BackAs you tread along some of the world's most beautiful paths on your trip to Australia, Perth awaits with a whole new world of wonders.
With the launch of Australia as our newest luxury travel destination, our Travel Specialists are keen to share their intimate familiarity with this marvelously diverse country. With a treasure trove of modern metropolises and cultural relics, your Australia travel itinerary will be packed with experiences that can be found nowhere else on our planet.
Among the best places to visit in Australia is the magical city of Perth, a favourite of our Australia expert, Rhian, who has laid testament to the astounding versatility of a trip to the western city. Perth brings opportunities to anyone looking to elevate their travel itinerary. Whether you are in search of thrilling escapades in the wilderness or sense-soothing moments by the coast, this city brings boundless adventure for all.
Read on to discover our top ten favourite things to do in Perth Australia, encompassing activities which are fit for all ages, abilities and travel styles.
For further information about this fabulous country and what's on offer on a Wayfairer trip to Australia, click the button below, or to start planning your trip, click “Get in Touch” on the top right of our page.
Our top 10 best things to do in Perth Australia:
1. Visit Rottnest Island and Hang with Quokkas
2. Wander the Fremantle Markets
3. Seek Native Flora & Fauna in Wandoo National Park
4. Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise Along Swan River
5. Tuck into the Best Australian Cuisine
6. Admire the Gorges of Serpentine National Park
7. Soak up the City's Character in Museums & Galleries
8. Take a Trip to Margaret River for Wine & Kayaking
9. Unwind With a Cocktail on Cottesloe Beach
10. Enjoy a Scenic Stroll Around Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
1. Visit Rottnest Island and Hang with Quokkas
Snorkelling, scenic cycling tours, and adorable Quokkas
We begin in a rather unexpected spot as we welcome you to revel in one of Perth's best offshore beauties: Rottnest Island. Whilst the mention of Perth may bring to mind a modern skyline and busy streets, it is places like Rottnest that bring such a unique glow to this Australian city. Not only is the island visually startling, with a white-sanded coastline and distinctly turquoise waters, but it is also packed with opportunities for adventure seekers and luxury dwellers alike.
One of the highlights of a Rottnest Island tour is its open gateway to the Indian Ocean, as many of its picture-perfect beaches are a springboard to celestial underwater scenes. Over 400 species of fish glide around Rottnest's diverse aquatic surroundings, through mysterious reef caves, swim-throughs and even shipwrecks, inviting keen snorkellers and divers to explore such underwater cities.
It is the resident quokkas, however, that have popularised Rottnest Island or "Rottie". These easy-to-love marsupials are about the size of a domestic cat and are able to climb trees with a surprising ease. Quokkas are famous for their smile, making a day on Rottnest Island jolly but somewhat somber as you learn about the animal's tragic endangerment.
Rottnest Island homes the world's largest quokka population!
2. Wander the Fremantle Markets
Local activity and culture, delicious street food
Just moments from the south-west shoulder of Perth, Fremantle, a 19th-century port hub, welcomes you to explore its buzzing markets, where you will find an extension of Perth's quirky atmosphere. Fremantle perches at the mouth of the Swan River, blending its marked bustle with a quintessential West Australian setting and offering up the best of local crafts and cuisine.
During your trip to Perth, you will notice a mix of cultural elements, where the character of thousands of past and present locals combine in a colourful chorus of new and old. Here, at Fremantle Markets, that very same melting pot comes alive.
Food lovers find their bliss, as everything from toasted sandwiches and indulgent cakes to raw, vegan dishes and delicacies are at your fingertips. Just round the corner from each tempting food stall is a locally-run shop selling vintage records or hand-made soaps - it is impossible not to spend.
The Fremantle Market is a simple stop along your tour of Perth, inviting you into the region's warm heart3. Seek Native Flora & Fauna in Wandoo National Park
Long hikes, scenic picnics and sightings of rare flora
Whilst the city of Perth itself is overflowing with culture and beauty, its surroundings also offer a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime holiday in Australia. Just 80-kilometres east of the city, Wandoo National Park swells with natural grandeur, where 44,000-hectares of woodland rumbles with the call of the red-capped parrot, the western rosella, and more.
