tourist attractions south of perth

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in South Perth - South Perth Must-See Attractions

Things to do in south perth, explore popular experiences, tours in and around south perth.

Sunsets & City Lights Private Tour

• Seaplane Flights Perth to Rottnest Island and return

Perth Bike Tour - Majestic Foreshores and East Perth

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Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth

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South West, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Guide to South West Western Australia

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• Getting to the South West
• When to visit

With its Mediterranean climate, long stretches of quiet beaches and world-class wine, Western Australia’s South West is a region worth tucking in to.

There’s an air of easy-going luxury in the South West, from the tangible opulence of world-class accommodation and fine dining in Margaret River to the luxury of secluded beaches and vast skylines as you head further east. It’s a region where you can indulge tonight and make up for it tomorrow with a hike, surf or yoga session – or not. Its biodiversity and unique collection of spectacular natural attractions will pique your imagination (regardless of your age) and its quirky animal encounters will leave you with long-lasting memories. Whether you embark on an epic road trip, explore on foot or on a guided tour, the only requisite is to ensure you give this remarkable place the time it deserves.

Australia's South West starts just a two-hour drive south of Perth and extends as far as Bremer Bay to the east. It's best explored by car, but you can fly into Busselton regional airport if you're short on time. 

• Perth Airport (PER) is a three-hour drive north of Margaret River; services domestic and international arrivals.
• Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) is a 45-minute drive to Margaret River; services domestic flights.

With a temperate climate and four distinct seasons, you can enjoy a visit to the South West at anytime. Summer is great for a beach getaway, but it's a popular time to visit and accommodation should be booked well in advance. Winter is ideal for whale watching, while spring and autumn bring mild days perfect for bushwalking. 

• High season:  Summer (December to February)
• Low season:  Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss:  The Western Australia Gourmet Escape

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20 Must Do Things To Do in South West WA: Locals Guide 2024

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links (of which we use) so we may receive a small amount of commission if you buy something through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here .

Kaya/Hello, I’m Wendy a proud WA resident with a love of travel. I’ve lived in Perth since 2001 and have visited the South West at least times every year since then. During these times, I’ve seen the South West region evolve and explode into a popular tourist destination.

In this post, I want to share my favourite things to do in the South West. Some experiences have been around since I first visited and some are new attractions that I’ve enjoyed recently.

Bremer Bay Orca Whale Watch Tour

I loved this bucket-list Orca cruise by Naturaliste Charters in Bremer Bay. It was an experience of a lifetime! To witness these creatures on the hunt in their natural environment was incredible.

Don’t miss out – book your tour today.

1. See Orcas in Bremer Bay

Seeing Orcas (killer whales) has been on my bucket list for years. You can join this Bremer Canyon Orca Experience from Bremer Bay. The 7-hour tour is on a purpose-built luxury whale-watching vessel.

Read our Orca Bremer Bay Tour review for more information.

2. Take a Whale Watching Tour

Western Australia’s South West is one of the best regions for whale watching. The long season runs from June to early December , starting in  Augusta  around June.

Read more about whale watching in the South West .

I’ve been lucky enough to see whales on a tour like these:

Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tour

Whale Watching Eco Tour Cruise from Augusta

3. Swim with Dolphins, Bunbury

Another experience I have loved was seeing dolphins in their natural environment. Bunbury Dolphin Discovery runs a dolphin swim tour . An experienced guide accompanies you in the ocean of calm Koombana Bay. This tour runs from November to April .

While here, visit the Interactive Zone. The best chance to see wild dolphins in the bay is between 8 am and 9 am.

4. Visit Torndirrup National Park, Albany

Torndirrup National Park is one of my favourite National Parks in Western Australia. The park has some of the best beaches in the world, hikes, stunning scenery.

The Gap and Natural Bridge are the most popular attractions in Torndirrup National Park. They are best visited early before the crowds arrive. Misery Beach is a stunning beach where the pristine sand squeaks when walked upon, and the ocean is a clear turquoise blue. Bald Head Walk Trail , a challenging 12.5 km return trail, provides incredible views of the Southern Ocean and King George Sound.

If you don’t have a vehicle or would prefer to have the knowledge of a guide, take a tour. This The Gap and Natural Wonders Busy Blue Bus Tours visit Torndirrup National Park.

Read about other things to do in Torndirrup National Park in this guide on things to do in Albany .

5. Climb Castle Rock and Granite Sky Walk, Porongurup

The Castle Rock and Granite Sky Walk is a 4.7 km grade 5 hike that takes two to three hours. Although a short distance, it requires agility and a certain amount of fitness to climb the large boulders. The Granite Sky Walk has a ladder to access the suspended walkway, but I felt safe going up and down. This is one of my favourite hikes in the South West WA region !

If you don’t have transport or would like to the knowledge of a local guide, consider the Granite Skywalk Tour run by a local Albany company. This tour is perfect if you want an adventurous day out combined with a tasty lunch and wine tasting.

6. Explore a Cave, Margaret River region

Several hundred caves are in Leeuwin National Park, with six open to the public.

Mammoth Cave  is a multi-chambered cave, home to many ancient fossil remains. It is the most accessible cave in the region. The self-guided audio tour ends with a walk through beautiful bushland. 

Mammoth Cave and Jewel Cave are my favourite show caves in Margaret River .

Jewel Cave  is the largest cave in the area and home to one of the longest stalactites in any Australian tourist cave. Be amazed at the towering crystal formations that adorn the cave’s ceiling. During the one-hour guided tour, you will learn about the Tasmanian Tiger fossils found in the cave. 

Read my Jewel Cave review for more information.

Lake Cave   is a stunning preserved chamber beneath the earth. A long staircase descends through a sinkhole to a sunken forest floor. Crystal formations reflect on the tranquil lake inside the cave, and stalactites suspend from the ceiling. It’s not suitable for anyone with low mobility . 

Ngilgi Cave  is closer to Yallingup. Read my Ngilgi Cave review or Book Tickets direct with Ngilgi Cave here .

The other two are Calgardup Cave and Giants Cave.

7. See Stingrays at Hamelin Bay

Stingrays are a popular tourist attraction and my favourite thing to do in Hamelin Bay . At most times during the day in summer, you can see the black shadows in the ocean by the boat ramp, waiting for scraps from fishers. They are wild animals, though, so keep your distance as they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.

8. Visit Wellington National Park, Collie

I enjoy hiking the many trails in Wellington National Park. But you can drive to Wellington Dam to see the world’s largest dam wall mural . It’s impressive to see it close up – view it from below, then drive up to the lookout to see it from above.

Read about Wellington National Park here .

9. Take a Cultural Tour

Join a cultural tour to learn about our incredible culture and history through the eyes of the traditional owners. One of my favourites is Koomal Dreaming. On their tours, you can taste native foods and learn about bush medicine, animals, plants and Dreaming spirits.

“Koomal” is the traditional name of Wadandi man Josh Whiteland. He’s a fantastic tour guide and passionate about his culture and commection to Boodja (land).

Book Koomal Dreaming Tours here

10. Learn about ANZAC at the National ANZAC Centre, Albany

The  National ANZAC Centre  is the most recent addition to the Princess Royal Fortress site. I liked following personal stories through state-of-the-art technology, multimedia, and historical artefacts.

You take the identity of a serviceman or woman and trace their life through the Great War in an immersive learning experience. Entry ticket is valid during opening hours; access to all buildings within the Princess Royal Fortress is included.

While there, visit the Princess Royal Fortress , Albany Heritage Park , one of Australia’s best outdoor military museums.

Read this post for more ideas on things to do in Albany .

11. Visit stunning Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks, Denmark

Greens Pool is my highlight when we visit Denmark, especially in summer when it’s warm enough to swim in the crystal clear water. It’s perfect for children as the beach slopes gradually, and the water is usually very calm.

You can walk along a 1.5 km trail that links Greens Pool to Elephant Rocks or drive. The rocks are in the shape of a certain animal, hence its name. The views here are stunning on a clear day.

See photos of Elephant Rocks and other places to visit in this guide on things to do in Denmark .

12. Drive along Cape Naturaliste, near Dunsborough

The Cape Naturaliste beaches are some of the best in the world. Most are protected by the cape, making the water calm. My favourite swimming beaches are Meelup Beach , Eagle Bay, and Bunker Bay. Castle Bay, Point Picquet, and Shelley Cove are picturesque too.

Take advanatge of a tour of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse , built in 1903 and one of the most popular attractions in Australia’s South West.

We usually eat at Bunker Bay Café or Eagle Bay Brewery . Wise Winery is also a beautiful spot for lunch and wine tasting.

13. Watch the Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste

One of my favourite places to be at sunset, and the most photographed, is Sugarloaf Rock in Cape Naturaliste. It’s a short walk to the lookout for stunning island and coastline views.

14. Swim at the Aquarium or Injidup Spa near Yallingup

It’s hard to choose which are the best beaches in the Margaret River region as you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Injidup Natural Spa is an Instagram-famous spot which recently received an influx of visitors. It can be hard to park due to its popularity. I wasn’t that impressed and much preferred the quieter Injidup Beach on the other side.

The Aquarium was a secret beach that only locals knew about before social media outed where it was.  This rockpool is between Canal Rocks and Smiths Beach but can only be accessed via the Cape to Cape Track. You can get to it from either direction, but from Canal Rocks is more accessible and shorter: 500 metres as opposed to 1.5 km from Smiths Beach. The water here is transparent and a fantastic spot to swim and snorkel, although the water was freezing!

There are lots of other beaches near Yallingup to explore, too.

15. Wine Tasting in Margaret River

The Margaret River region has over 120 world-class wineries and over thirty-six grape varieties. The most popular grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.

Visit the cellar door of one of over ninety boutique wineries to do some wine tasting. A whopping sixty-two of those received a 5-star Halliday rating. Margaret River is the third most visited wine region in Australia by international visitors (after Yarra Valley and Hunter). But the most visited wine region for domestic travellers .

Some wineries charge a small fee for the tastings. Most take it off any wine sale though.

Visit the Margaret River Visitor Centre, on the main street in Margaret River town for a free map.

16. Tour Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia . This working lighthouse has stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Southern and Indian oceans.

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour provides an in-depth look at a lighthouse built in the 1800s. It also has stunning views of Australia’s most south-westerly point.

17. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Walpole

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, the most popular tourist attraction in Walpole, climbs 40m above the forest canopy. It gives a birds-eye view over the 400-year-old giant red tingle trees without damaging them.

Read more about the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk here .

18. Walk inside a Giant Tingle Tree, Walpole

The Giant Tingle trail leads to the Giant Tingle, said to be the largest, living girthed eucalypt in the world at 24m. This red tingle has been hollowed out by fire but is still alive as the living and growing parts of the tree are located just below the outer bark. I found it awe-inspiring to stand in these impressive trees.

Read more about this Giant Tingle tree here

19. Discover a New Beach

The South West has some of the best beaches in Western Australia .

Bunker Bay, a serene spot near Dunsborough, is a perfect place for a family outing, with its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves. Then there’s the iconic Surfers Point in Margaret River, a paradise for surf enthusiasts with its world-class waves. If you’re after a wildlife experience, Hamelin Bay is where you can spot stingrays up close in the shallow waters. Another must-visit is Meelup Beach , known for its calm turquoise waters and ideal for swimming and picnicking. And finally, Greens Pool in William Bay National Park near Denmark is an absolute jewel with its sheltered emerald-green waters and surrounding rock formations.

Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, making them perfect destinations for your adventures in exploring our beautiful state!

20. See Kangaroos on the Beach

Lucky Bay near Esperance is not only famed for being one of the whitest beaches in Australia but also for its resident kangaroos. Groups of kangaroos casually hop along the shore. It’s a surreal and quintessentially Australian scene.

These friendly marsupials are quite accustomed to visitors and often appear unfazed by human presence. Watching them play and lounge in their natural habitat, with the stunning backdrop of the pristine beach and crystal-clear waters, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, seeing kangaroos at Lucky Bay is an unforgettable and iconic Aussie experience.

My Map of the Best Things To Do in South West WA

South West Road Trips

The best way to see Western Australia’s South West region is by road. It allows you to see all the charming towns, beautiful coastline, and stop at some of the best eateries.

Here are my favourite road trips in the South West:

• Best of South West WA Road Trip
• Perth to Margaret River
• Perth to Albany
• Perth to Esperance
• Margaret River to Albany

Other Helpful Guides

• South West WA Travel Guide
• Western Australia Travel Planner
• Western Australia Travel Guide
• The Best South West WA Caravan Parks

Questions I’m Frequently Asked

What is the South West of WA known for?

The South West region of Western Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from green forests and fertile farmlands to stunning coastlines. Some of the highlights are:

• Walpole-Nornalup National Park
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
• Whale Watching

What are some hidden places in South West WA?

The South West region of Western Australia has plenty of well-known attractions, but it also has some lesser-known spots like these:

• Cosy Corner Beach (near Hamelin Bay)
• Redgate Beach , Margaret River
• Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
• Blackwood River
• Yallingup Maze

We usually fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties. We also book through  Stayz  for private accommodation as they are usually cheaper than Airbnb.

Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use  Discover Cars , an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Tours & Attractions 🎢

We book direct and use a mixture of third-party sites  Viator ,  Get Your Guide  &  Klook  due to their free cancellation policies, instant confirmation, price guarantees, and mobile ticketing.

Accessing Money 💵

We recently started using  Wise  to access funds internationally, including trips to Bali and Malaysia. They offer a debit card in 50 currencies and transfers are fast and free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Funds can be accessed through ATMs too. Wise has saved us a lot of money compared to our usual credit card and debit card.

Find out more from Wise here .

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More  and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel. See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

Wendy White is the founder of Western Australia Expert and Perthtravelers. She has lived in Western Australia since 2000 when she married her Australian husband. With Wendy & David's love of travel, they explored the state extensively both before and after the birth of their twins (and continue to do so). She works directly with numerous WA Tour Operators, supporting small businesses.

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Western Australia Expert

50 Top Things To Do in Perth City: Local’s Must-See List for 2024

Kaya/hello, I’m Wendy. As a Perth local, I’ve found some hidden spots in Perth City along with all the tourist attractions that everyone visiting Western Australia should see. In this post, I’ll share all my favourite things to see and do in our city.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Table of Contents

Best things to do in perth city key takeaways.

Discover the best things to do in Perth city, including activities for couples, families, and those seeking unique experiences. Highlights include:

For Couples:

• Enjoy a romantic helicopter ride over Perth’s iconic sites.
• Experience a Western Australian twist on a gondola ride .
• Visit rooftop bars with scenic views.
• Watch the sunset in Kings Park .
• Attend a moonlit outdoor cinema.

For Families:

• Explore Perth Zoo in South Perth.
• Visit the Perth Mint to learn about gold refining.
• Discover Aboriginal culture at the WA Museum Boola Bardip .
• Enjoy BHP Waterpark in Elizabeth Quay .
• Explore the DFES Education & Heritage Centre .

Fun Activities:

• Sail catamarans on the Swan River with Funcats Watersports.
• Explore the laneways with street art , restaurants, and bars.
• Take a thrilling bridge climb or zipline on the Matagarup Bridge .
• Experience skydiving over Perth .
• Enjoy a bottomless brunch at various venues.

