Perth feels a whole world away from the other main cities in Australia. But with its gorgeous beaches, stunning natural spaces, top-rated restaurants, and hidden gems, it’s a city that’s punching well above its weight.
With that being said, knowing what to do whilst here can seem overwhelming, so we have whittled down to a variety of incredible experiences and things to do in Perth. Here are 23 must-do things to tick off on your next visit to Perth.
1. Visit the historic Perth Mint
The foundations for the Perth Mint were laid in 1896, and it’s still going strong today. Inside, you can learn all about WA’s gold rush history and how it continues to influence the state even today. See a live traditional gold pour, watch it get turned into real gold bullion, and take a look at some of the most unique gold nuggets in the world.
2. Get up close with wildlife at Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is an absolutely gorgeous place to spend the day. Home to over 150 different native and international species, and more than 1500 animals, this is your chance to see them up close, and learn how the zoo is an integral part of WA’s wildlife conservation efforts.
3. Explore Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a beautiful spot to see the city from a different angle. Grab a drink at one of the bars that surround it, or indulge in a long, lazy lunch at one of the top-quality dining options. Or look further afield, and catch the ferry to South Perth, Fremantle, or on to Rottnest Island.
4. Relax at Hyde Park
Nestled just a little outside of the CBD, Hyde Park is a beautiful leafy wetland. It’s a peaceful, yet busy, natural retreat, with two lakes full of energetic ducks, ibis, black swans, and other local birdlife. Stroll along the walking trails, and grab a coffee and mouthwatering pastry from one of the bakeries nearby.
5. Discover the Beauty of Kings Park
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Just minutes from the CBD, up the hill, it provides stunning views looking out over the city and the river. Inside you’ll discover an array of colourful and eye-catching native flora, with plenty of shaded walking tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, and hidden detours to explore. It’s a must-visit Perth destination.
6. Indulge in Perth’s best restaurants
Perth is known for its dynamic and evolving food scene. Experience the fine dining on offer at Wildflower and Post in the State Buildings, enjoy a cheap and cheerful feed at Le Vietnam, or escape to Japan with the udon noodles at Hifumiya. There’s something to tempt the taste buds of every type of food lover.
For a food and drink experience that’s as bold as it is diverse, head to Pirate Life Perth — a sprawling, multi-venue brewpub precinct in the heart of the CBD. With an in-house brewery and sophisticated dining at TOMA, a pastel-drenched cocktail bar (CRUSH), a moody basement rum lounge (honey), and a maze of Instagram-worthy moments, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure that delivers big on flavour and fun. Whatever your palate craves, Perth has something to tempt every type of food lover.
7. Explore WA Museum Boola Bardip
Extending and expanding the old museum space, WA Museum Boola Bardip is a bold, dramatic building that houses eight galleries and a 1000 square metre exhibition space. Inside, you can discover a range of exciting exhibitions showcasing WA’s historic, scientific, and artistic heart.
8. Experience hands-on science at Scitech Perth
Scitech has been a mainstay of Perth since 1988, providing a vivid, engaging, and family-friendly space to learn about the wonders of science. Featuring a range of interactive, hands-on exhibits, and a giant planetarium, it’s a must-visit for young and old alike looking to learn—and have fun doing it.
9. Spend a day at Perth’s stunning beaches
Perth is home to some of Australia’s best beaches. Sink your feet into the soft white sand at Cottesloe, with the Indiana Ocean Tea Rooms in the background. Watch the waves at Scarborough, or dive into the cool waters of City Beach. They’re some of our favourite spots for swimming, surfing, or catching an iconic WA sunset over the ocean.
10. Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)
Just outside Hillary’s Boat Harbour, AQWA lets you go on an underwater journey where you can learn all about sea life up and down WA’s coast. The highlight is an enclosed path under the water where you can see eye-to-eye with fish, sting rays, and sharks.
