Perth is an amazing city located on the West Coast of Australia. For this reason, it tends to be either the last place tourists visit, or the first. Either way, it should not be overlooked as a major destination for anyone wishing to experience Australia. Even for Australians themselves that reside on the East Coast, Perth still tends to make an appearance on most bucket lists. The reason for this is that there are plenty of awesome Perth activities that anyone can enjoy!
Table of Contents
- #1 Have a swim at Cottesloe Beach
- #2 Take a cruise to Rottnest Island
- #3 Go shopping in Perth’s own London Court
- #4 Take a stroll around awesome Elizabeth Quay
- #5 Meet the kangaroos on Perth’s Heirisson Island
- #6 Relax at Hillarys Boat Harbour
- #7 Step back in time at Fremantle Prison
- #8 Do a wine tour of the Swan Valley
- #9 Have a picnic in Perth’s awesome Kings Park
- #10 Cruise along Perth’s Scarborough Beach
- #11 Spend a day at Bells Rapids
- #12 Shop till you drop at Fremantle Markets
- #13 Discover the iconic Perth Bell Tower
- #14 Explore hidden bars in Northbridge
- #15 Stroll across Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium
- Summary
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Australians tend to be an outdoors people. All over the country, you can see them flocking to beaches in summer, packing into parks for picnics, hiking, walking and exercising. This is no different in Perth, and if anything, is even more so. I remember when I first moved to Perth how surprised I actually was when I saw this. Now, I understand. With Perth’s amazing beaches, beautifully manicured parks and great public facilities, there is absolutely NO reason to stay locked inside.
So, let’s have a look at some of my favorite awesome Perth activities.
#1 Have a swim at Cottesloe Beach
Did I already mention how great Perth Beaches are? Because there are plenty of Perth activities that revolve around them!
The North Shore of Perth has some amazing strips of sand that stretch from North Fremantle all the way up to distant Yanchep.
One of the most famous is Cottesloe Beach. This incredible beach is fairly close to Perth, and easy to get to by bus or a combination of train and bus. Famed for it’s beautiful water and white sands, it is the image of the surf club that most people would instantly recognize.
Cottesloe is more than just a beach though. There is a culture and vibe here that attracts visitors from all over. Come at the right time of year and you will find art festivals, markets, and all manner of attractions appearing along the foreshore. You might even run into someone famous…
It is easy to get to Cottesloe Beach by public transport, but you can even take a tour if that is more your vibe!
#2 Take a cruise to Rottnest Island
Everyone who has ever been to Perth has heard about Rottnest Island. Most people who live in Australia have even heard of it. The main reason for this is because of the cute native marsupial called the Quokka!
The Quokka is like a small Wallaby, but is only the size of a common house cat. They are native to Rottnest Island, and can be found nowhere else in the world. The reason they are so famous, and extremely popular with visitors, though, is because of their cute “smile”. Dubbed the “happiest animal in the world” it is a right of passage for anyone visiting the island to get their photo with the very obliging Quokka. It’s a social media must, after all!
Rottnest Island is not just about the Quokka, though. This is apparent from the dozens of private boats that make their way across the channel every weekend to drop anchor in the small coves and inlets. The waters are pristine blues and greens, and the sand brilliant white. Perfect for snorkeling or just a casual swim and sunbake.
To explore the island, hire a pushbike. They are easy to find not too far from the ferry, and with the island being relatively flat, it is the perfect way to get around. You will spend the entire day exploring, so get there nice and early! Rottnest Island is one of the most popular Perth activities for both locals AND tourists, so be warned!
Getting to Rottnest island is easy, with ferries leaving regularly from Fremantle or the city.
If you find that there is just too much fun for one day, try staying at Rottnest Island!
#3 Go shopping in Perth’s own London Court
London Court is an arcade that runs between St Georges Terrace and Hay Street Mall. Built in the design of Elizabethan Times, it is claimed to the be the only place outside of England itself that captures the setting and atmosphere of Tudor England.
Built in 1937 by wealthy gold miner and financier Claude de Bernales, London Court consists of three and four story buildings lining an open roofed shopping arcade. The front entrance, on St Georges Terrace, has a replica of Big Ben built into its façade, and the Hay Street end has a replica of the “Great Clock” at Rouen in France.
On the interior can be found statues of Dick Whittington and his cat at one end, and Sir Walter Raleigh at the other.
