. The weekend Fremantle Markets, occupying a full city block, is another draw for locals and visitors along with the Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) and historic Fremantle Prison, open every day.
3. Book a wine tour in Swan Valley
Just 25 minutes’ drive from Perth CBD, Swan Valley is one of the state’s oldest wine and gourmet regions, offering a bucolic location for a boozy day trip. You can explore the beautiful Swan Valley wineries on your own steam, but with cellar doors galore across stunning countryside dotted with artisan foodie finds, let someone else take the wheel to explore more than 150 attractions – all easily accessible within a 32km loop.
With the oldest vines in WA and steeped in First Nations and Mediterranean migrant history, Swan Valley has more than 40 world-class wineries as well as three cideries, five distilleries and even a meadery on tap. Pair your wineries tour with a morning or afternoon Swan River cruise to soak up the charming Valley ambience at a relaxed pace.
Gourmands are also spoilt for choice with perfect produce-growing conditions attracting top chefs, chocolatiers, sweet makers, bush tucker experts and honey producers like bees to pollen. With blue skies, lush vineyards, alfresco picnic spots, bushwalking trails and wildlife parks, Swan Valley also draws an arty crowd with artist studios, galleries and sculpture parks to peruse.
4. Take in the beauty of the wildflowers
From mid-August to November, Perth is in bloom for wildflower season with more than 12,000 native species in WA and plenty of parklands and reserves in and around the city to feast your eyes on the flora. Follow the wildflower trails in Perth City, Fremantle, Perth Hills and Swan Valley for a blooming front-row view.
The WA Botanic Garden in inner-city Kings Park has more than 3,000 unique plant species. Witness the flora and birdlife on the Law Walk, Botanic Garden Walk and Bushland Nature Trail, or join a free guided walking tour for insightful commentary.
Just 8km from the city, Bold Park in the Perth suburb of City Beach is prime urban bushland with ocean views and seasonal wildflowers. Take the 5km Zamia Loop to view more than 300 flora and fauna with park benches to perch and admire the scenery.
In the Perth Hills, 40 minutes’ drive from the CBD, John Forrest National Park is a bona fide wildflower wonderland with more than 500 plant species, while Fremantle’s Samson Park is the port city’s largest bush reserve, easily accessible via nature trails.
Swan Valley is likewise abloom with wildflowers all year round. Complement your wine-tasting experience with a floral showcase on three bushwalking trails in Whiteman Park.
Popular locations to see the wildflowers:
Kings Park and Botanic Garden – Google Maps
Bold Park – Google Maps
John Forrest National Park – Google Maps
Sir Frederick Samson Park – Google Maps
Whiteman Park – Google Maps
5. Explore the bountiful beaches
Perth is blessed with postcard-perfect city beaches featuring powder-white sands and crystal-clear waves suitable for activities in and out of the water. While Cottesloe justifiably ranks highly with locals and visitors alike for its all-rounder amenities, Perth has plenty of sandy shores to dip your toes or soak up the laidback atmosphere.
Only 10 minutes from the CBD, the aptly named City Beach is a prime spot known for its pristine white sands, transparent waters, restaurants, playgrounds and other amenities.
Family-friendly beaches abound for places to paddle and picnic, such as Floreat Beach, just 15 minutes from Perth city, Sorrento Beach on the Sunset Coast and Fremantle’s South Beach, Port Beach and Bathers Beach for the classic seaside experience.
For surfers, check out Scarborough, Watermans Bay and Trigg – famous for surf breaks and regular swell. Nature lovers will adore the seclusion and serenity at stunning Leighton Beach and sunset fave Coogee Beach in Fremantle as well as the sheltered and shallow Mettams Pool at North Beach – ideal for snorkelling.
Popular beach locations:
Cottesloe Beach – Google Maps
City Beach – Google Maps
Floreat Beach – Google Maps
Sorrento Beach – Google Maps
South Beach – Google Maps
Port Beach – Google Maps
Bathers Beach – Google Maps
Scarborough Beach – Google Maps
Watermans Bay Beach – Google Maps
Trigg Beach – Google Maps
Leighton Beach – Google Maps
Coogee Beach – Google Maps
Mettams Pool – Google Maps
6. Hike to waterfalls and cascades
With several national parks and nature reserves located close to the city centre, chasing waterfalls is easily achieved on a Perth holiday. The 2.75km Bells Rapids River Walk Trail in the Swan Valley is a popular waterfall hike with plenty of whitewater and cascading action, making it an ideal viewing spot for the annual Avon Descent White Water Race.
Located in plain sight, John Oldham Falls is a lush cascade within cooee of Kings Park and the CBD – perfect for an urban hike on easy walking paths in tranquil surrounds.
