Discover 25 of the best things to do in Perth, including Rottnest Island, Kings Park, Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach, Swan Valley, wildlife and day trips.
Perth combines beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, excellent food and wine, wildlife, Aboriginal culture and some of Western Australia's most popular attractions.
Whether you're visiting Perth for a weekend, using the city as the starting point for a Western Australia road trip, or staying for a week or more, there's much more to see than the city centre alone.
You can spend the morning exploring native bushland in Kings Park, swim at Cottesloe in the afternoon and watch the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean that evening. Add Rottnest Island, Fremantle and the Swan Valley, and it's easy to fill several days without travelling far from the city.
If you're wondering what to do in Perth, here are 25 of the best experiences to add to your itinerary.
1. Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden
No first visit to Perth is complete without spending some time at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.Sitting high above the city and the Swan River, the park offers some of Perth's most recognisable views. It covers around 400 hectares, with roughly two-thirds retained as native bushland.
The Western Australian Botanic Garden displays more than 3,000 species of WA flora, making Kings Park particularly impressive during wildflower season.
Walk along Fraser Avenue, visit the State War Memorial, follow the bushland trails or simply find somewhere on the lawns to enjoy the city skyline.
Kings Park is also one of the best free things to do in Perth and is easy to reach from the CBD. (Biodiversity WA)
Best for: City views, walking, wildflowers and sunsets.
2. Walk Around Elizabeth Quay
Head down to the Swan River and you'll reach Elizabeth Quay, Perth's modern waterfront precinct.The area has promenades, restaurants, public art, playgrounds and attractive views across the water. It's also home to the ferry terminal and Barrack Street Jetty, where several Perth river cruises depart.
Walk across the Elizabeth Quay Bridge, continue towards the Bell Tower or stop for a drink overlooking the river.
It's particularly pleasant in the late afternoon as the temperature drops and the city begins to light up. (Visit Perth)
Best for: Waterfront walks, photography and an easy introduction to Perth.
3. Cruise the Swan River
The Swan River – Derbarl Yerrigan runs through the heart of Perth and plays a huge role in the city's character.One of the most relaxing ways to experience it is from the water.
Cruises operate between Perth and destinations including Fremantle and the Swan Valley, while the public ferry between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth provides a much cheaper alternative if you simply want a short trip across the river.
You can also cycle or walk sections of the riverside paths around the CBD, South Perth, East Perth and Burswood.
Best for: Relaxed sightseeing and seeing Perth from a different perspective.
4. Spend an Afternoon at Cottesloe Beach
When people picture a classic Perth beach, Cottesloe is often the one they have in mind.The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and snorkelling, while the grassy foreshore beneath the Norfolk Island pines is ideal for picnics.
One of the simplest Perth experiences is to arrive late in the afternoon, go for a swim and stay to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars nearby, and Cottesloe can be reached from Perth by train and a walk to the coast. (Western Australia)
Best for: Swimming, sunsets and your first Perth beach experience.
5. Watch the Sunset at Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach has a livelier atmosphere than Cottesloe and is another favourite with both locals and visitors.The beachfront has restaurants, cafes, bars and plenty of space for walking or relaxing near the water.
Scarborough can be especially good if you want to combine a beach afternoon with dinner or drinks after sunset.
Perth's west-facing coastline means the sun sets directly over the ocean, and watching that happen should be on almost every Perth itinerary.
Best for: Beach life, restaurants and sunsets.
6. Take a Day Trip to Rottnest Island
If you only take one major day trip from Perth, make it Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.Located around 19 kilometres offshore, Rottnest is famous for turquoise bays, beaches, snorkelling, cycling and its resident quokkas.
The island is predominantly car-free, so visitors generally explore by bicycle, walking trails or bus.
Popular stops include The Basin, Pinky Beach, Parker Point, Salmon Bay and West End.