Cheap Activities:

• Explore the Swan River and its pathways.
• Enjoy street art in Perth’s laneways.
• Discover Kings Park with its gardens and playgrounds.
• Take a stroll around Elizabeth Quay.
• Admire the architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
• Explore the city with the Hop On Hop Off Bus .
• Take a Swan River Cruise for scenic views.
• Try a Perth City Riverside Segway Tour .
• Explore the city’s streets and laneways on a walking tour .
• Take a scenic flight over Perth City .

Whether you’re looking for romantic experiences, family-friendly activities, fun outings, or budget-friendly options, Perth city has something to offer for everyone.

Read on for more ideas of things to do in Perth’s city with information on each activity.

Romantic Things to do in Perth City

1. Helicopter Ride 🚁

Departs Crown Towers

Enjoy a six-minute scenic helicopter ride over Perth with your loved one. This scenic flight takes you over Perth’s iconic sites, including Kings Park, Optus Stadium, Elizabeth Quay, and the Swan River, perfect for celebrating any occasion.

2. Gondola Ride 🚤

Romantic Gondola rides are not just for Venice. Perth has its very own Gondola tour , which departs from Elizabeth Quay.

Despite being modelled on the traditional Venice gondolas, this one is very much Western Australian. The hand-crafted vessel was designed and made in Perth from solid Western Red Cedar.

This special romance package includes:

• 60 minute gondola cruise
• Bottle of premium French sparkling wine
• Red rose and chocolates

3. Rooftop Bars 🍸

I love rooftop bars and always hunt them out on our trips. Perth has some cool ones of their own, some with scenic views of the city and Swan River, making a romantic afternoon or evening.

Some of my favourite rooftop bars in Perth are:

• 18 Knots Rooftop Bar @  DoubleTree by Hilton Waterfront
• Rooftop at QT
• Songbird Bar @ The Ritz
• Aurora Rooftop Bar @ The Melbourne 
• Henry’s Rooftop @ The Reveley
• AGWA Rooftop Bar

4. Watch the Sunset 🌅

Pack a picnic and head up to Kings Park to watch the sunset over the city. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Perth and the location for many weddings, including ours.

5. Moonlit Outdoor Cinema 🍿

Kings Park is also the location of Moonlit Cinema, held during summer at May Drive Parkland, showing the latest releases, contemporary and classic movies.

6. Private Water Bike Tour & Picnic 🚲

This water bike tour is perfect for a special celebration or romantic date – glide along the river and see the spectacular views of Perth’s city skyline. After, relax with a beautifully styled, fully catered picnic on the banks of the Swan River overlooking the city.

These water bikes are safe, stable, easy to use, and suitable for most ages and abilities.

If you don’t want a picnic, there’s also a Sunset, Bubbles, and Brews Water Bike Tour .

7. Harvest Your Own Pearl Experience

Barrack Square, Elizabeth Quay

This unique experience allows you to harvest your own pearl straight from the oyster. Your guide will reveal fascinating information about pearl harvesting and techniques while you sip on sparkling wine and enjoy canapés.

You will then harvest your own pearl, valued between A$500 and A$5,000, which you get to keep.

The private hour tour ensures a romantic and personalized experience ideal for a couple.

Family Things to do in Perth City

1. Perth Zoo 🐒

20 Labouchere Road, South Perth

Not technically in the City of Perth, but only a short ten-minute ferry ride from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth . Home to more than 1200 native and exotic animals, including some of Australia’s most endangered species, Perth Zoo is one of the most popular Perth attractions.

2. Perth Mint 💰

310 Hay Street

The  Perth Mint is Australia’s official bullion mint, built in the 19th century to refine gold from the Gold Rush. It’s a popular tourist attraction where you can take a  tour  and buy souvenirs, including Australian coins, gold, silver, and platinum. The mint is housed in a grand heritage building, one of Western Australia’s oldest heritage sites.

3. WA Museum Boola Bardip 🇦🇺

Perth Cultural Centre

The WA Museum closed in 2016 and re-opened in November 2020 under the new and improved name Boola Bardip , meaning “many stories” in Whadjuk Nyoongar. It’s one of the best Perth museums to visit.

Our favourite exhibition is Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn, where you learn about Aboriginal culture, ancestral connections, law and lore, and their experiences. Don’t miss the huge blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in the heritage-listed Hackett Hall.

4. Water Labyrinth 💦

Forrest Place, Murray Street Mall

Children will love running through this interactive water sculpture by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. Jets spray water into the air, creating nine “rooms” that allow you to stay dry until the water stops. You can watch from one of the cafes overlooking the Water Labyrinth while your kids cool down on a warm day.

It runs daily from 10 am to 6 pm unless there’s an event in Forrest Place. 

Remember to bring dry clothes for the kids!

5. BHP Waterpark 💧

This Elizabeth Quay water playground is an excellent space for families to enjoy an interactive water feature that uses jets and lighting. Parents and carers can relax on one of the benches or the decking.

6. Heirisson Island 🦘

You can visit Heirisson Island as part of the 10 km Bridges walk or from Riverside Drive (access is via The Causeway Bridge). The island is an important part of Nyoongar heritage, and you’ll see a statue of Whadjuk Nyoongar warrior Yagan which represents his strong leadership and resistance fighting during the early settlement of the Swan River Colony.

You may see some Western Grey Kangaroos on the island, which were brought onto the island in 1998.

7. Kings Park’s Playgrounds 🛝

Head up to Kings Park for a choice of playgrounds – Rio Tinto Nature Playground, May Drive Parkland, Poolgarla Family Area, and Saw Avenue Picnic Area. Our girls loved the nature playground and the “dinosaur” playground (aka May Drive Playground) the best when they were younger, and we spent hours there.

8. DFES Education & Heritage Centre 🚒

25 Murray Street

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Education and Heritage Centre is housed in Perth’s first purpose-built fire station, which operated from 1901 to 1979. This museum has interactive displays, historical documents, and a fire engine to explore.

DFES’s Education and Heritage Centre is open from 10 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and is free to enter.

Fun Things to do in Perth City

1. catamarans ⛵️.

Funcats Watersports hire catamarans that you can sail around the Swan River in. Our family enjoys this activity, and they’re easy to use as long as you listen to the instructions and pay attention to the wind direction.

2. Wander the Laneways ☕️

Spend a fun morning wandering around the laneways in Perth.

Wolf Lane is one of the coolest, with street art, restaurants, bars, and coffee.

Howard Lane is another trendy lane with bars and street art.

For boutiques, Shafto Lane has you covered, and you can stop for some lunch and a drink at one of the eateries along the way.

McLean Lane,  behind the Pier Street Car Park, features artworks, original cobblestones, stunning feature lighting, and Hifumiya, Perth’s first Japanese udon noodle house.

3. Bridge Climb 🌉

The 370m suspension pedestrian Matagarup Bridge provides access between East Perth and Burswood. The bridge quickly became a Perth icon and lights up in different colours to support major local, state, and international events.

Matagarup, meaning a place where the river is only leg deep, allowing it to be crossed, is the name given by traditional land owners to the area around Heirisson Island. The flowing arches represent the Wagyl, a water-serpent of great importance to local Noongar culture, and a pair of swans.

4. Sky Dive 🪂

Riverside Drive

Tick sky diving off your bucket list with this 14,000 ft Perth city sky dive where you’ll experience 60 seconds of freefall. Float over the coast and see stunning aerial views of the Swan Valley and Perth.

5. Bottomless Brunch 🥂

The Bottomless Brunch has been a favourite fun thing to do lately. There are many places where you can enjoy a boozy brunch in Perth. Some of the most popular are:

• Prince Lane
• The Stables
• Market Grounds
• C Restaurant

6. Strike Bowling & Escape Room 🎳

Forrest Chase

Strike Forrest Chase offers ten bowling lanes, two karaoke rooms, and two escape rooms.

7. Comedy Lounge 🎭

413 Murray Street

Visit Perth’s live comedy club for laughs from some of the funniest stand-ups from Australia and around the world.

Quirky Things to do in Perth City

Locate a Secret Bar 🍹

Add some fun to your drinking destinations with these secret hidden bars:

• Foxtrot Unicorn
• Pooles Temple
• Alfred’s Pizzeria
• Goody Two’s
• Andaluz Bar

ANZAC Bell Tour 🔔

Elizabeth Quay

Ring the historic bells during an interactive chiming demonstration and learn about the meaning behind the ANZAC Bell. This tour includes seeing the 6,500 kg ANZAC Bell ring at midday, and you’ll receive an ANZAC Bell medallion, which you can take to the Perth Mint for free engraving.

The Observation deck is a lovely place to see stunning views of the Swan River and Perth City.

Book Here ⬇️

Cheap Things to do in Perth City

Perth has many natural attractions, cultures, and buildings to explore that are entirely free or cheap.

1. Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan)

In Dreamtime, the Darling Scarp represents the body of the Wagyl (rainbow serpent/snake), who created rivers, waterways, and lakes – including the Swan River.

Situated on the edge of Perth’s CBD, the riverside has dual-use paths where you can walk, ride, or skate. The 10 km ‘bridges’ walk around the river (crossing at the Narrows Bridge and the Causeway Bridge) will take about two and a half hours. Allow time to stop for photos, a coffee in South Perth, a detour to Heirisson Island, a drink at The Point, or a gelato at Elizabeth Quay .

If that sounds too much, hop on the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth and walk from there.

Alternatively, hire a bike from About Bike Hire and ride around the river. It’s an easy flat ride, suitable for children.

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, you can sail, windsurf and kayak along the river. There are a couple of places on the Swan River that hire out kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards – Funcats Watersports in South Perth and About Bike Hire near The Point, in the Point Fraser Causeway car park.

The Swan River is a great place to see the sunset in the city and beautiful at night when lights reflect on the river in South Perth.

2. Barracks Archway

Elder Street & Malcolm St

Walk to the top of St George’s Terrace to view this iconic historic building, once part of a large military barracks designed by Richard Jewell. It was built by convict labour in 1866 to accommodate the Enrolled Pensioner Force (also known as ‘Pensioner Guards’), who guarded the convicts on the prisoner ships to Western Australia. These British soldiers had an option to continue as convict guards or remain as settlers with a 10-acre plot of land.

Most of the convict work moved from Fremantle to Perth around 1860, so accommodation was required for the Enrolled Pensioners and their families. The Pensioners’ Barracks, built in a Tudor gothic castle style, had two wings and 120 rooms.

Between 1900 and 1904, the Barracks were converted to offices for The Public Works Department, which remained there until 1966.

Unbelievably most of this beautiful building was demolished in 1966 to make way for the Mitchell Freeway, leaving just the entrance. Unfortunately, the Brand government wanted to remove the arch, as the entrance is known, so Parliament House had a clear view down St. George’s Terrace. Thankfully, the public won, and the arch remained.

Other buildings designed by Richard Roach Jewell are boys’ schools in Perth and Fremantle, Wesley Church, the oldest section of the Treasury Buildings, Perth Town Hall, Perth Goal, and Government House.

3. Government House

13 St Georges Terrace

Perth’s Government House is a heritage-listed home of the Governor of Western Australia and a place for visiting dignitaries to stay. It is the second permanent Government House – the first built in 1837 was deemed inadequate by the fifth Governor of Western Australia, Governor Arthur Edward Kennedy (1855-1862), due to  leaking roofs, termites, and porous walls.

The Foundation stone of the second building was laid on 17th March 1859, but was not completed until 1864. Designed by Lieutenant Colonel E.Y.W. Henderson in a Jacobean style, Government House has a Gothic feel and is one of the finest heritage buildings in Perth.

The beautiful 3.2 hectare garden is open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 12 pm and 2 pm (except for Public Holidays or otherwise advised).

4. St. Mary’s Cathedral – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Victoria Square

Bishop of Perth Rosendo Salvado laid the foundation stone of St Mary’s Cathedral in 1863, which was blessed and opened in 1865. The architect and master mason, Joseph Ascione, designed the cathedral in the Norman Gothic style.

In 1924, Bishop Patrick Clune CSsR, the first Archbishop of Perth, started to raise funds for a new Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in April 1926 and opened (despite being incomplete) four years later. Architect Mr. MF Cavanagh designed it in the English Perpendicular Gothic style with large stained glass windows.

It wasn’t until 2006 that the Cathedral was closed to complete the construction and reopened in December 2009.

5. St. George’s Cathedral

38 St Georges Terrace

St George’s Cathedral is the principal cathedral of the Anglican Province of WA and the metropolitical Diocese of Perth. It was designed by Sydney architect Edmund Blacket and is a great example of Victorian Academic Gothic architecture, one of only a few cathedrals constructed of handmade bricks.

The foundation stone was laid on 2nd November 1880, but the first service wasn’t until August 1888.

In June 2001, the cathedral was listed on the Western Australia Heritage Register.

6. Street Art

If you’re looking for some amazing Perth Street Art , take a walk around the city. There’s art everywhere – it’s easy to find in the lanes and streets. There are not only works of art by Australian artists but many international ones.

A great tour is this Perth Street Art Tour by Two Feet and a Heartbeat, Perth’s number one tour company since 2007. Over the two hours, your guide will take you around Perth’s streets and laneways showing you murals, sculptures, and architecture.

7. Art Collective WA

Cathedral Square

This not-for-profit organisation is run by leading Western Australian contemporary artists. You can visit the gallery to view their artwork and buy any that catch your eye.

Open Wednesday to Friday 11 am – 4 pm and Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm or by appointment.

8. City of Perth Library

 573 Hay Street/ Cathedral Square

Pop into Perth’s city library to relax, read the paper or a magazine, or have a coffee in the café. Visitors can explore the ceiling artwork, outdoor terrace, and floors for young adults and children.

9. Kings Park

Kings Park is a picturesque, inner city park offering panoramic views of the Swan River, city, and Darling Range. The flower and plant displays in the botanical gardens are stunning, and the picnic areas on the landscaped lawns are beautiful. There are also extensive playgrounds for children to enjoy themselves, and it’s all free!

Kings Park is one of Perth’s most popular tourist attractions, with six million visitors annually from around Australia and overseas.

10. Jacob’s Ladder

1 Cliff Street, West Perth

Jacobs Ladder, just outside Kings Park, is a popular place for a workout in Perth. At most times of the day, you’ll see people running up and down the 242 stairs. It’s one of the ways to access Kings Park from the city on foot.

11. Stirling Gardens

Corner of St George’s Terrace and Barrack Street

This small historical park, next to Government House, is the oldest garden in the City of Perth. Colonial botanist James Drummond first used the area as an acclimatisation garden in the 1830s, and in 1845 it became Perth’s first botanical garden. The gardens are named after Governor James Stirling, the first Governor of Western Australia.

You will find kangaroo sculptures, a huge Moreton Bay Fig tree, and a water feature in Stirling Gardens. It’s a quiet escape from the city – I used to enjoy having lunch under the shade of the trees when I worked in Perth.

