Before starting boat life I spent most of my life living in Perth, Western Australia. My family are still there so aside from the boat it's the place I most consider home. There's a lot for tourists and holidaymakers do around the city so I've created this round-up of 52 things you can do, see and explore while visiting Perth, Western Australia!
Before we get to the attractions just a little note about getting around Perth. Whether you're staying in a marina, at anchor or in a hotel, the easiest way to navigate the Perth urban sprawl is to drive. There are lots of car hire places around the city, just remember we drive on the left. Alternatively you might be able to use a combination of bike paths, rideshare and the Transperth public transport network to make your way around the city.
Now let's just into it, starting with where to see our adorable Australian animals!
Animals
Australian animals are fascinating and around Perth there's plenty of opportunities to see them. There's kangaroos, koalas, reptiles, wombats and even the famous quokka, a smiley little marsupial that can only be found in Western Australia!
1. CAVERSHAM WILDLIFE PARK
Located in Whiteman Park, the Caversham Wildlife Park is home to a huge range of Australian animals. There's well known creatures like koalas, wallabies, quokkas, kangaroos and wombats, as well as some you may not have heard of such as Tasmanian devils, sugar gliders, quolls and echidnas. The park offers interactive experiences and puts the park fees towards a range of conservation activities.
2. AQWA: THE AQUARIUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Up near Hillarys Boat Harbour is AQWA, the state's aquarium. It is home to over 45 different exhibits that showcase Western Australia's native marine life including sharks, stingrays, sea snakes, turtles and crocodiles. Some of the species are endemic to Western Australian waters so you won't see them anywhere else in the world! During your visit there are opportunities to swim with sharks, interact with the creatures, ride in a glass bottom boat, and go behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for.
3. HEIRISSON ISLAND
In a section of the Swan River that runs between East Perth and Victoria Park is Heirisson Island. A place of significant for the local indigenous people, it is home to a small group of western grey kangaroos. The island a convenient place to see kangaroos as it's only a 10-15 minute walk from Crown Perth or the Perth city center. Sit and enjoy a picnic while taking in views of the city and watching the kangaroos do their thing.
4. ARMIDALE REPTILE AND WILDLIFE CENTRE
Opened back in 1995 by passionate owners Klaas and Mieke Gaikhorst, the Armidale Reptile and Wildlife Centre is home to many Australian reptiles, mammals and birds. Most of these animals were rescued after being found sick, injured or abandoned, while others were surrendered or confiscated. Animals requiring permanent care live at the center while others a rehabilitated and released back into the wild. During your visit you can interact with and learn about the animals, before enjoying a picnic in the outdoor BBQ area.
5. PERTH ZOO
Close to the city center is the expansive Perth Zoo. The zoo has a huge range of animals from around the world and offers many different opportunities to learn about the creatures and zoo's conservation efforts. There are free keeper talks, feed sessions and guided tours, as well as paid close encounter experiences with many different animals including the red panda, tiger, bull elephant, Australian native animals, orangutan, sun bear and Galapagos tortoise.
Green Spaces
Perth has some beautiful and unique green spaces dotted around the city so if the weather is nice why not seize the opportunity and get outside, back into nature.
6. POINT PERON
Down near the Rockingham Foreshore at the southern end of Cockburn Sound is Point Peron. An oceanside nature reserve, it has walk trails, beaches and even a World War II era gun lookout. During your visit you'll likely see people enjoying the water and fishing, and if you keep an eye out you might spot a dolphin or two!
7. KINGS PARK
Perhaps the most famous park in Perth, Kings Park is right next to the Perth CBD. There is a huge amount to see and do within the park so here's a few ideas to start you off.
Walk through the Western Australian Botanic Garden
Relax at the Saw Avenue Picnic Area
Visit the State War Memorial
Wander along one of the many bushland trails
Let the kids go wild at the Rio Tinto Naturescape
Take in views of the city and Swan River from the Federation Walkway
Enjoy a family day out at May Drive Parkland
Climb the DNA Tower
8. WHITEMAN PARK
A bit further out from the CBD but with just as many things to see and do is Whiteman Park. A unique conservation area, it provides a recreation space for the community to enjoy while also protecting a significant underground water source. Here's a list of someone of the stand out spots to give you an idea of what a day at Whiteman Park could look like.