Taking a stroll through the arcade is like stepping into another world. The first time I entered I remember thinking I had stepped into Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, minus the goblins, owls and wands. The gabled roof, shields, crests and wrought iron signs will have you wistfully wondering how you didn’t know this place even existed before today.
A great time to visit London Court is at Christmas. They go above and beyond to bring that English atmosphere to distant Western Australia. The first time I visited was in mid December when the temperatures were soaring, yet in London Court they had a snow machine pumping out white flakes above the wide eyes shoppers!
#4 Take a stroll around awesome Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a relatively new addition to the list of awesome Perth activities. Built in 2016, it was constructed under the tagline “where the river meets the city”. As it turns out, the tagline has a solid foundation, as that is exactly what the quays do.
Take a stroll across the amazing suspension bridge, or chill out at the water park. Elizabeth Quay was built for all ages to enjoy. There are restaurants and bars, public artwork, Gelato shops and plenty of open space to enjoy them all. Promenades join the Quays seamlessly to the Langley park and Bell Tower precincts, and it is only a short stroll up to the mall.
To reach Elizabeth Quay, there is plenty of public transport. The Ferry stops right out front, and it has its very own train station. Busses also run all day!
#5 Meet the kangaroos on Perth’s Heirisson Island
If you are an overseas visitor, and are looking for some really awesome Perth activities, then you don’t have to look any further than Heirisson Island.
Most visitors tend to overlook this island, and I was guilty of that myself when I first moved to Perth. At first, it seems like a simple island in the middle of the Swan River that serves little purpose other than propping up the bridges that run from Burswood to the CBD.
How wrong was I?
Heirisson Island is just a short stroll from the city, and is home to a wonderful population of Kangaroos. Who knew that something like this could exist so close to the city? With its own lakes, natural grassland and Gum Trees, the kangaroos are peacefully at home here, and are protected from the traffic rushing by on their doorstep by a large fence.
If you are in Perth and want to get up close and personal with the local Fauna, you don’t even have to hail a cab. Just take a stroll across the bridge!
#6 Relax at Hillarys Boat Harbour
This is a place that many may not have heard of, but is definitely one that you should visit. Located on the northern beaches, the suburb of Hillarys has totally refurbished their Boat Harbour into a “must see” location.
Although there has been a boat harbour at Hillarys for many years, it was only in the last 15 years or so that the major developments to it have been completed. The Breakwater Tavern, which is iconic to the area, saw a total refurbishment and now stands proudly above the water. The Aquarium of W.A. or AQWA, makes its home at Hillarys as well.
To take a stroll around Hillarys involves doing a loop from the shore, out along the jetties and back in toward the shore again. The small beach is almost totally enclosed, and is a great place for families with young children to swim. Out in the deeper area is a pontoon where older kids and “big kids” can be found diving and flipping to the cheers of their friends.
The jetties are almost fully enclosed with shops that range from souvenir shops to jewelry and surf shops. Restaurants, cafes, take away food stalls and ice cream parlours line the walkways, as the boat owners go about their daily routines nearby as the boat harbour still operates as a traditional boat harbour should.
Take a trip out to Hillarys and discover that, like Elizabeth Quay in the city, there is a lot more to this place than meets the eye. Oh, did I mention there is even a amusement park? There is….
#7 Step back in time at Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison is iconic with Perth, and more locally with Fremantle itself. Where Fremantle was always its own city, removed from Perth, these days they are talked about in much the same breath, as geographically they are attached at the hip.
The prison itself was originally used to house convicts that were transported to Australia from England. It was in use right up until it closed its doors in 1991, and even though throughout that time it underwent numerous refurbishments, the prison was always beset with problems. An undercurrent of bad culture was prevalent, and this culminated in a riot, fire, and guards taken hostage in 1988.
The prison is now a tourist attraction, and is one of the most popular prisons in Australia to visit. Having done the tours personally, I have to say that there is so much history at Fremantle Prison, and the buildings themselves are in such authentic condition, that you really feel like you are visiting the past. If you love history and are interested in such things, I would definitely recommend it to you!
There are several tours you can do at Fremantle Prison, but I really rate the tunnels tour as one of the most awesome Perth activities. It is certainly one of the most awesome things I did!
From ground level, the guide will put you in a harness and take you down a ladder, several stories into the underground tunnels. These were hand carved through the rock underneath the city by the prisoners. It is eerie and spooky, and you could only imagine what the prisoners went through. Some of the tunnels are half filled with water now, and the tour then turns into a boat tour. Amazing experience!
#8 Do a wine tour of the Swan Valley
No visit to Perth is complete without checking out the Swan Valley. One of the premier wine regions in Australia, it is just as famous as the Hunter Valley in NSW, or the Barossa Valley in SA.
Like any Wine Region, the main drawcard for any enthusiasts is, of course, wine tasting. You will not be disappointed by what’s on offer in the Swan Valley!
The valley isn’t just home to Wineries, though. Some of the best chocolate factories in Western Australia have homes here, as do a couple of large local breweries. World class golf courses are on the door step, mini golf, and the swan river itself. Take your time, and discover what this amazing place has to offer!
Click HERE for a Swan Valley wine tour.
#9 Have a picnic in Perth’s awesome Kings Park
Kings Park is simply amazing. This absolutely huge piece of land is situated practically in the CBD, and has the best views in the region. Standing at the main lookout point, you can see the entire city, swan river, and all the way down over South Perth until you reach the limits of your own eyesight.
Kings Park is the largest inland park in the world. That’s right, it’s actually larger than Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London!
More than just a park, this amazing spot is also home to the State War Memorial, Botanic Gardens, Tennis club and a large reservoir. There are tree lined streets lined with plaques dedicated to Service men and women who died in World Wars 1 and 2, and the park itself is home to an amazing array of natural flora and fauna.
Kings Park is the most visited place in Western Australia, and once you visit you will understand why. There can be hundreds of people in the park, but at no time does it ever seem crowded. You can sit and enjoy the views from the café and restaurant adjacent to the War Memorial, or drive to the other end of the park where there are wonderful grassy areas with swings for the kids and more cafes.
No matter who you are or what you are looking for, if you are after a great day out, check out Kings Park. It is perfect for first time visitors to Perth in particular, as the outlook really gives you a good perspective of the city and the entire Perth area.
To get to Kings Park, you can either drive, or simply hop on a bus from the city. Many of the busses from St Georges Terrace will loop up into the park on a regular basis. Otherwise, if you don’t mind a bit of an uphill walk, it is literally only minutes from the city center!
#10 Cruise along Perth’s Scarborough Beach
If you can only get to one beach in Perth, then you could not go wrong by visiting Scarborough Beach. It is one of the best Perth activities for beach lovers. Arguably the most well known of all the Perth beaches, along with Cottesloe, this beach is 2.5 km of uninterrupted white sand and blue water.
Scarborough is especially popular with surfers, as with the right swells it boasts large and consistent waves. The beach is excellent for swimming, and is patrolled every day by local surf lifesavers. With upgrades to facilities in recent years, it is no wonder that tourists and locals flock there in droves. Add to that the almost perfect weather that Perth boasts year round, and it is a recipe for success.
Scarborough Beach is easily accessible from the CBD by bus, or a combination of train and bus. There are plenty of great accommodation options in the area, and it is very popular with backpackers. Add to that the amazing cafes, restaurants and bars that line the beachwalk and local streets, and Scarborough is a perfect destination for a beachy weekend away!
#11 Spend a day at Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is located at Brigadoon in the Upper Swan. It is a very popular location to view competitors in the annual Avon Descent White Water Race as they battle the rapids.
The area is not recommended for swimming, mostly due to the strong undercurrents that can occur during the winter months. It is not unusual to see locals taking a dip in the calmer waters during summer, however, though it is still not recommended.
Instead, take the opportunity to experience the wonderful nature hikes around the area. Explore the rapids and waterfalls along the way, and keep an eye out for the local grey kangaroo that makes the area its home.
If you are looking for somewhere different to experience some of the unique Australian Flora and Fauna, then take a drive out to Bells Rapids. It’s easy to find, and access is by a good quality dirt road into a carpark right next to the river!
#12 Shop till you drop at Fremantle Markets
Fremantle is a place that just keeps churning out surprises. So it no wonder that it features yet again in our list of awesome Perth activities!
From its heritage buildings, to the amazing history that just seeps out of the city as you stroll through its streets, it is almost impossible to get bored when you visit Fremantle. Indeed, when I lived in Perth and had visitors from the “East Coast” I would always take them to Fremantle. It is quintessential Perth, and a place not to be missed.
