8 of the best free things to do in Perth, Western Australia

Perth averages 3000 hours of sunshine each year, which means you don’t have to spend up big on indoor entertainment – or spend anything at all – to enjoy a visit to this nature playground.

Western Australia’s capital city is filled with 19 beautiful metropolitan beaches, botanical gardens, bush walking trails, wine regions, marine parks and the allure of a vibrant city life.

Thanks to the abundance of activities on offer, you don’t need to spend a dollar to take in the highlights. Here are our picks of the best free things to do in Perth.

1. Enjoy a stroll through Kings Park

At a scale of 4.06 km², the world’s largest inner-city park not only boasts expansive views over the Swan and Canning rivers, but also provides the opportunity to marvel at Perth’s city skyline. (Central Park in the US, with its meagre 3.41kms2, doesn’t even come close, by the way.)

The surrounding flora and fauna is equally spectacular, which you can learn about on one of the volunteer-guided tours that depart three times a day. You’ll snake through The Botanical Gardens display of a whopping 2000 of WA’s local plant species, including wildflowers found nowhere else on Earth. You’ll also find Indigenous Australian art throughout the park and sold in the gallery, as well as a war memorial and educational parkland for the kids. Another hidden gem, Central Lake is where you’ll find an island ringed with replicas of some of the world’s first trees, the Lycopods.

Pack your picnic basket and enjoy a day out, or book tickets for some of the concerts, movies or plays performed in the park right under the stars. This is inner-city living at its best.

2. Explore Fremantle by bike

The seaside town of Fremantle is about a 30-minute drive from the CBD. Grab a free bike from Little Creatures Brewery and take your time exploring the area on two wheels. There are great restaurants, open air bars and shops to explore, right on the water. They often have music on a Sunday in summer at the Fremantle Arts Centre .

Little Creatures bike Fremantle — Explore Fremantle by Little Creatures bike.

3. Take your pick of premium coastal walks

We doubt we need to remind you that Perth lays claim to some of the best coastline in the country.

But the city has gone a step further and paved walking paths alongside the most picturesque beaches to ensure easy access and a non-stop dose of those views. Ticking off at least one these walks is a must on every visit to Perth.

Zamia Trail

Beginning in the beautiful Bold Park, this city beach walk weaves through both city skyline and coastal trails.

Leighton Beach to Cottesloe

Starting in Fremantle and ending in Cottesloe, this is a picturesque, 5.5km walk for all fitness abilities.

Mosman Park Heritage Trail

Tucked between river and ocean, this walk will see you navigate the best bits of this cute little suburb.

Coogee Beach Trail

West Coast sunsets are hard to beat – and you’ll be rewarded with plenty on this trail . The 3km track starts from the Powell Road Carpark.

Perth coastal walks — There are coastal walks aplenty in Perth.

4. Watch the sunset

Speaking of those famous, jaw-dropping West Coast sunsets, be one of the last humans on the continent to see the sun before it sinks into the Indian Ocean.

There are a few places where Perthies get their sunset fix – all of which are equal in relaxing and breathtaking measure.

Zig Zag Scenic Drive

Arguably home to the best views over the Swan Coastal Plain and the panoramic CBD, Zig zag Scenic Drive in Gooseberry Hill is a must for a dose of those yellow-orange hues.

Kings Park

A picnic-lovers hotspot, the often boasted about King’s Park provides views over the bustling city centre, Elizabeth Quay and Swan River.

Scarborough Sunset Hill

The expansive foreshore of Scarborough’s beachfront is practically begging you to revel in a sunset. Take a seat on the grassy area overlooking the ocean below.

Bold Park Perry Lakes Drive

Located a mere stones throw from the CBD, this viewing point at the top of Red Hill gives you the chance to watch the sunset over Rottnest Island.

Scarborough sunset Perth — Sunset at Scarborough.

5. Take a day trip to Swan Valley

If green pastures and vast vineyard landscapes are your thing (as well as bottomless food and wine) then this is the day out for you. Just 25 minutes from Perth, Swan Valley is home to some great breweries and producers.

Drop into the visitors at Guilford and allow the helpful staff to plan a free itinerary for you. Whether that means visiting some famous estates, tiny cellar doors or perhaps just a spot for a picnic, they shall find something for you there that is free or next to nothing – if you can resist purchasing the food and wine that is.

Swan Valley Perth — Swan Valley is home to some greener pastures.

6. Visit the Bell Tower

Located at Barrack Square, The Bell Tower is one of the largest musical instruments on Earth.

Dating back to the 14th century, this historically significant site was custom built to house the historically significant bells of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace in Trafalgar Square, London.

A visit here grants tourists the opportunity to marvel at fascinating exhibitions of these famous bells and the ancient art of bell ringing, as well as stunning views of the Swan River from the sixth floor open air observation deck.

The Bell Tower is the only place in the world where you can view bell ringing in action – and you can even have a go yourself.

The Bell Tower Perth — Visit The Bell Tower.

7. Peruse the Fremantle Markets

In any other list, this would normally be the time where I would convince you of the prowess of the city’s plentiful market scene – however, I think the Fremantle Markets deserve a bullet point all on their own.

Built in 1897, the Fremantle Markets serve as the cultural fabric of the city and a visit here is a rite of passage for anyone who calls this city home. You can find over 150 stalls – both pop-up and permanent – hocking homewares, pottery, jewellery and vintage goods.

Foodies, convene at The Yard. Here you’ll find everything from paella to fresh fruit, cupcakes and homemade jams. And while it certainly does cost money to support local, it’s worth the trip here for the people watching alone.

8. And all the other markets, too

While Fremantle Markets command a lot of the attention, Perth is lucky enough to hold an abundance of markets, free for your perusing pleasure.

Subi Farmers Markets

Housed in Subiaco, one of Perth’s popular urban villages, these Farmers Markets are filled with friends, community and plenty of fresh food.

Perth City Farm

Sustainable shoppers unite at the Perth City Farm , a purveyor of all things organic, biodynamic and ethical.

Perth Upmarket

Held four times a year, this market showcases about 180 independent and handmade artists, craftspeople and food specialists.

Subiaco Perth — Subiaco is filled with community and plenty of fresh food.

Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6^th February to 1^st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

1. East Perth Power Station

East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival — See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

2. St Mary’s Cathedral

Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

3. Lotterywest Films

guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival — Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

4. The Embassy

guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival — Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

5. Unusual locations

still from The Trial theatre — Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

6. A View From A Bridge

A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival — Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

What else to do in Perth

Shadow Wine Bar in perth — Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .

8 of the best free things to do in Perth