Walk along one of the many bush trails and shared use paths
Relax and reflect at The Healing Place
Try out orienteering as a new hobby
Take the kids to any of the four play spaces within the park
Play some tennis, basketball or cricket (you can borrow equipment)
Visit one of the transport museums
Check out the Caversham Wildlife Park
9. WOODMAN POINT
Another beachside nature reserve, Woodman Point Regional Park is approximately 20km south of the Perth CBD. During the late 1800's the area was used as a Quarantine Station and during the world wars ammunition storage was built there. By exploring the bushy trails you can discover signs of both, including a small, abandoned crematorium. Aside from that there are a few picnic areas with playgrounds and the nearby beach is a popular spot for swimming, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
10. POINT WALTER & BLACKWALL REACH
On the south side of the river is a stretch of the Swan River called Point Walter and Blackwall Reach. Point Walter is a picnic, swimming and watersports area with a small jetty, cafe and playground. The highlight is a long sandbar that goes out into the river which you can sometimes spot dolphins from.
Walking further along is the Blackwall Reach Nature Reserve, which has paths that wind through bushland along the top of natural limestone cliffs. There are a few cliff jumping spots along the way with local names like "Chickens" and "Nevers". This video by another Perth local gives you an idea of what it's like.
11. YABEROO BUDJARA HERITAGE TRAIL
A 28km walking trail north of Perth, the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail runs from Lake Joondalup to Yanchep National Park. Along the trail there are signs highlighting the Aboriginal and historical significance of different locations, with the trail itself being based on the movements of local tribes. If you don't feel like doing the whole thing it's fine, the trail is broken into 5 smaller sections.
12. ARALUEN BOTANIC PARK
Home to a huge variety of Australian and international flora, Araluen Botanic Park has 15 hectares of carefully cared for gardens surrounded by 44 hectares of native Australia plant life. The prime time to go is between mid-October and May when the collection of over 3000 rose bushes is flowering.
13. BOLD PARK
Around 10km north of the CBD is Bold Park, a nature reserve with views of the city and the sea. It's a good place to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. As a bonus, there are also guided walks led by the Friends of Bold Park Bushland who can provide insight into the biodiversity, history and ongoing conservation projects.
History
From the Indigenous people to the early colonists and migrants who arrived later, Western Australia has a unique and interesting history. Across the city there are museums that explore different aspects of the history through interactive displays and artifacts that tell the stories of the past.
14. WA MUSEUM BOOLA BARDIP
Recently renovated, the WA Museum Boola Bardip is the main museum of Western Australia. Located in the Perth Cultural Center it has permanent exhibits exploring the Indigenous history, treasures from the State collection, reflections of stories from the past, innovations, the states' connections to Australia and the world, and diverse ecosystems found in WA now and in the past. There are also visiting exhibits which you an learn about on their website.
15. WA MARITIME MUSEM
The WA Maritime Museum explores the maritime history of Western Australia with interactive exhibits, displays and guided tours. If you're fascinated by naval history then you can't miss a tour of HMAS Ovens, a Cold War era submarine used by the Royal Australian Navy, and sailing buffs will love seeing the America's Cup winning yacht, Australia II, which took the title in 1983.
16. WA SHIPWRECKS MUSEUM
Not far from the WA Maritime Museum is the WA Shipwrecks Museum, which focuses on historic wrecks and maritime archeology. House inside a historic building, the museum is filled with artifacts that have been salvaged off the Western Australian coastline. One of the highlights is the Batavia Gallery which explores the brutal shipwreck and mutiny of the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia in 1629.
17. FREMANTLE ROUND HOUSE
The first permanent building of the Swan River Colony, the Round House was opened in 1831. Initially a prison then police lock up, it came under the control of the Fremantle Harbour Trust in 1936 who eventually opened it to the public as a historic site. There are free tours that explain the history and underneath is a tunnel you can walk through that originally connected the beach to the Bathers Beach Whaling Station.
