Lonely Planet has recognized Western Australia as one of the 30 must-visit destinations for 2023, and its capital city, Perth, is the ideal place to kick off your Western Australia Adventure!
Perth is a vibrant city celebrated for its spectacular beaches, beautiful weather, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes and wonders. Catering to diverse interests, Perth promises to offer something for every traveler.
17 Fun Things to do in Perth
Read on for the 17 fun things to do while in Perth.
Take a selfie with a Quokka on Rottnest Island
No trip to Perth would be complete without a visit to the picturesque Rottnest Island. Just a 30-minute ferry trip away from Perth, Rottnest is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the adorable, world-famous quokkas.
The cute marsupials are an icon of the area, with celebrities like Margot Robbie, Chris Hemsworth, Reger Federer, and Rafael Nadal posing for a selfie with them. To snap your own quokka selfie, keep your eyes peeled around the island, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons when they’re most active, or catch them lazing under bushes during the day.
There’s plenty to do and see on Rottnest Island. Rent a bike and explore the island, take a dip in the turquoise waters of one of the 63 beaches on the island, peek below the waves on a glass bottom kayak trip, skydive over the island, or even explore the island on a segway tour.
Pick out a Souvenir at Fremantle Markets
First opening in 1897, Fremantle Markets has a rich and vibrant history – the first shoppers arrived by horse and cart! Exploring around the markets is one of the top things to do in Fremantle.
Today Fremantle Markets is a bustling market located in the heart of Fremantle. It’s home to over 150 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere, grab a bite to eat from one of the local food vendors, stop and enjoy the live music provided by buskers and pick out the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Western Australia.
Fremantle Markets is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
Go on a Lesmurdie Falls Hike
Perth has no shortage of beautiful natural landscapes to be enjoyed, and one of the best is Lesmurdie Falls in Mundy Regional Park. This popular hiking spot is located just a short 30-minute drive from Perth and home to Lesmurdie Falls, one of Perth’s most spectacular waterfalls.
The Lesmurdie Falls hikes are relatively easy. There are 5 in total that range from a quick 600 meters to 3 kilometers. And the views of the waterfall, the surrounding landscape, and the city off in the distance are breathtaking. This is a perfect place to catch a sunset over the sweeping swan coastal plains.
The best time to visit Lesmurdie Falls is in Spring when the water is flowing. This is also wildflower season in Western Australia, when the hills will come alive with color from the many blooming wildflower species.
Stroll around Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a beautiful waterfront precinct conveniently located in the heart of Perth, on the edge of the Swan River.
Visitors can take a stroll around the quay and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline and the Swan River. There is a range of public art installations to check out, including the iconic Spanda sculpture that is an essential stop for a selfie. If you’re super lucky, you may even spot the dolphins that occasionally cruise past in the Swan River.
After a stroll, head over to the Elizabeth Quay Pedestrian Bridge to grab lunch at The Island, a microbrewery and restaurant housed in the historic Florence Hummerston building.
Watch a Sunset at Cottesloe Beach
No trip to Perth would be complete without exploring the iconic Cottesloe Beach. The beach is world-famous for its crystal-clear waters, crisp white sand, and stunning sunsets.
Enjoy a day out in Cottesloe, swimming in the crystal-clear water, snorkeling, or watching the surfers catching waves further up the beach.
In the afternoon, grab a drink and enjoy the sunset from one of the beachfront bars, or grab some takeaway fish and chips and find a spot on the grassy foreshore to enjoy the view.
Cottesloe is a 20-minute drive from the CBD or can be easily accessed by catching the Fremantle train line to Cottesloe station from Perth.
Go on a Swan Valley Wine Tour
Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s premier wine regions, and one of them, the Swan Valley, happens to be just a short 30-minute drive from the City.
The region is home to over 40 wineries, and the Mediterranean-style climate and fertile soils help produce some amazing varieties such as Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and sparkling wines.
The swan Valley is the perfect place to head on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Head out for lunch with a spectacular view of the vineyards or join a wine tour and sample some of the region’s best wines.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids, located 45 minutes from the Perth CBD, is one of the most popular spots for people looking to get out and enjoy nature in Perth.
As the name suggests, Bells Rapids is a series of rapidly flowing streams and waterfalls that make up the Avon River, and there is plenty to see and do on a trip out to the area.
The Bells Rapids hikes are relatively easy and offer stunning views of the rapids and the surrounding hills. Both trails, the River Walk and Goat Trail, combine to form a 5.5-kilometer circuit that takes hikers along the banks of the rapids and up to the lookout point. After your hike, sit back and relax with a well-deserved picnic next to the river.
The best time to visit Bells rapids is during winter or spring when the water is flowing. From July to November, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacular wildflowers that blanket the hills.
Cruise the Swan River
The Swan River, whose Aboriginal Noongar name is Derbarl Yerrigan, snakes throughout Perth and neighboring cities. It’s home to plenty of wildlife species including the iconic black swans, bull sharks, pelicans, black bream, and even indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins and provides a stunning backdrop to the city skyline.
Cruising the Swan River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding landscapes. Swan river wine cruises and dinner cruises are particularly enjoyable – offering the chance to indulge in the region’s local produce and artesian wines.
