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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

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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.

With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1 — Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

Morning colours

car on cable beach at sunrise — Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

Afternoon adventures

camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset — Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

Evening degustation

server at Cable Beach Club — Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

Beyond the beach

Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

Unmatched experiences

Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach — Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

Dining discoveries

Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

Natural beauties

Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome — Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.

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