12. Supreme Court Gardens

2 Barrack Street

Supreme Court Gardens, close to the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay, are over 100 years old and feature mature trees and garden beds. The area was planted in 1920 following the reclamation of the Swan River in 1903.

This park has public toilets and plenty of benches to rest while enjoying the flora.

The Supreme Court and the old Court House, the oldest building in the city, are in the gardens, which connect to Stirling Gardens.

13. John Oldham Park & David Carr Memorial Park (Narrows Interchange Park)

Mounts Bay Road

These pretty parks are linked by a passage under the Narrows Bridge, close to the city. Hidden away here, you will find beautiful waterfalls, water features, a playground, walking and cycling paths, barbecues, toilets, and exercise equipment.

14. Elizabeth Quay

Head to Elizabeth Quay for a nice walk around the inlet with restaurants and cafes, bars, playgrounds, luxury hotels, and boat tours.

15. London Court

647 Hay Street

This open-air shopping arcade sometimes has art installations and fake snow at Christmas (summertime for us!). Built by wealthy gold businessman Claude de Bernales in 1937, the Elizabethan-inspired arcade is a contrast to the modern Hay Street Mall.

Things to do in Perth City at Night

Twilight hawker markets.

Forrest Place

Take a trip around the world as you enjoy authentic flavours from across the globe. Experience Perth’s best International Street Food Market every Friday until 5th April 2024.

Dinner Cruise

Barrack Street Jetty

Admire the city’s twinkling lights as you cruise along the Swan River while enjoying dinner and listening to live music. Australian wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included in this dinner cruise , and you can buy spirits from the bar.

His Majesty’s Theatre

825 Hay Street

For those looking for a bit of culture, book tickets for a show at Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre. The Edwardian Baroque’ building was constructed in the early 1900s and is now home to the Western Australian Ballet and Opera.

Flight Club Darts

383 Murray Street

UK dart experience Flight Club allows you to play with friends in a semi-private playing area, which holds up to twelve guests. Social Darts is A$18 per person.

The bar has a nostalgic fairground vibe and serves classic cocktails, including sharing trophy cup cocktails for two. Food is mainly sharing plates, although there are a few individual options.

Perth Eat Drink Walk Bar Tour

This popular Eat Drink Walk Bar Tour by Two Feet and a Heartbeat allows you to experience Perth’s bar scene. Join your local guide for a fun night out in Perth.

This tour includes two drinks and a small amount of food, with access to any drink specials at the chosen venues. 

Tours of Perth City

Perth Hop On Hop Off Bus

You can get around the city for free on the CAT buses. However, if you are short on time, the Hop On Hop Off Bus takes you to the major attractions and includes a commentary.

Read the full Hop On Hop Off Perth Bus review here or book tickets here .

Swan River Cruise

To see the city from a different perspective, book a Swan River Cruise departing from Barrack Street Jetty. You’ll see riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park and glide past affluent riverside suburbs to reach Fremantle , where the river meets the Ocean.

Perth City Riverside Segway Tour

A different way to see the city is on a segway tour . This one-hour tour takes you past the Bell Tower, through Elizabeth Quay to the base of Kings Park to explore John Oldham Park, where you’ll see hidden areas of parkland,  beautiful fountains, and waterfalls.

Walking Tour by Oh Hey WA

This 4 km walking tour by Oh Hey WA explores the streets and laneways of Perth to discover food, art, and architecture. Your guide will tell you stories of Perth, learning about the history and culture on this two and a half hour tour.

Two Feet & a Heartbeat Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour takes you to one of Perth’s most beautiful buildings, the historic State Buildings, the heritage precinct, the old theatre district, and former educational sites.

Coffee or tea at a local café is included in the price.

Perth City Scenic Seaplane Flight

Take off and land in the Swan River on this 20-30 minute scenic seaplane flight . See a birds eye view of Perth from the Cessna 208 Amphibian.

Read terms and conditions

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Perth, Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Perth is one of the planet's most isolated capital cities. But this sun-soaked capital of Western Australia defies its remote location by boldly flaunting its riches, and there are many – both natural and material.

A gorgeous setting astride the winding Swan River, with a string of pearly beaches nearby, provides the perfect playground for outdoor adventures. Sailing, swimming, fishing, and boating are all popular things to do in Perth, and in the center of the city, beautiful Kings Park brims with natural bushland and panoramic views.

Like Melbourne , Perth frequently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities. Despite its sprouting skyscrapers, fueled by a mining boom, the city exudes a refreshingly relaxed vibe, but you'll still find plenty of big-city tourist attractions and activities. You can dine at fine restaurants, shop at stylish boutiques, browse art galleries and museums, or see some of the country's top talent at its lively entertainment venues.

Not far from the city, idyllic Rottnest Island is a popular day trip from Perth , as is Fremantle, at the mouth of the Swan River. This historic port is the namesake of the famous Fremantle Doctor, a cool sea breeze that blasts the summertime heat from this effervescent city.

Explore the best places to visit in Western Australia's capital with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Perth.

See also: Where to Stay in Perth

1. Wander through the Treetops at Kings Park and Botanic Garden

2. cruise along the swan river, 3. bask on perth's beaches, 4. hang out at elizabeth quay, 5. find your weight's worth in gold at the perth mint, 6. hillarys boat harbour, 7. art gallery of western australia, 8. meet the animals at perth zoo, 9. the bell tower, 10. find inspiration at scitech, 11. st. mary's cathedral, 12. aviation heritage museum, where to stay in perth for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to perth, map of attractions & things to do in perth, perth, australia - climate chart.

With beautiful views of the Swan River and Darling Range, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is an oasis of peace near the heart of the city. It's also one of the largest inner-city parks in the world .

One of the top things to do in Kings Park is wander through the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. This is a great way to soak up spectacular city views. Suspended in a canopy of eucalyptus trees, the walkway stretches for 620 meters through the Western Australian Botanic Garden.

Other walking trails weave through the park, taking you to picturesque ponds, play areas, and panoramic viewpoints. Mount Eliza , in particular, offers stunning views over the city, and you'll also find the Kings Park War Memorial here, a poignant tribute to servicemen from Western Australia.

Almost two-thirds of this 1,000-acre park is natural bush, with a diversity of native plants and birds. Dedicated to conservation, the Western Australian Botanic Garden spotlights plants from Western Australia and other Mediterranean climates, such as South Africa and California. Highlights include an acacia garden, the peaceful Place of Reflection, and a water garden that recreates a Darling Range creek.

After a stroll through the park, pop into Aspect of Kings Park, a retail precinct of gift shops and galleries highlighting local artists. Fraser Avenue Lookout dishes up delicious views of the city.

Looking for romantic things to do in Perth? At night, the park is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll, with views of the twinkling city lights.

Address: Fraser Avenue, West Perth, Western Australia

Official site: http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/

Local Aboriginal people believe the rainbow serpent, "Waugal," created this winding river. To Perth locals and tourists alike, it's the perfect setting for outdoor fun.

To see some of the posh houses of the riverfront suburbs, hop aboard a relaxing river cruise between Perth and the historic port of Fremantle. Another popular day trip is a cruise upriver to the fertile shores of the Swan Valley , Western Australia's oldest grape-growing region. Here, foodies can sample fresh local produce and scrumptious artisan foods at the highly acclaimed restaurants. Most ferries and river cruises depart from Barrack Square Jetty .

Looking for other ways to enjoy the Swan River? You can picnic in the riverside parks, bike or hike along the many trails, cast a fishing line, sail, swim, or kayak the calm waters.

Sun lovers can choose from a bevy of beautiful beaches in and around Perth. Less than a 15-minute drive from the city center, pine-fringed Cottesloe is one of Perth's most popular beaches, with clear waters and a thriving café culture.

Port Beach is also a favorite, and City Beach has a children's playground and plenty of picnic nooks.

For families, the sheltered inlets on the snaking Swan River, such as Como, Crawley, and Point Walter are top choices, as well as Rockingham Beach and the sheltered shore at Hillarys Boat Harbour .

Ready to surf some swells? Trigg Point has one of Perth's best and most reliable surf breaks, and Scarborough is another top spot to ride the waves.

Farther afield, the shores of Rottnest Island and Penguin Island offer excellent snorkeling and are great for fun family day trips.

Wondering about things to do in Perth's CBD? Add a visit to Elizabeth Quay to your sightseeing itinerary. Adjacent to the city center and the Swan River, this new waterfront pedestrian precinct is a hot spot for Perth nightlife .

If you're hungry, you can dine on everything from gourmet burgers and pizza to succulent seafood specialities. Live music adds to the convivial vibe.

Taking the kids? They'll love riding the antique carousel, devouring tangy gelato, and frolicking around the fountains at the BHP Water Park. Visit after dark, and the fountains light up in all the colors of the rainbow. Kids can also jump, climb, and "walk the plank" at the maritime-themed playground.

Elizabeth Quay is also a romantic spot to stroll along the water. Outdoor sculptures and art installations adorn the Public Art Walk , and you'll also find the rocket-shaped Bell Tower here. Beautiful views of the city skyline and the ferry boats plowing the Swan River also greet you along the way.

Looking for a place to stay in Perth? Elizabeth Quay makes a good base. You'll find a range of Perth accommodation here to suit all budgets.

More attractions are being added as the precinct develops, so check here first if you're looking for new things to do in Perth.

Popular with adults and children, the Perth Mint offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of gold in Western Australia. The Gold Exhibition displays the world's largest coin, weighing a whopping one-tonne, as well as gold nuggets and bullion.

In the 1899 melting house, you can watch pure gold being poured to form a solid bar, and you can also ogle the largest collection of gold nuggets in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hourly guided talks provide fascinating insight into the discovery of gold in the state and the history of the Perth mint, and the tours include a short film. You can even find out your weight's worth in gold, one of the unique things to do in Perth.

After your visit, stop by the gift shop to ogle the Argyle pink diamonds or pick up an unusual souvenir, or enjoy a Devonshire Tea at the café.

Address: 310 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia

Official site: http://www.perthmint.com.au

Looking for things to do in Perth with the family? About 20 kilometers northwest of central Perth, Hillarys Boat Harbour is an expansive marina with restaurants, shops, and kid-friendly attractions.

The Aquarium of Western Australia is a top tourist draw here. You can stroll through a glass underwater tunnel and observe more than 200 species of marine animals, including stingrays, manta rays, dolphins, and sharks.

Bike paths, walkways, parks, and sheltered beaches make this a favorite spot for a fun family day out, and if you're looking for some indoor family fun, Leisurezone hosts all your favorite retro arcade games.

Want to get out on the water? Fishing trips, whale watching cruises, yacht charters, and dive excursions depart from here, and you can also catch a ferry to Rottnest Island , one of Perth's top day trips .

Address: 86 Southside Drive, Hillarys, Western Australia

Official site: http://hillarysboatharbour.com.au/

In the Perth Cultural Centre , a one-minute-walk from the nearest train station, the Art Gallery of Western Australia houses a collection of both international and Australian art from 1829 to the present day. Special emphasis lies on works from Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim.

As well as an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, the gallery displays works by eminent artists such as Hans Heysen and Frederick McCubbin.

Art Gallery of Western Australia is currently undergoing a redevelopment project to create a new rooftop event venue with an open-air sculpture walk. Plans include a new internal gallery space for exhibitions and events and two outdoor spaces with inspirational Perth views.

Art lovers will be pleased to know that entry to the gallery is free, but visitors are asked to make a donation upon entry.

Address: James Street Mall, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, Western Australia

Official site: https://artgallery.wa.gov.au/

About three kilometers from the city center, Perth Zoo has been delighting animal lovers since 1898. International visitors can experience some of the country's unique wildlife in the Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands exhibits. All the favorites are here: kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

Other exhibits take you around the world to different ecosystems. Feed giraffes at the African Savannah, ogle orangutans in the Asian Rainforest, enjoy an elephant show, or peer at a pygmy marmoset in the South American primate exhibit.

The zoo is easily accessible by bus, car, train, and bike, and you can also hop aboard a ferry from Barrack Street jetty.

Address: 20 Labouchere Road, Perth, Western Australia

Official site: http://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/

It looks like an alien spaceship or rocket, but the Bell Tower in Barrack Square is actually one of the world's largest musical instruments . Despite its space-age appearance, housed within it are the original 14th-century bells from Saint Martin in the Fields Church, the parish church of London's Buckingham Palace.

Entry tickets include an interactive demonstration on the ancient art of bell ringing, as well as interesting exhibits on the history of the bells.

While you're here, make sure you take time to enjoy the 360-degree views of the city and Swan River from the open-air observation deck on the 6th floor. For an extra fee, lovestruck couples can purchase a personalized "love lock" to add to a chain-link fence.

It's easy to visit the Bell Tower. You can walk here in about five minutes from the CBD.

Nearby is Elizabeth Quay , a new riverfront precinct, with restaurants, shops, cafés, and entertainment venues.

Address: Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth, Western Australia

Official site: https://www.thebelltower.com.au/

If you have wiggly kids in tow, Scitech makes a great addition to your sightseeing itinerary. This engaging, family-friendly museum encourages kids to explore science and technology, engineering, and math through imaginative and interactive exhibits.

Discoverland is specially designed for three to seven year olds. Here, you'll find displays on air, water, gravity, electricity, and magnets. The construction zone here is great for budding builders, and kids can even dress up as sea creatures and crawl into a tunnel at the small aquarium exhibit, or spy on mom and dad through a periscope.

Waterlandia explores the water cycle, and older kids will enjoy the planetarium movies and science shows. A puppet theater and special themed exhibitions round out all the fun.

Address: City West Center, Corner of Sutherland Street & Railway Street, West Perth, Western Australia

Official site: http://www.scitech.org.au/

St. Mary's Cathedral is a soothing spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Constructed over three centuries, this grand neo-Gothic church was consecrated in 1865 and renovated extensively over the years. The site for the cathedral was included in the first plan of Perth in 1838.

If you're interested in learning more about the cathedral, you can join a tour of the building every Tuesday at 10:30am. Tickets are available at the Church Office across the road. At night, lights imbue the cathedral with an ethereal glow.

Address: 17 Victoria Square, Perth, Western Australia

Even if you're not interested in aircraft, you might be surprised by the fascinating displays at the Aviation Heritage Museum. Exhibits of more than 30 aircraft and thousands of artifacts cover civilian and military aviation. They trace the evolution of aircraft, from two-winged WWI planes to present-day passenger jets.

For an extra fee, you can also book a personal tour of a Lancaster bomber or a Dakota C-47 and Spitfire Mark XXII.

The Aviation Heritage Museum lies about 15 kilometers south of Perth.