Notice the unique structure of the Eucalyptus wandoo, its pale, smooth bark rising 25-metres high, its leaves creating a luscious canopy of green. These trees plays an essential role in homing vulnerable wildlife like Carnaby's black cockatoo. Preserving this woodland is essential, as on top of its impressive collection of aviary species, Wandoo National Park homes precious species like the Western Brush wallaby, the Western carpet python, and the fine-faced gecko.
For nature photographers and birdwatchers, Wandoo National Park is like a personal haven. It doesn't take long for what seems like empty forest to transform into a natural playground, where between each wandoo tree lays Mother Nature's own arrangements of beautiful, native orchids and other rare flora.
The Swan River is one of the crown jewels of Perth, supporting a variety of a wildlife and making the perfect centre-piece to an already picturesque city. The river also has deep cultural significance for the local Noongar people, holding a place in aboriginal mythology and remaining today an important spiritual site for many.
One of the best ways to experience the majesty of the aptly named Swan River is on a sunset river cruise, an alluring experience of around 2.5 hours which is often spent on a sleek catamaran. Whether you are on a trip with your other half or a group of friends, gliding along the Swan on a private journey makes the crown to any luxury stay in Perth.
Your sunset catamaran cruise transports you between Fremantle and Perth, depending on your preferred final destination, offering unique perspectives of the cities lighting up as the sun goes down. Soak up unmatched views of the harbour as you tuck into a specially-made dinner and complete the evening with refreshing sundowners.
See the stunning skyline of Perth as the sun goes down on a Swan River cruise
5. Tuck into the Best Australian Cuisine
International cuisines and family-run restaurants
Australian cuisine is renowned for its diversity. Perth encompasses a food scene which mirrors the melting pot of cultures which gives the city its quirky character, offering a range of international culinary styles served in rows of restaurants and cafes. Whether you prefer a cosy, down-to-earth culinary experience in a family-run venue or a fancy affair in one of Perth's top-rated dining spots, your Epicurean adventure in Australia wouldn't be the same without a stop here.
Perth's positioning on Australia's glowing western coast brings seafood to the forefront of its culinary scene. Tuck into dishes which spotlight rare fish like the Barramundi, caught locally by resident fishermen, or delicious char-grilled cuts of lamb, a popular meat in Australia. Revel in the city's cultural breadth by exploring its Italian scene and try takes on more of your favourite cuisines like English, Mexican, and Chinese.
There is a selection of incredible Italian restaurants in Perth
6. Admire the Gorges of Serpentine National Park
Wildlife spotting, waterfalls and idyllic picnics
Just 55-kilometres east of the city, Serpentine National Park brings even more exhilaration to your already exciting tour of Perth, combining the city's exuberant atmosphere and cultural cornucopia with incredible natural beauty. For just a small entry fee, the best of Australia's bushland beauty is on display, as the park welcomes adventurers from far and wide to plunge into a realm where nature runs free.
Many say that Serpentine Falls is the highlight of the national park, the white waters of which tumble into a beautiful rock-lined pool, offering an astounding scenery for its idyllic picnic spot on its neighbouring lawns. Carefully-planned footpaths wind around the best of the park, leading you deeper into a unique natural landscape where wildflowers bloom during spring and birds like the Laughing Kookaburra sing.
Wildlife lovers should also look forward to spotting animals like the Grey kangaroo, the Honey Possum, the Little Red flying-fox and a range of reptiles and amphibians in the park. Living up-to its name, Serpentine National Park homes snakes like the Tiger snake, Gould's Hooded snake, and the Southern Blind snake, so tread carefully!
7. Soak Up the City's Character in Museums & Galleries
Best for off-the-beaten-track travellers
Perth is a city which enlightens the soul, laying out its intriguing history and flourishing cultural scene ahead of you in a multitude of ways. One way to explore the city's heritage is by visiting some of the best museums in Perth, as its vast selection of these make it easy to select based on your wider interests.
For art lovers, the Fremantle Arts Centre packs the thriving artistic scene of Perth and Fremantle into a Gothic building which was originally used as an asylum, taking your hand and leading you through a collection of intriguing exhibits and workshops. For those with an interest in the historic, traditional side of Perth, the WA Maritime Museum offers captivating guided tours which immerse you into naval battles and heroic stories of a time long gone.
Visiting an art gallery on your trip to Perth is a no-brainer. Perhaps the Art Gallery of Western Australia is the choice for you, where the region's diverse cultural identity is celebrated through modern installations and indigenous pieces. Or, discover the city's more experimental artistic scene at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, where you can watch live performances and ground-breaking installations.
The Boola Bardip WA Museum is another excellent pick during your cultural tour of Perth8. Take a Trip to Margaret River for Wine & Kayaking
Outdoor adventures and beautiful vineyards
Here is yet another chance to explore the boundless opportunities which lie in the surroundings of Perth city. One of Australia's greatest gems is Margaret River, accessed by a 3-hour drive from Perth, making it an ideal location for a day trip with loved ones. The region is renowned equally for stunning natural scenes and the production of some of the best wine in Australia, with stays which overlook endless ocean, like in the gorgeous seaside town of Busselton.
During your time in the Margaret River region, expect to come across an enchanting scenery which showcases the majesty of the river itself, where plenty of water-based activities await. The landscapes around the river are varied and luscious, including forested national parks, pristine beaches and vineyards blessed by fresh air.
The picturesque Margaret River welcomes you to hop into kayaks and canoes for thrilling excursions, perfect for a high-energy family holiday or honeymoon in Australia. You can complete your day of watersports with blissful gastronomical moments crowned by delicious local wines and freshly prepared dishes.
Remember, on a holiday with Wayfairer Travel, all transfers to locations off-the-beaten-track are accommodated by private transfer services, unless you opt for a more independent, self-drive journey!
The banks of Margaret River are lush with vegetation, leading towards the boundless ocean
9. Unwind With a Cocktail on Cottesloe Beach
Snorkelling, surfing and dining on the beach
Cottesloe Beach is one of the most idyllic beaches on Australia's west coast, adding a splash of tranquility to your holiday as you take a break from the bustle of Perth's buzz. Here, the Indian Ocean looks its absolute best, instilling in you an instant appreciation for the reaches of Mother Nature.
Meanwhile, you are welcomed to release your adventurous side and to make the most of this magnificent beauty, as endless water sports and other activities are all yours. Dip your head beneath the waves and head on a snorkelling excursion amidst the vibrant coral reefs of Peters Pool on the north of Cottesloe Beach, or ride the waves on a surfboard if you prefer a challenge.
There are plenty more spots from which to appreciate the best sunset in Perth without plunging into Cottesloe's warm waters. Follow one of the cycling trails around the edges of the beach, catching that rare warm breeze through your hair, or make the most of some of the best views of Perth in its best coastal dining venues. Sip on a cosmopolitan and sink into peace.
Spend a day on Cottesloe Beach, where Western Australia's best coastal beauty lies
10. Enjoy a Scenic Stroll Around Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
Gentle strolls, gorgeous floral displays and moments with the family
Kings Park embodies all that people love about Perth, its lively character, its rich cultural heritage, its natural beauty, and even its food. Having earned itself a reputation as one of the best inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park welcomes all ages to have fun amidst its range of natural and cultural attractions. Dip into the Australian bushland as two of the park's trails transport on a journey through Western Australia's biodiverse landscapes, past eye-catching wildflowers and the shimmering surface of the Swan River.
The WA Botanic Garden is a horticulturalist's dream and certainly one of the highlights of Kings Park, offering a showcase of Western Australia's most beautiful and unique plants, some of which are hybrids bred by the park's own team! See endemic flowers like the Aniseed Boronia, the Heart-Leaf Flame Pea, the Silver Princess, and hybrids like the Kangaroo Paw.
Those who deeply care about nature will be glad to hear about Kings Park's conservation efforts, with bushland conservation and restoration being one of the park's main focuses as the park also encourages its guests to keep their walks non-disruptive to the rare species it homes.
See the State War Memorial at Kings Park, which honours Australia's fallen war heroes
We hope this list on the 10 best things to do in Perth Australia offers enough inspiration as you begin planning your trip of a lifetime. To find out more about this wonderful city and what's on offer, click below:
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