A vibrant art & cultural scene, amazing food and coffee at every corner and cute Quokkas. This is a side of Perth you need to experience for yourself!
Blue Boat House at Crawley, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Known for its laid-back vibe and easy-going nature, there is a certain charm to this vibrant city that you need to experience first-hand to truly say: ‘Yes, I’ve been to Perth!’ By the way, did we also mention that the weather’s in a cool range of 20 - 26 degrees during most of the year!
From cafe hopping to beach hopping and yes, even hopping between wineries in Swan Valley, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to activities to experience in Perth! And by the end of your trip, you’ll be wishing you had more time to explore this vibrant city.
With all that said, we’ve got you covered with our guide of must-do Perth activities and also some useful tips to make your trip an even better experience!
Perth is best experienced with a car
With so much to do during your trip, renting a car in Perth will afford you those extra minutes to savour the taste of your cuppa while soaking in the ambience of one of the many cool cafes in the city before heading off to your next activity.
Not to mention all the awesome road trips that you can embark on from the city too!
#KlookTips for maximizing your car rental in Perth
- Avoid driving during peak hours: 8am - 9am | 4.30pm - 5.30pm
- Parking in the CBD can be quite expensive, especially with private car parks, we’d recommend using the public transport there
- Fuel prices vary between different petrol stations and days so keep a lookout to get that full tank at a lower cost!
- If you’re spending above $30 at supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths, remember to keep those receipts (dockets as they’re known in Australia) for an extra 4c/L off your fuel
1. Experience lush nature surrounding the city
Kings Park, Image by Tourism Western Australia
One thing that you need to do while in Perth is, find a nice patch of grass to sit on while basking in the evening sun and enjoying the cool breeze blowing against your face. We promise it’s actually a thing here!
Kings Park, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Being surrounded by an abundance of nature within the city and even out in the suburbs, taking strolls and appreciating nature is quite the popular pastime amongst locals and something you need to try while in Perth.
The best place to start is at Kings Park, being one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and larger than New York’s Central Park, you could literally spend a full day exploring this natural wonderland! And if you’re not the biggest fan of walking, there’s even Segway tours of the park for you to join too.
2. Grab a picture with these beautiful Jacaranda trees
For something of a magical sight, you’ve got to visit the suburb of Applecross during spring (Sep - Nov) to catch the Jacaranda blooms! P.s. it could even rival the Sakura season in Japan. #justsayin
Visit one of the many cafes at Applecross, get a seat outside and enjoy your leisurely brunch with a sea of purple and lilac as your backdrop!
Go beach hopping around Perth
City Beach, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Being a coastal city, there are no shortages of beaches to visit in Perth and you can count on all of them having the same white powdery sand and crystal clear turquoise waters! The only difference is the various unique things you can experience at each beach.
3. Have a sunset picnic at City Beach
City Beach, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Located north of Perth, City Beach has probably one of the longest and widest stretches of sand that’s perfect for a picnic, especially during sunset! Don’t forget to bring along these essentials:
- Beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Camera (You won’t want to miss capturing some of the amazing views of the sunset here)
#KlookTip: There are some popular cafes in the neighbouring suburbs of Claremont, Subiaco & Leederville that you can visit to stock up on food before heading to the beach for your picnic
Drive time from Perth: Approx 17min
4. Enjoy a whole day of non-stop action at Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Give Scarborough Beach a visit if a whole lot of fun under the sun is your thing! Packed with activities like surf & retail shops, cafes and even a skate park, this is the closest thing to Venice Beach that you’ll be able to find in the southeastern hemisphere.
And yes, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice on what activity to do while you’re there…so we say just give everything a go!
Drive time from Perth: Approx 18min
5. Enjoy an art exhibition at Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach, Image by Tourism Western Australia
One of Perth’s most iconic beaches, you’ve got to give Cottesloe Beach or Cott as the locals would call it a visit when you’re here! Grab some fish & chips from one of the many cafes along the beach, waddle in the cool waters of the Indian Ocean or enjoy a beautiful sight of pink and purple hues from the sky in the morning.
sclupture by the sea, Cottesloe Beach
Visiting Perth in March? Then you’ve got to check out Sculpture by the Sea! One of the biggest annual sculpture exhibitions in the world, this free to enter event allows you to enjoy various sculptures created by artists from around the world including Japan, USA and France.
Drive time from Perth: Approx 21min
6. Swim with dolphins at Penguin Island
Penguin Island, Image by Tourism Western Australia
If you’re one for island getaways, Penguin Island is just the place to be with postcard-worthy white sand beaches, pristine azure waters, and great wildlife. Besides the oceanside views, you can catch the Penguin Parade, which takes place at sunset every evening. It doesn’t get cuter than that!
Peel and Rockingham, Image by Tourism Western Australia
If the penguins leave you wanting more, head back on the ferry to Rockingham where you’ll be able to swim with wild dolphins! Led by expert guides, ride underwater scooters to get up close and personal with these cute marine animals.
Swimming with dolphins in Rockingham
Get a chance to see wild dolphins play in their natural habitat for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your friends or family! You might want to bring an underwater camera for this trip too.