Ferries operate from Fremantle, Hillarys and central Perth. The Fremantle crossing takes about 30 minutes, making it particularly convenient for a day trip. (Rottnest Island)
Best for: Beaches, cycling, snorkelling and wildlife.
7. Meet the Quokkas on Rottnest Island
The island's most famous residents deserve their own place on this list.Quokkas wander freely around Wadjemup and are often spotted close to the settlement and elsewhere around the island.
Photos with quokkas have become enormously popular, but remember these are wild animals. Give them space and don't feed or handle them.
Rottnest is worth visiting even without the quokkas, but encountering one while cycling between beaches is something many visitors remember long after their holiday.
Best for: Wildlife and photography.
8. Cycle Around Rottnest Island
Rather than remaining close to the main settlement, hire a bicycle and explore more of Rottnest.A network of sealed roads takes you past beaches, salt lakes, historic sites and coastal lookouts.
You don't have to cycle the entire island. Choose a route suited to your fitness level and stop regularly for swimming and sightseeing.
If cycling doesn't appeal, the island bus provides another easy way to reach many of the main locations.
Rottnest's combination of cycling and secluded beaches makes it one of the most distinctive experiences available close to Perth. (Rottnest Island)
Best for: Active travellers and exploring beyond the settlement.
9. Go Snorkelling at Rottnest
Pack a snorkel if you're visiting Rottnest during suitable weather.The waters surrounding the island contain reefs, marine sanctuaries, tropical fish and historic shipwrecks.
Parker Point has a popular snorkelling trail, while places such as The Basin and several sheltered bays can provide good swimming and snorkelling conditions.
The clarity of the water is one of the reasons Rottnest is much more than simply somewhere to photograph a quokka. (Rottnest Island)
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling and marine life.
10. Spend a Day Exploring Fremantle
About 25 minutes from central Perth by train, Fremantle – Walyalup feels like a destination in its own right.Historic buildings, maritime heritage, cafes, restaurants, breweries, street art and quirky independent shops give "Freo" a very different atmosphere from Perth CBD.
Walk around the West End, explore the waterfront, visit the markets and finish the day with dinner around the harbour or one of Fremantle's laneways.
Fremantle works perfectly as either a full day trip or as a stop before or after catching a ferry to Rottnest Island. (Western Australia)
Best for: Heritage, restaurants, markets and nightlife.
11. Tour Fremantle Prison
One of Western Australia's most important historic attractions is Fremantle Prison.The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offers several guided experiences exploring its convict origins and later life as a working prison.
Current options include convict history, prison life and true-crime tours, while more adventurous visitors can investigate underground tunnels beneath the complex.
The Gatehouse area can be visited without taking a full tour, but a guided tour reveals considerably more of the site's history. (Visit Fremantle)
Best for: History and something very different from Perth's beaches.
12. Browse Fremantle Markets
Another classic Fremantle experience is wandering through the Fremantle Markets.Expect food, fresh produce, small retailers, crafts and a bustling atmosphere in a historic setting.
Combine the markets with Fremantle Prison, Cappuccino Strip and the waterfront and you have an easy full-day itinerary from Perth.
Check current trading days before travelling, particularly if the markets are one of the main reasons for your visit.
Best for: Food, shopping and atmosphere.
13. Visit WA Museum Boola Bardip
For a deeper understanding of Western Australia, visit WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre.The museum explores the state's people, natural environment, history and connections with the wider world through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
It's an especially useful attraction on one of Perth's occasional rainy or extremely hot days.
The museum currently opens daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with public-holiday exceptions, and children aged 15 and under receive free general admission. Always check current admission details before visiting. (Western Australian Museum)
Best for: History, culture, families and wet-weather days.
14. Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Next door in Perth Cultural Centre is the Art Gallery of Western Australia – AGWA.Its collections and exhibitions include Australian, international and Aboriginal art, alongside changing contemporary exhibitions.
General gallery admission is currently free, with donations encouraged, making this another excellent low-cost attraction in central Perth. (The Art Gallery of Western Australia)
Combine AGWA with Boola Bardip and Northbridge for an easy cultural day in the city.
