Perth is known for being chilled, but don’t let that fool you… There’s actually loads going on. Sitting on Australia’s west coast, with stunning beaches on one side and amazing wine regions on the other. It’s the kind of place to go with the flow and make the most of the weather, which is usually pretty good, to be fair.
So, what is there to do in Perth? If you’re a local looking to mix things up or you’re visiting the city for a few days or even weeks, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your time here. Beaches, wine, good times, what’s not to love? For somewhere known for being laid-back, you can still be really busy in Perth.
It’s hard to single out the top 10 things to do in Perth, but we’ve given it a good go. Check out our guide and start planning your trip. The city is waiting for you!
Jump to:
- WALKING TOUR AROUND PERTH
- VISITING CITY PARKS AND GARDENS
- SAYING HI TO THE QUOKKAS IN ROTTNEST ISLAND
- SUNSET PICNIC OVER THE INDIAN OCEAN
- WINE TASTING IN SWAN VALLEY
- VISIT THE PINNACLES OF NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK
- SURF LESSON IN SORRENTO BEACH
- LOCAL FOOD & CUTE BARS
- TREAT YOURSELF WITH SOME SHOPPING
- SEASONAL EVENTS
- TO WRAP IT UP!
- FAQS
1. Walking tour around Perth
Walking tours might sound a bit daggy or touristy, they’re actually one of the easiest ways to get a feel of the city, especially the CBD. If you want to go all-in with Perth sightseeing, this is the way to do it. You’ll pick up bits of history you’d usually walk straight past, and get to know the surprisingly interesting stories behind some of the city’s older buildings.
Classic stops on a walking tour include Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square and St George’s Terrace. If group plans aren’t it for you, you can always map out your own route and do a self-guided walk. The Visit Perth site is great for inspo if you’d rather build your own tour.
2. Visiting city parks and gardens
Perth has some fab parks that are perfect for chilling in the sun or playing some games with your mates. Kings Park is the clear winner. It’s massive, overlooks the city and the Swan River, and has a mix of walking trails, picnic spots and gardens. It’s such an easy place to lose a few hours without even trying.
If you go closer to the CBD, you can go to Stirling Gardens and John Oldham Park, which are smaller but still worth a visit.
In East Perth, there’s the Ozone Reserve, Queens Gardens and Point Fraser. These are a bit more low-key, perfect if you just want somewhere to sit and stretch your legs or just enjoy a bit of quiet time. Classic Perth vibes, trust us.
3. Saying hi to the quokkas in Rottnest Island
If you only do one thing while you’re in Perth, you really need to pay a visit to the quokkas! Head over to Rottnest Island, where you’ll find them in their natural habitat. They’re the cutest little creatures and so much fun to watch. We reckon it’s one of the best places to go in Perth for a day trip.
The good news is that getting there is really easy too. Ferries run daily from Fremantle, Perth and Hillary’s, and cost about $70 to $90 return, depending on where you leave from and the time of year. It’s a little cheaper outside of peak season.
Once you’re there, you just need to enjoy it. You can hire a bike, explore the beaches, go snorkelling or just wander around spotting quokkas (from a respectful distance, of course. That’s what zoom lenses are for!).
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, but it’s a solid option year-round if the weather’s playing nice.
4. Sunset picnic over the Indian Ocean
Perth sunsets are kind of hard to beat, especially when you’re right on the coast. Planning a sunset picnic overlooking the Indian Ocean is one of our top 10 things to do in Perth, and you’ll realize you’re not the only one with that idea.
Cottesloe Beach is probably the best and a classic choice. It’s about a 20 minute drive from the CBD, the sand is really soft and the water is what you can consider ‘crystal clear’. Plus if you’re around in March, Sculpture by the Sea takes over the coastline and makes those breathtaking sunset views even better.
Scarborough Beach is another good option, especially if you like surfing or snorkelling. It’s livelier, so it’s perfect if you want a vibey beach.