18. FREMANTLE PRISON
A World Heritage Site, the Fremantle Prison was opened in 1855 and continued to be used until 1991. After it was closed the site was persevered and today you can visit as part of an organised tour. Each tour covers different aspect of the prison history and you can combine tours for a better deal.
Convict Prison Tour: Explores the convict period from the 1850s-1886
Behind Bars: The maximum security prison history from 1887-1991
True Crime: Stories of some of the prisons most notorious inmates
Tunnels Tour: Explore the watery tunnels in the rock under the prison
Torchlight Tour: A night tour filled wit haunting tales
19. THE PERTH MINT
The Perth Mint is an internationally trusted precious metal refiner located in the Perth CBD. It's the only government and guaranteed precious metals business in the world and has operated for over 120 years. While in Perth you can tour the Perth Mint, seeing the world's largest gold coin and watching a live gold pour.
20. RAAFA AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM
In the quiet suburb of Bull Creek is Western Australia's Aviation Heritage Museum. Caringly maintained by the Royal Australian Air Force Association of Western Australia (RAAFA) it houses a collected of aircraft including an Arvo Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire, Tiger Moth and MK20 Canberra. There are aircraft and cockpit tours available as well as virtual reality experiences.
21. ARMY MUSEUM OF WA
The Army Museum of Western Australia is operated by the Australian Defence Force with the support of volunteers from the museum's foundation. The museum has galleries that cover various parts of Australian war history including World War 1, Prisoners of War, World War 2 and Port 1945. There is also a collection of military vehicles to view. If you don't know much about the ANZAC's and their role in Australia's history the museum provides a good opportunity to learn.
The Arts
From the early Indigenous people through to today, Australians have produced significant pieces of Art. In Perth there are a few places you can go to enjoy the arts.
22. ART GALLERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The state's premier art gallery, the Art Gallery of Western Australia has over 17,000 artworks in its collection of which around 10% is on display. It offers free walking tours of the collection and there are temporary exhibitions which you can check out on their website.
23. STREET ART TOURS
Perth has quite a vibrant street art scene with the CBD, Fremantle and Leederville being three places you're likely to see it. To get the best street art experience you can join a walking tour which takes you through the history and meaning of a series of pieces. Personally I've been on the Perth tour run by Oh Hey WA and it was excellent!
24. GO SEE A SHOW
Live shows are actually quite popular in Perth! If you're interested in going to a show these are just some of the venues that might have something on.
Perth Concert Hall
Crown Perth Theatre
His Majesty's Theatre
State Theatre Centre
The Regal Theatre
RAC Arena
Perth Comedy Lounge
The Perth Fringe World Festival which takes place toward the start of the year is also a great arts event if you're around during that time!
Beaches
Australia is known for its beaches and Perth is no exception! There are white sandy beaches with clear water all the way up the coast, and since its the west coast you can enjoy an ocean sunset every night.
25. CITY BEACH
City Beach is a swimming beach with plenty of parking and some picnic grounds nearby. There are a few nice restaurants overlooking the water including Hamptons City Beach, a personal favourite of mine! To the north is Floreat Beach and south is Swanbourne Beach, which has a nude bathing area.
26. MARMION MARINE PARK
The Marmion Marine Park is a protected stretch of coastline and reef that runs from Trigg Beach to Burns Beach in Perth's north. Mettams Pool and Hamersley Pool offer some of the best beachside snorkeling while Trigg Beach has a popular surf break.
27. BATHERS BEACH
Bathers Beach is in Fremantle and is a popular place for people to walk in the water and maybe have a dip. There's a beach house restaurant that overlooks the ocean and it's opposite the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, where local institutions Kalis Fishmarket Cafe and Circerello's Fremantle can be found.
28. SOUTH BEACH
Just south of Fremantle next to the Fremantle Sailing Club is South Beach. This dog friendly beach is a popular spot for people to swim then enjoy a family BBQ or picnic. At the southern end there's a couple of casual cafes and nearby there's a stop for the free Fremantle CAT Bus.