Best for: Art, culture and free attractions.
15. Eat and Drink Your Way Around Northbridge
Immediately north of Perth railway station, Northbridge is one of the city's main food, entertainment and nightlife districts.Restaurants represent cuisines from around the world, while bars, pubs, music venues and independent shops keep the neighbourhood busy well into the evening.
It's also next to the Perth Cultural Centre, making it easy to combine Northbridge with the museum and art gallery.
Come for dinner and stay for the atmosphere. (Visit Perth)
Best for: Restaurants, nightlife and evening entertainment.
16. See a Live Gold Pour at The Perth Mint
Western Australia's development is closely linked with gold, and The Perth Mint provides an entertaining introduction to that history.Its guided Gold Tour includes a live gold pour, historic displays and the famous one-tonne Australian Kangaroo gold coin.
The Mint occupies its original East Perth site dating from 1899 and remains an unusual attraction to find right in a modern capital city.
The shop and grounds can be visited without paying for the full tour. (Perth Mint)
Best for: WA history, families and an unusual city attraction.
17. Visit Perth Zoo
Cross the Swan River to South Perth and spend a few hours at Perth Zoo.The zoo is home to Australian and international animals and is particularly convenient because of its proximity to central Perth.
You can combine the visit with a ferry ride from Elizabeth Quay and a walk along the South Perth foreshore.
Perth Zoo recommends allowing at least half a day, with a full day giving you more time to explore. (PerthZooWebsite)
Best for: Families and animal lovers.
18. Walk the South Perth Foreshore
For one of the best skyline views in Perth, head to South Perth.From the foreshore you'll look directly across the Swan River towards the CBD.
The area is particularly attractive around sunset and after dark when the city lights reflect across the water.
Catch the ferry from Elizabeth Quay, walk along the river and combine the trip with Perth Zoo or dinner in South Perth.
Best for: Photography, walking and skyline views.
19. Explore the Swan Valley
You don't need to travel as far as Margaret River to experience Western Australian wine country.The Swan Valley is around 30 minutes from central Perth and is Western Australia's oldest wine region.
Its roughly 32-kilometre visitor loop incorporates wineries, cellar doors, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, galleries and food producers.
The region has nearly two centuries of winemaking history and around 150 attractions, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring. (Western Australia)
If everyone in your group wants to taste wine, consider taking an organised tour rather than driving.
Best for: Wine, food and easy Perth day trips.
20. Explore Optus Stadium and Burswood
Even if you aren't attending an AFL or cricket match, the Optus Stadium and Burswood precinct is worth seeing.The stadium sits beside the Swan River with attractive walking and cycling paths connecting the surrounding parklands.
On event days, the atmosphere changes completely as tens of thousands of spectators arrive.
Depending on what's operating during your visit, stadium tours and other attractions may also be available.
Tourism Western Australia lists Optus Stadium as one of the defining landmarks framing modern Perth. (Western Australia)
Best for: Sport and riverside walks.
21. Visit AQWA at Hillarys Boat Harbour
If you're interested in Western Australia's marine environment, head north to AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia at Hillarys Boat Harbour.AQWA showcases marine life found along more than 12,000 kilometres of the Western Australian coastline.
Its location at Hillarys means you can combine the aquarium with lunch, the harbour and nearby beaches.
AQWA is around 30 minutes from Perth CBD and currently opens seven days a week except Christmas Day. (AQWA)
Best for: Families, marine life and rainy days.
22. Discover Perth's Aboriginal Culture
Perth is Boorloo, on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.Rather than seeing Aboriginal culture as an addition to your trip, consider making it part of understanding the destination itself.
Guided cultural experiences can introduce visitors to Noongar history, traditional knowledge and the continuing cultural significance of places around Perth and the Swan River.