A large part of this is the Fremantle Markets. They are, in my opinion, some of the best markets you will ever find. Even their website claims them as some of the worlds Premier Markets! Lined with amazing souvenir shops and stalls selling everything from custom stickers to hand made glass bowls, these markets will keep you strolling around all day. But don’t just stop there! Take a walk through the food section and check out the fresh produce while sampling some of the best street cart food available in Perth!
Outside the markets you will find the mall where street performers never stop. Beyond that, take a stroll down through the park to the waterfront, or wander around the back streets of Fremantle where you will find more markets that just seem to spring up on the weekends as if they have a life of their own.
Over towards the docks, keep a lookout for the Woolsheds. Inside, you will find even MORE markets….
#13 Discover the iconic Perth Bell Tower
The Historic Bell Tower on the foreshore of the Swan River can be found right alongside Elizabeth Quay. It has long been one of the most popular Perth activities for visitors to the city. The tower itself is one of the largest musical instruments in the world!
The Bell Tower is home to 18 bells in total, 14 of which are the original bells from St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace in Trafalgar Square, London. These were donated to Western Australia as a part of the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations.
Also a part of the display is the amazing ANZAC Bell which was installed only recently. It was cast in Perth, and is the largest bell of its kind ever made in Australia. It is also expected that it will last for over 500 years, and weighs an amazing 6500kg!
The bells of the Bell Tower can be heard throughout the city as it chimes, and for those that are interested, there is even an interactive chiming schedule. Head down and have your turn at chiming these historic bells that date back to the 14th century!
#14 Explore hidden bars in Northbridge
Northbridge is the name of a suburb right on the northern edge of the CBD, separated only by the railway tracks. It has changed its name over the years, and many moons ago was actually a swamp. Once it was drained by convicts, it had many purposes, including at one stage being the home of several private schools, and at another serving to accommodate gold prospectors in the area.
These days, it is a district filled with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, outdoor theatres, cafes and other popular Perth activities. On a Friday and Saturday night it is the place to go if you are in search of a lively evening. What a lot of visitors don’t realize, though, is that many of the best bars in Northbridge are not that easy to find!
Go on a hunt around the area, explore some back alleys and you will begin to find customers and patrons that seemingly appear from nowhere. The truth is, there is probably a secret entrance to a really great bar nearby.
We went on the hunt last time we were in Perth. It was in a back alley behind a Chinese Restaurant that we found an amazing little Whiskey Bar. Even when standing in front of the door, we were still thinking we were in the wrong place. The soft blink of a red cctv camera above us told us otherwise, though, and after hesitantly quoting the “password of the day” that we gleaned from their facebook site, we were admitted.
Go on the hunt, ask around, and follow the clues. It’s a fun evening, and who knows what you will find!
#15 Stroll across Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium
Matagarup Bridge is a new addition to both the bridges of Perth, and Perth activities. It spans the Swan River, and connects East Perth with the Burswood precinct, giving pedestrian access to Optus Stadium.
The bridge is over 500 meters long in total when taking into calculation the ramps at the ends, and is over 70 meters tall in the middle. The arcing design depicts two flying swans, in a nice nod to the Swan River that it spans.
The bridge was built in conjunction with the new Perth Stadium, also known as Optus Stadium. Only a recent addition to the Perth Skyline, it sports 60,000 seats, and was voted the worlds most beautiful stadium in 2019 by the Prix Versailles international architecture awards. The stadium is in use all year round, and boasts a full calendar of sporting and entertainment events.
If you are heading out to the Matagarup Bridge, keep a look out for their new bridge climb. It involves a 314 step climb to the very top of the highest 70m arch, from which you can experience a 400m zip line down to the landing in Burswood Park. Perfect for every thrill seeker!
So that is it! My list of 15 awesome Perth activities!
If there is one thing that is true about this amazing city, it’s that you could never get bored! There is always something to do.
Keep a lookout for my next article which will be full of fun, useful and also useless but interesting facts about Perth and Western Australia!
Summary
If you are looking for Perth activities, there are so many options that they couldn’t all be even listed here. This riverside city is amazing, and won’t leave you with nothing to do. Trust me!
Useful Links
Rottnest Island Fremantle Ferry
Half Day Highlights of Perth package tour
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