Sunsets over the beaches. It’s one of the best things about Perth.
With the majority of Australia’s population living in the east of the country, seeing a proper sunset on the coast is unusual. It’s why Perth’s beaches are such an important part of the city (not to mention they’re beautiful).
But there are a lot more things to do in Perth than just hang out on the sand. The city centre is packed full of culture, the new development around Elizabeth Quay is worth exploring, and there’s also a huge highlight – Kings Park.
For many Aussies, Perth doesn’t just seem like another city, it seems like another country. More than four hours’ flight from Sydney or Melbourne, it’s much quicker to get to New Zealand!
This distance and isolation does impact the atmosphere of Perth somewhat. It feels more tight-knit, more self-sustaining, more resourceful.
Although on that last point, maybe that’s because modern Perth has been built on Australia’s resources boom, with many of the skyscrapers bearing the logos of the country’s biggest mining companies.
For many years, there wasn’t much tourism here and the list of attractions in Perth was fairly short.
It was seen mainly as a launching pad to all the other places to visit in Western Australia – to the vibrant reefs along the coast, the vast red deserts of the north, or the wineries and history along the south.
While it’s still not the most exciting city in Australia, a lot has changed in recent years, in part because a number of direct flights from Europe now come to Perth, making it a convenient stop for people wanting to see a bit of WA.
There are some great new hotels in the city centre that have been opened in the past few years, the dining scene around Subiaco is excellent, and nearby Fremantle also has plenty to offer.
So, to help you plan your time, let’s go through some of my suggestions for the best things to do in Perth.
City centre
The city centre is very much the heart of Perth. Not only is this the main business district, but it’s also where you’ll find a lot of the top hotels and restaurants.
As a visitor – particularly a first-time visitor – you may end up focusing your attention here because there are plenty of interesting things to do in Perth’s city centre. Let’s have a look at some of the highlights.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
The cornerstone of Perth’s cultural scene, the Art Gallery of Western Australia has an impressive permanent collection that is free to visit and well worth the time.
The exhibitions here span Indigenous Australian art, international contemporary works, and significant Western Australian artists. What I really like is the diversity in the collection, with traditional styles contrasted with interesting modern installations.
The Indigenous art collection is a highlight, as it tells stories, challenges perspectives, and connects you to the city and the state. Parts of it have even been made accessible for young children.
Although the Art Gallery of Western Australia was founded in 1895, its current building is from 1979 and is now a part of the larger Perth Cultural Centre.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is open 10:00 – 17:00 from Wednesday to Monday.
The gallery is closed on Tuesday.
Entry is free, but you can leave a voluntary donation.
Perth Cultural Centre
Right in the middle of the city, the Perth Cultural Centre is a vibrant hub that brings together some of the most important cultural institutions into one dynamic precinct.
Along with the art gallery, the other flagship attraction is the WA Museum Boola Bardip, a state-of-the-art museum that tells the extraordinary stories of Western Australia through immersive and innovative displays.
But I would also recommend popping into the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), which offers cutting-edge visual and performing arts experiences.
While some of the other institutions like the State Library and State Theatre may not be considered tourist attractions, it is worth having a look at what is happening across the centre when you visit.
As well as official events and festivals, there are often street performers, pop-up gigs, and community fairs that make this a fun place to hang out for a bit.
WA Museum Boola Bardip is open everyday from 9:30 – 17:00.
Although there is normally an entrance fee, general admission is currently free all summer.
Special exhibitions and events may charge a fee.
Perth Mint
If there’s one thing in the city that represents the wealth of Western Australia’s golden history, it’s the Perth Mint. Established in 1899, it’s been at the forefront of gold production and preservation, telling the fascinating story of the state’s mining heritage.
The heritage building houses the largest gold coin collection in Australia, including the world’s largest gold coin – a massive one-tonne masterpiece worth about $55 million!
Even though it’s still in operation, you can visit the Perth Mint with a guided tour that includes a live gold pour, the nugget collection, and a historic coin exhibition.
The outer area and the foyer are free to enter, so you can even just get a quick look at the heritage building and see some of the gold-trading shops that are now based in the front of the site.
The Perth Mint is open daily from 9:00 – 17:00.
The Perth Mint Gold Tour is available every hour from 9:30 until 14:30.
Entry to The Perth Mint Shop, grounds and bullion trading room is free.
A standard ticket for The Perth Mint Gold Tour is $25 for adults and $15 for 5-15 years old.