29. COTTESLOE BEACH
Possibly the most famous beach in Perth, Cottesloe seems to be one spot international visitors always visit. It has white sandy beaches, clear water and a beautiful tea house that houses a restaurant on the top floor. In March Cottesloe plays host to an annual outdoor art gallery exhibition called Sculptures by the Sea.
30. COOGEE BEACH
Growing up Coogee Beach was my local beach. The waters tend to be very calm and has a permanent shark net so is a good option for people who are a little nervous about swimming in the ocean. There's a jetty to jump off, a few floating pontoons and at the northern end is the wreck of the Omeo, a popular snorkeling spot.
31. PORT BEACH
In Perth there's an afternoon sea breeze we call the Fremantle Doctor. When it starts to blow or there's a south westerly wind, Port Beach is one spot that can be a little more protected.
Other Places to Visit
There are a few other places in Perth that a worth a visit depending on where your interests lie. Some offer adrenaline pumping experiences while others help you connect with local artisans and businesses.
32. ELIZABETH QUAY
A recent addition to the cityscape, Elizabeth Quay is a waterfront entertainment precinct with play spaces, boutique shopping, public art displays and eateries. It's worth checking what's going on when you're in town in case there's any special events.
33. HILLARYS BOAT HARBOUR
An entertainment precinct, Hillarys Boat Harbour has bars, restaurants, ice-cream shops, boutique shopping, a swimming area and aquapark. Near the main building is the AQWA aquarium and on the other side of the marina is the lighthouse as well as a fast ferry terminal which takes people out to Rottnest Island.
34. HAY STREET & MURRAY STREET MALLS
When it comes to inner city shopping the Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall are the two main places to go. As you walk along make sure you check out any of the side streets that catch your eye and look out for unique pieces of street art. When you get hungry or thirsty take your pick, there are pubs, restaurants, cafes and breweries everywhere!
35. FREMANTLE MARKETS
Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Fremantle Markets are filled a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, homemade snacks, artisan goods and unique products. Just outside there's a small square where you often see talented buskers and along the street are a series of cafe and restaurants to enjoy a spot of brunch before you explore everything else Fremantle has to offer.
36. THE BELL TOWER
Completed at the turn of the millennium the Bell Tower houses twelve bells with a history that goes back past the 14th century. They once rang at the St Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square, London and were a gift to the state of Western Australia. You can choose to simply visit the tower and observation deck, or take a tour to go behind the scenes to learn more about the bells. During your visit try to spot the names of thousands of children who were in the first or last year of school in 1999, including my sister!
37. ADVENTURE WORLD
Adventure World is a local theme park with roller coasters, go carts, water slides, rides for every age group and a nature park. It's a busy place where kids can go wild under the watchful eye of parent, staff and lifeguards. Sometimes the park has special night or adult only events which you can find out about on their website.
38. PERTH WAKE PARK
During the summer months give wakeboarding and knee boarding a try at the Perth Wake Park in Baldivis. The only cable wake park in the state, it has a main cable with obstacles, two beginner cables for learners, a cafe, bar and hire shop. Staff tend to be passionate riders themselves so if you want any advice, just ask!
39. PERTH AQUA PARK
Next to the Perth Wake Park is the Perth Aqua Park, a huge, inflatable floating playground. There's over 100 obstacles to tackle including slides, climbing walls and jumping platforms. Recently they're added a dry course as well which is more suited to the little ones.
40. SCITECH
Scitech is a not-for-profit science center with exhibits, live shows and the largest planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere. It's an interactive experience that helps people engage with science in a fun way, teaching STEM concepts through permanent and visiting exhibitions.
41. PERTH OBSERVATORY
The night skies around Perth can be very clear and out at the Perth Observatory you get an excellent change to see the universe in all its glory. There are a few different tours to choose from but the key focus is either the night sky at large or specifically the moon. Explore it all via a high powered telescope then finish the experience with a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
42. CAR RACING
Perth is home to quite a few speedways and Motorplex's that host different events. Some also have go cart or ride along experiences for you to try out!