Tourism Western Australia specifically highlights immersive Aboriginal experiences among the ways visitors can discover Perth and its surrounds. (Western Australia)
Best for: Culture and understanding Perth beyond the usual attractions.
23. Explore Perth's Coastline
Don't restrict yourself to one beach.Perth has a long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline, and driving or cycling portions of it can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day.
Depending on your route, explore beaches and coastal neighbourhoods around:
Cottesloe, City Beach, Scarborough, Trigg, North Beach and Hillarys.
Stop wherever looks appealing, swim when conditions allow and time your final stop for sunset.
This is one of those simple experiences that explains why the outdoor lifestyle is such a large part of living in Perth.
Best for: Beaches, road trips and spontaneous exploring.
24. Take a Day Trip to Mandurah
If you've already explored central Perth, head south to Mandurah – Mandjoogoordap.The coastal city is known for waterways, canals, beaches and its resident dolphins, and can be reached in around an hour from Perth.
Tourism Western Australia highlights dolphin spotting, canal cruises, wetlands and beaches among Mandurah's attractions. (Western Australia)
It makes a straightforward Perth day trip without requiring the distances involved in travelling to Margaret River or the South West.
Best for: Dolphins, waterways and an easy day trip.
25. Watch an Indian Ocean Sunset
The final recommendation doesn't require a ticket, a tour or even much planning.Find a beach and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Because Perth lies on Australia's west coast, sunsets are an everyday attraction.
Cottesloe and Scarborough are obvious choices, but almost anywhere along Perth's coastline can provide a memorable view on the right evening.
Grab some takeaway food, arrive before sunset and stay as the colours change over the ocean.
Sometimes one of the best things to do in Perth is also one of the simplest.
Best for: Everyone.
How Many Days Do You Need in Perth?
For a first visit, I'd recommend at least four or five days if possible.That gives you enough time for Perth itself plus Fremantle and Rottnest Island without rushing.
With a week, you could comfortably add the Swan Valley, more beach time and another day trip.
A possible five-day itinerary would be:
Day 1: Perth CBD, Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park
Day 2: Rottnest Island
Day 3: Fremantle and Cottesloe
Day 4: Swan Valley
Day 5: Perth beaches, museums or Perth Zoo
If Perth is the beginning of a longer Western Australia trip, allow additional time for destinations such as Margaret River, Esperance, Kalbarri, Ningaloo Reef or Broome.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Perth?
Perth can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.Spring – September to November is particularly attractive for wildflowers, walking and generally comfortable weather.
Summer – December to February is ideal for beaches, although temperatures can become very hot.
Autumn – March to May can offer warm weather without the peak of summer heat.
Winter – June to August is cooler and wetter, but you can still get clear sunny days and attractions are often less crowded.
If beaches and Rottnest are major priorities, warmer months usually provide the classic Perth experience.
What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Perth?
Perth is surprisingly easy to enjoy without spending much.Kings Park, Perth's beaches, Elizabeth Quay, the South Perth foreshore and much of the Perth Cultural Centre can all be explored for little or no cost.
AGWA currently offers free general admission, while many of Perth's best experiences involve simply walking, cycling or watching the sunset. (The Art Gallery of Western Australia)
Is Perth Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — particularly if you enjoy beaches, outdoor activities, wildlife, food and road trips.Perth doesn't need to be treated simply as somewhere to land before travelling elsewhere in Western Australia.
Kings Park, Rottnest Island, Fremantle, the Swan Valley and the Indian Ocean coastline make Perth a destination in its own right.
And because the city is relatively isolated from Australia's east coast, a Perth holiday can feel quite different from visiting Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.
What Are Your Favourite Things to Do in Perth?
Have you visited Perth?What would you add to this list?
Do you prefer Cottesloe or Scarborough Beach?
Is Rottnest Island worth a full day or should you stay overnight?
What's the best Perth attraction that tourists often miss?
Share your experiences, photos and recommendations below to help other Forum4Travel members plan their trip to Perth, Western Australia.