Looking for the best things to do in Perth? This vibrant cityscape, set within touching distance of the Southern Ocean and divided by the majestic Swan River, offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, creative institutions, upscale restaurants, and shopping destinations for you to experience during your visit.

If you're planning a trip to Perth, fitting everything into your adventure is bound to prove difficult. To give you a helping hand, we've selected some of the best things to see and do during your trip, ensuring you make the most of the city's incredible scenery and artistic attractions. From beaches to art galleries, there's always something wonderful to experience in Perth.

What are the best things to do in Perth?

  • 1

    Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

    Delightful gardens with native species

    Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
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    Kings Park and Botanic Gardens are Perth's premier green spaces, featuring almost 400 hectares of beautiful landscape and fascinating indigenous history. With 2 thirds of the parkland reserved for protected bushland, the region's native wildlife flourishes, with over 70 bird species, 20 reptile species and numerous rare populations of insects.

    In the meantime, the botanic garden has more than 3,000 native plant species, with regional displays dedicated to Western Australia's most diverse neighborhoods. You can get to know Kings Park and Botanic Gardens by taking a self-guided walk along the bushland tracks to the Federation Walkway. There, you'll discover panoramic vistas from a treetop vantage point.

    Location: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +61 (0)9 480 3600

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  • 2

    Swan River

    Western Australia's scenic waterway

    Swan River
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    The Swan River provides Perth with a stunning natural centerpiece, snaking its way through the city and giving many of Perth's most popular landmarks a beautiful riverfront backdrop. For example, from the summit of Mount Eliza in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, you can enjoy incredible views.

    For those looking to soak up the views in style, many of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, including Rambla on Swan and Mister Walker, offer waterfront dining neighborhoods. Additionally, you can catch charming ferry cruises along the Swan River to Fremantle, helping you get an up-close perspective on the river's most attractive settings.

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  • 3

    Elizabeth Quay

    Dazzling waterfront activities in the shadow of skyscrapers

    Elizabeth Quay
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    • Shoppers

    Elizabeth Quay is the ultimate destination for luxurious waterfront activities in Perth. Set on the banks of the Swan River and surrounded by the cityscape, this outdoor entertainment complex is connected to top-quality shopping venues such as London Court and Trinity Arcade, which are bursting with independent boutiques and high-end brands.

    The Elizabeth Quay Bridge, a stunning 20-metre-high architectural highlight, is perfect for an evening stroll beneath the city's bright lights. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops make it easy to grab a tasty treat. Finally, if you have kids in tow, the maritime-inspired Island Playground will help keep them entertained for hours.

    Location: The Malecon, Perth WA 6000, Australia

    Open: 24/7

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  • 4

    Caversham Wildlife Park

    For the region’s remarkable wildlife

    Caversham Wildlife Park
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    Caversham Wildlife Park is the largest private wildlife collection in Western Australia, featuring close to 200 species for a total of 2,000 animals. Founded in 1988, the family-owned organization has established itself as one of the best places to encounter native wildlife in Perth, with kangaroos, wallabies, and quokkas alongside numerous bird and reptile species.

    Each day, Caversham Wildlife Park hosts several fascinating shows where visitors are invited to meet the animals. The farm show presents sheep shearing, mustering, and whip cracking, while feeding sessions for kangaroos, wombats, and koalas allow adults and kids to enter the enclosures and say hello.

    Location: 233B Drumpellier Dr, Whiteman WA 6068, Australia

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +61 (0)9 248 1984

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  • 5

    The Perth Mint

    A place to learn about Perth’s moneyed past

    The Perth Mint
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    The Perth Mint is one of Perth's top tourist destinations, established in 1899 to refine gold rush discoveries and mint British Empire sovereigns. While this government moneymaking facility remains in operation, it also offers compelling tours and attractions that delve into the state's legacy of currency.