Perth Motorplex for drag racing and speedway
CARCO.com.au Raceway for draft, motorbike and car racing
WA Motor Museum to see historic and modern cars
Day Trips
There's quite a few spots near Perth that are a great option for a day trip. You'll generally need a car to do it but it can be well worth the expense for the experience!
43. YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK
Located north of the city, Yanchep National Park is a great place to see koalas and kangaroos. You can explore Crystal Cave or Yonderup Cave during a guided tour or get off the ground at Treetops Adventure Yanchep. If you feel like staying for more than a day it's easy enough, you can just set up camp at Henry White Oval.
52km | 45 minutes from Perth CBD
44. SWAN VALLEY
The Swan Valley is a picturesque region filled with vineyards, wineries, gourmet food producers and local artisans. There are so many places to visit but the highlights include Sandalford Wines, Mandoon Estate, Funk Brewshed, and Whistler’s Chocolate Co. To see the Swan Valley you can do a self guided driving tour or join one of the many wine tours on offer.
25 km | 35 minutes from Perth CBD
45. PENGUIN ISLAND
Just off the coast of Rockingham lies Penguin Island. This small but beautiful place is home to many creatures including penguins and sea lions. During your visit you can join a wildlife tour or cruise, swim with wild dolphins, search the rockpools, swim at the beach or stroll along one of the many oceanside paths.
55km | 50 minutes from Perth CBD + 5 minute ferry ride
46. ROTTNEST ISLAND
The largest island off Perth's coast, Rottnest is internationally renowned as being the home of the quokka. This furry little marsupial is endemic to the state with the largest population being on Rottnest. During your time on the island you can snorkel the reefs, go surfing, learn about the history, cycle the bike paths, tour the World War II gun batteries or join a free guided tour. It's possible to stay on Rottnest overnight or take your own boat if you're a cruiser.
12km | 25 minutes ferry ride from Fremantle
47. SERPENTINE FALLS
Located in the Serpentine National Part, Serpentine Falls is a cascading waterfall that fills a large swimming hole at the bottom. It's a great place to spend a day out bush, swimming and picnicking. Starting at the falls there are a few hiking trails to explore including Falls Walk Trail, Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track and Kitty’s Gorge.
67km | 55 minutes from Perth CBD
48. PERTH'S OUTBACK SPLASH
North of the city is Perth's Outback Splash, a funpark with water slides, pools, a water playground, mini golf, koalas and mazes. It's a great place to spend the day together as a family, especially in the summer when you can take advantage of everything the park has to offer.
42km | 35 minutes from Perth CBD
49. GRAVITY DISCOVERY CENTRE
Out towards to small town of Gingin is the Gravity Discovery Centre. It's well suited to those with a scientific mind who are curious about the universe. During the day you can check out the Cosmology Galley, climb the Leaning Tower and look for wildflowers. At night the facility's astronomers and an Indigenous elder can teach you about the universe using their world class telescope and stargazing space.
77km | 55 minutes from Perth CBD
50. JOHN FORREST NATIONAL PARK
If you like being outdoors then a day trip to John Forrest National Park is worth considering. The park is littered with hiking trails as well as historic railway tracks and waterfalls. Some spaces have panoramic views of Perth and at the end of the day you can enjoy a well earned meals at one of the nearby country pubs.
30km | 35 minutes from Perth CBD
51. MUNDARING WEIR
Built in 1903 the Mundaring Weir supplies much of Perth's water. It was designed by the brilliant engineer CY O'Connor as part of his ambitious plan to supply Kalgoorlie with fresh water, a small mining town located over 500km to the east! The reservoir is surrounded by walking trails and lookouts and it's possible to tour the historic No 1 Pump Station to learn more about the dam and its history.
41km | 45 minutes from Perth CBD
52. PINNACLES
In the Nambung National Park there's a series of natural limestone rock formations called the Pinnacles. They were formed over 20,000 years ago when the sea receded and left behind deposits of sea shells. Today the Pinnacles are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state to visit, in part due to its proximity to Perth.
188km | 120 minutes from Perth CBD
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