If you want to try something quieter, go to Mullaloo Beach. It’s a bit better for families, or if you just want to chill in the sun with a good book.
5. Wine Tasting in Swan Valley
You can’t go to Perth and not do a wine tasting honestly. And as one of the better places to go, Swan Valley should be top of the list. It’s only about half an hour away from the city, but you’ll feel like you’re somewhere else. A Perth sightseeing must!
Swan Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, and thanks to the warm, Mediterranean-style climate, you’ll find a mix of both red and white varieties of wine. Most wineries offer tastings, most have restaurants or outdoor areas where you can settle in for a long lunch in the sun. There’s no rush at all and that’s kinda the point.
It’s best to leave the car behind. There are plenty of tours that will take you there and back. This is also a handy tip for visiting vineyards that are a bit more remote.
6. Visit The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park
The Pinnacles are unreal, and you really need to see them during your stay. Photos don’t quite do them justice.
You’ll find them in Nambung National Park, about a two-hour north of the city. There’s cool limestone formations that come out of the sand that make it look a bit like a film set. It’s an easy day trip, and you can walk or drive around it to see it all really easily.
You can add it as a stop on a longer drive and stop off at a few spots on the coast along the way. We’ve added it as one of the top 10 things to do in Perth, but it’s really a whole day out to take in lots of different places.
7. Surf Lesson in Sorrento Beach
Fancy giving surfing a go? Then you’ve got to Sorrento Beach. And no, it’s not the one in Italy. It’s about 20 minutes from the CBD, and there’re a few surf schools that do lessons for beginners up to more advanced levels. Prices usually sit somewhere between $60 to $100 per lesson, depending on the school and session.
The waves here are generally pretty friendly, which makes it good for beginners. No promises here, but just standing up on the board by the end of the day will make it worthy.
8. Local food & cute bars
Perth’s food scene is incredible. There’s loads to choose from, including some tasty and fresh seafood options, Italian, and street food.
Our guide to the best restaurants in Perth is a good place to start. It’s a mix of local favourites and must-visit spots, many of which you’ll also spot on TikTok viral reviews and Foodie-Grams.
Add in a few small bars and wine spots around the CBD and Northbridge, and you’ve got a solid evening planned.
9. Treat yourself with some shopping
Perth is a really great city for shopping. So once you’ve tackled Perth sightseeing, you should head to the shops to spend a few bucks (at least).
King St is the go-to for high-end shops, with premium jewellers and well-known Aussie brands like Kookai. Nearby, Brookfield Place is perfect for a bit of shopping and some cool dining spots, so you can spend a bit of time there during your visit.
If you want something more central, go to Forrest Chase, which has a mix of big brands and everyday stores. Most places in the CBD are open from 9am to 6pm, with late-night shopping on Fridays until 9pm.
10. Seasonal Events
There’s always something going on in Perth, which is why it’s such an easy place to have a great time. You barely have to try very hard to come across something fun.
Throughout the year, you’ll find outdoor festivals, food markets and live events. You can enjoy the weather and the laid-back vibes, and live like a local for a bit. It’s worth checking the Visit Perth website before your trip to see what’s on during your stay. Some things you’ll probably want to book in advance for too.
To wrap it up!
It’s quite hard to narrow down the top 10 things to do in Perth because there’s so much to do. You’ve got beaches, wine regions, national parks to explore and loads going on in the city itself.
But the other great thing about WA’s capital is that you don’t really need to rush around. Take it easy, explore a bit, and you’ll naturally come across some of the best places to go in Perth without trying too hard.
If you’re looking to stay somewhere central, we reckon Oaks Perth Hotel is the place for you. It’s got stylish serviced apartments and a prime CBD location, so everything’s within easy reach. You’re right in the city centre, close to transport, restaurants and a lot of the city’s main attractions. Hard to ask for more, really.
If you’re visiting Australia or you’re lucky enough to live nearby, Perth is a city you’ll want to visit at least once. Trust us, it’s absolutely worth it! 