Other heritage
Across Perth, the cultural heritage tells an interesting story of the city’s evolution, with some notable sites that bridge past and present.
One that’s worth seeing is St Mary’s Cathedral. The Catholic church was first built on the site in 1865, with a bigger design started in 1926, but the final sections not finished until 2009! It means you get a collection of different eras and styles all in the one building.
To explore more of the heritage in Perth I would also recommend checking out St George’s Cathedral, the Old Treasury Buildings, the Government House, the Supreme Court, and the London Court.
And, if you’ve got kids (or even if you don’t), you’ll find a fun bit of heritage at the Old Central Fire Station, which has displays of historic firefighting equipment, vintage fire trucks, and lots of interesting stories.
Elizabeth Quay
From heritage to the most modern part of the city, Elizabeth Quay is a new urban precinct that has transformed Perth’s waterfront.
Opened in 2015 but with many parts still in development, this architectural marvel dramatically reimagines the relationship between the Swan River and Perth’s cityscape.
The iconic Bell Tower stands as a centerpiece, but there are also public artworks, playgrounds, restaurants, and bars all around the artificial inlet.
The design celebrates the area’s Indigenous heritage while embracing contemporary urban aesthetics, creating a space that feels both distinctly Perth and globally sophisticated.
More than just one of Perth’s attractions that you quickly look at, Elizabeth Quay is designed to be somewhere you spend a bit of time, exploring the architecture and art, or perhaps stopping for a meal or a drink.
Kings Park
I think one of the best things to do in Perth is spend a bit of time exploring Kings Park. This enormous oasis of green is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and often feels more like remote bushland.
Perched on the western edge of Perth’s city centre, it has stunning views along the Swan River to the cityscape.
There are so many different things to see in Kings Park that I thought it would be useful to go through some of them.
A few quick highlights include:
- DNA Tower: The highest point in Kings Park, climb the spiral staircase to the top of this white metal tower for incredible views.
- Giant Boab: Transported 3200 kilometres from Warmun and replanted here, this tree is thought to be over 750 years old!
- Naturescape: A special nature-based playground for kids that has rushing creeks and towering tree hides, lofty aerial walkways and tricky rope tangles.
- The Blue Boat House: Officially called the Crawley Edge Boatshed, its position at the end of the jetty in the Swan River makes it a popular photo spot.
And there are a few more that I want to mention in a bit more detail.
Botanic Garden
The Western Australian Botanic Garden within Kings Park is a botanical treasure trove that showcases the extraordinary diversity of the state’s plant life. Home to more than 3,000 species of native flora, the garden is a living library of Western Australia’s unique plant biodiversity. Carefully curated sections highlight the remarkable adaptability of plants from some of the world’s most challenging environments, from arid landscapes to coastal regions.
Walking through the gardens feels like a journey across Western Australia’s diverse ecosystems, with themed areas that display the incredible range of native plants. The DNA Tower garden walk offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to climb a distinctive DNA-shaped structure for panoramic views of the gardens and the surrounding park.
State War Memorial
Perched dramatically overlooking the Swan River and Perth city, the State War Memorial precinct is a place of profound significance and beauty.
The Cenotaph, stunning Pool of Reflection, and surrounding memorial spaces create a powerful tribute to Western Australia’s service men and women. Panoramic views stretch across the city and river, providing a breathtaking backdrop to this solemn site.
The memorial isn’t just a place of remembrance, but a vantage point that connects visitors to the broader landscape of Perth. Intricate bronze sculptures and carefully maintained gardens add depth to the memorial experience, creating a space that simultaneously honors sacrifice and celebrates the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Walking trails
The native bushland of Kings Park offers a raw, untouched glimpse into Western Australia’s natural landscape. Over 17 hectares of preserved bushland showcase the region’s unique ecosystem, with walking trails that wind through native vegetation, providing an immersive experience of the local environment.
Visitors can explore multiple trails that reveal the intricate details of the bushland – from delicate wildflowers to ancient trees that have stood for centuries.
The Zamia Walk and the Law Walk offer different perspectives of the park’s natural beauty, providing opportunities to encounter native wildlife and understand the ecological significance of this urban wilderness. Each step through these trails tells a story of survival, adaptation, and the remarkable biodiversity of Western Australia.
Beaches
Cottosloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is the quintessential Perth beach that epitomizes coastal elegance. Where other beaches might be wild and windswept, Cottesloe offers a more refined experience, with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters creating a postcard-perfect scene.
