Although many travelers to Australia stick to the popular east coast destinations, there is also a lot to see and do out west, especially in and around the city of Perth. Here you’ll find a great mix of big-city attractions and natural outdoor spaces in a laid-back atmosphere. If it’s your first time visiting the Perth area, make sure to see and do these top things on your trip!
Go on a River Cruise
What Is It?: Perth enjoys a lovely location along the Swan River, which means that scenic river cruises are popular here. Some of the points of interest that your cruise may pass by include Kings Park and the Bell Tower.
Why Do It?: You can enjoy views of the city along with a delicious meal and perhaps a tasting of some local wines when you book a river cruise experience in Perth.
Good to Know: Many cruises include live commentary from your captain to tell you about the sights you’re seeing from the boat.
Sample the Local Wines
What Is It?: The Perth area is known for its winemaking, especially in the Swan Valley. There are dozens of wineries here where you can taste locally produced wines with cheese. Wine tours in the region include hotel pick-up and drop-off for your safety and convenience, allowing you to fully enjoy the local wines.
Why Do It?: Swan Valley is a historic and important wine region in Australia that is fun to check out for tastings and tours on a full-day or half-day tour.
Good to Know: Spring (September through December) is a great time to visit the Swan Valley wineries because of the pleasant weather and abundant wildflowers.
Relax in Kings Park & Botanic Garden
What Is It?: Kings’ Park is the main city park in Perth and also home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden. It is an important site for conservation and horticultural research and offers great views from the top of the steps down over the gardens. The gardens span 17 hectares of displays.
Why Do It?: Here you can learn about plants and European and Aboriginal culture and really begin to appreciate the beauty of Perth and everything it has to offer.
Good to Know: In addition to the botanic garden, other park areas to spend time include the Rio Tinto Naturescape, Saw Avenue Picnic Area, Lotterywest Family Area, May Drive Parkland, and the Bushland. There is no fee required to visit the park and botanic garden.
Visit the Perth Zoo
What Is It?: The Perth Zoo has been in operation for well over a century and offers visitors an opportunity to see much of Australia’s unique wildlife up close. This includes kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies. Other exhibits explore species of animals living in other parts of the world too.
Why Do It?: This is a kid-friendly activity to do in Perth that’s fun for the whole family.
Good to Know: You can get to the zoo easily in Perth by bike, car, bus, or train.
See Wildlife from a Kayak
What Is It?: In addition to boat rides, another fun way to see Perth from the water is to rent a kayak or join a guided kayak tour.
Why Do It?: Kayak adventures are a great way to see Australian wildlife, such as sea lions, penguins, and seabirds.
Good to Know: Some kayak tours conveniently include picnic lunches and a little free time to swim or hike around to explore nature with your friends and family.
Experience the Local Food Scene
What Is It?: Perth is also home to some amazing restaurants, which you can experience first-hand on a food tour. Pub food is delicious here and where the locals go for meals out.
Why Do It?: Embrace your foodie side and get to know Australian culture a bit better with local favorites like fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding.
Good to Know: Barbecue is also popular in Perth, so some popular tours explore Perth’s barbecue food scene that is paired with local beers and ciders, of course.
Hang Out at Cottesloe Beach
What Is It?: The Perth area is known for its beautiful beaches with bright blue water and lovely white sand. One great local spot is Cottesloe Beach, which is about 20 minutes from the city and accessible by public transportation. This beach is great for swimming and snorkeling because of its clear waters and has some nice beach hotels nearby.
Why Do It?: Perth’s beaches are often uncrowded compared to elsewhere in Australia, allowing you plenty of peace and space to relax.
Good to Know: Other wonderful beaches in the area to check out include the family-friendly Mullaloo Beach, Scarborough Beach with its renovated beach strip, and City Beach if you enjoy surfing.
Take a Day Trip to Rottnest Island
What Is It?: Rottnest Island is just a quick ferry ride from Perth and an excellent day trip. Here you can enjoy the views, bike around the island, snorkel in the by, relax at the beach, or dine at the local restaurants.
Why Do It?: The scenery here is truly stunning, while the island offers a relaxing vibe with plenty of outdoor recreation and no cars.
Good to Know: Rottnest Island is known for its native quokka population, which are adorable little wild creatures best observed from a safe distance. In addition to these marsupials, dolphins and seals also live in this area.
Sandboarding Adventure Around Pinnacles
What Is It?: If you have a little more time to spend in the Perth area, make a point to visit the Pinnacles Desert a couple of hours to the north. The park has fascinating jagged columns rising from the earth that are truly unique and impressive.
Why Do It?: Pinnacles is a popular region for sandboarding and four-wheel-drive adventures. These experiences really transplant you into an unforgettable and other-worldly landscape.
Good to Know: For easy access to the park, book a full-day tour to see Pinnacles and perhaps go sandboarding in Lancelin and see Yanchep National Park as well while you’re in the area as well.