Address: Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek Drive, Bull Creek, Western Australia

Official site: http://www.raafawa.org.au/museum/

For first-time visitors to Perth, one of the best places to stay is the city center, near the sparkling Swan River. This is especially convenient for those planning to use public transport. Fantastic shopping and dining are within walking distance, and top attractions such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Kings Park are also close by. Free CAT buses loop around the city, stopping at the top sites. Here are some highly-rated hotels in this central location:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a lovingly restored mid-19th-century state building, steps away from fabulous shopping and St. Mary's Cathedral, COMO The Treasury blends contemporary styling in its oversized rooms with ornate architectural features. Its modern amenities include an indoor pool, gym, library, and holistic spa.
• The Ritz Carlton, Perth is a popular 5-star pick presiding over the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay. Swim in the river-view infinity pool, relax at the luxury spa, and drink in the views through floor-to-ceiling windows in the stylish rooms.
• Pan Pacific Perth is a larger property in the city center that sits steps away from the Perth Mint and an easy stroll to the shops and restaurants of Elizabeth Quay and the city center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A great option for longer stays is the apartment-style Quest Mounts Bay Road , at the base of Kings Park. Bright and modern, the rooms range from studios and one-bedrooms to dual studio interconnecting apartments. Guest laundry is complimentary.
• On the outskirts of the city, a walk from Kings Park, Sage Hotel West Perth is a popular 4-star choice. Tasty food and contemporary rooms with super comfy beds make for a cozy stay. Want to stay fit? Work out at the 24-hour gym or hop on a free loaner bicycle to explore Perth.
• Guests love the buffet breakfasts and quaint European charm of the European Hotel , a short hop from shops, restaurants, and St. Mary's Cathedral.

Budget Hotels:

• Offering excellent value for money, the Comfort Hotel Perth City offers large, clean rooms within walking distance to the city center, the waterfront, and the free CAT bus.
• Other budget options in the CBD are Baileys Motel in East Perth, with a small pool and a family-owned Italian/Mediterranean restaurant on-site, and the basic Citylights hotel , close to the city and public transport.

An organized tour is a convenient way to see the sights around this vibrant city without the hassle of planning your trip, driving vast distances, or organizing boat trips. Many of these tours include admission fees and pickup and drop-off at your hotel, saving you time and money. Below are some fun city sightseeing tours and day trips:

• See the City Sights : For maximum flexibility with your sightseeing plans, purchase a ticket for the Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour . With an informative commentary, this double-decker bus takes you to all the city's top tourist attractions, including the Swan River waterfront, Kings Park, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. You can choose between a 24- or 48-hour pass, and hop on and off the bus at any one of the 11 stops. Upgrades include extras like a round-trip river cruise to Fremantle and a tram tour.
• Escape to Rottnest Island: On the Rottnest Island Tour from Perth or Fremantle including Wildlife Cruise , you can explore one of Perth's most popular weekend getaways from both the water and land. Travel by high-speed ferry to the island and board a 90-minute wildlife cruise to spot fur seals, birds, and dolphins, then enjoy free time to explore the island by bike or on foot. This full-day tour includes a professional guide; the Rottnest Island Authority Fee; and lunch, if you select this option.
• Explore the Desert: If you're seeking a rugged wildlife adventure, the Pinnacles Desert, Koalas and Sandboarding 4WD Day Tour from Perth is an excellent option. This full-day excursion takes you to Caversham Wildlife Park to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals, then to the seaside town of Cervantes. Bump along the dunes in the 4WD vehicle or sandboard down the grainy slopes at Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park and enjoy a guided tour of its lunar-like landscapes. The tour includes snacks, a picnic lunch, entrance fees, and pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• Learn about Aboriginal Culture: Impressive rock formations, sacred aboriginal sites, and quaint country towns are the highlights of the Wave Rock, York, Wildflowers, and Aboriginal Cultural Tour from Perth . Learn about aboriginal history and Dreamtime stories at the sacred Gnamma Holes, explore an old pioneer town, and see fascinating geological formations such as 15-meter-high Wave Rock on this action-packed full-day tour. From September through November, you might also see stunning displays of spring wildflowers. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, transport via air-conditioned coach with a live commentary, entrance fees, and a hearty country-style lunch.

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Perth is a great jumping-off point for other adventures and things to do in Western Australia . In the state's north, you can visit the tropical tourist town of Broome . To the south, Esperance is the gateway to spectacular Cape Le Grand National Park. A short flight from Perth, Exmouth is home to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, as well as some of Australia's best fishing opportunities . Need help planning your Aussie travels? See our article on the top itineraries in Australia .

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Places to Visit in Perth

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Perth Sightseeing Places

Here is the list of best places to visit in perth:.

Kings Park And Botanic Garden

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a large public park located in Perth, Western Australia. It is situated on the western edge of the central business district and overlooks the Swan River and the Perth city skyline. The park covers an area of about 400 hectares and is home to a wide variety of plant life, including over 3,000 species of Western Australian flora.

Top Experiences To Do in Kings Park And Botanic Garden

Swan Valley

The Swan Valley is a region located in the upper reaches of the Swan River in Western Australia. It is home to a number of wineries and breweries, as well as many other attractions such as restaurants, cafes, and farmers markets. The region is known for its production of wine, beer, honey, and other local produce. It is a popular Perth tourist attraction for food and wine lovers, offering a range of tastings and experiences.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is a popular beach located in the suburb of Cottesloe in Perth, Western Australia. It is known for its clear blue waters, white sandy beach, and beautiful sunsets. Cottesloe Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand, with plenty of space for picnics, beach games, and other activities.

Top Experiences To Do in Cottesloe Beach

The Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is a world-renowned gold refinery and mint located in Perth, Western Australia. It is the oldest operating mint in Australia, having been founded in 1899 to mint gold sovereigns for the British Empire. Today, the Perth Mint is known for producing a wide range of gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars, as well as other precious metal products.

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Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison is a historic prison located in Fremantle, Western Australia. It was built in the 1850s and operated as a prison until 1991. Fremantle Prison is known for its well-preserved historical architecture and its role in the history of Western Australia. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perth Zoo is a popular attraction located in South Perth, Western Australia. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including exotic and native species, and is known for its conservation and research efforts. The zoo covers an area of about 16 hectares and is home to over 1,200 animals from over 150 species.

Top Experiences To Do in Perth Zoo

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Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is situated on the coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, marina, and a range of recreational and dining options. Built in 1985, Hillarys Boat Harbour is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and other water sports, with a number of sheltered beaches and a large marina.

Top Experiences To Do in Hillarys Boat Harbour

St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral which started building in 1863. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Perth and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Perth. The cathedral was designed in the Gothic Revival style and completed the building in 2010. It is a prominent landmark in the city of Perth and is a popular tourist attraction.

Top Experiences To Do in St Mary's Cathedral

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Swan Bell Tower

The Swan Bell Tower is a distinctive landmark located in Perth, Western Australia. It is situated on the banks of the Swan River in the Perth central business district, near the Barrack Street Jetty. It is a bell tower that houses a collection of 18 bells. The tower also has a number of other features, including a viewing platform, a museum, and a gift shop.

Top Experiences To Do in Swan Bell Tower

Art gallery of western australia.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is a public art museum located in Perth and opened in 1979. It is the state's premier visual arts institution and is home to a diverse collection of artworks from Western Australia and around the world. The AGWA's collection includes over 18,000 works of art, ranging from historical to contemporary pieces.

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Aqwa Under Water World

Aqwa (Aquarium of Western Australia) is an aquarium built in 1899 in the suburb of Hillarys, Perth, Western Australia. It is home to a 400 different range of marine species from Western Australia and around the world, including sharks, rays, fish, and other marine animals. The aquarium features a number of interactive exhibits, including a touch pool where visitors can interact with a variety of marine animals, and a glass tunnel where visitors can walk through and view marine life from above and below the water.

Top Experiences To Do in Aqwa Under Water World

Rottnest island.

Rottnest Island is a small island formed on a base of aeolianite limestone located off the coast of Perth. It is one of the popular places to visit in Perth for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique wildlife. Rottnest Island is home to a number of interesting Perth attractions, including the Rottnest Island Museum, and the Wadjemup Lighthouse. The island is also home to a number of walking trails, which provide access to the island's natural beauty and wildlife.

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John Forrest National Park

John Forrest National Park is a protected national park named after Sir John Forrest, the first Premier of Western Australia. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including a number of threatened species. John Forrest National Park is home to a number of walking trails, including the Heritage Trail, which follows the route of the original water pipeline that supplied water to the goldfields in the late 19th century.

Aviation Heritage Museum

The Aviation Heritage Museum is a museum located in the suburb of Bull Creek, Perth and was established in 1979. It is dedicated to preserving and displaying the aviation history of Western Australia and is home to many aircraft and other aviation-related artefacts. The museum's collection includes a range of aircraft, including military planes, civilian planes, and helicopters.

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Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is a popular beach located in the suburb of Scarborough and known for its beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and other beach activities. One of the things that makes Scarborough Beach special is its location. The beach is situated just a short drive from the city of Perth, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Penguin Island

Penguin Island is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and conservation efforts. One of the main Perth attractions of Penguin Island is the opportunity to see penguins up close. The island is home to a colony of little penguins, the smallest species of penguin in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the island and learn about the penguins and the conservation efforts to protect them.

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The suburb of City Beach itself is a residential area with a mix of houses and apartments. It has a laid-back, beachside atmosphere and is known for its relaxed, family-friendly vibe. There are several restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area, as well as several parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. There's also a golf course and a number of sporting clubs, making it a great place for sports enthusiasts.

Adventure World

Adventure World is a popular theme park for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of thrilling rides, attractions, and activities for people of all ages. It is open from September to April and has a total 32 rides and attractions to keep each visitor entertained. There are also several family-friendly rides and attractions, as well as a range of dining and shopping options.

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Mullaloo Beach

Mullaloo Beach, Perth is an idyllic spot located on the outskirts of the bustling city of Perth, Australia. The beach regularly draws visitors and locals alike who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and explore Australia's beautiful coastline. It features white sand, crystal clear waters, inviting swimming pools and an array of other activities such as fishing, paddling boats and snorkelling to make sure your beach vacation is memorable.

Araluen Botanic Park

Araluen Botanic Park is a botanical garden located in Roleystone, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The park covers an area of approximately 59 hectares and is home to a wide variety of plants, including rare and endangered species. It is known for its beautiful gardens, including a formal rose garden and a native plant garden, as well as its large collection of exotic and native plants. The park also has a number of walking trails, a picnic area, and a café.

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Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park is a protected area located about 50 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia. It covers an area of about 2,799 hectares and is home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a wide range of bird species. Its bushland and wetland are home to western grey kangaroos and rich birdlife.

Scitech is a science museum and discovery centre located in West Perth, Western Australia. It is a hands-on, interactive science centre that aims to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and maths. The museum features a range of exhibits and displays, including a planetarium, a robotics lab, and a series of interactive science exhibits that allow visitors to learn about and explore various scientific concepts.

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Elizabeth Quay

Elizabeth Quay is a mixed-use development located in the central business district of Perth, Western Australia. It is named after Queen Elizabeth II, and it was built on the site of the former Perth waterfront. The development includes a variety of attractions, including restaurants, shops, a hotel, and a public transport hub. The centrepiece of the development is a man-made inlet called the Quay, which features a waterfront promenade, a bridge, and a water park.

Fremantle Markets

Fremantle Markets is a vibrant and lively market that features a range of stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The markets are housed in a historic building that was built in 1897, and they have been a popular destination for both locals and tourists for over 100 years.

Caversham Wildlife Park

Opened in 2008, Caversham Wildlife Park is a wildlife park located in the suburb of Whiteman, Western Australia. The park is home to 2000+ a wide range of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, and a variety of bird species. The park offers a range of experiences for visitors, including the opportunity to feed and interact with the animals, as well as guided tours and educational presentations. 

Bathers Beach

Bathers Beach, also known as whalers beach is a small beach located in the city of Fremantle, Western Australia. It is located on the western side of the Fremantle port, and it is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and it is also home to the Bathers Beach House, which is a popular restaurant and bar that offers views of the beach and the surrounding area.

Wa Maritime Museum

The Western Australian Maritime Museum is an iconic part of the history and culture of Western Australia. Not only does it contain priceless artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of WA’s maritime past, the museum itself is a beautiful structure with a remarkable presence in its waterfront home.

Leighton Beach

Leighton Beach is a popular beach located in the suburb of North Fremantle, Western Australia. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand, and it is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Leighton Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunny weather, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. 

Nambung National Park Perth

The Nambung National Park is a national park located in the southwestern part of Australia covering an area of almost 193 square kilometres. Wildlife is not abundant but there is enough and you can easily spot kangaroos, emus along with red fox, dingoes, possum, sand goanna, etc. The most unique attraction of the place is the Nambung River from which the park derives its name.

Rockingham Beach

Rockingham Beach in Perth, Western Australia, is one of the most popular beaches in the region due to its crystal clear waters, beautiful white sand and range of activities. There are also plenty of other Perth attractions near Rockingham Beach for those who prefer something more leisurely such as whale watching cruises, winery tours and fine dining at local restaurants.

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20 Unmissable Things To Do In South West WA

15 feb 2024 05 aug 2023 | john.

Last updated on

15 Feb 2024

Looking for the best things to do in south west WA? After searching out just about everything we could on our own South West Australia road trip, here’s our take on 20 highlights that should simply not be missed. Plus a bonus highlight!

The south west of Western Australia (WA) is the stuff of road trip dreams. A vast land of red earth, turquoise ocean, jaw dropping beaches, ancient forests, and a rich history of seafaring, shipwrecks, and intrigue.

I first road tripped the south west corner more than 20 years ago in a rusty old campervan. It’s always stuck in my mind as one of Australia’s most pristine, rugged and beautiful landscapes.

You could spend weeks, if not months here, exploring the epic nature, eating fresh seafood, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the region’s many wineries and breweries.

It’s a place with so much to offer that it’s a serious challenge to settle on a single list of highlights. We’ve given it our best go though. While our natural inclination is to try and see everything a region has to offer, here’s our take on the absolute best things to do in south west WA that just can’t be missed.

20 Unmissable Things to do in South West WA

1. Discover Incredible South Western Australia Beaches 2. Sample the Tasty Craft Breweries 3. Walk Out to Sea On Busselton Jetty 4. Marvel at Canal Rocks 5. Explore the Caves Near Margaret River 6. Escape to Eagle Bay 7. Chill Out at Elephant Rocks & Greens Pool 8. Climb a Fire Tree 9. Hang Out at The Gap & Natural Bridge 10. Stand Inside the Giant Tingle Tree 11. Meet the Hamelin Bay Stingrays 12. Explore Historic Fremantle 13. Visit Iconic Lighthouses 14. Immerse in Australia’s Wartime Heritage at the National Anzac Centre 15. Hike to the Granite Skywalk at Porongurup 16. Castaway on Rottnest Island 17. Watch Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock 18. Climb Into the Canopy in the Valley of the Giants 19. Taste Your Way Through South West WA Wineries 20. Be Delighted on a Unique EcoCruise 21. Bonus Highlight: The Pinnacles Desert

If you’re planning a South West Australia road trip, we visit all of these places and more in our 2-Week Perth to Albany road trip itinerary post.

1. Discover Incredible South Western Australia Beaches

To say the south west corner of Australia is a beach lover’s dream might just be one of the biggest understatements you could make.

There are more than a thousand kilometres of coastline between Perth and Esperance. So you could say the south west of Australia has something of a monopoly on beautiful stretches of powdery white sand lapped by impossibly turquoise sea.

