Best things to see and do in Perth

Take a cruise along Swan River or discover the famous wine region to experience the best of gourmet delights. Perth has something for everyone. Beautiful wine region, spectacular coastline, and a bustling city – Perth has plenty to offer. Whether you’re a traveller or a local, Perth has a great mix of family-friendly activities that are perfect for everyone. Here are some of the must-see and must-do experiences in Perth.

What to do in Perth

From the historic port town of Fremantle, buzzing with trendy cafes and bars, to the stunning Cottesloe Beach popular with swimmers and snorkelers, Perth offers an eclectic mix of experiences waiting to be discovered. There are treetop walks, Swan River cruises, science museums, arts, crafts, and sports to be enjoyed.

Cruises from Perth

Experience the beauty of the Swan River on a scenic cruise from Perth with Captain Cook Cruises. Choose from a variety of cruises, from a 2 hour and 45 minute scenic cruise to visiting the historic port city of Fremantle or indulging in a wine cruise to the Swan Valley.

Check out Elizabeth Quay

Alfresco dining, entertainment, markets, bars, outdoor artwork, and even a children’s playground – the waterfront precinct Elizabeth Quay has it all! A 20-metre high suspension bridge provides spectacular views toward the river and back to the city, making it a very popular photo spot for both tourists and locals.

Visit Optus Stadium 

For first-class sporting action, head to Optus Stadium - recently voted the world’s most beautiful sporting stadium. Head there by boat with Captain Cook Cruises for something a little different. The stadium seats 60,000 and hosts a variety of sports and entertainment events, including Australian Football League, International and Big Bash League cricket, soccer, rugby league and union, as well as many international live music performers.

Head to Kings Park and Botanic Garden

If you’re needing some serenity, add the gorgeous Kings Park and Botanic Garden to your city sightseeing list. One of the biggest inner-city parks in the world and overlooking the pretty Swan River, it’s the perfect place to stroll around at your leisure exploring the variety of plants and trees in this picturesque part of Perth. Pack a picnic or drop into one of the cafes or restaurants while you’re there.

Take a day trip to Rottnest Island

Spending a few days in Perth with kids? Just a stone’s throw from the city, you can cruise over to gorgeous Rottnest Island with SeaLink and hire a bike to explore the stunning beaches. With over 60 beaches and bays, the island offers amazing snorkelling and spectacular marine life. Popular snorkelling spots include The Basin, Parrakeet Bay, Little Salmon Bay and Little Armstrong Bay.

The island also has a well-deserved reputation for fabulous seafood. The Western Rock lobster is a real taste sensation and a great addition to a delicious seafood lunch platter. Although there are countless reasons to visit Rottnest Island, it’s the Quokka that is the star attraction! Be sure to have your camera ready to snap a selfie with this cute little critter.

Perth Walking Trails

Choose one of four self-guided heritage walking trails in Perth’s stunning Guildford Heritage Walk Trails area – the gateway to the Swan Valley. Full of historical buildings, markets, colonial architecture, classic pubs, tea rooms, art galleries and antique shops, this little town is a drawcard for thousands of tourists every year.

Take a stroll along one of the numerous walking trails in Kings Park – one of the largest inner city parks in the world. Or head to the beach and enjoy the smell of the ocean as you wander along one of the coastal paths.

The nearby national parks offer a diversity of natural attractions, and the Perth Hills region has a series of more than 40 bike and walk trails, as well as lookouts and picnic spots to lay a rug down, refuel and recharge for setting off again to explore further.

Day and overnight trips from Perth

When visiting Perth, a day tour is the best way to explore the sights and attractions. Yanchep National Park, north of the city, offers walking trails, limestone caves to explore, tree-top adventures, and lots of family-friendly fun.

Head to Shoalwater Bay where playful dolphins love to swim and interact with visitors. You’ll be assured amazing underwater views of the local sea life aboard glass-bottom boats.

Other popular spots to visit if you have a few days available to explore further afield, include Wave Rock, Pinnacles Desert and the Margaret River wine region.

Cottesloe Beach

Perth’s most loved local beach is Cottesloe Beach. Half way between Fremantle and Perth, it’s renowned for its pure white sand it’s popular for surfers, snorkellers and for swimmers wanting to cool off in the crystal clear water. As the sunsets, relax and enjoy the expansive views of the Indian Ocean from one of the stylish restaurants around Marine Parade.

Explore Fremantle

If history is your passion, Fremantle is home to magnificent stone buildings, steeped in local culture. Fremantle is an authentic nineteenth-century port full of historic sites that have undergone an amazing transformation. It has a funky mix of boutiques and stores, cafes, and restaurants and is also renowned for its local markets and artists.

See the best of the west

Relaxed and easy to explore, Perth is one of the most vibrant metro destinations in Australia. In this spectacular, contemporary city, you’ll find retail therapy, fine dining, arts and culture, and parks and beaches. It’s these charms and many more that attract visitors from across the country and around the world. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do in and around Perth.

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