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Perth is the jewel in Western Australia’s crown, and although it doesn’t get as many tourists as Sydney or Melbourne, there are many reasons to visit. Whether you are a nature lover hoping to spot wild dolphins and penguins, a culture vulture on the lookout for modern street art, or a foodie with a love for new-world wines, you’re sure to find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Perth.
If you are planning a trip to Western Australia’s capital city, here are the 17 best things to do there.
1. Whale Watch on the Humpback Highway
Western Australia is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and locals will tell you that watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean is a must-do for every visitor. Whale watching is another can’t-miss thing because this region is the only place in Australia where you can see Blue Whales in their natural feeding ground.
During the winter, as many as 35,000 whales make their way north off the coast of Australia, and then in the summer months, the whales make the same migratory journey back south. This is known as the Humpback Highway and is an incredible sight to behold. Whale-watching cruises are also offered by various tour operators if you’d prefer to see these majestic creatures from the water.
2. Catch Some Sport
Optus Stadium is close to the CBD area and is home to Western Australia’s two AFL teams — the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers. The 60,000-seater stadium also hosts international cricket and rugby matches, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric.
Check out the schedule during your visit to see what’s on, or join a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the parts of the stadium that visitors don’t usually get to see.
3. Relax on White Sandy Beaches
Perth and the surrounding area are home to some of the world’s best white sand beaches, and no trip is complete without a visit to one of these stunning spots:
Cottesloe Beach
Located just 20 minutes from the center of Perth, Cottesloe Beach is extremely easy to get to. Locals and tourists flock here to enjoy what is one of the region’s most beautiful beaches and splash around in the crystal-clear waters. The snorkeling is great at Cottesloe, and the boulevard that runs along the beach has a great selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants, so you can really make a day of it.
Scarborough Beach
While equally as close to the city center as Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach doesn’t get as crowded and is a top pick for a relaxing day by the sea. Wind and kite surfing are popular pursuits here, and there’s also a skatepark and basketball court to keep active folks entertained. If you visit during the summer months, you might also be lucky enough to catch some live entertainment at the only beach amphitheater in Western Australia.
City Beach
Families flock to City Beach to enjoy the calm waters that are protected by two barriers that block big waves. Spend the morning swimming in the turquoise waters, then head to the grassy area behind the beach for a picnic or BBQ. There are also several fish and chip restaurants here that serve fresh and delicious seaside food.
4. Explore Penguin Island
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Penguin Island, just 40 minutes south of Perth. This small island only covers 31 acres but is home to the largest population of little penguins in all of Western Australia. During your visit, you can expect to see hundreds of these cute creatures, and boat tours around the island allow you to see wild dolphins and rare Australian sea lions.
Penguin Island is also blessed with white sandy beaches and clear waters, so pack a snorkel and a picnic and make the most of your time here. And, if you’d rather skip the ferry to the island, you can kayak instead!
5. Ring the Bells at Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a great destination for shopping and dining, and taking a stroll across the pedestrian bridge will reward you with great views of the Swan River and Perth’s skyline. The BHP Water Park is also a welcome cooling-off spot during the hot summer months.
While you’re in Elizabeth Quay, head over to The Bell Tower. This is one of the largest musical instruments in the world and has 18 bells that you can ring yourself as part of a tour.
6. Visit a Kangaroo Sanctuary
Heirisson Island is an urban island that is home to a kangaroo sanctuary where you can wander around among the furry residents. Western grey kangaroos were introduced to the area in the 1990s, and now there are several that call the island home. There’s also lots of Western Australian fauna and flora to discover, making this a wonderfully relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Visit the Breweries and wineries of Swan Valley
Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia and is just 30 minutes from Perth so it’s an easy day trip. Here, you can tour breweries and wineries that have been operating for over 150 years.
Take a guided tour, wander around, and sample local produce on your own schedule, or book on to one of the many organized wine tastings to get a true sense of why Australian wines are loved worldwide.
