Things to Do in Perth – Attractions, Beaches, Parks & City Guide

Perth is a coastal capital city known for Indian Ocean beaches, the Swan River, Kings Park, island day trips, historic Fremantle, sunny weather and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. The city stretches across a wide metropolitan area, but many of its most popular attractions are centred around the CBD, riverfront, beaches, Fremantle and nearby day-trip regions.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Perth, including major attractions, beaches, parks, museums, family activities, food and wine day trips, coastal areas and local neighbourhoods worth exploring.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Perth include visiting Kings Park and Botanic Garden, exploring Elizabeth Quay, spending time at Cottesloe Beach or Scarborough Beach, visiting Fremantle, taking a day trip to Rottnest Island, walking along the Swan River and exploring the Swan Valley.

Top Attractions in Perth

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kings Park is one of Perth’s most important attractions and one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. It offers views over the CBD, Swan River and surrounding suburbs, along with walking paths, native gardens, memorials, picnic areas and family-friendly spaces.

Elizabeth Quay

Elizabeth Quay is a waterfront precinct on the Swan River near the Perth CBD. Visitors can walk along the riverfront, view public art, access ferries, enjoy cafés and restaurants, and connect easily with nearby city attractions.

Fremantle

Fremantle is a historic port city southwest of central Perth. It is known for Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Prison, heritage streets, cafés, pubs, waterfront areas and ferry access to Rottnest Island.

Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is a historic attraction in East Perth connected to Western Australia’s gold history. It is a useful stop for visitors interested in heritage buildings, precious metals and local history.

Optus Stadium and Burswood

Optus Stadium is one of Perth’s major sporting and entertainment venues. The surrounding Burswood and riverfront areas provide walking paths, city views and access to events throughout the year.

Best Beaches in Perth

Perth’s coastline is one of its strongest visitor attractions, with long sandy beaches facing the Indian Ocean.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most famous beaches and is popular for swimming, sunsets, cafés, beach walks and ocean views. It is one of the best beach choices for first-time visitors.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is a major coastal precinct with surf, dining, beachside facilities, accommodation and sunset views. It is one of Perth’s busiest and most developed beach areas.

City Beach

City Beach offers a spacious coastal setting with beach access, restaurants, parks and ocean views. It is popular with both locals and visitors.

Trigg Beach

Trigg Beach is known for surf conditions, coastal scenery and a more rugged beach feel compared with some of Perth’s calmer swimming beaches.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is a family-friendly coastal precinct with marina views, casual dining, shops, beach access and visitor attractions in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Parks, Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

  • Kings Park and Botanic Garden — city views, native plants and walking paths.
  • Swan River foreshore — riverside walks, cycling paths and picnic areas.
  • Langley Park — large open parkland beside the river and CBD.
  • Matilda Bay Reserve — river views, walking areas and picnic spots near Crawley.
  • Lake Monger — popular inner-city walking and birdwatching area.
  • Bold Park — bushland and walking trails near City Beach and Floreat.

Museums, Heritage and Cultural Attractions

  • WA Museum Boola Bardip — major museum in the Perth Cultural Centre.
  • Art Gallery of Western Australia — public art gallery in the city centre.
  • Fremantle Prison — historic World Heritage-listed site in Fremantle.
  • Western Australian Maritime Museum — maritime attraction on the Fremantle waterfront.
  • Perth Cultural Centre — central precinct for museums, galleries and events.
  • His Majesty’s Theatre — heritage theatre in central Perth.

Explore Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the best areas to explore outside the Perth CBD. It combines heritage buildings, markets, waterfront dining, museums and port history in a walkable setting.

  • Visit Fremantle Markets.
  • Explore Fremantle Prison.
  • Walk around the Cappuccino Strip.
  • Visit the Fishing Boat Harbour area.
  • See the Western Australian Maritime Museum.
  • Catch a ferry to Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island Day Trip

Rottnest Island is one of Western Australia’s most popular day trips from Perth. Ferries commonly depart from Fremantle, Perth and Hillarys, depending on the season and operator.

Visitors travel to Rottnest for beaches, cycling, snorkelling, coastal scenery and the island’s famous quokkas. It is best treated as a full-day trip rather than a quick stop.

Swan Valley Day Trip

The Swan Valley is located northeast of Perth and is one of the closest food and wine regions to an Australian capital city. Visitors can explore wineries, breweries, cafés, chocolate shops, local produce, galleries and scenic rural roads.

Popular Swan Valley areas include Guildford, Caversham, Herne Hill and surrounding vineyard districts.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Perth

  • Visit Kings Park and its playground areas.
  • Spend time at Cottesloe Beach or Scarborough Beach.
  • Explore Hillarys Boat Harbour.
  • Visit Perth Zoo in South Perth.
  • Take a ferry or full-day trip to Rottnest Island.
  • Explore Fremantle Markets and the waterfront.
  • Walk along the Swan River foreshore.

Best Neighbourhoods to Explore

  • Perth CBD — shopping, business district, cultural attractions and river access.
  • Northbridge — dining, nightlife, culture and Perth Cultural Centre access.
  • Fremantle — history, markets, port atmosphere and ferry connections.
  • Subiaco — inner-west cafés, shops and residential streets.
  • Leederville — cafés, nightlife and casual dining.
  • Victoria Park — food strip, cafés and views toward the city.
  • Scarborough — beach, surf, accommodation and coastal dining.

Suggested Two-Day Perth Itinerary

On day one, start at Kings Park for city and Swan River views, then visit the Perth CBD, Elizabeth Quay, the Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge. Finish with dinner in Northbridge, Victoria Park or along the riverfront.

On day two, spend the morning in Fremantle visiting Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Prison and the waterfront, then continue to Cottesloe Beach or Scarborough Beach for the afternoon and sunset. If you have an extra day, consider Rottnest Island or the Swan Valley.

Related Perth Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Perth best known for?
    Perth is known for its beaches, Swan River, Kings Park, sunny climate, Fremantle, Rottnest Island access and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
  • What are the best things to do in Perth?
    Popular things to do include visiting Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, Rottnest Island, Perth Zoo and the Swan Valley.
  • Is Perth good for a weekend trip?
    Yes. Perth is well suited to a weekend trip focused on the CBD, Kings Park, Fremantle and nearby beaches.
  • What beach should I visit in Perth?
    Cottesloe Beach is a classic first-time visitor choice, while Scarborough Beach, City Beach and Trigg Beach are also popular coastal options.
  • What are the best day trips from Perth?
    Popular day trips include Rottnest Island, Swan Valley, Fremantle, Penguin Island, the Perth Hills and Mandurah.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, opening hours, admission fees, access conditions, ferry services, transport options and visitor information may change over time. Verify important details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.