Around 30 minutes’ drive away in Mundy National Park, Lesmurdie Falls has graded trails with a picnic area at the base and epic views of the cityscape and Rottnest Island. Also within half an hour of the city, the aptly named Sixty Foot Falls packs a punch with a short but steep 2.5km climb for views of the Barrington Quarry at Gosnells.
Just under one hour’s drive from the CBD, pack your swimmers for a refreshing dip at the base of the Serpentine Falls – well worth the effort on the challenging yet highly rated 17.5km return Kitty’s Gorge Trail at Serpentine National Park.
Popular locations for hikes :
Bells Rapids – Google Maps
John Oldham Falls – Google Maps
Lesmurdie Falls – Google Maps
Sixty Foot Falls – Google Maps
Serpentine Falls – Google Maps
7. Sample Perth’s food and bar scene
Perth’s small bar scene is legendary – an institution that belies its name. It not only takes over city laneways and rooftops but also spills into suburban settings in Northbridge, Mount Lawler, Highgate, Leederville, Subiaco and Fremantle, meaning you’re guaranteed to dine well whatever area you stay in Perth.
Strike out on your own or join a small bar tour for an expertly guided introduction to Perth’s atmospheric bars, hidden speakeasies and characterful pubs. Some hotspots doing the rounds include Mechanics Institute and The Standard in Northbridge and AGWA Rooftop Bar and Stories Rooftop for a sundowner with a Swan River view.
For something more substantial, Perth has an array of world-class fine-dining establishments. Madalena’s Bar is a Fremantle favourite for sustainable seafood and kitchen garden-to-table goodness and Gibney Cottesloe is a classic seaside brasserie.
In the CBD, premium Perth hotels offer the likes of Nobu for elevated Japanese, Indigenous influences and foraged fare at Wildflower and European bistro Fleur alongside Australian chef-led eateries like David Thompson’s Thai-infused Long Chim.
Popular restaurant and bar locations:
Mechanics Institute – Google Maps
The Standard – Google Maps
AGWA Rooftop – Google Maps
Stories Rooftop – Google Maps
Madalena’s Bar – Google Maps
Gibney Cottesloe – Google Maps
Nobu Perth – Google Maps
Wildflower – Google Maps
Fleur – Google Maps
Long Chim – Google Maps
8. Go on a day trip to Penguin Island
A hop, skip and a jump from Perth, Penguin Island reps all things that start with ‘P’ with a thriving population of pint-sized little penguins and pelicans in the middle of Shoalwater Island Marine Park. Located 50 minutes south of the Perth CBD and a five-minute ferry ride from the coast, Penguin Island is the perfect day trip destination for wildlife lovers.
Open from mid-October to early June, take a Penguin Island cruise, sea kayak, snorkelling or diving tour to see wild dolphins and Australian sea lions slip in and out of the pristine waters. In season, you can also spy humpback whales during their migration and pelican rookeries all year round.
Back on land, there are also amenities and activities to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkelling and picnicking on the beaches, enjoying a bite at the onsite Pengos Café and exploring the nature trails via the network of boardwalks and coastal lookouts.
A guided wildlife walk is the best way to see the island’s namesake little penguin population. Ferries depart daily in season from 9am to 3pm.
9. Watch the sunset with seafood takeaway
If seafood by the beach floats your boat, you’re in the right spot. Perth’s beaches and coastal eateries offer abundant options for sourcing fresh seafood and chips as well as the ideal location to enjoy your barefoot spoils as the sun dips.
Grand Lane Fish House is your premier Perth takeaway of the traditional British variety with hand-cut chips and a rotating potato menu. Dine on the terrace to soak up the CBD sunset vibes.
Amberjacks boutique fish and chips cafe has two locations – the original in Cottesloe and an Elizabeth Quay location. Head to the grassy banks at Cottesloe Beach to savour your seafood with a side of the famous Indian Ocean sunsets.
In Fremantle, seafood lovers will be lured with several tasty options. Cicerello’s Fremantle is the iconic choice, located right in Fishing Boat Harbour on the water’s edge with a menu of traditional and grill faves and a second shop on the Mandurah foreshore. There is also Sealanes Fish & Chips at South Fremantle with a family- and dog-friendly grassed area across the road at South Beach to drink in the sunset.
Popular fish and chip locations:
Grand Lane Fish House – Google Maps
Amberjacks Cottesloe – Google Maps
Cicerello’s Fremantle – Google Maps
Sealanes Fish & Chips – Google Maps
10. See the sights on the Swan River Walk Trail
The Swan River Walk Trail offers an easy 10km loop around the sparkling CBD riverfront that conveniently features some of Perth’s top attractions, meaning you can tick off more than a few of the top things to do in Perth in the one outing. Start at Elizabeth Quay and walk, cycle, stroll or scoot along the paved pathway, passing the Barrack Street Jetty, Riverside Drive and South Perth Foreshore, plus plenty of refreshment pit stops.
