The Essential Travel Guide: Best Things To Do in Perth

It's the sunniest state of Australia and the west coast is a winner in any beach beauty competitions; so is it any surprise Western Australia's capital, Perth, is a holiday hotspot? 

Set on the very western fringe of Australia, Perth might be the most remote state capital in the entire world - it's closer to Jakarta than it is Canberra - but when you get there, this little stunner is packed with adventures to challenge all styles of holidaymaker, from the fly-and-floppers to wine-and-diners, culture vultures and even extreme outdoor action hunters. 

To plan a holiday in Western Australia, read on for our guide to the best things to do in Perth for families, friends, couples, solo travellers, and everyone in between.

You want beach? Perth gives seriously good beach. The coastal capital knows how to turn on a sweeping beach panorama, from the aquamarine waters of Cottesloe to the snorkelling paradise of Rottnest Island. 

Charismatic Perth is a cosmopolitan little charmer; snap up a city break, a wilderness adventure, eat yourself crazy or give the vocal chords a workout at one of its superior sports stadiums. There are plenty of free things to do in Perth as well as unforgettable museums and unique locations to explore.

Perth is a great destination for families, whether you're toting tots or teens. From learning disguised as play, or critter meet-and-greets, there’s plenty to see and do if you’re visiting Perth as a family. 

A labyrinth of fascinating displays and exhibits await at Scitech, Perth’s science museum. Serving up fun science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, kids of all ages will love this interactive learning experience. Visit the Planetarium, catch live science shows, and soak up all the weird and wonderful facts about the world at large.

Scitech is located at the City West Centre and is open daily. 

Have you ever met a sun bear? A hop, skip, and a jump from the centre of Perth, Perth Zoo is home to species from all corners of the globe, and the stars of the show include sun bears, lions, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers and of course, everyone’s favourite cuddly locals, koalas.

Visit the Perth Zoo website to book tickets and find suggested day itineraries and activities, including animal feeding and educational talks. The prehistoric Zoorassic Park also runs quiet, low-sensory sessions amongst its life-sized dinosaurs.

Perth Zoo is located at 20 Labouchere Rd and open every day of the year. 

Love the kids? Let them swim with sharks. For underwater adventures, the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA), with giant tanks filled with colourful, exotic species, this marine exhibit takes visitors on a fascinating journey around the stunning coastline of Western Australia.

In a single day, you’ll discover the WA's crazily diverse sea life and get up close and personal with sharks, seahorses, and stingrays. Want to make your trip even more memorable? AQWA also offers dives with sharks and glass-bottom boat tours. 

AQWA is located at Hillarys Boat Harbour, around 30 minutes from the centre of Perth, open daily from 9am to 4pm (excluding Christmas Day).

Just like Melbourne, Perth is a city that sits on an iconic river. Where the city meets the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is a waterfront precinct full of excitement and family attractions.

Float along the water on one of the scenic river cruises that depart from the quay. Grab yourself a scoop from Gusto Gelato. Take the kids to the playground where they can build sandcastles and climb along the pirate ship-inspired play equipment.

Complete the afternoon with a public art walk, taking in the wide range of public art on display by the quay.

Aaaah, beautiful Rotty! Rottnest Island is a star of social media, thanks to its always-smiling quokkas, those cheery little marsupials that have become the state's unofficial mascot. These Rottnest locals seem to know when the camera is turned on them - they do love a good selfie - but keep your distance, they're still wild at heart. 

Quokkas aren't the only reason to visit Rotty - glittering waters and white sands that'll have you reaching for your sunglasses, and coral reefs and tropical fish that'll have you reaching for your snorkel, and its West Cape is a hotspot for whale spotting during the migration season, from April to December.

Rottnest Island is easily accessible by ferry from Perth and Fremantle. It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. It takes around 90 minutes from central Perth and 45 minutes from Fremantle, making it one of the best day trips from Perth. 

Back in the city, match the views of nature with views of the city from the very top of the Perth Bell Tower. The tower is still home to the many bells that ring out over Perth, filling the city with music.

The bells are part of Perth’s long history, though the façade of the tower has been upgraded over the years, and now you can travel to the top of the tower and look out the glass walls and onto the sprawling city beneath. 

Freewheeling and fun, Perth's great for mates. No matter your tastes - be it craft brews to craft markets, or going to prison, Perth's got it covered.

Craft beer and Fremantle go together like fish and chips or salt and vinegar. You can just call this pretty port city "Freo" like the rest of Perth does, then join them all for a tasty pint down by the beach. 

Its craft beer scene includes old-timer Sail & Anchor, built in 1901 and still going strong today, with 40 beer taps. Turn it into a craft beer tour, with a visit to Gage Road Brewing Company for locally inspired and brewed craft beers such as its Single Fin summer ale and the Yeah Buoy non-alcoholic XPA. And then add WA's top beer export, Little Creatures Brewery, which was started by a group of mates; sign up for a tour, which includes a beer-tasting board - bonus! 

Freo's within easy reach from Perth, a 28-minute drive or, if you're planning a few brews, take the train. 

Everyone's got to eat, whether you're a fanatical foodie or you’re looking for cool shopping spots and hangouts for a bite to eat, Fremantle Markets are a must.

Steeped in history, the markets have run for over 100 years and are famous for fresh fruit and vegetables, ready-to-eat food stalls, as well as homewares, accessories, clothing, toys, books and antiques. The hall offers a diverse range of outlets and stalls to quench your thirst and keep hunger pangs at bay. 

