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.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.

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