Take to the water on bike and boat, head below the surface to see marine creatures, and glide across the ice to beat the summer heat; our westernmost capital offers teen pursuits that are as unique as the city itself.
Ride a bike on the water
Take to the Swan River that snakes its way through the WA capital on your own water bike. On one of Perth Waterbike Co.’s adventure experiences riding Chiliboat waterbikes you can pedal past the city skyline and into Elizabeth Quay, or venture to the photogenic Blue Boat House and onto Optus Stadium. A cross between a bike and a boat, the waterbikes are super safe, super stable and super fun.
Park your parents here while you have fun…
The Ritz-Carlton’s signature Hearth Restaurant is the perfect bright and airy spot for lunch at Elizabeth Quay.
Venture to the photogenic Blue Boat House.
Discover a winter wonderland
It gets hella hot in Perth in the summer, but the city has a couple of ice rinks where you can cool down and have a blast at the same time. Choose from Perth Ice Arena in Malaga or Cockburn Ice Arena in Bibra Lake (they are both less than 25 minutes’ drive from the heart of the CBD), lace up your skates and hit the ice. And if you are having trouble staying upright, Cockburn Ice Arena also has ice bykes to try: the crazy contraptions have a wheel at the front and skate blades on the back and when you pedal you glide and slide across the ice.
Park your parents here while you have fun…
Send them in the direction of Whiteman Park, a conservation reserve where they can visit Revolutions Transport Museum and the quirky Tractor Museum.
Fun on the swan
The Swan River is the focus of yet more activities, this time using your arms instead of creating pedal power with your legs. Funcats Watersports hires out Hobie Wave catamarans (you’ll need your parents’ help with these), stand-up paddleboards and kayaks so that you can take to the water and go exploring. You can hire them for one- and two-hour sessions.
Park your parents here while you have fun…
Send them to the nearby Perth Zoo to find their spirit animal.
Take to the water on a little catamaran for big fun.
Learn something new
WA Museum Boola Bardip is filled with things to see, but for something unique to do book yourself into one of the monthly Power Flow Yoga Sessions that take place under Otto, the giant blue whale skeleton (check dates to see if they coincide with your visit; 16 year olds and over don’t need an accompanying adult). And if the downward dog is not your thing, set off to explore the museum at your pace.
Park your parents here while you have fun…
Sit them at a table at EPOCH Cafe inside the museum for lunch from the seasonal menu that champions Western Australia’s best produce.
Discover new things at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Hang out in the hood
When it comes to inner-city neighbourhoods to explore in Perth, Northbridge your go-to for cool cafes, interesting restaurants and lots of great shopping. Start your exploration by searching out great vintage shops like Fi & Co on William Street, where the racks are filled with quality vintage finds from around the world including pretty kimonos, and Best Before on James Street, which specialises in streetwear with T-shirts, sweaters, jackets and seriously good sneakers on offer. Another interesting shop is The Butcher Shop on William Street which specialises in all things street art, from art supplies to clothing to artworks. You can see what the supplies here are used for by taking note of the plentiful street art in the area including the mural on the Central Institute of Technology building.
Park your parents here while you have fun…
Flora & Fauna on Aberdeen Street does vegan and vegetarian sweet treats and good coffee.
Stop for coffee in the neighbourhood of Northbridge.
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