Perth is Western Australia’’s capital and one of the best places to visit in the state. There are many great things to in Perth, and the city’s main attractions range from historic buildings to marvelous parks and dreamy beaches on the mainland and on Rottnest Island.
While most people who explore Australia flock to the eastern cities like Sydney and Melbourne, they more than miss out as Perth has a unique charm. It is a city of sunny days, colorful streets with murals, great restaurants, and of course the ever-present Swan River.
Perth offers something for everyone, so be sure to plan a trip there. Discover free and fun things to do in Perth and then stay a while longer so you can go on day trips to unique locations that are not too far away from the city.
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The Best Things to do in Perth & why you should visit the city
I first visited Perth at the end of my second Australia trip. And I could not have been happier that I had nearly a week to explore all that Perth has to offer. Visiting Perth completed my impression of Western Australia, and the trip would have not been the same without Perth and its attractions.
I fell in love with its unique flair, its architecture and parks, and of course with the quokkas on the nearby Rottnest Island. Therefore, I can only encourage you to visit this amazing city in Australia. And of course, to explore more of what Western Australia has to offer. After all, Perth and the entire state offer way more amazing things to do than you can imagine.
Perth is more than worth a visit, so be sure to add it to your Australia itinerary!
Free Things to Do in Perth
1. explore Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay, formerly the Perth Esplanade, is Perth’s waterfront development that was built to reconnect the city with its Swan River. It is the place to go if you want to be near the river, enjoy a stunning view, or even eat out. Walk over the Elizabeth Quay Bridge for a great view of the city and take a selfie – after all, it is said to be the most popular selfie spot in the city.
Riding the Elizabeth Quay Carousel is a unique thing to do in Perth. It is a traditional Venetian carousel with horses and carriages that was built in Italy’s Veneto region and is handpainted, which makes it a special sight in Australia. One ride ticket costs 6 AUD and three tickets cost 15 AUD.
There are a bunch of restaurants and bars in the area, so be sure to grab a bite as you take in the view. Wait until it is dark to see this attraction in Perth in its illuminated glory.
2. stroll through Kings Park
Perth’s Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. With a size of 400.6 ha, it is larger than New York’s Central Park and the ideal place for leisure afternoon walks. There are bushland areas, lakes, and sculpted gardens and it is also the location of Perth’s Botanic Garden. There are BBQ areas, play areas, memorials, and the ‘Aspects of Kings Park‘ Gallery Shop.
Follow the Bushland Nature Trail, a 25 minutes loop walk, or the 1.7 km long Memorials Walk that takes you past statues and honor avenues. Or just take in the stunning skyline view from the area near the State War Memorial.
There is no entrance fee, which makes visiting Kings Park one of the best free things to do in Perth. There are even two daily walking tours that are free. The tours last 1.5 hours and start at 10 AM and 1 PM at the Aspects Lawn.
3. see wildflowers in WA Botanic Garden
The WA Botanic Garden might be within Kings Park, but it deserves to be mentioned as a separate Perth attraction. After all, seeing the wildflowers of the entire state is one of the best things to do in Perth.
Especially if you have previously done a road trip through Western Australia and seen some of the wildflowers where they are indigenous. Therefore, exploring the WA Botanic Garden can be a nice reminder of all the places you have already seen. Or a small taste of what awaits you during future WA road trips.
Since it opened in 1965, more and more flowers have been added, and today 3.000 of Western Australia’s 12.000 native flowers can be found in the WA Botanic Garden. In some areas, the plants are organized by region, while other displays focus on the overall look.
There is no entry fee for this 17-hectare garden and you can visit it around the clock. Some highlights are the “Giant Boab”, the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, and the Pioneer Women’s Memorial.
4. do a street art walking tour
Perth has some of the best street art in the world, so doing a street art walking tour is undeniably one of the best free things to do in Perth. ‘Streets of Perth‘ has created a map of most if not all urban art in the city, so you can easily plan your walking tour to see the ones you like the most.
Many murals are in vibrant colors and transform the streets into amazing outdoor galleries. Some have a neon theme like the murals by Drew Straker, while others feature Australian motives like the country’s flora and fauna or Indigenous motives.