    Today, the Perth Mint is home to the world's largest gold bullion coin, which weighs a mind-boggling one ton. Additionally, visitors can watch a gold pour take place in the original melting house, as molten material transforms into solid gold bars. Moreover, you can sell or trade your jewelry and precious metals in the gold bullion room.

    Location: 310 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004, Australia

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +61 (0)9 421 7376

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  • 6

    The Bell Tower

    A modern spire for a unique waterfront experience

    The Bell Tower
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    The Bell Tower is an unmistakable landmark at Elizabeth Quay in Perth, featuring a copper and glass spire that rises high above the city. Housing 18 historic bells collected from important locations such as the parish church of Buckingham Palace, the tower is one of the largest musical instruments in the world, ringing out every Thursday and Sunday from noon until 1 pm.

    But there's more to the Bell Tower than its impressive bells. Visitors can explore the interior of the tower and ascend to the sixth-floor observation deck for stunning views of the Swan River. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this unique attraction.

    Location: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia

    Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +61 (0)6 210 0444

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  • 7

    Fremantle Markets

    A historic marketplace to meet local makers and producers

    Fremantle Markets
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    The Fremantle Markets capture the best of Western Australia’s laid-back atmosphere. Founded in 1897, it offers more than 150 shops ranging from independent fashion designers and local farmers to fascinating handicrafts. If you need a charming souvenir to remember your journey, there’s almost nowhere better to browse.

    Running from Friday to Sunday every week, the Fremantle Markets is just a short trip from Perth city centre. Departing from Perth train station, simply catch the Fremantle Line train to Fremantle, where it’s a short walk to the markets. Don’t miss your chance to explore nearby Victorian-era architecture, brewery bars and the serene waterfront.

    Location: South Terrace &, Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

    Open: Friday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)

    Phone: +61 (0)8 9335 2515

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  • 8

    Rottnest Island

    A picturesque island escape

    Rottnest Island
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    Rottnest Island is the perfect destination for a day trip from Perth. Located 19 km from the mainland, this serene location boasts an impressive 63 beaches and 20 bays, ensuring that there is no shortage of beautiful locations to enjoy the endless sunshine. You can swim, catch some waves on your surfboard, or snorkel the colorful limestone reefs.

    This coastal paradise is also famous for its wildlife, with the adorable quokka being considered the main attraction of Rottnest Island. As cute as they are curious, these marsupials often approach people, but it is important to remember to follow the rules around feeding and handling. Accessible by ferry, air taxi cab or seaplane, Rottnest Island is an idyllic escape from the mainland.

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  • 9

    His Majesty's Theater

    Live performances surrounded by architectural history

    His Majesty's Theater
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    His Majesty’s Theater is the ideal venue to experience a dramatic performance in Perth. This beautiful Edwardian theater, which opened in 1904, showcases large-scale local and international musicals, ballet shows, and operas, presenting exceptional performances to a packed house of 1,200 almost every night of the week.

    Considered one of Perth’s most remarkable public buildings, this historic landmark has hosted a wide array of famous performers on its stage, including Sir Ian McKellen, Geoffrey Rush, and James Earl Jones. With continuous restoration and upgrades over the years, a visit to His Majesty’s Theater is guaranteed to leave an indelible impression.

    Location: 827-905 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia

    Phone: +61 (0)6212 9292

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  • 10

    Art Gallery of Western Australia

    An enormous gallery of creative art

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    The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is where you can admire pieces from some of the world's most renowned local and international artists. Founded in 1895, this sprawling creative precinct is presented across three historic buildings, with permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring stunning collections alongside tours, artist talks and special events.

    However, AGWA isn't just about the art inside. Following an extensive redevelopment, the gallery now boasts one of the largest rooftop spaces in Western Australia, featuring an outdoor sculpture walk, rooftop bar and event space, adding another dimension to your visit. Moreover, the eclectic Design Store is the place to go for purchasing limited-run objects.

    Location: Perth Cultural Center, Perth WA 6000, Australia

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +61 (0)9 492 6600

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Hudson Brown | Contributing Writer