Perth Australia is the capital city of Western Australia shortened to WA, the largest state in Australia. There are many things to do in Perth with beaches, entertainment, and other Perth attractions, and easy to see it all on one of the Perth tours we feature below. To search the Perth travel guide use the search above or the site map and enjoy this great city.
Best of Perth
Despite its claim that it is the most remote city in the world, Perth is a vibrant and exciting place to spend time and it has plenty to offer visitors some of the best things to do and experience we have listed below. Your help is needed to develop our Perth listings so please do let us know what you find.
Perth Attractions
Perth City Centre is relatively compact and visitors will find it easy to explore and visit all the main Perth attractions. The Swan River, on which Perth sits, is a great place to spend a day.
You can pack a picnic or take advantage of one of the many barbecues and cook your own food. There are also a number of river cruises that operate, with daytime and evening options available. One of the main things to do in Perth is to enjoy the pristine beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run the entire length of the city’s coastal suburbs.
The Perth Mint
310 Hay Street, East Perth 08 9421 7376
Learn all there is to know about The Perth Mint, including the history of precious metals and coins from throughout the ages.
Perth Zoo
20 Labouchere Road, South Perth 08 9474 0444
Discover plants and animals from throughout Australia, Asia, South America, and Africa all in one place.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth (08 9492 6622)
Combining both contemporary and historic art, the Art Gallery of Western Australia shows some of the best work from around Australia.
Perth Tours
A green city located right on the Swan River, Perth is beautiful. It is the capital city of Western Australia and was given the name ‘city of light’ in 1962 when residents turned on their street and house lights as an American astronaut called John Glenn flew overhead during his quest of going.
When in Perth, a great way to spend your day would be to pay a visit to the Swan River. The serene atmosphere and lovely quiet spots make it perfect for a picnic. You can even take out your barbeque and spend time with your family making burgers. Choose to take advantage of any of the many cruises that are operated in the daytime and evening along the river and enjoy seeing the city from a different angle. The Perth zoo is just across the river from the city and boasts of unique Western Australia animal species such as the Numbat. It makes for another great day out activity.
Make sure to visit the city’s coastal suburbs and explore the fantastic beaches there. Long stretches of beautiful golden sandy beaches are sure to make your visit worth your while. While there, you could decide to go snorkeling. Explore the fascinating undersea world just off the coast.
A must-do while in Perth is a visit to the Port of Freemantle. Take a ferry to the area and get to enjoy the warm laid-back atmosphere. Visit the cultural center and learn of how the port was named after a British Captain who was sent to establish British dominion of the port at a time when 9it was feared the French would take it over. Go to any one of the numerous restaurants at the restaurant center and be treated to culinary delights coupled with a relaxing ambiance.
The Rottnest Island fondly referred to as Rotto by the locals is another must. It boasts of unique animal and plant species that can only be found on it. A favorite with most visitors is a cute little marsupial called quokka. The island does not allow driving of vehicles and is a perfect place to enjoy bike rides and relaxing walks, exploring the hidden islands and beautiful sandy beaches. Take a guided tour along the island to the colonial buildings and learn the significance of the island in protecting Australia during the First and Second World Wars. There is a fabulous art gallery and a museum that you have to visit to make your trip to the island complete.
Western Australia is a famous wine-growing region, and no visit would be complete without paying a visit to this very famous vineyard. In Perth, take a tour to Swan Valley, the oldest wine-growing region in the area then a couple of your wine tasting with chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
Perth has something to offer all those who are interested in geology too. Learn about the formation and cultural significance of the Pinnacles-ancient formations of limestone towering up to 7 feet tall in the desert at the Nambung National Park north of Perth. The Wave Rock, a distinctive multi-colored rock standing at 15 feet tall is one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks hidden away in the little town of Hyden in Perth.
Perth animal attractions
- Armadale Reptile Centre
Over 200 reptiles with snakes, lizards turtles and lots more. Just off the South Western Highway in Armadale. (08 9388 6297).
- Aquarium of Western Australia
Hillarys Boat Harbour, a little north of Scarborough, is the home of the Aquarium of Western Australia. 91 Southside Drive, Hillarys (08 9447 7500). - Caversham Wildlife Park
A collection of over 200 species at Whiteman Park. A good place to see kangaroos, and wombats. Enter the park from Lord Street or Beechboro Road. (08 9248 1984).
- Cohunu Wildlife Park
Lots of Koalas in a large parkland along with other native animals. Nettleton Road, Byford.
- Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is in South Perth and has more than 2,000 creatures of 280 different species. It tries to present its residents in their natural environment as far as possible. There is an Australian Walkabout section featuring native wildlife, through some parts of which one can wander with the animals. 20 Labouchere Road in South Perth (08 9474 3551).
Perth buildings
Central Perth has various historical buildings that can be viewed…..
Perth beaches
There are plenty of beaches around Perth, along what has become known as the Sunset Coast try them out.
- Cottesloe Beach
One of the nearest ocean beaches to the city is Cottesloe. A safe swimming beach but be careful of currents near to the Groyne. - City Beach
A family beach with safe swimming but with rips close to the Groyne. - Scarborough Beach
A popular surfing beach and the waves make it more difficult for weak swimmers. - Trigg Beach
A surfing beach with many rips and currents. - North Beach
A safe swimming beach. - Sorrento Beach
A safe family beach.
Perth museums
Explore the range of Perth museums.
- Aviation Museum
The largest aviation museum in Australia is at Bull Creek. Displays include a Spitfire and Lancaster Bomber and lots more. (08 9311 4470). - Constitutional Centre
The history of democracy in WA is explained. Havelock Street. (1800 647 249).
- Cricket Museum
History of cricket.WACA Ground on Nelson Crescent in East Perth. (08 9265 7318).
- Fire Station Museum
The Fire Station Museum on Murray Street has a display of fire-fighting equipment, including a 1927 Dennis fire engine. - Fremantle Motor Museum
More than 50 cars including world land speed record holders, cars of the rich and famous and lots more. (08 9336 5222).
- Railway Museum
There is a Railway Museum adjacent to Bassendean Station on the Midland Line. - SciTech
The biggest planetarium in Australia with a huge 18-meter diameter dome screen providing a 360-degree view. City West, Sutherland Street West Perth (08 9486 8246).
- Sports Museum of WA
Features WA sports stars. Challenge Stadium on Stephenson Avenue. (08 9441 8242).
- WA Museum
A large collection of exhibits to interest all. Perth Cultural Centre, James Street (08 9427 2700).
Perth parks
Kings Park leads the way and opened in 1872 and extends over 400 hectares in central Perth.
- Allen Green Conservatory
The pyramid-shaped Allen Green Conservatory contains a collection of tropical plants. - Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are just beyond the War Memorial in King’s Park. King’s Park.
- Burswood Park
A public park with plenty of trails and places to picnic. The park foreshore runs along the Swan River. The Heritage trail tells the story of Western Australia. All the attractions and facilities are free. Resort Drive, Burswood.
- Kings Park
Opened in 1872 it has developed as a beautiful park in the center of Perth and extends to 400 hectares. The tree-lined Fraser Avenue leads to the heart of this 400-hectare park, where the War Memorial stands. The trees beside the road are karri, native to the state of Western Australia. The War Memorial is impressive in itself, but it also stands at the point where there is a magnificent view down over the whole of the city center. There are lots of paths and viewpoints. The Lotterywest Federation Walkway provides a walk through the treetops. Start at the Lord Forrest Statue on Fraser Avenue. - Whiteman Park
A large park of over 4000 hectares with most protected as a conservation reserve. Plenty of native wildlife to observe. Lord Street, West Swan (08 9249 2446).
Perth wineries
The area around Perth produces some wonderful wines and there are many wineries open to the public. The Swan Valley is well known for fortified wines such as Muscats. Ports and some liqueurs. The Swan Valley is about a 20-minute drive from Perth and one of the oldest wine regions in Western Australia.
Rottnest Island
The charming little island of Rottnest lies nineteen kilometers offshore from Fremantle, a distance that can be covered in only half an hour by the fast ferries plying the route. The island is eleven kilometers in length and a little over three kilometers across at its widest point. It is famous for its quokkas.
Fremantle
It is easy to assume that Fremantle, the port at the mouth of the Swan River, is just a suburb of Perth, but it is more than that. It has an identity of its own. It has its own history and atmosphere. There is nowhere in the world quite like Fremantle. Just a few minutes in this beautiful township and you can’t help but fall in love with its charm. Brimming with character and sprinkled with history and modern culture creates a diverse display of architecture and a personality that is truly unmatched anywhere else in Perth.
From dining on what is fondly called the Café strip, where delicious food, coffee, and desserts are served in hundreds of little Café that specialize in food from all around the world, to playing games and activities with the kids, Fremantle truly does have. For a walk back in time visit the Fremantle Prison or see some of the world’s oldest and most famous motor vehicles. For a refreshing drink visit Little Creatures Brewery where you can taste some of Perth’s best beer and freshest seafood as you relax right at the ocean’s edge.
As you wind through the busy streets you are sure to come across the Fremantle Markets where you can get lost in the maze of arts, crafts, jewelry, and homewares that the retail section has to offer. Or sample some of the freshest sausages, honey, fruit, and vegetables. Enjoy live performances from buskers in the square just outside the door where crowds gather for everything from Opera to Magic shows.
Just walking along the streets lined with retail outlets spanning every taste, need, and budget, you are sure to feel like you are in another world. Victorian-era buildings and the funky hippy local crowd mingle together effortlessly as if it was always meant to be this way. Fremantle is a welcome change to anywhere else in the world, with charm, sophistication, and a commitment to relaxation and fun whatever you want to do, whatever you want to buy, this is the place for you.
Location: Less than 30 minutes southwest of Perth City. It can be accessed by public transport, car, or private river cruise.
Perth Buildings of Interest
Barracks Arch
This is the only remnant of the first military barracks constructed in Perth in 1860 for soldier settlers. St. George’s Terrace.
Government House
Government House on St George’s Terrace was completed in 1864 and is still the official residence of the Governor of Western Australia. If you walk down between the Concert Hall and the Government House, you will also get a glimpse of the magnificent gardens here.
London Court
In the heart of Perth a small pedestrian street built-in 1937 in a mock Tudor style. Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace.
Old Fire Station
The oldest fire station in Perth with fire fighting relics and photos. 25 Murray Street (08 9323 9460).
Parliament House
The center of government for the state of Western Australia. Malcolm Street.
Perth Boys’ School
The former premises of Perth Boys’ School date from 1854. This is the second oldest independent school in Australia, the oldest being King’s School, Parramatta, near Sydney (1831). Corner of Esplanade and William Street.
Perth Town Hall
The Town Hall on the corner of Hay Street and Barrack Street dates from the 1880s and was built by convict labor, but it appears older, copying a traditional English Jacobean style.
Perth Mint
Established in 1899, this is Australia’s oldest operating mint and is located at 310 Hay Street. It now specializes in the production of silver, gold, and platinum commemorative coins and medals. There is a museum, and you can see a demonstration of gold pouring here. You can hold an ingot worth $200,000 (borrowing not permitted) and see the world’s largest collection of natural gold nuggets. (08 9421 7223).
Supreme Court and Gardens
The Supreme Court building was constructed in 1897. The nearby Old Courthouse houses the Francis Burt Law Museum and is the oldest building in Perth. Corner of St. George’s Terrace and Barrack Street.
Swan Belltower
The modernistic Swan Belltower contains twelve bells from the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London. The bells, cast in 1725, were a bicentennial gift from the U.K. Government. Barrack Square (08 9218 8183).
St George’s Cathedral
An Anglican cathedral in the city center.
St. George’s Hall
The building on Hay Street has been demolished, but the portico was allowed to remain as a reminder of the grandeur of Perth’s first purpose-built theatre, constructed in 1879.
St. George’s Anglican Cathedral
The Cathedral is built in Gothic style and found off St George’s Terrace. It was started in 1880 and completed in 1888.
St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
The western part of this Cathedral in Victoria Square was built in 1865. It stands on the highest point in the central part of Perth.
The Deanery
The Deanery on the corner of St. George’s Terrace and Pier Street is one of the few buildings in Perth dating from the 1850s. It was originally the residence of the first Dean of Perth, but now it is used as Church offices. It still has its original timber shingles on the roof.
The Cloisters
The Cloisters in St Georges Terrace were constructed in 1859 as part of the first secondary school for boys in Western Australia.
The Old Mill
Built in 1835 and is one of the oldest buildings in Perth. Mill Point Road, South Perth.