From Elizabeth Quay, head over the Narrows Bridge to the Old Mill. Continue along the South Perth Foreshore between the Mends Street and Coode Street jetties, where food trucks sometimes set up shop, admiring the beach and city views. You can also hire catamarans, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks if you’re keen to get on the water.
Cross back to the CBD on the Causeway Bridge, which skims over the Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary, and across to the Point Fraser urban wetlands, restaurant and playground area before following Riverside Drive back to Elizabeth Quay. Set aside a leisurely hour or longer to complete the popular loop.
10 more things to do in Perth
- Visit the Heath Ledger Memorial for the beloved WA actor in Applecross
- Hop on a sunrise hot-air balloon experience over Avon Valley
- Test your endurance on the 1,000km Bibbulmun Track from Perth Hills to Albany
- Try camel yoga with Swan Valley Speedhumps
- Enjoy a refined or bottomless high tea experience
- Take a brewery tour at Little Creatures in Fremantle
- Swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in the Shoalwater Island Marine Park
- Shop ‘til you drop at independent boutiques in inner-city Perth
- Explore Perth’s coastal lighthouses
- Check out the street art in Perth’s CBD laneways and arcades
Best things to do in Perth for free
If the best things in life are free, Perth has activities and experiences in spades – and they won’t cost you a cent to enjoy on holiday.
Top 5 activities for free
- Experience a Cottesloe sunset over the Indian Ocean
- Take a walk on the wild side at Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden
- Peruse a permanent exhibition at AGWA
- Check out the 150-plus stalls at the Fremantle Markets
- Snap a selfie with The Containbow sculpture by Marcus Canning
Most unique things to do in Perth
Capture the quirkier side of Perth with this alternative list of unique places to visit in the WA capital city..
- Take a gondola ride with Gondolas on the Swan from Elizabeth Quay for Venice vibes on the Swan River
- Spot the Eliza sculpture at Matilda Bay facing Kings Park and Mt Eliza. The bronze diving woman is often dressed up for local and seasonal events
- Channel your inner Ariel: Swim through shipwrecks and snorkel with fish on the underwater Coogee Maritime Trail
- Go stargazing in the Perth Hills at Perth Observatory – Australia’s oldest continuously operating astrological site
- Check out all the preserved creatures – great and small – at the Museum of Natural History for a curious collection of taxidermy specimens
Best things to do in Perth with kids
Keep the kids active and engaged on a Perth holiday with these fun-filled options for all ages and stages.
Top 5 activities for families
- See the cityscape from the treetops via the Lotterywest Federation Walkway – an eye-opening stroll through the WA Botanic Garden, including a 52m-high elevated glass and steel bridge.
- Take the crew below deck on the HMAS Ovens submarine at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle for a grounding in World War II history.
- Follow the clues to find the five Giants of Mandurah large-scale installations by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, located less than an hour’s drive from Perth in Mandurah.
- Landlubbers ahoy! Join all the fun on the 45-minute, family-friendly Mandurah Pirate Cruise through the Mandurah canals near Perth, keeping an eye out for wild dolphins.
- Ideal for kids aged eight and over, suit up and strap in for the Optus Stadium HALO Rooftop Tour – a 360-degree walk around the rim of the state-of-the-art stadium.
Fun things to do in Perth for adults
Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with other adults, Perth has indoor and outdoor activities unique to the city experience.
Top 5 activities for adults
- Venture to the Swan Valley on a full-day tour: Enjoy winery, brewery and gourmet tastings, a vineyard lunch and a leisurely river cruise in idyllic surrounds near Perth.
- Make the most of your rental car on a nostalgic night out with a blockbuster and snacks at the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre – the only one in Perth.
- Gear up at The Nostalgia Box in West Perth: Take on your mates at Australia’s first and only video and arcade games museum with more than 100 consoles.
- Discover the ancient connection to the skies: Learn from the world’s first astronomers on an Aboriginal Astronomy tour and storytelling experience at the Gravity Discovery Centre.
- Enjoy major sporting events all year round: See cricket at the WACA, watch the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles AFL teams at Optus Stadium and check out the tennis at RAC Arena.
Fun things to do in Perth for couples
In a city famous for its sunset location, Perth has plenty of daytime and date night ideas for loved-up couples.
Top 5 activities for couples
- Spend a day biking and snorkelling on Rottnest Island: Soak up all the natural sights and aquatic life, cycling to beaches and exploring secluded bays on the car-free isle.