From iconic surf breaks like Yallingup and Prevelly, to picture perfect spots like Greens Pool in Denmark and Little Salmon Bay on Rottnest Island, you’ll find some of the nation’s best beaches in Western Australia, if not the world.

Whether you’re into surfing, snorkelling, diving, fishing, swimming, sailing, or just taking in some Vitamin D while reading the latest Tim Winton novel, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find your ideal beach escape here.

2. Sample the Tasty Craft Breweries

It’s no secret that we’re partial to a brewery visit here and there, and I must admit to being just a little bit excited about the prospect of visiting breweries in Margaret River and the south west region. Especially Beerfarm, a little over 20km (12.4 miles) from Margaret River and home to one of my all-time favourite beers, Asam Boi Gose.

What I didn’t realise is that south west WA is dotted with an array of craft breweries, serving up top notch beers and tasty meals in snazzy taprooms across the region.

For us, Margaret River Brewhouse gets top billing for being stumbling distance from the centre of town and pouring a stunning red IPA. We also recommend seeking out the beautiful setting at Eagle Bay Brewing to sample their excellent XPA. Or tickle your tastebuds with a delicious raspberry gose at Boston Brewing Co near Denmark.

Personally, finishing the day with a sundowner at Beerfarm looking out over the countryside was a beery highlight of the trip. If that sounds like your kind of road trip, then you may just love this corner of Australia as much as we do. Just take turns being the designated driver if you still want to be friends at the end.

3. Walk out to sea on Busselton Jetty

At just shy of 2km (around 1.1 miles), Busselton Jetty is one of the world’s longest timber-piled piers. Building started in 1865, and the jetty was extended during the following centuries in an attempt to accommodate larger ships…before the government realised Geographe Bay just didn’t get any deeper.

Today you can walk or take a train ride to the far end of the jetty to visit the excellent Underwater Observatory on one of their regular tours (book ahead if you can).

Keen divers and snorkellers can also explore Busselton Jetty’s new Underwater Sculpture Trail and Artificial Reef. The jetty is already renowned as a fantastic site for a shore dive thanks to the diversity of marine life drawn to the structure. Now there are also 13 underwater sculptures to check out along with the local sea critters, who have apparently been quick to move in.

It’s also worth sticking around for sunset when Busselton Jetty is particularly picturesque, before enjoying a cold one and some dinner at nearby Shelter Brewing Co or one of the many restaurants here.

Busselton Jetty is in the town of, yep, Busselton! It’s around 220km (137 miles) and a 2.5 hour drive south of Perth. You can wander the length of the jetty 24 hours a day. The Underwater Observatory is open from 9am to 4pm daily, though this can change depending on the weather and sea.

4. Marvel at Canal Rocks

One of the many highlights of  Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park , Canal Rocks showcases the unrelenting power of the Indian Ocean as it continues to shape the ruggedly beautiful West Australian coastline.

Made up of several granite outcrops carved apart by the ocean’s constant battering over millennia, it’s a spectacular spot to really appreciate the power of nature. What makes Canal Rocks even more unique is that nature has well and truly departed from the norm here, sculpting ruler straight channels right through the rock.

You can explore the area via a series of narrow wooden walkways that get you up close and personal with the surging ocean. For the more adventurous (and mobile), there’s plenty of rock clambering to enjoy here.

A word of warning though, while the area is stunningly beautiful, the pounding ocean is about as treacherous as it gets, so be sure to tread carefully.

Canal Rocks is around 40km (25 miles) north of Margaret River towards Cape Naturaliste. There’s no park entry fee for Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.  

5. Explore the Caves Near Margaret River

For a bit of time travel into Australia’s geological past, we highly recommend seeking out some of the incredible caves that dot the landscape of South West Australia.

If you’re based in Margaret River for a few days, there are a bunch of caves within easy driving distance. The most popular of these are Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave and Jewel Cave. Some of the caves near Margaret River can only be visited on a guided tour so it’s best to check ahead for opening and tour times.

One of our faves, Mammoth Cave, is just 15 minutes’ drive from Margaret River and partially wheelchair accessible. It’s something of a palaeontological treasure trove, yielding thousands of fossils over the years. One of the most special finds is a 50,000 year old jawbone of a prehistoric oversize wombat-like creature called a Zygomaturus, still embedded in the cave wall. You can visit this cave on a self-guided audio tour.

Just a few minutes further along Caves Road you’ll find Lake Cave. It’s nestled at the base of a large sinkhole hidden within a particularly beautiful stand of karri forest. Only visitable on a guided tour, this cave wows with its beautiful formations, including the famous suspended table reflected in the cave’s namesake lake. Unlike Mammoth Cave, this one requires a bit more puff to get up and down the many stairs, so you’ll definitely feel like you earned that winery visit afterwards.

Buy a multi-cave pass and save If you plan to visit more than one cave, ask at the first cave you visit about multi-cave passes to save some money.

Caves are located throughout the Margaret River region, around 3 hours south of Perth. Head to the Margaret River Busselton Tourism website for more information about the caves, tickets and opening hours. 

6. Escape to E agle Bay

If you want a sneak peek at the abodes of West Australia’s wealthy set, swing by Eagle Bay and spy a few of the luxury escapes that dot the coastline here.

And who could blame them? With a white sand beach, aquamarine water and world class wineries on the doorstep, if I had a few million bucks to spare I’d certainly be tempted to buy a plot overlooking this beautiful, remote-feeling bay at the tip of Cape Naturaliste. We visited on an overcast day and it was still stunning.

It’s worth stopping for a swim or a snorkel, and if you feel like getting your SCUBA on, the wreck of the HMAS Swan lies in 30 metres’ water not far from here. Tours to dive the wreck can be organised in advance through Viator.

If all that activity sounds exhausting, why not relax for a while, and grab some food and a brew at nearby Eagle Bay Brewing Co – this was a favourite lunch stop for us on our road trip through the region.

Eagle Bay is on the Cape Naturaliste peninsula, around 55km (34 miles) and 45 minutes north of Margaret River.

7. Chill out at Elephant Rocks & Greens Pool

Just 15 minutes’ drive west of Denmark, on a coastline awash with stunning beaches and coves, Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool stands out as an absolute highlight of our own South West Australia road trip . This stunning place is definitely on our shortlist of best beaches in Western Australia, if not the country.

Sitting atop the rocks overlooking a ‘herd’ of massive elephant-esque boulders in a frozen charge towards a cyan sea is a moment that stays with you, and undoubtedly why this area is so ‘instafamous’.

Climb down the stairway to explore tiny Elephant Cove or walk around the headland and have a swim in the sheltered waters of Greens Pool. There are plenty of reasons to make a day of it and enjoy this stunning corner of  William Bay National Park . Sunset here is also spectacular – the last rays of the sun turn the rocks a beautiful burnt orange.

There’s a carpark at Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, and well-maintained toilet facilities. Park entry is free for William Bay National Park.

8. Climb a Fire Tree

Or sensibly admire one from its base.

From the late 1930s, prior to the introduction of aerial surveillance, the forests of south west WA were kept safe by a network of ‘fire trees’. These giants were pegged to allow foresters to climb to platforms high above the canopy and keep a lookout for fires.

While the trees are no longer needed as fire lookouts, two are still set up for visitors brave (crazy?) enough to make the climb. These are the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park and the Gloucester Tree in Gloucester National Park, both near the town of Pemberton.

Described as  Australia’s scariest tourist attraction , I had strong reservations before arriving at the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Those concerns weren’t helped by seeing 165 pegs spiralling up into the thick green canopy towards a lookout platform some 65 metres above the ground.

Climbing is entirely at your own risk and this is definitely not an experience for the faint of heart. It’s almost certain there will be a level of regret, if not sheer terror, at some point during your climb. But for those that push on, the reward of unparalleled views across the Karri Forest from the top while you suck in lungfuls of air is simply sublime. Until you realise you need to somehow cajole your jelly legs into getting you back down.

As of late 2023, both the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and the Gloucester Tree are closed to climbing while maintenance and inspections are carried out. Check the WA Park Alerts website for the latest info.

Warren National Park is around 15km (9.3 miles) and 20 mins from Pemberton. Gloucester National Park is a 4-minute drive south-west of Pemberton. Both national parks have an entry fee (unless you have a WA Park Pass).

9. Hang out at The Gap & Natural Bridge

Another must see attraction on any South West Australia road trip is The Gap and Natural Bridge, located in beautiful Torndirrup National Park near Albany.

Imagine the boom of the Southern Ocean slamming into the solid granite Australian coastline 40 metres beneath your feet, conjuring a feeling of awe as you’re misted in saltwater. This is what it feels like to experience The Gap in all its glory.

Just a few metres further along you’ll find a viewpoint over the Natural Bridge, a solid granite arch carved out by the ocean over millennia.

Both sites provide a tangible reminder of the impressive power of nature, not to mention the ingenuity of the engineers that built the gravity-defying platform that hangs over The Gap.

If you have time, there are also blowholes in Torndirrup National Park, just 5km (3.1 miles) east of The Gap and Natural Bridge and accessed via a beautiful coastal walk. Just be mindful of nature’s unpredictable, well, nature: the blowholes here are almost invisible fissures in the rock and there are no guarantees you’ll see or hear them at their booming, powerful best. On the day we went, the sea was fairly calm and we actually struggled to even work out where the blowholes were.

To find the blowholes, follow the path from the carpark to its end where you’ll see a pole with an orange life ring. From there, turn to face the sea and carefully make your way over the rock shelf till you see the blowholes sign (or see and hear them first).

Torndirrup National Park is around 18km (11 miles) and a 20 minute drive south of Albany. There’s an entry fee for this national park.

10. Stand Inside the Giant Tingle Tree

You might be inclined, on a road trip in Western Australia, to charge through the Walpole area to get to the Valley of the Giants and its famed Treetop Walk. If you can though, it’s absolutely worth making time for the Walpole Wilderness Area, and in particular, the old growth tingle and karri forest in magical Walpole-Nornalup National Park.

Keep an eye out for a left turn onto Hilltop Road a couple of kilometres out of Walpole on the road towards Denmark. As the road twists and climbs away from the coast, and the forest canopy closes in around you, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer beauty of this ancient place.

As you travel along the Hill Top Scenic Drive, watch for a small parking area on your right. Here you’ll find a lovely lookout over the Frankland River and Nornalup Inlet towards the Southern Ocean.

Around 3km (1.8 miles) further along you’ll arrive at the Giant Tingle Tree car park. From there, you can explore the pristine karri and tingle forest via a timber boardwalk, soaking up the serenity while learning about the local flora and fauna via information panels.

The shady 800-metre loop walk takes you past the immense, fire-hollowed red tingle tree known as the Giant Tingle Tree. It’s said to be the largest living eucalypt tree in the world by circumference. The loop walk is open 24 hours and it’s free to visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park.

The Hill Top Scenic Drive is a little over 6km (3.7 miles) of unsealed road. While it’s a little bumpy in places, it’s drivable in a two-wheel-drive.

11. Meet the Hamelin Bay Stingrays

Chilling out at Hamelin Bay Beach as the sun dropped over the horizon and the sky erupted in colour was an unexpected highlight of our South West Australia road trip. As amazing as they are though, sunsets aren’t the main reason so many people head to this gorgeous stretch of sand just north of Cape Leeuwin.

The main drawcard, and the reason it’s on our shortlist of unmissable things to do in south west WA, is the Hamelin Bay stingrays. They’ve been frequenting the area for years, attracted by scraps left by fishermen that use the beach and boat ramp.

While these majestic creatures may have scored a bad rap since the tragic death of Steve Irwin, they are actually extremely docile and rarely aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened.

If you’re lucky enough to share the water with these critters, it’s likely you’ll find them cruising the shallows on the lookout for a meal. So you may have more chance of seeing them when fishermen are around. From our research, it sounds like summer mornings are also a better bet. Just remember, these are wild animals and can be unpredictable, so don’t approach them or try to touch them. If they’re curious, they will come and check you out in their own time.

Aside from the resident stingrays, there’s plenty to keep visitors to Hamelin Bay occupied. If chilling out on this spectacular turquoise bay fringed by a white sand beach isn’t enough, there are also swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities, as well as coastal walks and birdwatching.

Hamelin Bay Beach is around 38km (24 miles) and a 30-minute drive south of Margaret River. There’s free parking in the carpark at Hamelin Bay.

12. Explore Historic Fremantle

I’ll be honest and confess that for me, one of the big drawcards of Fremantle (or Freo, as Aussies affectionately call it) was the beer scene, having supped the occasional Little Creatures brew in my time. And indeed there is a smorgasbord of craft beer joints in this town to keep you well oiled.

As it turned out though, it was actually the deep and palpable sense of maritime and convict history, along with Freo’s easygoing arts, culture and foodie scene, that really made me fall in love with the place. The great beer just made it even better.

If you’re history geeks like us, strolling through historic Fremantle, with its abundance of heritage-listed buildings is a buzz in itself. Architectural gems include WAs oldest building, the Round House, and the World Heritage Fremantle Prison, although the whole precinct is beautifully preserved.

Check out the WA Maritime Museum, and our personal favourite, the WA Shipwrecks Museum. The latter is chock-full of interesting artefacts recovered from the perilous south west Australian coastline. The highlight here is the beautifully restored and reconstructed stern of the Dutch merchant ship Batavia . It was the subject of Australia’s most notorious and vicious mutiny and shipwrecking on the remote Abrolhos Islands off the Australian coast in 1629.

While it’s pretty easy to explore Fremantle independently by foot, if you are after a bit more in-depth information about the history and culture of Freo, there are also self-guided audio tours and guided tours available.

If all this history isn’t enough, in Freo you have some of the best beaches in Western Australia on your doorstep, the iconic Fremantle Markets to explore from Fridays to Sundays, an abundance of very cool cafes, numerous craft beer joints to sample (including the very slick operation at Little Creatures), and some seriously good restaurants, pubs and wine bars.

Fremantle is just 24 minutes by car south-west of Perth city. It’s an easy day trip or a cool alternative base to Perth.

13. Visit Iconic Lighthouses

It’s impossible to visit the south west of Australia without being drawn to the famous white sentinels that have watched over the rocky coastline here for generations.

Visiting the windswept lighthouses of Western Australia will leave you in awe of the immense power of the Indian and Southern oceans, and the hardy families that lived and worked in these lonely outposts, keeping the light burning and protecting seafarers plying their trade along this wild coast.

Two of the most iconic lighthouses of the Margaret River region are at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. They bookend the iconic Cape to Cape Track: more than a hundred kilometres of rugged coastline trail showcasing everything that makes the south west corner of Australia so special.

Sixty kilometres (37 miles) to the north of Margaret River, you’ll find 120-year-old Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse , set in thick coastal heath on a headland with a beautiful coastal loop walk. The lighthouse precinct has cosy tea rooms and a decent lighthouse museum. Guided tours are available if you’re keen to learn more about the lighthouse and climb to its balcony.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse , 53km (33 miles) to the south of Margaret River, is spectacularly sited on the most south-westerly tip of Australia. Standing 39 metres (128 feet) tall, it also lays claim to the title of tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. Remote, windswept and beautiful, this wild spot is great for whale watching in season (May to November). There are also lighthouse tours here and an informative interpretive centre.

