A local's guide to the ultimate things to do in Perth

We’ve curated a list of absolute must-dos for your next WA vacay.

While you’re in Perth, you’re of course going to enjoy some of the city’s best beaches, but what you may not know is there is more to Perth than just its pristine white sand and glistening turquoise water. From world-class wineries to hopping over to Rottnest, here are 22 things you need to do when visiting Perth.

In short

If you don’t have time for everything on the list, make sure you at least do Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park – the jewel in Perth’s crown. Stroll through King’s Park’s elevated Botanic Gardens, take in the aerial view of the Swan River and city centre, then descend back to Elizabeth Quay for lunch.

Take to the road

a car traversing a dusty road in Perth — Hire a car to maximise your time in sunny Perth. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Anyone with a driver’s licence.

If you really want to maximise your time in sunny Perth, the first thing you should do is hire a car. Being a smaller city than its eastern counterparts means Perth’s public transport – while decent – isn’t as well-connected as the likes of Sydney or Melbourne. Plus, Perth is sprawling. Fun (but really inconvenient) fact – from top to bottom, Perth is longer than the entire country of Ireland. So if you’d rather spend your holiday enjoying the sunshine rather than sitting on a bus or waiting for an Uber, do yourself a favour and hire a car.

Hit the wineries in the Swan Valley

Lancaster Wines in Swan Valley — Peruse the offering at Lancaster Wines. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Wine lovers

Speaking of cars, the oldest winemaking region in WA is only a 30-minute drive from the city (just make sure you have a designated driver.) The Swan Valley has some of the best wineries near Perth, including Mandoon , Lancaster Wines and Nikola Estate .

Go camping

camping in the woods, Perth — Pitch a tent in the forest. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Nature-lovers

Thanks to Perth being the most isolated capital city in the world, it’s filled with some of the country’s most bountiful landscapes – many of which are accessible within a short drive from the city centre.

There are many free and low-cost camping spots near Perth to unwind, unplug and get amongst the great outdoors.

Spend a day (or three) in Fremantle

the Fremantle Prison — The Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison was once a convict barracks. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Couples, families and solo travellers

The vibrant city of Fremantle is a truly unique WA destination, where cosmopolitan bars, pubs,  restaurants, and cafes meet laid-back vibes and salty beach culture. Add to that the colourful tapestry of colonial, convict and Indigenous history, heritage buildings and vibrant street art, and you’ve easily filled a few days. Check out our list of things to do while there.

Get a coffee (that you won’t find anywhere else in Australia)

creating latte art at Community Coffee Perth — Get your caffeine fix at one of Perth’s cute cafes. (Image: Helm Media)

Best for: Coffee-drinkers

Head to one of Perth’s best cafes and order a ‘long mac topped up’. For reasons unbeknownst to anyone, this has become a unique coffee style evidently found only in Perth. Essentially, it’s a traditional long mac served in a 6oz cup – but instead of just ‘staining’ the coffee with the milk, the barista just keeps pouring it to the rim, giving you a coffee-to-milk ratio of about 1:4. Does that really just make it an extra strong latte? Yes. Could we just say extra strong latte? Yes. Do we just like saying ‘long mac topped up’? Maybe. Find the best coffee spots in Perth in our guide.

Get the ferry to Rottnest

a ferry at sea to Rottnest — Plan a weekend trip to Rottnest Island from Perth. (Image: Rottnest Island Authority)

Best for: Snorkelling and bay-hopping

Those quokkas aren’t going to take selfies of themselves, are they? The Rottnest Ferry conveniently leaves from the heart of Perth at the Barrack Street Jetty in Elizabeth Quay. It’s a 90-minute ferry ride (but if you’re prone to seasickness, consider leaving from Fremantle which is only a 30-minute trip.) Spend the night at one of the luxe accommodation options or just do a casual day trip.

Explore Elizabeth Quay

the buildings surrounding Elizabeth Quay, Perth — Elizabeth Quay is Perth’s sparkling precinct. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Families and city-based exploring

Elizabeth Quay is Perth city’s glistening waterfront precinct, home to beautiful bars, restaurants and even a brewery perched on an island. Take a stroll around the pedestrian-friendly zone, cross the Elizabeth Quay footbridge for a great view back over the city and admire the various sculptures and public art scattered across the quay.

Visit Kings Park

a couple walking along a bridge at Kings Park, Perth — Take an easy stroll to Perth’s iconic Kings Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Families and wildflower enthusiasts

Perth’s iconic Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, spanning over 400 hectares (for context, New York’s Central Park is 340). It offers stunning views of the Swan River and Perth skyline, and has many bush walking trails, nature playgrounds for kids, cafes and restaurants and one of the biggest collections of wildflowers in the country.

Head for the hills

Best for: Nature-lovers and wine-enthusiasts

Perth Hills is an often overlooked area, but it’s home to some stunning natural scenery, beautiful trails and some of the best wineries near Perth – Myattsfield is a stand-out. Go for a morning hike and then unwind with a winery lunch.

Get sunset fish and chips

Enjoy moreish fish and chips in Perth. (Image: Getty/Syareel Izam Ali)

Best for: Seafood and sunset lovers

You simply cannot visit Perth and not enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. Anywhere along the coast will give you a great view, but a particularly nice way to do it is to get fish and chips down at Cottesloe Beach and park up on the grassy foreshore – it’s terraced, so nobody can obstruct your view.

Get cultured at Perth Cultural Centre

AGWA Rooftop, Perth — Enjoy a tipple at AGWA Rooftop. (Image: Rift Photography)

Best for: Art lovers and culture vultures

Perth Cultural Centre lies in the heart of vibrant Northbridge, and features the State Library of WA, The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (and its adjoining bar, PICA bar), The State Theatre, Blue Room Theatre and the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which is also home to one of Perth’s best rooftop bars, AGWA Rooftop.

