Home to a population of over 2 million, the capital of Western Australia, Perth, is the country’s fourth most populous city. Perth is the perfect unity of stunning nature and urban life where magnificent sandy beaches, unique wildlife and a thriving metropolis coexist. Basking in more sunlight than any other major Australian city, Perth offers incredible weather conditions and the perfect base to enjoy a vacation. Also a community to an abundance of expats, Perth has a unique culture and an eclectic mix of nationalities living in harmony. With spectacular landscapes, a bustling city centre and a wealth of activity, Perth has so much to offer.
Stroll along the Swan River
The city of Perth sits snuggly along the Swan River and connects the neighbourhoods of the city with nature and the ocean. Western Australia’s first heritage icon, the Swan River has environmental, recreational and cultural significance in the city and a stroll along the riverbanks is a great way to get to know Perth. Featuring numerous dual-use paths, the relaxing river can be experienced by bike as well as on foot. The river also offers spectacular views with the calm waters contrasting against the tall city skyline.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Find kangaroos at Heirisson Island
A small island located on the Swan River, Heirisson Island is an important part of the city’s Nyoongar heritage. Listed as an Aboriginal Site, the island features a statue of Nyoongar leader Yagan and the area has a strong Aboriginal history. As well as a place of cultural significance, Heirisson Island is an attraction destination due to the wealth of Western Grey kangaroos that inhabit the island. Whilst care needs to be taken when interacting with the wild animals, the magnificent kangaroos can be found grazing amongst the shrubs and the island offers a great way to witness them in a natural environment.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
See the Bell Tower
Home of the Swan Bells, a set of eighteen bells located within a purpose-built tower, The Bell Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Perth and an icon of Western Australia. The unique tower boasts a distinctive design that was created as part of an architectural competition and is one of Perth’s top attractions. Overlooking the Swan River, the tower also offers magnificent views over the city from the panoramic viewing deck. The Bell Tower also features Love Locks, a collection of padlocks symbolising love and union.
Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10am-4pm
Price: From $10 adults, $8 children and under 4’s free
Explore Fremantle
Renowned for the artsy and alternative, Fremantle is a historic port city located in Perth. The streets of Fremantle are alive with music and coloured in art making it a charming place to explore. Home to great shopping, busy markets and incredible dining options, Fremantle is a great area to spend time. The port city is also home to Fremantle Prison, a World Heritage Site that is one of Australia’s most fascinating cultural attractions. A variety of tour options are available allowing visitors to explore the former convict prison and experience a part of Australia’s history.
Hours: 24/7 (Freemantle Prison: Daily 10am to 5pm)
Price: Free (Freemantle Prison: From $22 adults and $12 children)
Admire the view from Kings Park
A blend of natural bushland, grassed parkland and botanical gardens, Perth’s Kings Park is one the world’s largest inner city parks. Rich in Aboriginal history, Kings Park has a high reputation both locally and internationally as a place of scientific research and conservation with over two-thirds of the property conserved as native bushland. The park also features an extensive botanical garden, exciting play areas and a busy events calendar. From its location on Mount Eliza, Kings Park offers beautiful views over Swan River and the sprawling Perth skyline.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Make friends at Caversham Wildlife Park
High on the majority of Australian bucket lists, wildlife interaction is something many tourists are hoping to experience whilst down under. With koalas and kangaroos among the abundance of wildlife inhabiting Australia, animal experiences are highly sought throughout the country. Caversham Wildlife Park is home to roughly 200 species including Australian natives kangaroos, koalas and wombats. The wildlife park features the largest collection of native wildlife in Western Australia and offers unique, interactive experiences for guests.
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4pm
Price: $30 adults and $14 children
Spend time at Cottesloe Beach
With Perth’s coastline famous for golden sands, warm waters and sunny weather, beaches are highly frequented in the area. Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most popular spots and is a great location for swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Split into three sections, the calm waters of the North side are perfect for snorkelling whilst surfers head to the South side. The waters are home to an abundance of marine life and snorkelers may get lucky with a rare sighting of the endangered leafy sea dragon. Meanwhile, the boardwalk features many stylish eateries along the seafront that offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean as well as exquisite food.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean
The Western coast of Australia offers some of the best sunsets the world has to offer. The impeccable weather of Perth provides unique sunsets with vibrant, warm colours taking over the skies in one direction whilst a look in the opposite will introduce you to magnificent, cool blues and purples. The sunsets are captivating and not to be missed during your time in Perth.
Hours: Varies daily
Price: Free
Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Part of the Perth Cultural Centre, Art Gallery of Western Australia is home to an eclectic mix of artwork. The main attraction of the gallery is the permanent Aboriginal art wing Six Seasons featuring a variety of Aboriginal art including ceremonial art, paintings of the land and dot paintings. More modern Aboriginal artwork is also featured including charcoal portraits and surrealist scenes. Asian craftwork, European Australian artwork and contemporary Western Australian works can also be found throughout other exciting sections of the gallery.
Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10am-5pm
Price: Free
Meet quokkas at Rottnest Island
Sitting just off the Perth coast, Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve with white sand beaches and secluded coves. Most famously, the island is home to a small wallaby-like marsupial, the native Australia quokka. Known as the happiest animal in the world, quokkas are cute, always appear to be smiling and are frequently up for a selfie. Native to Rottnest Island, the island is one of the only destinations where you can meet the friendly animal.
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
Perth is an eclectic city offering a typical, bustling city vibe whilst surrounded by vast amounts of fantastic nature and wildlife. The city is the perfect launch pad to explore some of the best things Western Australia has to offer and is a great base to meet native wildlife and admire stunning landscapes. With an abundance of activity, wealth of nature and magnificent weather, Perth is becoming a top tourist destination in Australia.