While there are many amazing murals to see in Perth, you should definitely check out the murals by the local artist Susan Respinger. Particular stunning murals of hers can be found on both sides of the street of Bowler Plaza at the corner of Lake St and Bulwer St. Just look up ‘Sayers Sister‘ on Google Maps to find the right location.
If you do not want to organize a street art tour for yourself and want to hear more about the history of the individual murals and sculptures, you can also book a guided street art tour.
5. visit the kangaroos of Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island is located in Swan River between the eastern suburbs and Victoria Park. And while it is a nice area, what makes visiting it one of the best things to do in Perth is the kangaroos that live on the island.
Originally a collection of smaller islands and mudflats, the area’s Nyoongar name is Matagarup. Today is one big island that is divided by a causeway bridge. The mob of kangaroos lives in the southern part of Heirisson Island. They are in a big gated area that ensures that they cannot get on the bridge.
Go for a stroll along the walkways and keep your eyes open for the kangaroos that are most active between dusk and dawn. While they are technically wild animals, they are used to humans, so you can get close to them. Please do not touch them or feed them.
Visiting Heirisson Island and its kangaroos is one of the nicest free things to do in Perth and can be done around the clock.
6. relax at the beach & do water sports
If you want to relax while in Perth, you should head to one of the city’s great beaches. While not directly near the city center, they can easily be reached by taking the bus. Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach are great options.
Cottlesloe Beach is a local favorite and a great spot if you want to go snorkeling. Additionally, it is also the ideal place to watch Western Australia’s colorful sunsets over the ocean. Peter’s Pool in the northern part of the beach is the place to go if you want to snorkel. Meanwhile, the southern part is a popular surfing spot.
If you visit Cottlesloe Beach in March, you can enjoy the free ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ festival that also takes place along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk in Sydney.
Mettams Pool at Scarborough Beach is another great snorkeling spot. Some areas of this beach are also great for surfing or boogie boarding. The south end of the beach (Brighton Beach) is also nice and less crowded.
7. see Perth’s Town Hall
Perth’s Town Hall is a rather interesting building, as it is Australia’s only Gothic-style town hall. Additionally, it is also the only town hall that was built by convicts. Its style was inspired by 14th- to 16th-century European town halls and has Victorian Free Gothic features.
The construction began in 1867 and lasted three years. And as soon as the construction was finished, it was extended to add more offices.
Today it is a rather popular event venue. The Lower Foyer houses two ship bells and a model of the HMAS Perth, while the Upper Foyer houses memorabilia and a historic portrait.
While you can marvel at the exterior around the clock, you can explore the public areas inside the town hall from Monday to Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The hours might be different if there is a private event, so be sure to have an alternative time slot in mind if you want to explore the interior of this attraction in Perth.
8. explore St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. Its first construction phase ended in 1865, but it only reached its current form in late 2009 as an extension that began in the 1920s was never fully completed until sufficient funds were raised in the 1990s and the early 2000s.
While it is not part of every Perth itinerary, it is well worth a visit. This cathedral’s highlights are the colorful stained glass windows of the sanctuary and the facade that reflects the styles of different centuries. Visit this attraction in Perth during the golden hour to see intense colors.
If you want to learn more about the cathedral’s history and see the Cathedral Crypt, you can join the public tour. The tour starts at 10:30 AM on Tuesday and lasts 1.5 hours. Just know that the tour is not a free thing to do in Perth, as there is a 10 AUD fee for adults and 6 AUD for children. Visiting the church itself is free.
9. visit St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral is Perth’s principal Anglican cathedral and was consecrated in 1888. It was built with handmade bricks and in a Gothic Revival style, which makes it interesting from an architectural point of view.
It features stained glass windows and memorials, which makes visiting it a fun thing to do in Perth for architecture lovers. Be sure to look up at the ceiling arches. This cathedral’s charm lies in the fine details.
The church is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM (or 5:30 PM in winter). Please keep in mind that it is an active house of worship and that there are masses and prayer sessions. Do not tour St. George’s Cathedral during those times or do anything that is not appropriate in a house of faith.
10. visit Lake Monger
Lake Monger is a wetland area located on the Swan Coastal Plain and it’s one of the best locations to see black swans.