Enjoy a Picnic at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Perth. It’s one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and is home to over 3000 species of native plants.
The park is home to stunning botanical gardens, walking trails, and panoramic views of the city skyline. For the best views, head to the State War Memorial lookout or the Kaarta Gar-up Lookout. For visitors keen on a bush walk, try out the challenging Kokoda track climbing the 150 steep stairs.
To make the most of your Kings Park visit, pack a picnic and at sunset, find a spot on the grassed sloping hills that overlook the city and the Swan River – a spot near the State war Memorial is best. As the sun sets, the towering red-flowering gums will be illuminated, the city will gradually light up, and the sky will become a stunning shade of pink.
Have fish and chips at Clancy’s City Beach
As its name suggests, City Beach is Perh’s most accessible beach in the city, located just 20 minutes from the CBD.
City beach has fantastic facilities that include a grassy recreation area, kids’ playground, toilets, change rooms, BBQs, and showers, and is a popular spot for yoga, beach volleyball, and windsurfing.
Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach is a popular seafood restaurant located that overlooks the white sandy beaches and the turquoise Indian Ocean. Grab a plate of fish and chips and a local craft beer, and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. In Summer, there’s also often live music, making Clancy’s the perfect place to enjoy WA’s coast.
Visit Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Fremantle and one of Western Australia’s most significant cultural attractions.
Built by convicts in 1852-1859, Fremantle Prison originally housed convicts transported from Britain before being used for prisoners who were locally sentenced from 1886 onwards until it ceased operation in 1991.
Join a guided tour and learn about the prison’s history and its notorious inmates. Extra adventurous visitors can even take the Torchlight Tour at night, which goes into the darker history of the site, with ghastly and sordid stories that are not for the faint of heart.
Have a seafood platter at Bathers Beach House
After visiting Fremantle Prison, it’s time to relax on the beach! Bathers Beach is a small beach in Fremantle that is largely protected by rock walls, making it a great spot for swimming and a popular destination for families.
Bathers Beach House is Perth’s only absolute beachfront restaurant and Australia’s first licensed beach, located on Bathers Beach in Fremantle. Guests can choose a seat overlooking the ocean, but for the best experience, call ahead and book a beach lounge chair. As you watch the sunset over the ocean you can enjoy a delicious cocktail and a decadent seafood platter as you dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Have a night out in Northbridge
Northbridge is the home of nightlife in Perth and well-worth visiting on a night out in the city.
Visitors can head to the cultural center to catch a live performance at one of the theatres or soak up some culture at one of the galleries.
There are many restaurants in the area, everything from traditional Italian to modern Asian fusion. No visit to Northbridge is complete without stopping for dinner. After dinner, wander through the streets of Northbridge and explore its many fun bars. You’ll find everything from cozy wine bars and craft beer pubs to elegant cocktail lounges.
Check out a football game at Optus Stadium
Western Australians love football! Australian Rules Football (AFL) is the most popular sport in the state and catching a live game is a must for visitors.
Optus Stadium is a newly built world-class stadium located in the heart of Perth. Catching a game here will offer a glimpse at true WA passion. Before the game, grab a drink at the nearby Camfield, which overlooks the Swan River, then head inside, grab a meat pie, and soak up the exciting atmosphere!
Clime and Zipline the Matagarup Bridge
The Matagarup Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that leads from East Perth over to Optus Stadium and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Swan River. ‘Matagarup’ is the name given to the bridge by the local custodians of the area, and it translates to “place where the river is only a leg deep, allowing it to be crossed”.
Visitors can climb the bridge to reach the SkyView viewing platform that is 72 meters above the river and, of course, offers absolutely stunning views. If you’re feeling adventurous, try zip-lining the 400 meters from the bridge to the shore for an added adrenaline rush.
Check out WA Museum Boola Bardip
Boola Bardip Museum is a world-class museum located in the heart of Perth. ‘Boola Bardip’ translates to ‘many stories’ in Whadjuk Nyoongar, and the museum certainly lives up to its name!
The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Western Australia’s history and culture, as well as many temporary exhibitions that celebrate world-renowned art, culture and history.
Go on an Aboriginal Culture Tour
The City of Perth is located in the country of the Whadjuk Noongar people, and no visit to Perth would be complete without going on an Aboriginal Culture Tour. First Nations people have cared for the Australian land for over 65 000 years and have a rich knowledge and understanding of the local area to share.
Learn about Western Australia’s indigenous culture by joining an Aboriginal Culture Tour. These tours educate on a vast array of topics from art to culture to bush tucker to song and story; you’ll be taken on a journey through the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Conclusion: 17 Fun Things to do in Perth
Perth in Western Australia has something for everyone. No wonder it was voted one of Lonely Planet’s must-visit places in 2023! With stunning beaches, scenic hikes, interesting history, world-class museums, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Perth. We hope this list of fun things to do in Perth has inspired you to plan your next trip to this beautiful city.
By Nadia Cuthbertson of Perth Weekend
Nadia Cuthbertson is the Founder of Perth Weekend. She moved to Western Australia in 2015 and fell in love with the state! She’s been busy exploring all the best experiences Perth has to offer, and now she’s keen to share what she’s discovered.