Drive time from Perth: Approx 50min drive to Rockingham & a 5min ferry ride to Penguin Island
7. Visit the cute Quokkas on Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, Image by Tourism Western Australia
There aren’t many places on earth where you can get a selfie with the local wildlife, and Rottnest Island, which is just a 90min ferry ride from Perth is among them! You’re sure to be greeted by one of the island’s 10,000 quokkas as soon as you arrive, with these cute, grinning creatures having been labelled the world’s happiest animals gladly giving you a pose or two for photos!
The Basin, Rottnest Island, Image by Tourism Western Australia
If you’re after the full Rottnest Island experience, book yourself a grand tour from Perth that includes a scenic train ride around the island, exploring a salt lake and visiting Henrietta Rocks. This last stop has views over an aquamarine bay (and a shipwreck lurking beneath the water).
Drive time from Perth (Ferry departure from Elizabeth Quay): Approx 3min drive & 90min ferry ride
Drive time from Perth (Ferry departure from Fremantle): Approx 35min drive & 90min ferry ride
8. A gastronomical adventure awaits in Swan Valley
Margaret River Chocolate Company, Swan Valley Image by Tourism Western Australia
From an assortment of delicious nougats to chocolates of every flavour, and not forgetting some of the best wines that you can find in Australia, any self-confessed foodie will be in their element among Swan Valley’s boutique food and drink outlets. North-east of Perth city centre, this region is home to an endless list of local producers creating flavoursome Australian delicacies for you to stash in your luggage.
Check out these establishments for some of the best Australian delicacies:
- Nougat - Mondo Nougat
- Chocolates - The Margaret River Chocolate Company
- Coffee - Yahava KoffeeWorks
- Wine - Sandalford Wines
- Wine - Lancaster Wines
- Wine/Cheese - Little River Winery & Cafe
- Honey - Windarra Honey
Drive time from Perth: Aprox 36min
Spend a full day in Fremantle
Fremantle Harbour, Image by Tourism Western Australia
While you’re in Perth, make sure to visit the lovely port city of Fremantle or Freo like how the locals call it, where old meets new. Its rich historical sites, alternative attractions, and laid-back vibe will definitely feed your wanderlust.
PS. Thanks to its irresistible markets and funky cafes, you won't ever go hungry while visiting!
#KlookTip: If you’re planning to stay in Fremantle for half or the whole day, park at the E-sheds as it is one of the few car parks there that offers full-day parking! Did we also mention that it is the closest to most of Fremantle's popular attractions.
Drive time from Perth: Approx 29min
9. Visit the Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets, Image by Tourism Western Australia
One of the most popular things to do in Freo is to wander through the stalls of Fremantle Markets! With over 150 shops to discover, it's easy to get lost in its wide selection of stalls offering local produce, artisan goods, and handicrafts.
But our favourite part of the market lies in its aisle of food stalls where you can get a variety of snacks and treats to fill you up!
10. Visit Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO-listed heritage site
Fremantle Prison
Did you know Freo is home to a UNESCO-listed heritage site? Explore Fremantle Prison, the Roundhouse and more on a half-day tour and discover a different side of Fremantle's charm as you listen to interesting anecdotes of jailbreaks, prisoner antics, and maritime heroes from your local skipper (guide). Trust us: this is not your typical boring history tour!
11. Enjoy some of Perth’s best craft beer
It’s no secret that Perth has a booming craft beer scene. And for some of the best, have your fill of locally-brewed hops at some of the best bars and pubs on this tour! Enter a majestic world of craft beers with one of the brewery's resident hop heads, and learn how this beloved alcoholic drink is produced from quality raw ingredients such as toasted malts and hops.
The best thing is that you'll also have the chance to taste their full range of brews with an exciting tasting session!
12. Search for gold at The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint, Image by Tourism Western Australia
They say money makes the world go round, and at Perth Mint you’ll learn why. This fascinating Gold Exhibition holds the largest coin ever made, and it literally weighs a tonne. And inside the 1899 melting house, you can see a traditional gold pour – a memorable spectacle where molten gold is tipped into moulds and set into solid bars.
13. Uncover hidden gems in Perth City
Grand Lane, Image by Garry Norris Photography
Put your best foot forward to explore all that Perth has to offer. From the bustling bars, trendy restaurants and home-grown designer outlets of the Northbridge district to the vibrant graffiti on Hay Street, there’s plenty to pack in on your walk around the city
PS. If you’re looking to do some shopping in the city, Friday’s the day to do it as shops will be open till 9pm.
#KlookTip: Here are some must-see events that happen in Perth city that you need to check out
- July - Tyler, The Creator
- October - Kings Park Wildflower Festival
- December - Christmas Pageant
14. Head out of the city for a road trip
Eagle Bay Beach, Dunsborough, Image by Tourism Western Australia
This is one activity that we highly recommend you make some time for during your trip to Perth! While we’ve already listed a number of cool activities that you can experience within the city and its many suburbs, the true beauty of Western Australia can be experienced with just a couple of hour's drive either north or south of the capital!
Check out our guide of road trip destinations to visit and how to get there from Perth:
15. Snap IG-worthy Pictures at the Blue Boathouse
Blue Boat House at Crawley, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Can't say you're on holiday unless you have the pics to prove it, right? Snap away at some of Perth's most Instagrammable spots including:
- The Crawley Edge Boatshed
- Elizabeth Quay
- Rainbow containers located on the side of the Canning Highway
- Applecross Jacaranda Trees (Oct-Nov only)
- Lancelin Sand Dunes