11. Go shopping at Hay Street Mall
Hay Street Mall is one of the focal points of Perth, providing a range of shopping options for everyone. From designer brands to ultra-cool street labels, whether it’s souvenirs or a good book, you’ll find it all here.
12. Walk across Matagarup Bridge
The stunning 370m long Matagarup Bridge straddles the Swan River between Perth and the Burswood precinct. A walk along is one thing, but adventure seekers can climb the bridge, heading 72 metres in the air to the viewing platform. Or if you’re feeling brave, the 400 m-long zipline across the river reaches speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour.
Discover more about Matagarup zip & climb adventures.
13. Experience nightlife and culture in Northbridge
Known as Perth’s entertainment precinct, Northbridge is a family-friendly cafe and dining location by day, with alleyways soaked in street art. But at night, it transforms into a vibrant hub for bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music.
14. Spend a day in Fremantle
Plan to get out of Perth a bit and head to the portside city of Fremantle. Soak in the scent of the ocean and explore the eclectic Fremantle markets. Learn the town’s history at the Maritime Museum, or explore the spooky Fremantle Prison. Indulge in some of the best coffee that WA has to offer while taking in the coastal vibes.
15. Take a photo at the iconic Blue Boat House
Nestled along the Swan River, halfway between the CBD and the University of Western Australia, is the striking Crawley Boatshed. Otherwise known as the Blue Boat House, it’s one of our most Instagrammable spots and a must-visit destination for a quintessentially Perth photo.
16. Spot kangaroos at Heirisson Island
Just across the water from the CBD is Heirisson Island, which just so happens to be a kangaroo sanctuary. Entry is free, and you can go in and respectfully and responsibly hang out with the family of grey kangaroos who live there.
17. Explore the charming suburb of Subiaco
Just a couple of suburbs over from the city, the leafy town of Subiaco awaits. Discover exceptional dining, gorgeous cafes and bars, and shopping with exciting designer brands. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Subi Night Markets for a great vibe and incredible food – the market runs on Saturday nights seasonally.
18. Browse Perth’s bustling markets
If you’re ever at a loss for what to do in Perth in the summer, know that a local market will never disappoint. Whether you feel like diving headfirst into the eccentric Fremantle markets, full of oddities, antiquities, and some surprising food options; lazing away the morning at the Subiaco farmers market, with its range of fresh fruit and vegetables; or visiting Scarborough for its famous sunset markets (where you can expect food, drinks, music and an incredible sunset) it feels like every Perth suburb has its own iconic market to explore.
19. See the historic Bell Tower
The Perth Bell Tower overlooks the river. A unique part of Perth’s story, you can visit this striking structure, walk up inside to learn about its history, and from the top take in panoramic views of Elizabeth Quay.
20. Escape into nature at John Oldham Park
John Oldham Park is tucked away along Mounts Bay Round, surrounded by roadways. But inside you wouldn’t know it. Discover a peaceful lake, relaxing greenery, tranquil gardens, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a place to escape and get away from it all, without leaving the city.
21. Visit Queens Gardens for a relaxing stroll
Queens Gardens is an urban oasis in East Perth. Explore beautifully manicured gardens, lakes full of water lilies, and plenty of space to get out, move your body, and be one with nature.
22. Discover the scenic Claisebrook Cove
Claisebrook Cove feels like its own little town. Just outside the CBD in East Perth, it’s an inner city park with waterways, shaded walkways, and a variety of mouthwatering cafes and restaurants to tempt you.
23. Attend an exciting event at RAC Arena
The RAC Arena is Perth’s home of the biggest names in entertainment. A world-class multipurpose venue, it’s the best place to catch some of the world’s most famous bands, sporting events, and live shows.
Get lost in the beauty of Perth
There are plenty of things to do in Perth—even more than we can fit into this brief list. So our advice? Get amongst it. Immerse yourself in what’s on offer, whether it’s a rejuvenating inner city garden, an exquisite meal, or experience some of the biggest names in live music, sport, comedy and other entertainment with us at RAC Arena.
