Things to do in Perth
Framed by sweeping river views and some of Australia's most beautiful coastline, Perth is a relaxed and sun-drenched western capital that blends natural beauty with an easygoing city spirit. Visitors can sunbathe on golden beaches, enjoy wine tasting in the nearby Swan Valley, shop for pearls and local art, or wander the lively waterfront of Fremantle.
The city offers something for every kind of traveller, from families to food enthusiasts. Perth's dining scene has flourished in recent years, with rooftop bars, farm-to-table restaurants, and riverside cafés showcasing Western Australia's outstanding produce. With native wildlife and natural landscapes on its doorstep, Perth also appeals to families who love the outdoors.
The city's pristine beaches promise endless fun in the sun. Cottesloe and Leighton remain local favourites for swimming and picnicking, while Scarborough's surf and lively foreshore attract those seeking a bit more energy. Visitors should remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, as Perth enjoys more sunny days than any other Australian capital.
For a change of pace, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offers spectacular views of the skyline and Swan River, as well as peaceful walking and cycling trails beneath the shade of eucalyptus trees. Animal lovers can explore the Perth Zoo or the Aquarium of Western Australia, both home to an impressive array of native species and marine life.
Families will find plenty to keep young travellers entertained, with interactive museums, science centres, and outdoor play spaces spread across the city. Those eager to explore further can join guided tours by boat, tram, or e-bike to discover Perth's heritage buildings, street art, and hidden laneways.
With its sunshine, beaches, fine wines, and easygoing charm, Perth continues to welcome visitors from around the world to experience the very best of Western Australia.
Monkey Mia Resort
Located near the town of Denham, about 525 miles (830 km) north of Perth in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Monkey Mia offers one of Australia's most remarkable wildlife experie…
Monkey Mia Resort
Located near the town of Denham, about 525 miles (830 km) north of Perth in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Monkey Mia offers one of Australia's most remarkable wildlife experiences. Each morning, a small group of wild bottlenose dolphins swims close to shore, where park rangers oversee carefully managed feeding sessions. Visitors can watch from the shallows and learn more at the Dolphin Information Centre. Nearby, Shell Beach dazzles with billions of tiny white shells, while some of Denham's early buildings were built from these shells, adding to the region's unique charm.
Website www.monkeymia.com.au
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park, the second largest in Western Australia, lies in the heart of the Pilbara region about 900 miles (1,435km) north of Perth. Known for its dramatic gorges, ca…
Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park, the second largest in Western Australia, lies in the heart of the Pilbara region about 900 miles (1,435km) north of Perth. Known for its dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rock pools, the park offers walking trails for all fitness levels, along with picnic spots, campgrounds, and a visitor centre with interactive cultural and environmental displays. Home to diverse birdlife, reptiles, and native flora, Karijini is a showcase of the outback's rugged beauty. Tours into the park operate from Tom Price, Newman, Port Hedland, and Karratha.
Website www.australia.com/en/places/wa/wa-karijini-national-park.html
Wildflower Region
Western Australia's Mid West is celebrated as the state's wildflower region, especially between late July and early September, when seasonal rains transform the landscape into vivi…
Wildflower Region
Western Australia's Mid West is celebrated as the state's wildflower region, especially between late July and early September, when seasonal rains transform the landscape into vivid fields of yellow, pink, and white everlastings. Kalbarri National Park, about 370 miles (590km) north of Perth near Geraldton, is home to more than 800 species of native flowering plants. The area also attracts botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts to hotspots such as Eneabba and the Arrowsmith River. Easily reached by car via the North West Coastal Highway, the Mid West combines rich natural beauty with outback and coastal experiences.
Website www.kalbarri.org.au
Goldfields
East of Perth lies the Goldfields, a region steeped in mining history and legend. Its heart is Kalgoorlie-Boulder, home to the Super Pit, one of Australia's largest open-cut gold m…
Goldfields
East of Perth lies the Goldfields, a region steeped in mining history and legend. Its heart is Kalgoorlie-Boulder, home to the Super Pit, one of Australia's largest open-cut gold mines. Measuring roughly 2,000ft (600m) deep, one mile (1.5km) wide, and two miles (3.5km) long, the mine forms part of the famed 'Golden Mile', once known as the richest square mile of gold-bearing earth in the world. From the Super Pit Lookout, visitors can watch enormous haul trucks in action and, on occasion, witness a controlled blast, which is a dramatic reminder of the region's enduring connection to gold.