8. Feed Kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park
Kangaroos are synonymous with Australia, and hand-feeding them is a bucket-list experience for many visitors to Perth. Head to Caversham Wildlife Park to see shows, take part in experiences, and have once-in-a-lifetime photo ops — all included in the admission price.
As well as kangaroos, the wildlife park is also home to wombats, koalas, lizards, and penguins and is the largest private collection of wildlife in Western Australia.
9. Stargaze in the Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert is home to thousands of giant limestone pillars and is a spectacular place to spend sunset. However, the real magic happens once night falls and the sky fills with seemingly endless stars.
Stargazing can be done as a day tour from Perth and often includes a sunset BBQ. if you’d prefer to take a trip independently, you’ll just need to pay the entry fee to Nambung National Park, where the desert is located.
10. Go Sandboarding in Lancelin
Lancelin is less than 1.5 hours from Perth and is the best place for sandboarding in all of Australia. Sandboarding is safe and accessible to people of all skill levels, and although you’re likely to fall over it, it isn’t dangerous, thanks to the softness of the sand.
Sandboards can be rented for less than $15, and entry to the dunes themselves is free. The dunes are open year-round from 8 am to 7 pm.
11. Zip Around Kings Park on a Segway
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and is where Aussie locals come to get away from Perth’s concrete jungle. With spacious open parklands, natural bushland trails bursting with wildflowers, and a well-kept botanical garden, plus views of Perth city skyline from the Federation Walkway, there’s plenty to do here.
Hire a segway and zip around Kings Park in style to make the most of your time and see as much as possible.
12. Take a City Tour
Taking an organized tour of Perth will make it easy to visit the most popular sights and uncover hidden gems that only the locals know about. Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are a popular option for tourists who don’t want to walk around in the summer heat and go via the Perth Mint, Kings Park, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Segway, walking, and bike tours are also available, and the designated cycle and pedestrian paths make it safe and easy to traverse the city in this way.
13. Adventure through the Perth Hills
Perth Hills are perched on the eastern edge of the city and make up part of the Darling Ranges — an iconic range of mountains that stretch for nearly 200 miles. These hills are one of the most popular places for hiking and biking and make a great escape from the heat of the city during the summer months. The views of the city are incredible, too — particularly at sunset.
Other outdoor adventure options for serious hikers and bikers include sections of the Bibbulmin Track, which stretches more than 700 miles south, and the Munda Biddi Cycle Trail, which is the longest off-road cycling trail in the world.
14. Go Surfing
Surfing is an iconic pastime in Australia, and whether you’re already a wave master or have never set foot on a board, it’s the perfect place to get out on the waves.
Rottnest Island is a good option for beginners because the surrounding reefs block a lot of the swell and keep waves relatively small. For more of a challenge, head to Trigg Beach, where a variety of breaks can be found. For world-class waves that attract some of the best surfers in Western Australia, make the three-hour car journey to Margaret River.
15. Swim With Wild Dolphins
Swimming with wild dolphins is one of the most incredible experiences to be had in Australia, and it’s possible to do it just a short distance from Perth. Tours explore the waters around Rockingham, searching for pods of dolphins as they go, and sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Wetsuits, marks, and snorkels are provided, and many organizers also include lunch and photos.
16. Hang Out With Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is just 12 miles off the coast of Perth and is a popular day trip from the city. As well as having some of the most beautiful beaches and best snorkeling in Australia, this island is also home to cute little quokkas. Rottnest is the only place in the world where you can see these adorable creatures, and they’re so friendly that you might just be able to snap a selfie or two!
17. Stroll around Fremantle
Fremantle is a port-side suburb within Perth and has so much sightseeing on offer that it feels like a destination in its own right. Start your morning exploring Fremantle Markets to pick up a trinket from one of the 150+ stalls, then tour Fremantle Prison for a glimpse into the darker side of Perth’s history.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery, where traditional Aboriginal art techniques can be viewed.
Discover Western Australian Culture and Natural Beauty
Perth is a vibrant city offering endless things to see and do. Whether you’re just passing through or have time to spare, you’ll never be short of Perth attractions to enjoy.
