Perth, Western Australia’s sun-drenched capital, is a city bursting with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an endless array of activities, a big reason many people choose to relocate here with the help of professional removalists in Perth. From pristine beaches to lush parklands, bustling laneways to world-class wineries, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor eager to explore, this comprehensive list of 39 amazing and fun things to do in Perth will ensure your days are packed with unforgettable experiences.
Get ready to discover why Perth truly is the “City of Light”!
Nature & Outdoors: Embrace Perth’s Natural Splendour
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Explore one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. Enjoy stunning city views, walk the Federation Walkway, discover native flora, and picnic on the expansive lawns.
- Cottesloe Beach: Famous for its white sand, clear turquoise waters, and iconic Norfolk pines. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or watching a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Rottnest Island: Catch a ferry to this car-free island paradise. Hire a bike, snorkel in crystal-clear bays, and, of course, snap a selfie with a quokka!
- Fremantle Esplanade & Bathers Beach: Stroll along the vibrant Esplanade, enjoy fish and chips, and relax at Bathers Beach, Perth’s first designated swimming beach.
- Perth Zoo: Home to a wide range of Australian and exotic animals, with a strong focus on conservation.
- Swan River Activities: Kayak, paddleboard, cycle along the foreshore, or take a scenic river cruise.
- Yanchep National Park: Meet koalas, explore a crystal cave, and walk among kangaroos in this diverse national park.
- AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia): Discover the incredible marine life of WA’s coastline, including a huge walk-through underwater tunnel.
- Herdsman Lake Regional Park: A fantastic spot for birdwatching and gentle walks, just a short drive from the city.
- Bold Park: Enjoy bushwalking trails and panoramic views of the city and coast from Reabold Hill.
Culture & History: Dive into Perth’s Rich Past & Present
- Fremantle Prison: A UNESCO World Heritage site offering fascinating tours through its convict past. A must-do for history buffs.
- Perth Mint: Take a tour, witness a gold pour, and learn about WA’s gold mining heritage.
- WA Museum Boola Bardip: Explore the natural and cultural history of Western Australia in this stunning, award-winning museum.
- Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA): Discover an impressive collection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian art, as well as international works.
- The Bell Tower: Visit this iconic landmark, home to the historic bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields. You can even try your hand at bell ringing!
- Elizabeth Quay: A vibrant waterfront precinct with public art, playgrounds, dining, and stunning views of the Swan River and city skyline.
- Perth Town Hall: Admire the Victorian Gothic architecture of this historic building.
- Old Mill, South Perth: One of Perth’s oldest colonial buildings, offering a glimpse into early settlement life.
- Subiaco Arts Centre: Catch a play, concert, or exhibition in this cultural hub.
- Fremantle Markets: A historic market offering a vibrant mix of food, arts, crafts, and entertainment (open Friday-Sunday).
Food & Drink: Savor Perth’s Culinary Delights
- Explore Northbridge’s Dining Scene: From authentic Asian eateries to trendy bars and cafes, Northbridge is a food lover’s paradise.
- Swan Valley Wine Region: Just 25 minutes from the CBD, indulge in wine tasting, local produce, breweries, and distilleries.
- Food Truck Fiesta: Keep an eye out for Perth’s thriving food truck scene at various events and locations.
- Fine Dining in the CBD: Experience world-class restaurants at Elizabeth Quay, Brookfield Place, or within luxury hotels.
- Café Hopping in Leederville & Mount Lawley: Discover bustling cafes, quirky boutiques, and vibrant street art.
- Craft Breweries: Perth boasts a fantastic craft beer scene; check out local breweries in Fremantle, Swan Valley, and various suburbs.
- Rooftop Bars: Enjoy cocktails and city views from one of Perth’s many stylish rooftop bars.
- High Tea at the State Buildings: Indulge in an elegant high tea experience in a beautifully restored heritage setting.
- Visit a Farmers Market: Support local producers and grab fresh, seasonal produce (e.g., Subiaco Farmers Market, Manning Farmers Market).
Fun & Entertainment: Get Your Adrenaline Pumping or Relax
- Optus Stadium Tour: Explore one of the world’s most beautiful sporting venues, or catch an AFL game or concert.
- Adventure World: Get your thrill on at Perth’s premier theme park with rides and water slides (seasonal).
- Perth Scuba Dive/Snorkel: Explore the vibrant underwater world off Perth’s coast.
- Catch a Sunset: Find a spot along the coast (e.g., Cottesloe, Scarborough, City Beach) and witness a breathtaking WA sunset.
- Live Music Gigs: Check out local bands and international acts at venues across Perth and Fremantle.
- Go Shopping: Explore high-end boutiques in King Street, major retailers in Perth city centre, or quirky shops in Fremantle.
- Take a Scenic Flight: See Perth and its stunning coastline from above for an unforgettable experience.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Glide along the calm waters of the Swan River or sheltered beaches.
- Hit the Casinos: Crown Perth offers a range of entertainment, dining, and gambling options.
- Visit the Perth Observatory: Gaze at the stars and learn about astronomy just outside the city.
Quick Takeaways for Things to Do in Perth
- Nature Focus: Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach, and Rottnest Island are must-visits for natural beauty and iconic experiences (quokkas!).
- Cultural Hubs: Fremantle (Prison, Markets) and Perth CBD (WA Museum, Art Gallery, Elizabeth Quay) offer rich history and vibrant arts scenes.
- Foodie Delights: Explore Northbridge, Swan Valley for wine/food, and the many cafes and rooftop bars.
- Variety of Fun: From theme parks (Adventure World) to sporting events (Optus Stadium) and relaxing beach sunsets, Perth has diverse entertainment.
- Water Activities: Utilise the Swan River and Indian Ocean for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and more.
Perth truly is a city that delivers on all fronts – stunning scenery, a rich cultural tapestry, and an abundance of activities to keep every visitor and local entertained. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring!
FAQs
Q: What is the most famous thing to do in Perth?
Without a doubt, a trip to Rottnest Island to see the quokkas is often cited as the most famous and unique Perth experience. Kings Park also holds iconic status for its views and natural beauty.
Q: Are many of Perth’s attractions free?
Yes! Many of Perth’s best experiences are free. Kings Park, Cottesloe Beach, strolling through Fremantle, exploring Elizabeth Quay, and enjoying the city’s parks and foreshores don’t cost a cent. The WA Museum Boola Bardip also has free general admission.
Q: What are some good activities for families with kids in Perth?
Perth is very family-friendly. Top picks include Perth Zoo, AQWA, Adventure World (seasonal), Scitech (interactive science museum), Kings Park playgrounds (Synergy Playground, Lotterywest Federation Walkway), and Rottnest Island for quokka spotting and beaches.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Perth to see the sights?
For the CBD and Northbridge, walking or using the free CAT buses is excellent. Trains are efficient for getting to major hubs like Fremantle, Subiaco, or Optus Stadium. To explore further (like Swan Valley or outer beaches), a car is often recommended. Ferries are essential for Rottnest Island and offer scenic river cruises.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit Perth for sightseeing?
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are generally considered the best times. The weather is warm and pleasant (20-30°C), perfect for outdoor activities, and avoids the peak summer heat and school holiday crowds. Spring also brings stunning wildflowers.
