What to do in Perth

Activities, attractions and tours
Perth
Perth
Perth
Perth
Perth

Perth Tourist Attractions & Activities

There are many words you could use to describe Perth: quirky, hip, remote, sunny, beautiful. It has a bright, pristine stretch of sand for any type of beach lover. It has all sorts of neighbourhoods to explore, from artsy to upscale to historic, each a little different than the last. It has world-class art and natural history museums, the vast green spaces of Kings Park, and last but certainly not least, it has quokkas. We think these smiley creatures are reason enough to plan your trip, but whatever fun things to do in Perth make you want to visit, Expedia.com.au has the tools you need to create your dream itinerary. From whale watching and river cruises to easygoing city strolls and tours of wine country, if you don’t already live here, you’ll surely be wishing that you did.

What to Do in Perth

That’s easy—get out there and see the sights! If you’re going to dive right in, you might as well head to the centre of it all: the CBD. Check out what’s happening at Elizabeth Quay; it could be anything from farmers markets to life-sized fiberglass cows. Visit the Bell Tower, where you can leave a love lock on the special wall or enjoy the ringing of the Swan Bells. Then make your way west for a leisurely walk through Kings Park and Botanic Garden on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a bridge suspended in the tree canopy. When hunger strikes, follow Fraser Avenue north to the restaurants and cafes of West Perth and refuel.

Speaking of cafes, the southern neighbourhood of Fremantle is always one of the top Perth attractions. It even has a street known as the “Cappuccino Strip”. Journey along South Terrace from Bannister Street to Parry Street and choose your favourite al fresco dining; at night, this area comes alive with music and dancing. Your souvenir shopping is also covered: the local wares of the Fremantle Markets are nearby. And if dining on a patio isn’t quite outdoorsy enough for you, hook up with a whale-watching cruise and go in search of humpbacks, or join a Rottnest Island tour and finally get up close with those cuddly quokkas.

If this all sounds great, you know what to do. Expedia.com.au has the best deals on tons of activities in Perth, plus hotels and airfares, too. Perth will provide the sunshine (it is the sunniest capital in Australia, after all) and the fun. All you have to do is bring your sense of adventure.


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Top places to visit

1. Scarborough Beach

Serving up some of Perth’s best surf breaks, Scarborough Beach has always been the cool kid among Perth’s urban beaches. A massive redevelopment of the Scarborough foreshore has seen this already iconic beach gain cult status among backpackers, locals and families.
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Pedestrian promenades with ocean views, fun playgrounds, shops and cafés, and of course the beach itself, make this one very popular surf beach indeed.

2. Elizabeth Quay

Play mini golf, splash around in the waterpark, go shopping, admire stunning architecture and sculptures, and see Perth’s iconic Swan Bells at Elizabeth Quay. During major community festivals, the precinct comes alive with spectacular shows, yummy street food options and awesome concerts and fireworks shows.
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An exciting new addition to the Perth riverfront, this precinct has everyone talking. There is already heaps to see and do and it’s not even finished yet.

3. Hillarys Boat Harbour

A highlight of the Perth coastline, Hillarys Boat Harbour is a hugely popular entertainment spot where visitors and locals alike head to laze on the beach, take the youngsters to the playground, go shopping, and eat out in its local restaurants. Named after pioneer resident Bertram John Hillary who built his boat shed here back in the 1930s, the area has is now one of the city’s foremost attractions.
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Hillarys Boat Harbour showing a coastal town, a sunset and skyline

4. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Covering an area of 400 hectares in the busy heart of Perth, right beside the city’s central business district, Kings Park is a popular destination. It is home to the State Botanical Gardens, native scrubland and towering trees, as well as attractions for all the family and even the State War Memorial.
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This striking stretch of green in the heart of Perth is home to the amazing State Botanic Gardens as well as attractions for all the family.

5. Cottesloe Beach

A perfect place to go when the baking Perth sun comes out, Cottesloe Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, or just lounging on the beach all day long. Cottesloe has been a popular destination since the late 19th century and it has been a favoured haunt for holidaymakers ever since, with its consistent surf and its water temperature barely ever dropping beneath 21 degrees Celsius.
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Among the best loved family beaches Perth has to offer, here take a swim, go surfing, and while away the hours under the sun.

6. Fremantle Prison

Built all the way back in the 1850s, Fremantle Prison has its origins as a gaol built to house convicts transported from England and Ireland. It was not until 1886 that it was handed over to local authorities for home-grown prisoners, with whom it remained until it closed over a century later in 1991. Today the building is a World Heritage Site, housing a museum containing all kinds of artefacts and artwork, and a great place to go and learn more about crime and punishment through history.
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Fremantle Prison showing interior views
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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What to do in Perth


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Explore areas of Perth

Fremantle featuring signage, street scenes and a small town or village

Fremantle

Fremantle is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Esplanade Hotel and Round House while in the area.

Fremantle
Mandurah which includes waves and surfing

Mandurah

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Mandurah. A stop by Mandurah Performing Arts Center or Town Beach might round out your trip.

Mandurah
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Perth Central Business District

4/5(1,921 area reviews)

Perth Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like St George's Terrace and Brookfield Place.

Perth Central Business District
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Perth Airport

If you're spending some time in Perth Airport, DFO Perth and SuperCars Perth are top sights worth seeing.

Perth Airport
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Scarborough

You'll love the stunning beaches in Scarborough, and you might want to stick around to check out Scarborough Beach, a top place to visit.

Scarborough
Rottnest Island showing waves and skyline

Perth City Centre

4/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Perth City Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Perth City Centre

 

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Day trip destinations from Perth