Lake Monger and the natural area are a beloved location in Perth, and popular among tourists and locals alike. There are picnic tables, playgrounds, barbecue facilities, and walking trails for bird watching.
The current reed island around the lake was built in the 1960s to provide a summer refuge for birds. An exciting amount of flora and fauna can be found here, including turtles, skinks, spoonbills, pelicans to cormorants. Amongst them, black swans are the most popular, as these fascinating creatures are the city’s emblem.
The black swan is recognized in Australian culture because they play an important role in many traditional histories among Australian aboriginal peoples, as well as the development of Perth in modern times.
A typical black swan is almost completely black except for a few feathers, and its beaks and eyes are usually red. They are indigenous to the southwest and southeast of Australia. Therefore, seeing them is one of the best things to do in Perth and an experience you will not forget.
Recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Perth Attractions
11. visit the Bell Tower
Perth’s Bell Tower is a rather unique building and is actually one of the largest instruments in the world. Located on Barrack Street, the 82.5-meter-high Bell Tower houses the Swan Bells. It is home to 18 bells, which makes these bells the second largest set of change ringing bells in the world.
Twelve of these bells were given to Western Australia by the British Government in 1988 as part of Australia’s Bicentennial Celebration. The bells pre-date the 14th century, were recast in the 17th century, and used to ring in St. Marin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square in London. The other six bells were cast from metals that were mined in the state.
This attraction in Perth is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The general entry fee is 10 AUD, while the Bell Tower Experience which includes a behind-the-scenes look costs 18 AUD. You can also join the ANZAC Bell Tour for 27 AUD. All tickets include access to the 6th-floor observation deck.
If you want to add a love lock to the Bell Tower Love Locks, you can do so for 35 AUD. An engraved lock is included in the price.
12. check out the Perth Mint
If you like gold and coins, touring the Perth Mint will be one of the best things to do in Perth for you. It is Australia`s oldest operating mint and during the tour, you learn about Western Australia’s gold history and can see how gold is traditionally poured.
You can also marvel at the world’s largest gold coin which weighs 1 tonne and check out the gold exhibition and gold nuggets. For an extra fee, you can also engrave your own medallion.
There are four daily Gold Tours that start at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM. The admission fee is 19 AUD for adults and 8 AUD for children.
13. visit the Fremantle Prison
The Fremantle Prison is one of Perth’s most popular attractions and a great place to spend an afternoon. The historic prison has been converted into a museum and teaches visitors about the historical significance of this location.
You can only visit the prison with a guided tour although there is a small part that is open to the public for free. Tours cost around 20 AUD or 13€ per person and are more than worth it. There are several to choose from and discounted pricing is available if you book several tours.
The Fremantle Prison Behind Bars tour gives you unique insights into what life as a prisoner used to be like. Times are available online so you can time your visit.
Tours take a few hours and the knowledgeable guides will teach you all you need to know about the prison. Make sure to book online in advance on weekends as tours tend to sell out quickly.
Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Fun Things to Do in Perth
14. take the ferry to Rottnest Island
Taking the ferry to Rottnest Island is one of the best things to do in Perth, as this small island paradise is one of the best places to see in Western Australia. Located 18 km off the coast of Perth, it only takes 25 minutes to get there from Fremantle and 90 minutes from the Barrack Street Jetty in Downtown Perth.
Rottnest Island is home to the quokka, which is said to be the happiest animal on earth. And once you have seen these cute little marsupials and taken a #quokkaselfie, you will understand how this Australia fact came to be.
Aside from quokkas, this serene island offers its visitors crystal-clear turquoise water that is ideal for snorkeling and other watersports, 20 bays, and 63 breathtaking beaches. And it also has two pink lakes. Rent a bike and explore the island or take the small shuttle bus.
The best way to get there is by ferry. There are three different operators that offer different fares, but a regular ferry return trip from Fremantle usually costs around 75 AUD (including the 20 AUD island admission fee) and around 110 AUD from Perth. Be sure to check for special offers.
15. cruise on Swan River
There are different kinds of Swan River cruises ranging from lunch cruises to twilight cruises, and cruises that take you to Rottnest Island, Fremantle, or Swan Valley and its wineries.
As you cruise along Swan River, you can enjoy the cityscape of Perth and might even see wild dolphins that frequent this river’s inlet.
A standard cruise without food costs around 50 AUD, while a foodie cruise usually costs around 100 AUD. It is a fun thing to do in Perth, so it is well worth the money. And if you opt for a Swan River cruise to Swan Valley, you will even get to do a wine tasting and can enjoy some of the best wine in Australia. These cruises usually cost 110 AUD to 130 AUD.
16. enjoy the nightlife
Another fun thing to do in Perth is to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Most famous clubs and bars in the city center are located in Northbridge, so it is easy to go bar hopping. Keep in mind that there is an entry fee for some clubs and that you have to bring an ID card or passport.
Northbridge is multicultural and also the location of many different restaurants, so it is the ideal place for a night out in town. Fremantle is another nightlife hub.
In the summer months, Scarborough near the ocean is another great place to party on the weekends. The Peach Pit is nice and has a good variety of beers and other drinks.
Things to do near Perth
If you want to see more of the area around the city, you should plan some day trips from Perth. Some of the most popular trips that are between 1 hour and 3 hours away are Lancelin and its sand dunes, the Pinnacles Desert, Jurien Bay, and the Margaret River region.
If you want to see more of Western Australia after doing all these great things to do in Perth, you should go on a road trip. Popular routes are Perth to Kalbarri (4 days), Perth to Exmouth (9-14 days), and Perth to Broome (3 weeks). And if you want to explore the southern part of WA, a road trip to Esperance is perfect for you.
Where to stay in Perth
The best place to stay in Perth is in the Central Business District, as most attractions and things to do in Perth will be within walking distance.
$ — If you are traveling on a budget, the Kangaroo Inn hostel and Hostel G Perth are good options.
$$ — If you are looking for a great hotel in a good location, you will love Quay Perth and the Doubletree by Hilton Perth Waterfront. Should you want to be closer to the nightlife, the Doubletree Northbridge is great.
$$$ — If you dream of staying in a 5-star hotel with a stunning view, The Ritz-Carlton Perth is perfect for you. It is only meters away from the Bell Tower, and many rooms have a view of Swan River.
Getting around in Perth
Getting around in Perth is easy, as public transport is readily available. There are buses, trains, and even a ferry, so a taxi is not required.
If you want to get around Perth CBD, you can take the free CAT (central area transit) buses. The blue, purple, red, and yellow lines run daily, while the green line operates from Monday to Friday. There is also a free CAT bus in Fremantle. These buses run every 8 to 15 minutes.
It is also incredibly easy to take the bus outside of the Central Business District. A bus ride never costs more than 2.20 AUD (2022), and a DayRider ticket costs 9.80 AUD. Check out the exact bus schedule on the Transperth website.
Alternatively to taking the bus, you can catch a train to reach Mandurah, Fremantle, or other destinations close to Perth. You can also take the ferry from the Elizabeth Quay Jetty to Mends Street Jetty.
How can I get to Perth?
If you want to visit Perth, the easiest way to reach the city is to fly there. Perth has an international airport, so you can book a direct flight from many countries. There are also a lot of daily cross-country flights to Perth, so you can just select the time that works best for your schedule.
Alternatively, you can also take the train if you are already in Australia. Just keep in mind, that it will be a long train ride, so book a sleeper seat.
How many days to spend in Perth?
There are plenty of things to do in Perth, and if you want to see the bare minimum of Perth’s attractions, you need at least 3 days. If you also want to visit Rottnest Island or other great day trip destinations, you should plan to spend at least 5 days in Perth.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Roundup: Fun things to do in Perth
There are so many great things to do in Perth, that there are several days full of adventures to be found in the city regardless of your interests.
While in Perth, you can enjoy nature, take in the architecture or learn more about the history of Perth and the entire country. Therefore, you are bound to have a great time exploring this unique and diverse city.
More about Western Australia
If you are planning to visit Perth, you might also want to visit these places in Western Australia:
Karijini National Park
Shark Bay
Which of these things to do in Perth do you look forward to the most?
Let me know in the comments down below!
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