Both lighthouses are in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which has free park entry. There are fees, however, for entry to the lighthouse precincts and for guided lighthouse tours.

14. Immerse in Australia’s Wartime Heritage at the National Anzac Centre

Built to coincide with the 2015 Anzac centenary commemorations, the award-winning National Anzac Centre is set in the Princess Royal Fortress precinct overlooking stunning King George Sound in Albany.

This is an extremely important historical site for Australians and New Zealanders. It’s difficult not to feel a solemn and very tangible sense of history right from the moment you gaze out over the bay and imagine that fateful day in November 1914, when a huge convoy of ships departed these shores to take Anzac troops to the Great War in Europe.

On arrival at the centre, visitors are allocated a card for an actual serviceman or woman who departed Albany for the war. You can use the card to navigate interactive displays throughout the museum, uncovering the very real and often tragic story of the person whose journey you’re following.

It’s worth setting aside a couple of hours to truly appreciate this outstanding museum and the tales of those who fought in the Great War and who, in so many cases, never made it home.

The National Anzac Centre is located just 4km (2.5 miles) outside of Albany. It’s open daily from 9am to 4pm. You can purchase tickets to enter the museum in advance through Viator, while the broader site and grounds can be explored for free.  

15. Hike to the Granite Skywalk at Porongurup

If you’re staying in the Albany area, we absolutely recommend stretching your legs with a hike to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park. It’s a little over half an hour north of Albany.

You’ll need good lungs and stout legs for the steady 2km (1.3 mile) climb from the carpark through the lovely native forest of the park. We also highly recommend an early start to make the best of the (relatively) cooler morning temps.

In addition to the ‘nearly there’ encouragement from hikers heading back down, you’ll know you’re near the top when the scenery becomes decidedly more ‘bouldery’ and you need to start scrambling more on the ascent.

You’ll soon be rewarded with your first proper view of the immense Balancing Rock from the lower lookout, dramatically poised on its eroded granite perch overlooking the surrounding countryside.

There’s a bit more scrambling required to get to the upper lookout. Your already shaky legs (and nerves) may well be tested as you grip the metal handholds to climb your way between huge boulders to reach a 6-metre (20 foot) high enclosed ladder that will take you to the top.

The skywalk itself is an engineering marvel, cleverly crowning an enormous boulder. As we recovered our breath while enjoying the incredible views over the plains below, we could only wonder at the smarts required to build this unique platform high above the forest.

The hike to the Granite Skywalk starts at Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park , 44km (27 miles) north of Albany. There is an entry fee for this park (unless you have a WA Park Pass).

16. Castaway on Rottnest Island

Probably the least surprising entry on our list, Rottnest Island really doesn’t need much of an introduction: it’s one of the jewels in Western Australia’s tourism crown.

Rottnest Island is named for the island’s cute resident marsupial, the quokka, which 17th-century Dutch sailors took for large rats (hence the name ‘rats nest’ island). Known as Wadjemup in the local Aboriginal Noongar language, the island is an easy day trip from Fremantle or Perth by ferry.

Save time by pre-booking the ferry and a bike To make the best of your day, consider pre-booking a fast ferry, which can also be booked with bikes if you’re feeling energetic. Pre-booked bikes travel over and back with the ferry and can be collected and dropped off as you disembark/re-board. You can also hire bikes and electric bikes once you arrive on the island.

There are loads of options for exploring Rottnest Island’s 19 square kilometres of jaw-dropping amazingness, including walking, running (yep, we saw a few dedicated groups), cycling (both unpowered and powered), and the popular Island Explorer hop-on hop-off bus. You can also join a guided tour by bus, boat, Segway or heritage train. Cars aren’t permitted on the island.

We opted to explore under own steam on pre-booked bikes. We plotted a loop taking in some of the island’s natural and heritage highlights like Wadjemup Lighthouse, the fur seals at Cathedral Rocks, the pink salt lakes, and a sample of arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. There are more than 60 to choose from on the island; standouts include Little Salmon Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, Geordie Bay and Pinky Beach.

It’s impossible not to be tempted into the crystal-clear waters that lap the island, so factor in time for swimming and snorkelling. If you’ve pedalled yourself into sweaty exhaustion like we did, you might seek reward with a refreshing drink at Pinky’s or Isola before jumping on the return ferry to Freo or Perth.

Staying on Rottnest Island

As one of the truly unmissable things to do in south west WA, it’s difficult to do Rottnest Island justice in a single day. With a variety of accommodation options from high-end waterfront escapes right through to camping, it’s definitely worth staying longer if you have the time, and exploring the island at a less breakneck pace.

On our ride around the island we stopped for some well-deserved refreshments Pinky’s, with it’s lovely pool bar and restaurant right on the beach. The glamping tents here, part of Discovery Resorts , looked very tempting for a night on the sand right by the beach.

Another good option on the other side of the port is Samphire , where you’ll find nice modern rooms and all the resort facilities you’d expect.

Save Your Legs While the loop road around the island is lovely, it’s worth bearing in mind you could end up cycling 25km (15.5 miles) or more. Especially if try to see everything in a day like we did. On the face of it that distance might not sound too bad, but once you add a few hills, some beach walks, a swim or two, and the scorching WA sun (there’s very little shade on Rottnest), it can start to feel more like an endurance test. Unless you really enjoy your exercise, maybe consider a shorter loop around the east and centre of the island, hire an electric bike, or take the bus and save your energy for swimming, snorkelling and the spectacular scenery.

Rottnest Island is accessed by ferry from Fremantle (Northport and B Shed Victoria Quay) and Perth (Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour). Depending on your departure point and ferry type, the journey can take anywhere from 25 to 90 minutes.

If you’re just going for the day, we recommend booking a fast ferry and taking the earliest boat out and the latest back, giving you as much time as possible on the island.

17. Watch Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock

Not far from the start of the Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin hunkers Sugarloaf Rock, perhaps one of South West Australia’s most instagrammable spots.

The rugged coastal views here are truly spectacular, but if your luck is in, there are also whales (June to early December) and dolphins to be spotted off the coast. In the summer months, red-tailed tropic birds nest on the rock itself.

The area is also a haven for walkers of all persuasions, from keen hikers traversing the multi-day Cape to Cape Track, to day ramblers out for a short stint along this stunning coastal stretch. If you’re pushed for time but want to get a small taste of the Cape to Cape Track, check out the 3km (1.9 mile) section between Sugarloaf Rock and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

If, like us, you’re visiting as part of a road trip around the national park’s many attractions, we recommend arriving later in the day to experience one of the dramatic sunsets that Sugarloaf Rock is renowned for. While the weather didn’t quite deliver on the day we visited, we were equally awed by the brooding, stormy backdrop that greeted us.

We’ll be back in better weather for that sunset though!!

Sugarloaf Rock is just south of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and around a 50-minute drive north of Margaret River. It’s in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which has free entry. 

18. Climb Into the Canopy in the Valley of the Giants

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an absolute highlight of any South West Australia road trip. It serves up a birds-eye-view of some of Australia’s most majestic tingle trees, many of which are more than 400 years old.

Set in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness, just 20km (12.5 miles) east of Walpole, this award-winning 40-metre (131 foot) high walkway lets you get up close and personal with some of the tallest trees on the planet.

After an initial slope up, the cantilevered walkway weaves (and sometimes sways) through this ancient and uniquely Australian tingle forest for 600 metres (0.4 miles), giving you ample time to enjoy the canopy. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot some of its feathery inhabitants.

Once you’ve descended to terra firma, be sure to check out the adjoining Ancient Empire walkway. Here you can truly appreciate just how immense these giant tingle trees are from the perspective of the forest floor.

There’s a great Discovery Centre on site, and free daily guided walks and talks outside peak periods and school holidays. The Valley of the Giants is open everyday from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. There’s a fee for the Tree Top Walk but the Ancient Empire and Discovery Centre are free.

19. Taste Your Way Through South West WA Wineries

For us, a visit to the south west corner of Australia wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of Western Australia’s stunning wines.

While Margaret River wines are known on the global stage, there are also six other distinct wine regions south of Perth, including Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Manjimup, Pemberton and Great Southern. There are also multiple sub-regions. Which all equates to huge diversity for visiting wine lovers. Happy days!

Of course, Margaret River rightly gets plenty of accolades for its top notch, stylishly designed cellar doors, gourmet food offerings, and its location just a stone’s throw from some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and coastline. This is cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay country, with sauvignon blanc and semillon also very well regarded.

With so many wineries to choose from and so much wine to sample, we highly recommend leaving the car at home and joining a Margaret River winery tour .

On our tour we got to sip some incredible varieties in a modern tasting room surrounded by floor to ceiling barrels; at the counter in an understated, simple family estate; and on a cosy veranda overlooking the vines. Tours will generally visit a couple of cellar doors and include a tasty lunch.

Outside Margaret River, we were fairly opportunistic in selecting our wine stops depending on how our day was going (or if we passed a vineyard sign!). En route to Pemberton and throughout the ancient karri, marri and jarrah forests, keep your eyes peeled for signs that will take you to some of the region’s best cool climate vineyards, with mainstays of chardonnay, merlot and pinot noir.

On the way to Denmark, our lucky dip approach to selecting vineyards found us sipping delicious wine in a lovely, ambient, wood panelled winery with some of the friendliest hosts we’d met on our trip. Denmark is part of the Great Southern wine region, literally the coolest wine region in Western Australia. It’s famous for riesling, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay.

Whether it’s cool climate pinot noir or premium Margaret River shiraz, if you like wine, you’ll definitely enjoy the diverse wine regions in the south west of Australia! We’ll certainly be back for more.

20. Be Delighted on a Unique EcoCruise

Incredible, educational, hilarious, offbeat, beautiful, unique and thought-provoking – just some of the descriptors that jump to mind when I think about how to describe the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise out of Walpole.

To be honest, it’s a tour that defies description, largely due to the larger-than-life presence of tour guide Gary Muir. He not only takes you on a physical journey through the sparkling waters of Walpole-Nornalup Inlets Marine Park, but somehow manages to weave a story covering the history, geology, nature, ecology, biodiversity and sociology of this unique and very special area, as seen through the eyes of a local.

Gary’s delivery is part larrakin, part teacher, part comedian, and all performer. His stories, delivered at a breakneck pace, are nothing short of hilarious, but will somehow leave you better informed and more curious than you arrived.

After cruising the serene and jaw-droppingly beautiful waterway with dolphins, sea eagles and ospreys for company, and with Gary’s stories ringing in your ears, there’s an opportunity to stretch your legs and walk through the wilderness area to a secluded beach. Then it’s back to the boat for tea and cake ahead of the return journey to Walpole.

This unforgettable eco-tour runs daily at 10am out of Walpole and lasts for 2.5 hours. It’s extremely popular, so book ahead if you can.

Walpole is around 120km (75 miles) and a 1hr20 drive from Pemberton. 

21. Bonus Highlight: The Pinnacles Desert

Ok, so it’s not strictly located in the south west corner of Australia. But if you’re visiting Perth you may, like us, find it impossible to pass up the opportunity to scoot 2 hours north to the Pinnacles Desert, perhaps one of the most interesting places to visit in Western Australia.

Set in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of the most unique places we’ve ever been. Thousands of ancient limestone pillars pincushion the mustard-coloured desert here, against a backdrop of Indian Ocean and vast, vivid sky.

The Pinnacles is especially picturesque at both sunset and sunrise (along with being much cooler and with far fewer flies). For easy access to the site, we suggest staying locally, like nearby Cervantes.

You can drive around the area via the 4km (2.5 mile) Pinnacles Loop, an easy, well-maintained unsealed track. Or walk the 1.5km (0.9 mile) Desert View Trail. There’s also the excellent Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about the nature, culture and geology of this stand-out natural wonder.

Nambung National Park has a park entry fee (unless you have a WA Park Pass), which you can sort out at the pay machines in the carpark. You can access the Pinnacles Desert anytime while the Discovery Centre is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm.  

If you’ve got any questions or thoughts about things to do in South West WA, drop us a line in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for a planner for exploring the south west of Australia, check out our  2-Week Perth to Albany Road Trip itinerary.

4 thoughts on “20 Unmissable Things To Do In South West WA”

Thanks so much, gonna try and tackle as much of the list as we can!

Thanks for the comment Si, and good luck getting through the list, they’re all certainly worth seeking out.

Hope you have a fabulous trip.

Really informative

Many thanks Chris, hope it’s been useful!

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Ultimate Perth Itinerary: Fun 3, 5 and 7 Day Itineraries 

The relaxed coastal city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, often gets overlooked by its eastern Australian counterparts like Melbourne and Sydney. As a local who has lived in Perth my entire life, let me get you in on the secret – Perth is so underrated! 

With some of the best beaches in Australia, hot summers and mild winters, hip suburbs, funky small bars and some amazing day trips, a trip to Perth offers an interesting variety of unique things to do and see for visitors. 

In this guide, I’ve carefully crafted the ULTIMATE Perth travel itinerary. With a 3, 5 and even 7 day Perth itinerary, there’s something for all visitors. Regardless of whether it’s your first time in Perth or a return visit, I’ve got you covered in this ultimate itinerary for Perth travellers.

Table of Contents

Quick Summary: Itinerary in Perth (3, 5 and 7 Day Options)

Here’s a quick summary of the best Perth itineraries for various duration stays. For more details on each day and recommended places to see, things to do and places to eat, keep on reading below. 

Perth 3 Day Itinerary  

• Day 1: Perth CBD & Kings Park Botanic Garden
• Day 2: Fremantle
• Day 3: Rottnest Island

Perth 5 Day Itinerary

• Day 4: Swan Valley
• Day 5: Day Trip to Lancelin and the Pinnacles

Perth 7 Day Itinerary

• Day 6: Beach Day
• Day 7: Perth Hills

Best Time to Visit

One of the (many) things I love about Perth is that you can visit all year round! 

Perth winters are generally fairly mild – which can mean sometimes you luck out with sunny days and 20 degrees Celsius high (or more). 

However, as many of the best things around Perth are nature-based activities, the most popular time to visit is during the summer months of December – February. 

Personally, I think the shoulder months of March-May and September – November are a great time to explore Perth. Prices and crowds are lower (although, it’s worth noting a “crowded” Perth is still miles behind what you would consider crowded in other cities across the country and the world!). 

One thing to be aware of is the Australian school holiday periods, which can be found here . 

In particular, the Christmas and New Year period, and the Easter school holidays in April, are exceptionally busy times of the year to travel in Perth. If visiting during these times, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. 

How to Get Around Perth

Getting around the Perth CBD and neighbouring suburbs is fairly easy using public transport, including the free inner city network of CAT buses . 

Taxis, Uber and other rideshare services are also plentiful in Perth. For my 3 and 5 days Perth itinerary, a car is not strictly necessary to get around.

However, if you’d like to explore beyond Perth, or go for a self-drive road trip to places like the Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles Desert or even the Margaret River Wine Region, then a car will be required to get around. 

For car rental hire, I recommend Discover Cars to browse and compare the best prices from different companies across Perth. 

