Top 10 things to do in and around Perth

Perth is a safe, prosperous and multicultural city, with exciting opportunities for learning, shopping and exploring. For decades, it’s been an ideal destination for students and tourists.

A vibrant city surrounded by nature

There is a lot to discover in and around Perth. Whether you like bush walks and camping, or beaches and road trips, Perth and Western Australia have a lot to offer.

view from Kings Park

1. Kings Park botanic gardens & war memorial

Kings Park is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. Its location offers breathtaking views of the Perth skyline and Swan River.  It is free to visit, and offers free guided walks.

Cottesloe Beach on a warm Spring day with high cloud. Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

2. Perth’s beaches

Perth gets more sunshine than any other Australian capital, giving you more opportunities to enjoy its stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Learn how to surf at the iconic Scarborough beach and kick back at postcard-pretty Cottesloe.

View of a vineyard, with a valley full of vines in neat rows. Margaret River, Australia.

3. WA’s wine regions

Western Australia is well known for its wine regions; Margaret River, where you can hop from vineyards to the beach, or the Swan Valley, just 30mins east of Perth.

A group of young people enjoying pizza together

4. Perth City

The thriving city of Perth is jam-packed with activities to suit every taste and budget. You can browse for fashion along the shopping malls, admire international superstars at the Perth Arena, catch a sporting event at Optus Stadium, or find all your favourite foods among Perth’s huge range of international dining options.

Breathtaking view of the Lesmurdie Falls, Western Australia

5. Walks and nature trails

Perth and surrounds are full of nature walks, whether you want a short stroll or a longer bush walk. These are just a few of your options; Mount Dale, Lesmurdie or Noble Falls, Bells Rapids, Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, trek along WA’s Bibbulmun Track, or visit one of our National Parks.

Rottnest Island

6. Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is WA’s very own island gateway. Rottnest is just a short ferry ride from the mainland, departing Fremantle, and a world away from city life. Cycle around the island, explore the dazzling marine life with your snorkel gear and meet the quokkas, Rottnest’s curious little marsupials.

a view of Fremantle's cappuccino strip

7. Fremantle

Explore the colourful port city of ‘Freo’. Enjoy a coffee along the Cappuccino Strip, wander through the buzzing Fremantle Markets and or find out more about Fremantle’s convict and colonial history by taking a tour of the fascinating Fremantle Prison.

Wave Rock, geological rock formation at Western Australia

8. Visit amazing natural landscapes

Two hours drive from Perth, see the lunar-like Pinnacles that form one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating natural landscapes. Four hours drive from Perth is one of Australia’s biggest waves that is also the furthest from any ocean, Wave Rock.

camping at Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup - Western Australia

9. Camping

There are numerous camping destinations in Western Australia – indulge your interest in swimming, fishing, canoeing and rafting.  Some popular camping destinations are; Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup, Bremer Bay, Margaret River, Esperance, Lake Leschenaultia, and Monkey Mia.  Combine a camping trip with a road trip and tour of the north of Western Australia.

Whale Shark

10. Road trips to WA’s spectacular North

Make your way up the coral coast to discover Kalbarri’s spectacular national park, play with the dolphins at Monkey Mia or get up close and personal with the gentle whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef.