Author: 
Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia, and over nine million tourists visit each year. As well as the sunny weather and laid-back lifestyle, this coastal city has a whole host of attractions that entice travelers to spend a few fabulous days exploring.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia’s west coast and want to know what’s on offer, you’re in luck! Here are 15 must-see attractions in Perth.
1. Fremantle Prison
- Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
A prison might not sound like somewhere you’d want to find yourself during a vacation, but this Perth tourist attraction shouldn’t be missed. Fremantle Prison was constructed using convict labor in the 1800s and served as the main prison for incarcerated people transported from Britain.
The site has been renovated and is now a popular place to learn about Perth’s dark past. For the ultra-brave, check out the 90-minute after-dark guided tour to hear tales of the guilty, the wrongly convicted, and even an execution or two gone wrong.
2. Swan River
Perth was founded on the banks of the Swan River in 1829 and local Aboriginal people believe the rainbow serpent Waugal created the waterway, so this is an important part of the city’s history and culture.
Take a stroll along the banks to explore the riverfront suburbs, head to Barrack Square Jetty to take a river cruise, or swing by one of the kayak rentals and explore the winding river yourself. Another excellent option is to take a day trip to the Swan Valley to sample some of Western Australia’s delicious local produce at one of the many wineries.
3. The Perth Mint
- Address: 310 Hay St, East Perth, WA 6004
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Perth Mint is a top attraction for families with children and is where you can learn all about the history of gold. Here, you can see the Australian Kangaroo — the world’s largest coin — plus the biggest collection of gold nuggets in the Southern Hemisphere. Head to the melting house to see pure gold being formed into a solid bar or find out what your weight is worth in genuine gold.
Fun fact: You can trade in your gold at Perth Mint, so if you happen to have any spare bullion lying around, you can bring it along!
4. Fremantle Markets
- Address: South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle, WA 6160
- Opening hours: 9 am – 8 pm Friday / 9 am – 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Fremantle is home to one of the most famous markets in Western Australia, and it’s a popular weekend spot with locals and tourists alike. Known locally as Freo Markets, you can expect to see more than 150 stalls offering food, clothing, handicrafts, and pretty much anything else you could imagine.
Freo is worth a visit even if you’re not a retail therapy fan — the atmosphere is electric and gives great insight into how Perth city residents spend their weekends.
5. Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Address: 86 Southside Dr, Hillarys, WA 6025
- Opening hours: 24/7
Hillary’s Boat Harbour is home to several fascinating sights and things to do. Some of our favorites include the following spots, but strolling around and enjoying the scenery is also a great way to enjoy this picturesque area:
- The Aquarium of Western Australia – AQWA is home to more than 200 species of marine animals, and the underwater glass tunnel might give you the chance to have a selfie with a stingray.
- Boat trips – whether you want to go whale watching, catch a ferry for a day trip to see the quokka on Rottnest Island, or try your hand at fishing, this harbor is the place to head.
- Eat, drink, and shop – there’s a wide range of stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes on the harbor and you’re certain to find an option to suit your taste and budget. The jetty also makes a great spot to enjoy a takeaway coffee.
- Leisurezone – if you’re a fan of retro arcade games, Leisurezone can’t be beaten. Kids (and kids at heart) will love this place.
6. Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, WA 6000
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday to Monday
This is Perth’s biggest and best art gallery and is where you’ll find 17,000 pieces of art dating from 1829 all the way through to the modern day.
There is a superb collection of international and indigenous art on display, with a special emphasis on works from Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim. Look out for works by eminent artists such as Hans Heysen and Frederick McCubbin.
7. Perth Zoo
- Address: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth, WA 6151
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Perth Zoo is home to 1,300 animals from around the world and has been attracting animal lovers since it opened in 1898. Visitors can spot all the Aussie favorites including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils, as well as creatures from around the world, including giraffes, orangutans, and elephants. Daily programs include keeper talks and feeding presentations, or you can get up close and personal by booking a Close Encounter package or becoming a zoo keeper for the day.
8. The Pinnacles Desert
- Address: Nambung WA 6521
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm daily
The Pinnace Desert is one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, and thousands of limestone pillars rising from the sand creates a sight like no other.