Margaret River
Southwest of Perth, the Margaret River Region is defined by rolling vineyards, forested valleys, and pristine beaches, making it one of Western Australia's most popular holiday des…
Margaret River
Southwest of Perth, the Margaret River Region is defined by rolling vineyards, forested valleys, and pristine beaches, making it one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations. First popularised by surfers in the 1960s, it now attracts visitors for its award-winning wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. The region also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, craft studios, and potteries scattered among charming small towns. Beneath the surface lie spectacular limestone caves, including Jewel, Lake, Mammoth, and Moondyne, where guided tours reveal extraordinary underground formations. With its combination of fine wine, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere, Margaret River captures the essence of Western Australia's southwest.
Website www.margaretriver.com
Fremantle
Though now part of Perth's metropolitan area, Fremantle, affectionately known as 'Freo', retains a strong sense of its own identity. The port city's inner harbour, designed by visi…
Fremantle
Though now part of Perth's metropolitan area, Fremantle, affectionately known as 'Freo', retains a strong sense of its own identity. The port city's inner harbour, designed by visionary engineer C.Y. O'Connor and opened in 1897, transformed Fremantle into Western Australia's first deep-water port and laid the foundation for the state's modern economy. O'Connor, who also masterminded the Goldfields Water Supply pipeline that carried water hundreds of miles to the desert mining towns, is honoured with a bronze statue near the Fremantle Port Authority. Once a working harbour town, Fremantle has evolved into a vibrant, creative hub filled with outdoor bars, restaurants, and markets. With its bohemian spirit, historic architecture, and relaxed seaside charm, Freo continues to draw day-trippers and visitors seeking a distinctive slice of Western Australian life.
Website www.fremantle.wa.gov.au
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Covering more than 400 hectares (988 acres) of parkland and native bush, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of Perth's most popular attractions. Set atop Mount Eliza, it offers s…
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Covering more than 400 hectares (988 acres) of parkland and native bush, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of Perth's most popular attractions. Set atop Mount Eliza, it offers sweeping views of the city skyline and Swan River and provides a haven for more than 80 species of native birds. The park is home to the State War Memorial, the Royal Kings Park Tennis Club, and the historic Honour Avenues, where each tree bears a plaque dedicated to Western Australians who died in service. A favourite spot for picnics and walks, Kings Park also hosts outdoor concerts, open-air cinema, and the annual Kings Park Festival each spring, celebrating the region's spectacular wildflowers.
Website www.bgpa.wa.gov.au
London Court
Built in 1937, Perth's London Court is a charming Tudor-style arcade nestled among the city's modern skyscrapers. Linking Hay Street Mall with St Georges Terrace, the pedestrian la…
London Court
Built in 1937, Perth's London Court is a charming Tudor-style arcade nestled among the city's modern skyscrapers. Linking Hay Street Mall with St Georges Terrace, the pedestrian lane captures the atmosphere of an Elizabethan London street, with timber façades, decorative arches, and shopfronts full of character. Visitors can browse boutique stores and cafés while admiring the intricate details, from the statues of Sir Walter Raleigh and Dick Whittington to the ornate clocks at each end of the arcade. With its cobbled charm and whimsical architecture, London Court offers a nostalgic glimpse of old-world England in the heart of contemporary Perth.
Website www.londoncourt.com.au
Nambung National Park
Located on the Swan Coastal Plain about 120 miles (190 km) north of Perth, Nambung National Park is home to one of Western Australia's most remarkable natural attractions, the Pinn…
Nambung National Park
Located on the Swan Coastal Plain about 120 miles (190 km) north of Perth, Nambung National Park is home to one of Western Australia's most remarkable natural attractions, the Pinnacles Desert. Here, thousands of limestone pillars rise dramatically from the golden sand, some reaching 11ft (3.5m) in height, creating a landscape that feels both unearthly and unforgettable. The desert is especially striking in September and October, when wildflowers carpet the surrounding plains with colour. Along the coast, the park also offers white-sand beaches and excellent opportunities for picnicking, swimming, fishing, and snorkelling, making it one of the state's most rewarding day trips.
Website parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/nambung
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
A leading example of nature-based tourism, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk invites visitors to experience the forest from a breathtaking new perspective. The 0.4-mile (600m)…
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
A leading example of nature-based tourism, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk invites visitors to experience the forest from a breathtaking new perspective. The 0.4-mile (600m) walkway rises 130ft (40m) above the ground, winding through a canopy of towering red tingle and karri trees in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Gently graded for wheelchairs and strollers, it connects with the Ancient Empire boardwalk, where paths weave among the immense trunks of 400-year-old trees. Since opening in 1996, the Tree Top Walk has welcomed millions of visitors and remains a striking testament to the beauty and accessibility of Western Australia's southern forests.
Website valleyofthegiants.com.au