Visit WA Museum Boola Bardip

an Indigenous art at WA Museum Boola Bardip — Gain insight into First Nations stories through art. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Families and culture vultures

The recently rebuilt WA Museum Boola Bardip is also within the Perth Cultural Centre, but deserves its own special mention. The $400-million state-of-the-art museum seamlessly integrates heritage buildings with contemporary structures, and showcases the rich history, culture, and biodiversity of Western Australia.

The name “Boola Bardip" means “many stories" in the local Noongar language, reflecting the museum’s mission to tell the diverse stories of the region. It has a mix of permanent exhibitions as well as special exhibits, plus interactive displays, educational programs, events and talks.

Catch a game at Optus Stadium

an aerial of Optus Stadium, Perth — Catch a football or cricket game at Optus Stadium. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Best for: Sports fans

Optus Stadium has been recognised as Australia’s best stadium multiple times, and has been named the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World and was 2022’s International Venue of the Year. The state-of-the-art stadium was built with a ‘fans first’ approach – as such, every seat has an exceptional view and there are more than 1,000 TV screens throughout the venue ensuring you never miss any of the action – including two of the largest super screens in Australia, each measuring 340 square metres.

Watch an outdoor movie

an open-air cinema at Rooftop Movies, Perth — Enjoy a summer evening under the stars.

Best for: Families and couples

When you’re in one of the sunniest spots in the country, it makes sense to watch films outside. Perth is home to several great outdoor cinemas, but the best ones are the Northbridge Rooftop Movies, Somerville Auditorium on the lush University of WA grounds, and the Telethon Community Cinemas in Burswood.

Visit vibrant Chinatown

red lanterns hanging above Chinatown in Perth — Walk under a canopy of red lanterns. (Image: City of Perth)

Best for: Asian food lovers

In the heart of Northbridge is Perth’s small but vibrant Chinatown, an iconic precinct for locals looking for a good feed at a great price. Look for the red and green pagoda archway on Roe Street with the lion statues on either side. Red plastic lanterns dangle from above and the laneways are littered with plastic chairs and tables filled with locals enjoying ramen, stir fries and bao. Highlights are Billy Lees, Uncle Billy’s and Izakaya Grill.

Indulge in a foodie walking tour

a cheese board at Two Feet and a Heartbeat, Perth — Take a food tour in Perth with Two Feet and a Heartbeat. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best for: Energetic explorers

Walking tours are a great way to acquaint yourself with a city, and walking tours featuring food and drinks are even better. There are plenty of options in Perth, including Foodloose Tours and Two Feet and a Heartbeat .

Explore the city in a rickshaw

touring the city with Peddle Perth — Wind your way through Perth from the comfort of a rickshaw. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best for: Tired travellers

If you’re not a walker, Peddle Perth offers a unique and fun way to explore the city from the comfort of the back of a rickshaw. Your ‘driver’ will take you through Perth’s hidden gems and landmarks, all while giving you a lively and informed description. It’s a fantastic way to see the city.

Stand-up paddleboard in Matilda Bay

two people relaxing by Matilda Bay — Try water activities or just relax by Matilda Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best for: Water-lovers

Any visit to a Perth waterway would make you think every West Australian owns a SUP board, and a great place to give it a whirl is Matilda Bay. The picturesque spot along the Swan River is known for its serene waters and stunning views of the city skyline. SUP Central offers hire boards and lessons. And when you’re done, reward yourself with a picnic on the grassy foreshore or lunch at Bayside Kitchen.

Ride the bridges

an aerial view of Narrows Bridge from Kings Park, Perth, WA — Cross the river to South Perth. (Image: Getty/lkonya)

Best for: Fitness enthusiasts

‘The bridges’ route in Perth is a 10-kilometre pedestrian and cycle-friendly loop that runs between the Narrows Bridge and the Causeway Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Swan River, city and lush South Perth.

If you’re in the CBD, jump on the ferry and cross the river to South Perth, hire a bike from South Perth Cycles, and get peddling.

Savour amazing Asian eats in Vic Park

a Japanese meal at KUZU Japanese, Vic Park — Dine on authentic Japanese at KUZU.

Best for: Foodies

The inner city suburb of Victoria Park has a vibrant immigrant community, resulting in sensational cuisine. The strip of Albany Highway that runs through the suburb is jam-packed with so many incredible Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Lebanese restaurants that you’ll think you’ve been teleported to a different continent. KUZU Japanese , Qin’s Lanzhou Beef Noodle and The Prophet Lebanese are stand-outs.

Make a day trip to Guildford

the 19th-century Guildford Hotel, Perth — Pop into the 19th-century Guildford Hotel. (Image: Getty/ZambeziShark)

Best for: History buffs

Guildford is one of WA’s oldest towns, established in 1829. It boasts beautifully preserved 19th and 20th-century architecture. The James Street strip is lined with antique shops, boutiques and galleries, as well as a handful of historic pubs like the Rose & Crown and the Guildford Hotel . The quaint suburb is also home to Alfred’s Kitchen – a beloved local institution – known for serving the best burgers in Perth since way back in 1946.

Take yourself on a bar crawl

wine bottles on display at Wines of While, Perth — Pick up a bottle of your choice at Wines of While. (Image: Emma Pegrum)

Best for: Drink-enthusiasts

There’s nothing like some warm weather to make you keen for a bar crawl, and luckily Perth has plenty to choose from. From rooftop terraces, martini bars and whiskey saloons, to cocktail basements and sophisticated wine and cheese bistros, you won’t struggle to find the perfect Perth bar.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

A local’s guide to the ultimate things to do in Perth