Located in Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles are between 25,000 and 30,000 years old and scientists aren’t certain how these mysterious structures were formed. Today, you can walk among them during the day or stick around after the sun goes down to witness the incredible starry sky unfold around you.
9. Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Address: Fraser Ave, Perth, WA 6005
- Opening hours: 24/7
As one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park is a welcome oasis and tourist attraction in the busy city of Perth. As well as offering panoramic views of Perth City, visitors can explore the tranquil botanical gardens, the diverse wildflowers in the bushland, and various walking trails.
There’s also plenty of well-maintained grass that’s perfect for a sunny picnic. Try to visit the Kings Park War Memorial while you’re here — it’s a poignant tribute to Western Australia’s brave servicemen.
10. Elizabeth Quay
- Address: The Esplanade, Perth, WA 6000
- Opening hours: 24/7
Elizabeth Quay is a vibrant, buzzing area of Perth’s CBD that deserves a spot on any sightseeing itinerary because it’s at the heart of the city’s nightlife. Take a stroll around the pedestrianized waterfront area, and you’ll find dozens of drinking and dining options, from casual burger joints and pubs to fine dining options and cocktail bars.
Families with kids love riding the antique carousel and splashing around in the BHP Water Park fountains. Art lovers will enjoy the sculptures and installations along the Public Art Walk, and if you visit after the sun goes down, you’ll be rewarded with twinkling views of the city’s lit-up skyline.
11. The Bell Tower
- Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth, WA 6000
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday to Sunday
The Bell Tower may resemble a rocket, but it’s actually one of the largest musical instruments in the world. Inside, you’ll find original 14th-century bells from the parish church of London’s Buckingham Palace. Informative tours provide interactive demonstrations on the art of bell ringing, and you can even try it yourself.
Don’t miss the 360-degree views from the open-air observation deck on the sixth floor, where you can see the Swan River and much of the city skyline.
12. Caversham Wildlife Park
- Address: Whiteman Park, Whiteman Drive East, Whiteman, WA 6068
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm daily
This award-winning wildlife park is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna and makes a great day out for families with children. Caversham is home to many of Australia’s native creatures, including koalas, possums, and, of course, kangaroos. Guests can learn about the animals, including getting up close to wombats and how to hand-feed the ‘roos!
Don’t miss the daily Farm Show to see Aussie-style whip-cracking, sheep shearing, and billy-swinging.
13. Perth Beaches
One of the main draws to the Western Australian coast is the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The charm of Perth is that many of the city’s best beaches are in the city. Cottesloe Beach is popular for its laid-back surf culture and abundance of nearby pubs, while Mullaloo Beach has a huge grass area that locals love to head to for picnics and BBQs. Families love the calm, sheltered inlets of Swan River, including Como and Crawley, and Rockingham Beach, which is also incredibly calm.
For a day tour that includes beautiful beaches and the opportunity for snorkeling, check out Rottnest Island or Penguin Island, or take a drive to Margaret River or Scarborough for some of the best surfing in the area.
14. Government House and Gardens
- Address: 13 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday
For a fascinating insight into Perth’s European influences and rich historical past, take a trip to the Government House and Gardens. This heritage-listed building dates back to 1859 and is a spectacular example of Victorian architecture. The structure still serves as the Western Australian Governor’s residence, so most visitors only admire it from outside, but internal tours do run on the first Thursday of each month and are extremely popular.
The gardens are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12 pm to 2 pm — don’t miss the 200-year-old olive tree or the trees that members of the British Royal Family have planted.
15. Lancelin Dunes
- Address: Beacon Rd, Lancelin, WA 6044
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
Lancelin is Australia’s best sandboarding spot and is conveniently located less than 1.5 hours from Perth’s city center. Board rentals are available on-site, and parking for standard 2-wheel-drive vehicles is available at the base of the dunes.
Enjoy Attractions Aplenty in Vibrant Perth
With this travel guide to Western Australia’s capital, you’re ready to explore all the top attractions and hidden gems that this incredible city has to offer.