Where to Stay in Perth 

If it’s your first time in Perth, I recommend staying in or near the Perth CBD for easy access to the main attractions.

• Budget – Citadines St Georges Terrace
• Mid Range – Art Series the Adnate
• Apartment Hotel – Quest Mounts Bay Road
• Luxury – Ritz-Carlton Perth

If you plan on hiring a car, parking is limited in the CBD and can be expensive. Consider staying across from the CBD in picturesque South Perth, or the inner CBD suburb of Subiaco. 

• Mid-Range – Tribe Subiaco
• Apartment Hotel – Quest South Perth Foreshore
• Luxury – Vibe Hotel Subiaco

I’ve included a few of my favourite hotel options above, or check out my full guide for the best places to stay across Perth . 

More guides with my hand-picked hotels across Perth:

• 15 of the Best Perth Hotels with a Pool
• 8 Best Airport Hotels in Perth
• Top Luxury Accommodation in Perth 

3 Day Perth Itinerary

Day 1 – explore perth cbd and kings park.

Spend your first full day in Perth exploring the Perth CBD and the nature haven of Kings Park Botanic Garden. 

This itinerary is very walkable. You can also buy a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket . This service does a loop around the Perth CBD and King’s Park every hour during the day, stopping at the main attractions and reducing the amount of walking.

Start your day with a coffee from one of Perth’s stellar coffee shops, such as La Veen King St, Standing Room Only or Smooth Operator (only open Monday – Friday). 

Spend the morning wandering around Elizabeth Quay , which offers a great viewpoint looking back at the city skyline from Elizabeth Quay Bridge. You’ll also spot the distinctive arched Spanda sculpture. 

Walk across the bridge to the Bell Tower – you can head up into the bell tower to admire 360-degree views from the observation deck and take part in an interactive bell chiming experience. 

Book skip-the-line tickets here

From here, make a beeline to Hay St Mall via London Court. 

London Court is a little slice of old-English vibes, reminiscent of Diagon Alley, in the heart of the Perth CBD. Wander along and browse the small boutiques, and often you’ll find seasonal displays lining the open-air alleyway above. 

At this end of London Court, keep an eye out for the clockwork display when it reaches the hour on the clock. You’re now standing on one of the Perth CBD’s two main shopping streets, Hay Street Mall. 

Spend some time browsing the shops on Hay Street and Murray Street Malls. 

For a guided tour of the city, I highly recommend a walking tour with Oh Hey WA. I’ve had the pleasure of joining Adie, the owner of the business, on both her Perth City and Perth Small Bar tours. 

What I loved about these small group tours is that, even as a local who has lived in Perth my whole life, I discovered new things about my city! 

Adie and her team of guides are very personable, friendly and informative. Their walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with Perth and discover what the city has to offer – that you won’t find in a normal guidebook! 

• Ultimate Perth Walking Tour: History, Architecture, Art + Local Insights (morning)
• Perth Bar + Street Art Tour: Hidden Secrets, Laneways + Good Times (afternoon/ evening)

Save your feet from all the walking and join a segway tour around the river. 

You’ll zoom past the Bell Tower, through Elizabeth Quay and explore one of the inner city parks with a hidden waterfall on this 1-hour guided tour. 

Read the glowing reviews of this fun tour here .

In the afternoon, you can have a few options. 

You could walk across to Northbridge and spend a few hours at the WA Museum Boola Bardip (tickets $15/adult), the Art Gallery of Western Australia or play a game of mini golf at Holey Moley. 

Northbridge is a great spot for an afternoon drink in the sunshine – check out the range of locally brewed beers at Northbridge Brewing Co or the tucked away rooftop bar at Mechanics Institute.

Alternatively, walk or catch the free CAT bus to East Perth. 

Walk across the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium. Some fun activities to do include a zipline over the Swan River from the bridge or a guided behind-the-scenes stadium tour . 

I’ve done the bridge climb and zipline twice now, and it’s such an exhilarating experience. You can watch a video from my experience below and book tickets here .

@tessomewhere Take 2 at Matagarup zip + climb! This time we did the express zip which has a shorter climb but still the same adrenalin pumping zip line over swan river! $99 for 90 mins #perthactivities #adrenaline #zipline #bridgeclimb #perthsummer ♬ original sound – Tess | Adventure Travel

You’ll also find the Perth Mint in East Perth, where you can learn about Western Australia’s gold rush, view the largest gold coin ever made and watch molten gold being poured into a gold bar.

Book your entrance tickets to the Perth Mint here . 

In the late afternoon, make your way to Kings Park Botanic Garden . One of the world’s largest inner city parks, Kings Park is an iconic destination in Perth. Over 400 hectares in size, it is a biodiversity hotspot with untamed native bushland as well as cultivated gardens with large grassy areas. 

I like to start by walking along Fraser Avenue, admiring the sweeping view of the Perth CBD and Swan River before reaching the State War Memorial that stands testament to Australians who have given their lives for this country. 

Meander along past the giant boab tree, and wander across the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a glass walkway suspended among the treetops. 

The lawn near the State War Memorial and Frasers Ave is a great spot to watch the sunset. Alternatively, head down to Elizabeth Quay for a drink at The Reveley or The Island to celebrate the end of a great day out exploring the city. 

A popular tourist attraction is the iconic Blue Boat Shed located on the banks of the Swan River near Kings Park. You’ll often see a line of visitors wanting to take a photo in front of the cute over-water building. Visit before or after exploring Kings Park. Discover more Instagrammable locations around Perth here. 

Where to Eat

• Petition Kitchen: Petition is one of the many dining options in the beautiful restored heritage State Buildings complex. Long Chim (Thai) and Post (Italian) are also popular options.
• La Cholita: a funky, lively restaurant serving up some of Perth’s best Mexican in Northbridge
• The Standard: A hip bar and restaurant in Northbridge with a delightful 2-level garden bar 
• Meat & Wine Co: sophisticated steak house in the heart of Perth’s CBD
• Angel Falls Grill: a small restaurant serving up delicious Venezuelan cuisine in a tucked-away alleyway 
• Hifumiya Udon Noodle House: this hidden restaurant transports me back to Japan. They hand-make their udon noodles and are always buzzing at lunchtime (open for lunch only). 

Day 2 – Discover the Port Town of Fremantle

Today you’ll be exploring the vibrant hub of Fremantle, about a 30-minute drive from the Perth CBD. 

You can jump on the train, with the Fremantle line departing from Perth station, or take a scenic cruise along the Swan River to arrive at the historic port town of Fremantle. 

Wander along the “cappuccino strip” of Market Street until you reach Fremantle Markets . 

This bustling indoor market dates back to 1897 and is filled with stalls selling everything from jewellery and clothes, handmade local wares and art to fresh food. 

After browsing the stalls and maybe a bite to eat, you could visit the Fremantle Prison for a tour of the culturally significant convict prison, or walk to Esplanade Park. Here you’ll find a large playground, shaded grassed areas and the distinctive bright red Ferris wheel. 

This area is also home to the famous Little Creatures Brewery , an industrial brewery with a quirky and vibrant atmosphere. Try one of their many beers, or book a behind-the-scenes brewery tour. 

Other things nearby worth checking out are the WA Shipwrecks Museum, the Round House (a former convict prison) and Bathers Beach House, Australia’s first alfresco beach dining (literally, dining and drinking on the beach with your feet in the sand). 

From here, navigate to High St which is a hub of heritage buildings, quirky boutiques (including a record store and map shop) and many drinking and dining options. 

If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Fremantle, Gage Roads Brewery is my pick. Next door to the WA Maritime Museum, Gage Roads Brewery is a massive, industrial-style brewery serving up fresh brewed beers and delicious modern Australian bites. 

You can watch the cargo ships and ferries cruise into the port while you watch the sun sink below the Indian Ocean. 

• Tonic & Ginger: delicious Southeast Asian share plates in a multi-storied venue that used to be a synagogue
• Emily Taylor: Funky bar and kitchen serving up dumplings and other Asian fusion
• Bread in Common: this popular restaurant is housed in an industrial warehouse space and serves modern Australian cuisine alongside artisanal bread
• Republic of Fremantle Distillery : an urban distillery serving fresh, local produce alongside specialty cocktails  

Day 3 – Visit the Rottnest Island Quokkas 

Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s best day trips. Catch the ferry from Barrack St in the Perth CBD or catch the train to Fremantle for the trip across to Rottnest Island. 

Read all you need to know about planning a day trip to Rottnest Island in my detailed guide here . 

5 Day Perth Itinerary 

Day 4 – sample the delights of the swan valley .

After a long day exploring Rottnest yesterday, today will be more relaxed but still packed with adventures. Today you’ll be exploring the Swan Valley, a region with world-class wineries and a smorgasbord of dining options located only 30 minutes east of the Perth CBD.  

If you have a car, you can choose to do a self-drive tour of the Swan Valley, otherwise there are plenty of options for tours that include transport. I’ve included a few of my favourite options below. 

• Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip: Indulge in some of the best wines and food the Swan Valley has to offer. Include lunch, wine tastings, a brewery stop, cheese board and chocolate tasting on this all-day tour from Perth.
• Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: Visit four wineries with a cheese platter at one, as well as a stop at a boutique chocolate factory
• Swan Valley River Cruise and Wine Tasting Trip: Travel to the Swan Valley in style with a scenic river cruise from the Perth CBD. Sample a range of local wine, cheese, beer and chocolate plus enjoy a delicious lunch at a local brewery while enjoying live commentary from your tour guide on board the vessel. 

If you’re joining a tour, you don’t need to worry about planning the stops as this will all be organised by your guide. If you’re doing the self-drive option, these are some of my favourite wineries, restaurants and shops. 

• Old Youngs Distillery: this award-winning gin distillery has an incredible restaurant featuring native cuisine and unique dishes – book ahead!
• Lancaster Estate: cheese and wine tastings in a casual rustic setting right next to the vineyard
• Mandoon Estate & Homestead Brewery: one of my favourites in the Swan Valley, with a cellar door for wine tastings, a separate brewpub and a fine dining restaurant on a beautiful estate
• Bailey Brewing : This popular brewpub has a fun, large kids playground – it gets very busy on weekends so book ahead if possible!
• Sandalford Wines: One of the prestigious wine estates, and one of the oldest in the Swan Valley
• House of Honey: you’ll find a honey shop with both honey and mead tastings in a beautiful garden setting, plus a casual cafe
• Funk 2.0 Cidery : Casual cidery with a large range of ciders and outside tables 

Day 5 – Day Trip to Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Pinnacles Desert

Time to experience another of the best day trips from Perth. Here’s a quick summary of the day, or read my dedicated Perth to Pinnacles Road Trip guide .

You’ll be driving (or joining a tour) to visit the sprawling Lancelin Sand Dunes , about 90 minutes north of Perth near the small seaside town of Lancelin. 

Ride the dunes on a sandboard, or hop aboard a quad bike and cruise the dips and crescents of the dunes. 

For lunch, head to the Cervantes Lobster Shack for a delectable lobster lunch. You can also join a tour of the Lobster Factory before or after your meal (no bookings required).

Finish the day with a stop at the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert , famous for its towering limestone structures. Explore this national park on foot, or on the loop drive that circles the Pinnacles.

Keep an eye out for kangaroos and emus!

There are two highly-rated tours that I recommend that include stops at both Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Pinnacles: 

• Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Star-Gazing Tour: Join this bus tour which first stops at Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding. You’ll then head to the Pinnacles, enjoying a barbeque dinner in the middle of the desert, while sipping on local wine. See the sunset before marvelling at the clear night sky with the help of astro binoculars and a telescope.
• Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding Tour Day Trip: Your first stop will be Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can see koalas and hand-feed kangaroos. Next, travel to Cervantes for lunch and a tour of the lobster factory. The next stop will be the Pinnacles Desert, before driving over the Lancelin Sand Dunes in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. This will be an adventurous day to remember! 

7 Day Perth Itinerary 

Day 6 – relax at one of perth’s many beaches .

Have a relaxed day exploring some of Perth’s many beaches. 

The most iconic beach in Perth is Cottesloe Beach which is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Stroll along the picturesque coastline on Marine Parade, before taking a dip at the beach in front of the Indiana Tea House (now home to the trendy restaurant Indigo Oscar).

Spend a day enjoying the sun and sand, before watching the sunset while enjoying takeaway fish and chips on the beach. 

Another local favourite is Scarborough Beach , which hosts local markets on a Thursday night in summer and has a range of relaxed dining options along the coast. 

Another great beach near Perth is Coogee Beach around 40 minutes south of Perth.

This one is a bit trickier to get to (easiest to drive or get an Uber). It’s worth the effort to get to though, as it is home to the Omeo Shipwreck, a unique snorkelling spot. Trigg Beach (north of Perth) is another popular snorkelling beach in Perth.  

If the weather is looking gloomy, consider taking another day trip from Perth or spend the day exploring the sights around the CBD that you might not have had time for on Day 1.

Day 7 – Venture to the Perth Hills

The Perth Hills is an underrated region that isn’t often on the itinerary of first-timers to Perth.

However, only a short drive from the CBD, you’ll find brilliant local wineries and restaurants, serene hikes, gushing waterfalls and more. 

There are so many things to do in the Perth Hills, and hiring a car is the best way to see them in a day. Otherwise, this Small-Group Bickley Valley Wine Tour is a great option that includes transport (although just note tours usually only run on weekends).

Other things to do in the Perth Hills include:

• Stroll along the Mundaring Weir and go for a bush walk to South Ledge Lookout
• Visit Lesmurdie Falls and hike to the base of the falls (best in winter and spring)
• Enjoy lunch at one of the Perth Hills cideries
• In autumn, visit Raeburn Orchards to see the stunning autumn foliage
• Go for a wine tasting at a boutique winery (Fairbrossen is one of my favourites)
• Watch the sunset from the Zig Zag Scenic Drive
• Immerse yourself in nature at the beautiful Araluen Botanic Park  
• Pack a picnic and go for a hike on one of the many trails in John Forrest National Park

Alternative Option: Drive to Margaret River 

Consider spending a couple of nights in the Margaret River Region exploring the many wineries, natural attractions and stunning beaches in the area. It is a 3-hour drive from Perth to Margaret River, so it’s worth spending at least two nights. 

For more ideas on things to do in the Margaret River Region, check out my guide here . 

It is possible to visit on a day trip on an organised tour from Perth , seeing the main sights like Busselton Jetty, an underground cave and a brewery visit. It’s a long day but at least someone else is doing the driving, meaning you can sit back and relax! 

Final Thoughts – Complete Itinerary Perth 

That wraps up this complete guide to the ultimate Perth itinerary with options for 3, 5 and 7 days Perth itineraries. I hope you are as excited to explore Perth as I am about sharing the wonders of my hometown with you!

Whether you have 3 days or 7 days in Perth (or anything in between), with this detailed guide you’re guaranteed to have a blast. 

Make sure to check out my other Perth and Western Australia guides to help plan your trip, and happy adventuring! 