The Norfolk Island pines lining the foreshore provide natural shade and a distinctive visual backdrop, while the historic limestone buildings overlooking the beach add a touch of architectural charm. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its calm waters and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and leisurely days.
During sunset, the beach transforms into a spectacular viewing platform, with locals gathering to watch the Indian Ocean light up in breathtaking oranges and pinks. The nearby cafes and Norfolk Hotel add a sophisticated touch, making Cottesloe more than just a beach – it’s a lifestyle destination.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach pulses with energy, standing in sharp contrast to Cottesloe’s serene atmosphere. This is Perth’s premier surf beach, where rolling waves attract serious surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
The beachfront redevelopment has transformed the area into a vibrant hub, with modern amenities, skate parks, and outdoor gyms creating a dynamic recreational space. Where Cottesloe whispers refinement, Scarborough shouts excitement – its wide, open beach is perfect for those seeking more active beach experiences. The consistent wave patterns make it a favorite for both experienced surfers and those learning to ride.
Sunset here is a social event, with groups gathering to watch the sky change colors, surrounded by contemporary architecture and bustling restaurants that give the beach a distinctly modern feel.
Mettams Pool
Mettams Pool offers a completely different beach experience, nestled as a protected marine sanctuary north of Perth. Unlike the wide-open beaches of Cottesloe and Scarborough, this is a more intimate, rocky inlet that’s a haven for snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts.
The natural rock pools create a unique swimming environment, with calm waters that contrast dramatically with the more exposed nearby beaches. Where Scarborough challenges with its surf and Cottesloe invites leisurely swimming, Mettams Pool is a marine explorer’s paradise.
The rocky coastline creates natural breakwaters, making it an ideal spot for families and those who prefer gentler waters. Underwater, a vibrant ecosystem thrives, with colorful fish and marine life turning a simple swim into an underwater adventure.
City Beach
City Beach strikes a perfect balance between the sophistication of Cottesloe and the energy of Scarborough. Located closer to the city, it offers wide, sandy shores with more relaxed vibes than its neighboring beaches.
The grassy areas and modern facilities make it a favorite for family gatherings and weekend barbecues. Unlike Mettams Pool’s rocky terrain, City Beach provides long, sweeping stretches of pristine sand.
The beach feels more structured than the wild Scarborough, but less manicured than Cottesloe. Locals appreciate its proximity to the city and its well-maintained amenities.
Sunset here offers a different perspective, with the urban skyline providing a backdrop to the Indian Ocean’s changing colors. It’s a beach that feels both accessible and special, capturing the laid-back spirit of Perth’s coastal lifestyle.
Tours
City tour
Perth offers a fascinating urban exploration that reveals a city blending modern sophistication with laid-back Australian charm. The tour typically winds through the city’s key landmarks, showcasing its unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. From the gleaming skyscrapers of the CBD to the heritage-listed buildings that tell stories of early settlement, visitors get a comprehensive view of Perth’s evolution.
The journey often includes stops at key sites like Kings Park, which provides panoramic views of the city and Swan River, and historic districts that showcase the city’s colonial past. Local guides bring the city to life with stories of Indigenous history, colonial development, and modern Western Australian culture. The tour captures Perth’s unique character – a city that feels both intimately connected to its natural surroundings and proudly cosmopolitan.
Culture tours
Perth’s urban landscape comes alive through its vibrant laneway culture, where hidden bars, world-class coffee, and explosive street art tell the city’s most dynamic story. The tour winds through forgotten laneways and tucked-away spaces, revealing a side of Perth that most tourists never see. From underground small-batch coffee roasters to innovative craft cocktail bars, each stop showcases the city’s creative spirit.
Street art transforms ordinary walls into canvases, with massive murals and intricate stencil work that capture Melbourne-esque levels of urban creativity. Local guides typically share insider stories about the artists, the evolving urban culture, and the hidden gems that make Perth’s hospitality scene so unique. It’s a journey that goes beyond simple sightseeing, offering an immersive dive into the city’s most exciting and contemporary cultural spaces.
Photography workshop
Perth provides photographers with an extraordinary canvas of natural beauty and urban landscapes. The tour typically captures the city’s most photogenic locations, from the dramatic coastline with its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches to the urban architecture that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. Iconic locations like Kings Park offer breathtaking panoramic city views, while the Swan River provides stunning reflections and dramatic lighting conditions.
