Experience the very best of the west from Perth.
Incredible ancient rock formations? Check. Stunning islands within reach? Check. The most adorable animals (quokkas and dolphins galore!) on Earth? Check. There’s a Perth attraction for everyone. Whether you’re looking for crystal clear waters for snorkelling, limestone caves to explore, and steep dunes to sandboard down, this city has it all.
For a fuss-free holiday in WA, we’ve put together 10 of the most epic places to go in Perth:
- Pinnacle Desert
- Mandurah
- Yanchep National Park
- Penguin Island
- Crystal Cave
- Rottnest Island
- Lancelin Sand Dunes
- Desert Stargazing
- Swan River
- Wave Rock
1. Pinnacle Desert
No list of attractions in Perth is complete without mentioning the Pinnacles Desert. At the heart of the Nambung National Park lies limestone formations that stand out from the golden sand which make up an amazing scenery—there’s a reason why it’s Western Australia’s most visited destination.
You can make the most out of your time in Perth by joining a Pinnacles and Sandboarding tour. On top of exploring the stunning desert, you’ll also meet wombats and koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park, enjoy a hearty lunch, ride a 4WD, and go sand boarding at the dunes!
2. Mandurah
Less than an hour away from Perth, Mandurah is the WA capital’s laid-back and leisurely cousin. You won’t run out of coastlines to cruise along or beaches to spend time at. Don’t let the chill vibes of Mandurah fool you though; there are endless things to do here, from great hikes to stargazing activities!
What better way to visit a city full of waterways than going on a scenic cruise from Perth? During your sail, you’ll visit the home of the largest population of WA’s bottlenose dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, crabs, and lobsters along the way.
3. Yanchep National Park
When it comes to Perth attractions, Yanchep National Park is definitely a must-see. Between the stunning lakes, historic buildings, and vibrant woodlands, there’s something magical to see at every turn. There’s also the Koala Boardwalk, where you can see the adorable marsupials hanging out by the branches.
Why settle for one national park when you can go to two? On this Pinnacles and Lobster tour from Perth, you’ll get to meet and greet koalas at Yanchep before heading to Nambung National Park to soak in the scenery at the Pinnacles then sand boarding at Lancelin.
4. Penguin Island
Keen for an island getaway? Penguin Island is just the place to be. It has it all: 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!
If the penguins leave you wanting more, go on the ultimate wildlife day tour! You’ll get a chance to feed roos, take selfies with koalas, and see wombats. Of course, you’ll also see the smallest penguins in the world at Penguin Island, as well as fish, corals, and crabs you'll spot while riding a glass-bottom boat.
5. Crystal Cave
At Yanchep National Park, you’ll find one of the most unique Perth attractions around: the Crystal Cave. The cave’s limestone walls are decorated with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that are still developing today. The helictites are especially awe-inspiring—they look like nature’s chandelier.
Interested in more fascinating things to do in Perth? Check out these 10 of our favourite activities in the city.
Make the most out of your day out of the city and go on a full-day Pinnacles tour. Enjoy free time to tour the cave, take photos at the park, and spot the native wildlife. See the desert in hues of orange and yellow as the sun sets before enjoying a nice, intimate dinner at Hangover Beach.
6. Rottnest Island
What’s a visit to WA without a quokka selfie? Head to Rottnest Island, home of the smiling marsupials. Besides the cute animal encounter, the clear, blue waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving while the Wadjemup Lighthouse and Cathedral Rocks offer great photo opportunities.
For a hassle-free day, join the Rottnest Island Grand Tour and go on a scenic train ride, marvel at the panoramic views from Henrietta Rocks, and look for whales from Cape Vlamingh during the summer and spring months.
7. Lancelin Sand Dunes
Welcome to Lancelin, where there’s nothing but clear blue skies and pale sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Go on a walk along the top of the dunes to see the surrounding coastline and farm land. Ride a 4WD or slide down the sand for a cracking good time.
While you’re in the area, you might as well make a full day of it. Stroll around Sorrento Quay Hillarys Boat Harbour before sandboarding your way down the Lancelin Sand Dunes. After exploring Nambung National Park, you'll end the day at Pinnacle Desert, where you can view the sunset and the rock formations.
8. Desert Stargazing
Besides great Perth attractions on land and water, the unpolluted night sky is also one of the area’s great treasures. Away from the towering buildings and city lights in the big city, the Pinnacle Desert is exactly the stargazing spot you’re looking for.
Excited to do more outdoor activities after the lengthy lockdown? We know the feeling. Here’s our Perth post-lockdown bucket list:
If you’re unsure how to go about stargazing in the desert, let us take care of the details. On this stargazing tour, an expert guide will lead you to the best place in the park to look for stars. You’ll also get to observe kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat and watch the sunset in the desert.
9. Swan River
The Perth skyline is among the most picturesque in Australia. With captivating cloud-scraping peaks and stunning bridges, it’s a sight to behold and it’s best viewed from the Swan River. The waterway stretches all the way over to Fremantle, making it one of the best paths you can take from one city to another.
Alongside the lengthy river, you’ll find plenty of space to walk, sightsee, or even take a picnic. But the best way to experience the Swan River in its full glory is with a scenic cruise. Hang out by the deck and get sweeping views of the cityscape. Spot highlights like the Bell Tower and Swan Brewery during the sail!
10. Wave Rock
Western Australia boasts heaps of great surfing spots, but one of its largest waves can be found in a town and not in the water. Around four hours away from Perth, Wave Rock amazes tourists and geologists alike because of its appearance—like a swell of water that’s been frozen in time.
See the natural phenomenon for yourself on this Wave Rock and Aboriginal Culture tour. From Perth, you’ll explore the charming town of York, learn about Aboriginal traditions at Mulka's Cave, and, of course, visit Wave Rock and get plenty of time for photos and sightseeing.