Plan your Perth adventures :

• 15 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Mandurah
• 23 Ideas for the Best Day Trips from Perth
• Perth to the Pinnacles: How to Plan the Ultimate Day Trip
• 25 Top Things To Do on Rottnest Island
• Rottnest Island Day Trip: Perfect One Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Perth:

• Best Places to Stay in Perth – Picked by a Local
• Cool Off in the 15 Best Perth Hotels with a Pool
• 15 Top Luxury Accommodation Perth Picks

TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES My tried and tested recommendations to make your next trip easier

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6 thoughts on “Ultimate Perth Itinerary: Fun 3, 5 and 7 Day Itineraries ”

Hey! I have found your blog SO helpful in planning my honeymoon to Australia, specifically our time in Perth and Rottnest Island. Thank you so much! I have one question maybe you can help with, do you know if there is anywhere reliable we can store our bags for a few hours while we check out Fremantle? We are planning to spend our last few days in Rottnest and would love to check out Fremantle as a pitstop on our way to the airport. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Bre! So glad to hear my guides have been useful – your honeymoon sounds like it will be incredible! If you are staying in a hotel in Fremantle, they should be able to keep your luggage for the day. Any longer, there is daily locker hire available at the Fremantle Visitors Centre https://www.visitfremantle.com.au/fremantle-visitor-centre

Thank you for the post! I’m just finishing up my trip to Perth and mostly followed your 5-day guide. So helpful to get all the tips on what to see and do!

Hi Laura, that’s awesome and I’m so pleased to hear my guide was useful! What has been your trip highlight?

I feel like i struck gold when i found your website! This is perfect for planning my upcoming 2 week trip to Perth in late May-early Jun. Thank you so much!

Thanks for your kind comment, and for reading my articles! Glad to help, hope you have a great trip!

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Top Things to Do in South Perth

Things to do in south perth, explore popular experiences, tours in and around south perth.

Sunsets & City Lights Private Tour

• Seaplane Flights Perth to Rottnest Island and return

Perth Bike Tour - Majestic Foreshores and East Perth

• Big Perth City Private Day Tours

Half Day Perth & Fremantle Highlights

Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing Tour

Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth

Swan River Scenic Cruise

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• South Perth Foreshore
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• Destinations

Perth and Fremantle are neighbouring cities less than 30 minutes apart and they provide a unique window into what Western Australia has to offer.

Sitting on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is home to stunning beaches, one of the world’s largest inner city parks and botanical gardens, a 15-minute boat trip from the island paradise of Rottnest and a stones throw from some of the world’s best wine regions. The city’s spectacular natural surroundings are rivalled only by its vibrant city life, particularly following a major transformation that continues to deliver new hotels, bars, restaurants, public spaces, and cultural offerings.

Only 30-minutes from Perth, is the eclectic port city of Fremantle  famous for its own distinct bohemian vibe. Fremantle is known for its maritime history and well-preserved Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian era architecture, including the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison which was built by convicts in the 1850s and decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991.  Today it is a popular visitor attraction in Perth.

Fremantle is home to the WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwrecks Museum providing a unique window into the maritime history of Western Australia. Located on Victoria Quay, overlooking the Port and Indian Ocean, the Museum explores WA’s maritime history and is home to the America’s Cup-winning yacht,  Australia  II, an Oberon class submarine, HMAS  Ovens , Jon Sanders’  Parry Endeavour  and other iconic vessels.

Western Australia's only World Heritage-listed, convict-built, former maximum-security prison.

This is a premium experience developed with Cultural Attractions of Australia in mind.

Discover 140 years of prisoner art and explore the Fremantle Prison Collection.

Do time and explore Fremantle Prison’s history as a maximum-security prison.

Discover the convict history of Western Australia’s only World Heritage-listed building.

Explore the darker side of Fremantle Prison’s history.

Get inside the criminal mind.

Descend 20 metres below Fremantle Prison to explore a labyrinth of tunnels built by prisoners.

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Top Things to Do in South Perth

Things to do in south perth, explore popular experiences, tours in and around south perth.

Sunsets & City Lights Private Tour

• Seaplane Flights Perth to Rottnest Island and return

Perth Bike Tour - Majestic Foreshores and East Perth

• Big Perth City Private Day Tours

Half Day Perth & Fremantle Highlights

Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing Tour

Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth

Swan River Scenic Cruise

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in South Perth

Other Top Attractions around South Perth

Private & Custom Tours

What travelers are saying.

• South Perth Foreshore
• Sir James Mitchell Park
• The Old Mill
• Mends Street Jetty
• Ernest Johnson Reserve
• Windsor Park
• Two Oceans Private Tour
• Ultimate Watersports - South Perth

Top Things to Do in South Perth, Australia - South Perth Must-See Attractions

Things to do in south perth, explore popular experiences, tours in and around south perth.

Sunsets & City Lights Private Tour

• Seaplane Flights Perth to Rottnest Island and return

Perth Bike Tour - Majestic Foreshores and East Perth

• Big Perth City Private Day Tours

Half Day Perth & Fremantle Highlights

Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing Tour

Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth

Swan River Scenic Cruise

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in South Perth

Other Top Attractions around South Perth

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• South Perth Foreshore
• Sir James Mitchell Park
• The Old Mill
• Mends Street Jetty
• Ernest Johnson Reserve
• Windsor Park
• Two Oceans Private Tour
• Ultimate Watersports - South Perth

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

12 Top Tourist Attractions in Perth, Australia

The most isolated city in the world, Perth is located on the west coast of Australia. It’s about 2,100 kilometers away from Adelaide, the nearest city of any considerable size. Although it certainly takes some getting to, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and is renowned for its laidback lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and sunny skies.

Lying on the banks of the Swan River and the shores of the Indian Ocean, the once sleepy backwater now hums with life, and there is a very vibrant feel to the place. Besides the wealth of historical and cultural tourist attractions in Perth, there are lots of fantastic bars, cafes, and restaurants for you to try out, as well as lots of great shops and boutiques.

Due to its warm climes, ‘Perthites’ – as they are known – are very outdoorsy people, so there are lots of wonderful places to go cycling, swimming, and walking in the city.

12. Western Australian Museum

Established in 1891 as a geological museum, the Western Australian Museum has slowly morphed into an institution that deals with the history and culture of the whole state – the largest in the country. Due to its mammoth task, the museum’s extensive collection is spread over six sites, with the fantastic museum in the Perth Cultural Center being just one of them.

With fascinating displays on the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural history, and humble beginnings found alongside many others, it is a great place to head to if you want to know more about Perth and the state at large.

11. Aquarium of Western Australia

Boasting the longest underwater tunnel in Australia, which stretches for a staggering 98 meters, the Aquarium of Western Australia promises to be a fun-filled day out for all the family. Watching sharks, stingrays, turtles, and fish swim above you is a magical experience and is just one of the aquarium’s many attractions.

Focussing on marine species found along the coast of Western Australia, its informative displays teach you all there is to know about everything from leafy seadragons and saltwater crocodiles to sandbar sharks and rock lobsters. With over 400 different species on display, divided among its various marine habitats, a visit to the aquarium is as educational as it is entertaining.

10. Elizabeth Quay

Named after Queen Elizabeth II, this fantastic urban redevelopment project lies on the banks of the Swan River around an artificial inlet, just a short walk away from Perth’s CBD.

Only opened in 2015, Elizabeth Quay exhibits some wonderfully innovative architecture. The gentle curves of its bridge and the abstract shapes and sculptures on show seem to mimic the motion of the water all around them.

Besides its colorful playground, the quay has some great waterfront restaurants and cafes for you to try out, and regularly hosts different cultural events and festivals. Due to its proximity to the center of the city and the bus, train, and ferry links that lie nearby, the quay also functions as a transport hub, so lots of people pass through during the day.

9. Swan Valley Vineyards

Lying just outside of Perth, Swan Valley has long been noted for its fertile soils, which lend themselves perfectly to viticulture and other types of agriculture. Over the last 50 years or so, numerous wineries and vineyards have sprung up in the region. Nowadays, there are over 40 different estates for you to visit.

Set among picturesque countryside with rolling fields and vine-covered hills all around them, the Swan Valley Vineyards are a brilliant place to head to if you want to sample some of the finest wines in Australia. As well as taking a peaceful cruise along the river, visitors can also stop off to taste some of the excellent cheeses produced in the area.

8. Bell Tower

Overlooking the Swan River, this futuristic-looking building is certainly unlike any other Bell Tower you’ve seen before. It is one of the most unique and iconic designs in the whole of Perth.

Remarkably enough, the spaceship-shaped bell tower houses a number of historic bells. The oldest of them is from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London and dates to 1550. These still ring out, centuries later, for all to hear.

From the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy fabulous views out over the city and its surroundings. Designed by local architects, the glass-clad spire and giant steel columns originally received criticism from Perthites, although they are now widely lauded as a success due to the increased interest and investment the tower has brought to the riverside area.

7. State War Memorial

Located within Kings Park, the State War Memorial commemorates all the Australian servicemen and women from the state who lost their lives serving their country. Looking out over the Swan River, its commanding cenotaph was first unveiled after the First World War.

Since then, a crypt, Roll of Honour, and glass cases exhibiting the colors of fallen battalions have been added to the precinct. Its serene setting makes it a peaceful and poignant place to visit, and each year, thousands of people attend its moving Anzac Day Dawn Service.

6. Penguin Island

Lying just off the coast of Rockingham to the south of Perth, Penguin Island is named after the cute little critters that inhabit its cliffs, headlands, and beaches. Connected to the mainland by a tidal sandbar, at low tide, the island can be walked to – although most people simply take a ferry. A few intrepid adventurers opt to kayak or even swim to its rugged shores.

Numbering around 1200 or so, the colony of penguins is just one of the island’s many draws. Walking along its numerous boardwalks and walkways is also a popular pastime; they offer fantastic views out over the ocean.

Due to the rough waves that pound the shore, Penguin Island also boasts some brilliant surf spots. At some of the more secluded beaches, you can even go swimming in the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.

5. Perth Mint

One of the oldest buildings in the city, the Perth Mint was established all the way back in 1899 and was one of the country’s last colonial branches of the UK’s Royal Mint. Nowadays, it has a glittering array of shimmering coins and shiny gold bars for you to peruse.

The heaviest, largest, and most valuable coin in the world is its most prized possession. Weighing in at one tonne and made of 99.99% pure gold, the coin is worth a cool $60 million.

Besides its many interesting exhibitions on the history of the Mint and Western Australia’s gold mining past, the Perth Mint also has a section where you can mint your own coins and watch gold melt before your eyes. Located in a beautiful heritage building, the Mint is well worth a visit. Children’s eyes will light up at the opportunity to touch gold bullion worth almost a million dollars.

4. Cottesloe Beach

While beautiful beaches litter Perth’s Indian Ocean coastline, Cottesloe is perhaps the most famous and popular of them all. Bordered by a lovely ocean way that separates its fine sands from the Cottesloe suburb of Perth behind it, the beach is one of the best places to go swimming in the region. Snorkeling and surfing are also popular pastimes.

With lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the beach, there is lots for you to do if you should ever get bored of lounging on the sand and gazing out over the ocean. As it faces westwards, Cottesloe Beach is also blessed with one of the most stunning sunsets imaginable, so it is well worth waiting until evening before heading back to the city center.

3. Rottnest Island

Lying in the Indian Ocean, around an hour’s ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a popular day trip among locals and tourists alike due to the spectacular scenery and wealth of recreational activities it provides.

Affectionately known as ‘Rotto’ to Perthites, the low-lying island is dotted with several salt lakes and woodlands, while its secluded beaches, bays, and offshore reefs attract sunbathers, swimmers, snorkelers and surfers.

Due to its remote location, at one time or another, the island acted as both a penal colony and internment camp. Many of its colonial-era buildings now serve as accommodation for holidaymakers. Renowned for being home to the cute and adorable quokka – reputed to be the smiliest animal on Earth – Rottnest Island is now listed as a reserve; this helps protect and preserve the pristine environment of its local species.

2. Fremantle Prison

As Perth and indeed Australia’s history is inextricably intertwined with the fortunes of the British convicts that were shipped to its shores, it is well worth visiting Fremantle Prison to see what life in the maximum-security jail was like. Only decommissioned in 1991, the prison was in operation for almost 140 years; it was remarkably opened back in 1855.

Little changed since colonial times, the imposing building was actually built by the prisoners themselves. Taking a tour of their dingy cells and living quarters is quite an eerie experience. This sense of unease may be due to the fact that 44 of the prisoners were executed on-site for their crimes. With some of the tours venturing into the dimly-lit tunnels below ground, a visit to Fremantle Prison certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

1. Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Covering a vast expanse of territory right in the city center, Kings Park is a natural wonderland, with beautiful, untouched bushland and green grasses lying next to its brilliant botanical garden.

With lots of trails and cycling paths weaving their way around the park, it is a fantastic place to head to if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas scattered about too.

In addition to the park’s touching State War Memorial and fabulous Aboriginal Art Gallery, you can also enjoy breathtaking views out over Perth’s CBD and the winding Swan River. Yet another highlight is its magnificent Botanic Garden, which has over 2,000 different types of local flora on display.

With so much for you to see and do, Kings Park and its Botanic Garden are not to be missed out on when in Perth; it is remarkably the most popular tourist attraction in the whole of Western Australia.

Best Time to Visit Perth

Spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit Perth as you avoid its strong summer sun and mild wet winters. September to November is the city’s absolute peak season when prices are highest and its hotels, restaurants and beaches are packed.

During spring, temperatures average a comfortable 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) with its lush green spaces looking particularly lovely. You can enjoy its pretty flowers at the popular Kings Park Festival with the Perth Royal Show also going on around the same time.

Due to the holidays, December is another busy month with many lounging on its beaches or enjoying some of its fun watersports. As it is a couple of degrees hotter, applying sunscreen is an absolute must.

After Christmas and New Year’s, the city quietens down a bit before the cooler temperatures and Easter holidays draw people back again in March and April. Its Fringe Festival and Perth Festival do attract large crowds though during the sweltering summer months.

As May through August is much rainier and colder, making its sunbathing, outdoor activities and watersports less enjoyable, Perth is quieter and cheaper to visit. Temperatures of 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F) are instead better suited to exploring its many museums and historic sights.

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• About Perth

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Things To See & Do In Perth

Welcome to Perth! Whether you’re wanting to be a tourist in your own city or you’ve recently arrived in Perth, there are plenty of things to do in and around the CBD.

Visitor Attractions

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in South Perth

Things to do in south perth, explore popular experiences, tours in and around south perth.

Sunsets & City Lights Private Tour

• Seaplane Flights Perth to Rottnest Island and return

Perth Bike Tour - Majestic Foreshores and East Perth

• Big Perth City Private Day Tours

Half Day Perth & Fremantle Highlights

Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing Tour

Experience Rottnest with Ferry & Bike Hire

Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip from Perth

Swan River Scenic Cruise

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in South Perth

Other Top Attractions around South Perth

Private & Custom Tours

What travellers are saying.

• South Perth Foreshore
• Sir James Mitchell Park
• The Old Mill
• Mends Street Jetty
• Ernest Johnson Reserve
• Windsor Park
• Two Oceans Private Tour
• Ultimate Watersports - South Perth