- Go on a romantic rendezvous for two at Perth’s secret speakeasies: Unlock entry to Sneaky Tony’s in Chinatown, Toots in Northbridge and The Volstead Lounge in the CBD.
- Beach and bake: Pair beach time with downtime, alternating between a dip in the ocean and a sizzling sauna session at Perth’s City Beach, Port Beach and Fremantle.
- Throw caution to the wind on a catamaran: Embark on a two-hour Fremantle Twilight Sail Cruise, enjoying bubbles and sunset at sea and frolicking wild dolphins at dusk.
- Treat your senses on a full-day Pinnacles, Lobster & Lavender tour: Leave the city for the Pinnacles region and indulge in wildlife, wilderness, living fossils and gourmet finds.
FAQs about visiting Perth
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What makes Perth special?
Perth occupies a special place as a uniquely different tourist destination in Australia. Along with its stunning setting, Perth touts a laidback outdoor lifestyle that combines cosmopolitan city culture and amenities with enviable natural attributes.
From the CBD to the suburbs, Perth has a renowned small bar and restaurant scene; rich First Nations, arts and cultural offerings; several lifestyle and entertainment precincts; and distinct attractions that will surprise and delight visitors – whether it’s your first or 40th visit.
Perth’s beautiful beaches, oodles of nature reserves and landscaped green spaces and the sparkling Swan River within close range to the CBD, not to mention even more sandy shores, national parks and islands nearby, entice locals and visitors to enjoy the amiable weather, abundant attractions and outdoor activities year-round.
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Is 3 days enough in Perth?
With heaps to see and do in Perth, you can easily fill three days in the city alone, exploring the many attractions, museums, restaurants and outdoor sights. Spend a day in Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden, wandering to the South Perth Foreshore and back, exploring Elizabeth Quay and embarking on a river gondola cruise.
On the subsequent days, spend a day each in Fremantle and on Rottnest Island for a seaside contrast to the city experience. Spending longer than three days in Perth will allow you to see more of both the CBD and surrounds at your leisure – you’re guaranteed to want to spend more time with the quokkas or head to Penguin Island!
Need a hand planning your trip to Perth? We've put together some sample Perth itineraries for trips of 3, 5,7 and 9 days!
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What is the most scenic place in Perth?
Kings Park and the West Australian Botanic Garden is hands down the most scenic location in Perth, thanks to its lofty view of the cityscape, Indian Ocean and Swan River from Mount Eliza. With landscaped gardens, an untamed environment and a network of paths to explore it all, it’s an amazing natural resource close to the CBD.
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What are the best things to do 2 hours from Perth?
If you want to broaden your city scope on a day trip or overnight stay, there are several stunning spots to visit within two hours of Perth, each with different attributes.
Swan Valley – Just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD by car, Swan Valley’s bucolic surrounds beckon with historic vineyards, gourmet trails, artist studios and galleries and wildlife reserves.
Rottnest Island – Located 19km off the coast and easily accessible from Perth and Fremantle, “Rotto” is a must-stay for the adorable resident quokkas and plentiful outdoor activities such as cycling, snorkelling, swimming and walking.
Yanchep – Known for its massive national park with a koala-viewing boardwalk, cave trails and western grey kangaroos, the coastal town of Yanchep also has pick-your-own berry farms on an easy day trip 40 minutes north of Perth.
Mandurah – One of WA’s largest regional cities, Mandurah is around one hour’s drive south of Perth and offers white-sand beaches, art installations, wild dolphins, waterfront dining and a massive estuary for all sorts of watersports.
Penguin Island – Only 55 minutes south of Perth plus a short five-minute ferry ride, Penguin Island is the perfect day trip destination for wildlife lovers with little penguins, Australian sea lions, humpbacks, pelicans and other creatures to spy.
Lancelin – The township of Lancelin, 90 minutes’ drive away, is one of Australia’s best sandboarding destinations with a dune system that stretches 2km.
Bunbury – The coastal city of Bunbury, around two hours southwest of Perth, combines aquatic activities and beach walks with street art, wildlife and Indigenous culture for an overnight stay or longer.
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What are the best things to do in Perth on a cold day?
While Perth boasts more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, if you do happen upon a cooler day or visit during winter, there are several ways to embrace the crisp climate outside or stay cosy and busy indoors.
Cool wintry outdoor activities include hiking, biking and chasing waterfalls in nearby national parks and nature reserves, enjoying weekend markets and warming up with food and wine or cider and ale trails in the Swan Valley.
For rainy day action, visit one of Perth’s top attractions, such as The Perth Mint, Fremantle Prison and Elizabeth Quay, swot up on arts and culture with Aboriginal cultural walking tours or take it indoors at WA Museum Boola Bardip and AGWA.
Flights to Perth
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Perth from major Australian cities, including:
