Things to do in Perth

More about Perth

Perth’s sunny, spacious, and full of contrasts. You’ll find wildflower trails in Kings Park, heritage in Fremantle’s laneways, and dolphins playing just offshore. One day might mean wine in the Swan Valley, the next, a river cruise past city towers. History is etched all over the WA capital’s old stone buildings. There are back sundowners at City Beach. One thing’s for sure: whether you’re here for a weekend or something longer, Perth wraps it all into one easygoing package.

Unique Perth things you can’t do anywhere else

• Fremantle Prison: Step inside one of Australia’s oldest prisons. Explore solitary cells, underground tunnels and stories that shaped the state. Striking, sobering, and fascinating.
• Fremantle Markets: It’s part foodie hangout, part time capsule. Come for the dumplings and didgeridoos, stay for the buskers and vintage finds. No entry fee and impossible to breeze through in a rush.
• WA Day Tour: Pinnacles, Yanchep and Swan Valley: Desert moonscapes, wine stops, and sleepy koalas, all in one big day go.
• Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Bigger than Central Park, with WA wildflowers, skyline views and trails that wind past bushland and memorials.

Best Perth attractions to see

• Perth and Fremantle City Explorer Tour: History, coastlines, and intriguing commentary that does anything but make you feel sleepy. See Perth and Freo’s greatest hits in one breezy half-day loop.
• Bell Tower (Swan Bells): Home to some of the oldest bells in the world, which were shipped over from London. Climb up, chime in, and take in river views with a side of history.
• Cottesloe Beach: Golden sand, turquoise water, and sunset crowds who know what’s good. Swim, stroll or just sprawl at this Indian Ocean beach, which is a local classic for a reason.
• Crawley Edge Boatshed (Blue Boat House): Snap the iconic blue shack floating on the Swan. It’s Perth’s unofficial selfie HQ.

Best Perth day trips and tours

• 7‑Day Perth to Exmouth Return Tour: Whale sharks, red deserts and reef snorkels. This big-sky WA adventure out of Perth sweeps through the state bucket list in a week.
• Swan Valley Wine Cruise: Full Day: River breeze, cellar doors, cheese boards. Float from city to vineyard with tastings, lunch, and tales from the oldest wine region in WA.
• Monkey Mia Coastal Loop Tour (4 D/3 N): Sleep under the stars, spot dolphins at dawn, and road-trip past outback reds and turquoise coast. Remote, raw, unforgettable and classic Western Australia.
• Harvest Your Own Pearl Experience in Perth: From shell to shimmer. Pluck a pearl straight from its oyster, then dive into the rich, salty history of WA’s pearling trade.

Free things to do in Perth

• Art Gallery of Western Australia: Big-name artists and local legends all under one roof. It’s cool, calm, and totally free. Ideal for a dose of culture between iced coffees in the shade.
• WA Museum Boola Bardip: Dinosaurs, desert stories and Noongar knowledge. Bold, interactive and built for big ideas. Entry’s free, but good luck leaving without learning something new.
• South Perth Foreshore: Where city vistas meet palm trees. Watch the skyline sparkle, stroll the river path or stretch out with snacks and a sunset. Zero cost, full vibe.
• City Beach: Powdery sand, rolling waves, and grassy terraces made for post-swim loafing. No cost to all, unless you count the cost of suncream and hot chips (which you really should).

Budgeting for things to do in Perth

Perth’s easy on the eye and can be easy on the wallet. Big hitters like Kings Park, the Art Gallery of WA and the WA Museum won’t cost you a cent. Cruises glide in from around AU$40, while city tours tend to sit comfortably under AU$90. Want to level up? Pearl dives, wine cruises and scenic day trips usually land between AU$85–205. And if you’re going all out (think an Exmouth road trip or dolphin-chasing in Monkey Mia) you’re looking at a grand or more.