Travel & Touring | WA Things To Do
Last Updated: 24 December 2024
If you’re looking for a unique or interesting way to spend the day in Perth, look no further.
We've rounded up the best free (and cheap) fun our city has to offer, from classic tourist attractions and landmarks to cultural and foodie destinations.
And of course, we've included our favourite ways to get outdoors and enjoy Perth’s stunning beaches and bushland.
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1. Play tourist and visit Perth’s iconic attractions and landmarks
You can easily spend hours perusing the old-timey shops of London Court, snapping the perfect Bell Tower selfie, and enjoying the food, art and playgrounds down at Elizabeth Quay.
As one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park deserves a day to explore. This state treasure offers the best views of Perth’s skyline, dozens of walk trails, and heaps of playgrounds. If you’re already in the city, the Blue Cat Bus will take you up to Kings Park for free.
For museum lovers, there’s no beating Northbridge. Dive into WA’s natural history at WA Museum Boola Bardip and see some local and international art at The Art Gallery of Western Australia. While technically not free, entry is cheap and well worth the price.
To appreciate some local art for free, head to nearby Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA).
2. Grab your towel and sunnies for a day at the beach
Summer in Perth involves two major choices on the daily: Which world-class beach to visit and what to throw on the BBQ when you get there.
There’s a spot of sun and sand to suit every beachside inclination.
Perth boasts dozens of kid-friendly swimming beaches, dog-friendly beaches and beaches where you can snorkel.
While the best beaches in Perth are highly debated, Cottesloe Beach, Leighton Beach, City Beach, Mullaloo Beach, and Scarborough Beach are some of the most popular.
3. Dive into the local culture, music and food scene
There’s always a show to catch and something delicious to eat in Perth.
Fringe Festival Perth (17th Jan – 16th Feb 2025) brings a zing of energy to balmy summer nights. With free and ticketed comedy, circus and music events, and pop-up bars and eateries galore, this festival is a one-stop-shop for a fantastic night (or nights) out.
For early birds that prefer the thrill of a morning market, Perth farmers markets do not disappoint. WA’s best fresh produce can be found at these local markets, as well as some excellent street food to start your day.
If it’s the street food that excites you, sleep in and head out in the evening to one of Perth’s best hawker markets instead. Along with an incredible variety of food and live music, some hawker markets—like Scarborough Sunset Markets—also include artisan pop-up shops for a bit of retail therapy.
4. Pick up or perfect a water sport
With the sun shining most of the year, a lengthy coastline, and a winding river through the city, it’s no wonder Perth locals love a water sport.
Keen to try your hand at surfing? There are surf spots for beginners near the city or within a few hours’ drive.
Stand up paddle board spots and kayaking spots are also within easy access of the city.
If you don’t have a water-sporting friend to lend you some equipment, there are plenty of hire shops that will be happy to help you out.
5. Dine al fresco
When the weather’s good in Perth, nothing beats a meal in the sunshine. The hardest choice is where to go.
Enjoy your deli meats and cheese at one of Perth’s best picnic spots with a view. Cottesloe Beach and Kings Park are stunning but sometimes crowded picks, while Monument Hill in Fremantle offers a quieter picnicking experience.
For a low effort high reward evening, take a drive to a sunset fish and chip spot around Perth.
There are also dozens of BBQ spots around Perth where you can set yourself up for a good yarn around the barbie.
6. Explore nearby towns and surrounds
For a classic Perth day trip, there’s no competition for Rottnest. And there’s plenty of things to do in the Perth Hills.
But if you’re keen for something different, there are also plenty of unique day trips from Perth to discover.
Soak up history in York. Snorkel around the Shoalwater Islands. Indulge in a winery lunch in Jarrahdale. These and many more spots are close to Perth, will offer something new, and (probably) won’t be nearly as busy as Rotto or the Swan Valley.
7. See the stars
With minimal light pollution around the city, there are many fantastic stargazing spots near Perth.
Make an evening of it by packing a dinnertime picnic and jumping in the car to admire our night sky somewhere special.
While there is a small fee for tours, the Perth Observatory in the hills is a great destination if you’re keen to expand your knowledge of the cosmos.
8. Savour a scenic view and stop to smell the flowers
Sometimes nothing will do but an escape to nature. Luckily, Perth locals are spoilt with coast, bush, valleys, forests and mountains (alright, big hills) right on the city's doorstep.
Looking for a lazy summer day outing? Grab the car keys and head to a scenic drive near Perth or visit one of many scenic lookouts.
When the winter rains appear, so do Perth’s waterfalls. Many of these locations also have picnic facilities, so you can turn your waterfall excursion into a full day out.
Come spring some 12,000 wildflower species transform the state into a colourful wonderland. You can easily spend a day or two hopping between wildflower spots near Perth.
9. Go for a hike (or a walk) somewhere scenic
There’s hiking and then there’s hiking. And in Perth (and surrounds), we’re lucky enough to have hikes and walks for all abilities.
There are challenging hikes near Perth, national park hikes and walks with trails to suit most abilities, as well as accessible walking trails that are wheelchair and pram-friendly, and dog-friendly walk trails for four-legged friends.
The true beauty of outdoor exercise in Perth is the scenery. From coastal trails to bush hikes, there’s always a magnificent landscape to enjoy while you work up a sweat.
While many hikes and walks in and near the city are free, there’s a small entry fee when visiting national parks.
10. Take a freshwater dip at an inland swimming hole
If swell is not your style, Perth has dozens of swimming holes that offer relaxed outdoor swimming.
Serpentine Falls in Serpentine National Park is a crowd favourite. There’s a waterfall, plenty of walks, and picnic facilities in the area. For more of a workout, head to Rocky Pool in Kalamunda for a challenging hike followed by a dip in the freshwater pool.
Just wait until there’s been some decent rain to visit these swimming holes. They’re best after winter, when the pools are replenished, and the waterfalls are in action.
11. Bust out your bike
Cycling enthusiasts face no shortage of excellent trails in Perth.
Families can visit one of the many family-friendly bike trails in Perth and surrounds, with local favourites including Windan Bridge Loop and Herdsman Lake.
Adrenaline junkies can hit the mountain bike trails, which are a great way to explore Perth’s bushland and forests just a short drive (or longer cycle) from the city.
12. Get amongst nature at a national park
With tonnes of walking trails, swimming holes, wildflowers, and wildlife-spotting, national parks near Perth are the perfect way to reconnect with nature.
These are all within two hours’ drive of the city and, while they’re not quite free, entry is cheap and goes towards the great cause of maintaining these beautiful parts of Perth and surrounds.
13. Take a spooky detour – if you dare
For those who are not faint-hearted, you can go scare yourself silly at some of Perth’s most haunted places.
The usual suspects of Freo Prison and Roundhouse have their fair dose of spook-factor, but the lesser-known ones of the Alkimos Wreck, Kalamunda Hotel and Mount Claremont’s Montgomery Hall are also worth a visit.
14. Hit the public art trails
From towering painted walls, oversized sculptures and larger than life digital installations, WA is a feast for the eyes when it comes to public art.
And the good news for the people of Perth is that the majority of WA’s best public art happens to be right here in the city, so you can grab your walking shoes and head on an art-appreciation adventure.
Chasing more amazing experiences in Perth?
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