Fremantle Markets open each week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They are located on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street. 

Travel back in time and discover the rich history and chequered past of Fremantle Prison with an intriguing behind-the-bars tour. Learn the backstory of this famous jail, discover the crimes and misdemeanours of some of its most infamous residents, and see what it’s like to spend time in a cell. For those who are brave enough, take the tunnels and torchlight tour for an eerie insight into life behind bars.

Fremantle Prison tours have group discounts available. The prison is located at 1 The Terrace, Fremantle. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm with eerie evening tours available on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

From eco-aware to botanic-inspired, Perth does wellness, as its day-spa scene reflects. With unique flora and coastal energy, slipping into one of the city's day spas lets you take time out with friends, while still having a uniquely local experience. Try Greenhaus Studio for sustainable spa treatments or Annasha Day Spa Retreat in the Perth Hills, or book in for a deep-tissue massage in Keishi Day Spa, the best spa in Perth. 

Green escapes are never far from Perth's mind, with rivers, beaches and parks on every side of the capital city. So when the shopping's done and all the food is eaten, slip into the fresh air, burn some energy, and take in Perth's breathtaking views. 

Kings Park is one of the world's largest city parks, and within it, you'll find the Western Australia Botanic Garden, home to more than 3,000 indigenous plants. And within this park-within-a-park is its jewel, the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.

The 620-metre bridge is suspended amongst eucalypt treetops, a 40-minute return walk with views of the Swan River and city skyline, the Canning River and the Marri woodland. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal art and explanations of the WA flora that surrounds you on one of the best walking trails in Perth.

Admission is free and the trail is open daily.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Perth is one of Australia's most beautiful city beaches, beloved by locals, where you'll catch them sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and snorkelling.

Great for families, friends and fitness fanatics, Cottesloe Beach is lined by bars and restaurants along Marine Parade, and its Sunday sessions at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel are legendary - just call it "The Cott" like everyone else. It's not just a beauty when the sun shines, stay for sunset as the sky changes colour as the daylight fades, to watch the sun sink over the ocean. 

For a fun-filled, active sightseeing adventure, take to the water to enjoy views of the city while reaping the rewards of a workout. The Swan River is an excellent base to test your kayaking skills or learn how to paddleboard. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can’t beat a relaxing paddle across the rippling waters. You'll find local providers offering kayak and paddleboard tours and hire.  

Food and wine lovers, rejoice! Perth is one of the best places in Australia to visit if you’re a fan of trying new dishes, eating out, and exploring Perth's laneways, vineyards, and wineries.

Love art, but also love a stylish bar? The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) obliges, with exciting classic and contemporary art, a cafe and bar where you can sample local wines and refuel. Check the gallery's website for news of its rooftop bar, for one of the best views in town. Admission to the gallery is free, but donations are encouraged.

You’ll find the gallery and rooftop bar in the Perth Cultural Centre, which is also home to the State Library of Western Australia, the State Theatre Centre and WA Museum Boola Bardipa a short walk from the Perth train station. The gallery is closed Tuesdays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. It is free to visit; voluntary donations are welcome. 

The Swan Valley is a wine lover's dream; close to the city, home to some great Australian wineries, it offers the chance to explore a New World take on classic varietals. Jump on a wine tour and tasting, then follow up with a great, winematched meal in one of the valley's wineries and cellar doors. 

Wines were first planted here in 1929, with some of the oldest vines in the country found here, amongst the rolling hills and green valleys. Take a half-day or full-day tour to learn all about making award-winning wines. To soak it all up, book an overnight stay at Novotel Swan Valley Vines Resort. 

Perth is a fantastic Australian holiday destination that caters for all comers. Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends or your dearly beloved, organising a family holiday, or looking for inspiration for a trip to celebrate a special occasion, Perth steps up to the plate.

Explore tranquil parks, chill on the beach, visit the zoo, cruise the river, sample local beer and wine, tour historic sites and galleries, and shop up a storm. There’s plenty to do in Perth, whatever type of holiday you enjoy most.

Ready to visit Perth? Be sure to book your Perth accommodation as you map out your perfect travel itinerary. 

Perth Airport (PER) is 15km from the city centre, with a direct train link that'll get you from the T1 (International & Virgin Australia)/T2 precinct into the city at Perth Station in just 18 minutes. Buses connect with T3/T4 Qantas terminals. 

Bring your runners or walking shoes if you're staying in the neat little centre of Perth - the city centre is walkable, and even better to explore by bike or e-bikes, which can be hired in the city. Bikes are also a great way to explore Rottnest Island, with bike and helmet hire available on the island.

Fremantle is 21km from Perth; it's a 30-minute train journey from Perth Station, with slower bus options available.  Several ferry companies run between Perth and Rottnest Island, with departures from Fremantle as well; most take about 30 minutes to reach quokka nirvana.

Spring and autumn are Perth's golden seasons - spring (September to November) is wildflower season and autumn (March to May) won't see you get baked on the beaches. It also means you're missing the peak Australian school holidays, in December and January, when temps are frequently scorching and the attractions and hotels are packed.

However, Western Australia's whale-watching season runs from April to December, and WA offers spectacular viewing of Blue, Humpback, and Southern Right whales on their annual holiday run.