Photographers can explore everything from dramatic urban landscapes to intimate street scenes, capturing the unique Western Australian light that photographers find irresistible. The tour often includes both urban and natural settings, providing opportunities to photograph everything from modern architecture to native wildlife, pristine beaches to historic streetscapes.
Local guides typically offer insights into the best shooting locations, techniques for capturing the region’s unique light, and hidden photographic gems.
Around Perth
Swan River cruise
The Swan River is the lifeblood of Perth, and a river cruise offers an unparalleled perspective on the city’s natural beauty and urban landscape. Winding through the heart of Western Australia’s capital, the river provides a stunning backdrop of parklands, historic buildings, and modern architecture. Cruises range from relaxed sightseeing tours to more adventurous experiences, allowing visitors to explore the city from a completely different angle.
The river’s shoreline tells a story of Perth’s development, with historic mansions of Perth’s elite sitting alongside contemporary riverside developments. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot dolphins playing in the river’s waters, while history buffs can appreciate the cultural significance of this waterway to both Indigenous and European settlers. The changing light across the river – from morning mist to golden sunset – offers a constantly shifting canvas of Perth’s natural beauty.
Fremantle
Fremantle is a vibrant port city that feels like a world unto itself, just a short distance from Perth. Often called the port city of Western Australia, Fremantle blends historic charm with a contemporary creative spirit. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s colonial past, offering visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of 19th-century penal life. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved Victorian and maritime architecture, telling stories of sailors, convicts, and traders.
Markets, street art, and a thriving café culture give Fremantle its unique character. Maritime history runs deep here, with the Western Australian Maritime Museum showcasing the region’s nautical heritage. From the bustling Fishing Boat Harbour to the historic streetscapes, Fremantle captures the imagination with its perfect blend of history, culture, and modern energy.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a paradise just offshore from Perth, a car-free sanctuary that offers a perfect escape from urban life. Most famous for its population of quokkas – the friendly marsupials that have become social media darlings – the island is a haven of natural beauty and relaxation. Cyclists explore the island’s 25 kilometers of roads, discovering secluded beaches, historic lighthouses, and stunning coastal views.
The island holds deep significance for Indigenous Australians and carries a complex colonial history, with multiple layers of cultural stories waiting to be discovered. Crystal-clear waters surrounding the island provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling, with vibrant marine life and shipwreck sites attracting underwater enthusiasts. From pristine beaches to historic buildings, and wildlife encounters to water sports, Rottnest offers a diverse range of experiences that capture the natural beauty of Western Australia’s coastline.
Day trips
Swan Valley wineries
Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, a picturesque paradise just a short drive from Perth that offers much more than just wine tasting. Located just 25 minutes from the city, this fertile valley boasts over 40 wineries, creating a playground for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The region isn’t just about grapes – it’s a complete gourmet experience featuring boutique breweries, local honey producers, chocolate factories, and artisan food producers. Visitors can meander through family-owned vineyards, sampling everything from classic Australian Shiraz to innovative new blends.
The landscape tells a story of generations of winemaking, with some vineyards dating back to the early settlers. Beyond wine, the valley offers stunning rural scenery, with rolling hills and lush landscapes that provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely day of exploration and indulgence.
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are a mesmerizing natural wonder located in Nambung National Park, about two hours’ drive north of Perth. These extraordinary limestone formations rise from the desert landscape like an alien terrain, creating one of Western Australia’s most unique and photogenic landscapes.
Thousands of limestone pillars – some reaching several meters high – stand in stark contrast to the golden sandy backdrop, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. Formed over millions of years through a complex process of erosion and environmental changes, the Pinnacles offer more than just a visual spectacle. The surrounding national park is home to diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and numerous bird species.
Visitors can drive through the desert landscape, walk among these extraordinary formations, and experience a landscape that feels simultaneously ancient and completely otherworldly.
Whale watching
Western Australia offers some of the most spectacular whale-watching experiences in the world, with the coast near Perth providing a front-row seat to one of nature’s most magnificent migrations. Between June and December, humpback whales make their incredible journey along the coast, creating a breathtaking display of marine life.
The regions around Perth, particularly Dunsborough and Augusta, are prime viewing locations where these magnificent creatures can be seen breaching, tail-slapping, and moving through their annual migration routes. Different tour operators offer various experiences, from land-based viewing to boat excursions that bring visitors closer to these gentle giants.
Beyond humpbacks, the waters host other marine species including southern right whales, blue whales, and playful dolphins, making each whale-watching expedition a unique and unpredictable adventure into the marine world.
