Best Things To Do in Perth

Perth is one of the most diverse and charming cities in the world, each activity offers a piece of the local essence. I tell you what are the best things to do during your stay!
Best Things To Do in Perth

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Perth is a lively city, where luxury merges with the everyday. Most of the activities available are ideal for the whole family. In each area you will find something different, such as the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory that offers attractions related to astronomy and the most interesting discoveries. On the other hand, the best tours of the city can take you to discover the emblematic places in guided tours, either by tourist bus or on foot, as well as the trendy spots, ideal to take advantage of the nightlife.

You will also have the opportunity to observe the city from different perspectives by parachuting and get enviable views of the most iconic beaches. In addition, you can't miss must-see stops such as the Console Museum, the local bell tower, the Optus Stadium and the aquarium. Finally, if you prefer something different, go dolphin watching off the coast of Western Australia - there are plenty of options!

1. Walk through Perth's most beautiful streets

Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography
Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography

Perth's streets are over 190 years old, of course some are preserved and others have been transformed into modern suburbs.

Regardless, this is a city with personality that deserves to be explored in detail. The best tours of Perth insert you into customizable experiences, where you can take in the hidden alleyways and most visited points of interest.

Perth is known as the most isolated city, as it is far away from other civilizations. For example, the nearest Australian city is about three hours away by plane. However, you will fall in love with its variety of outdoor activities, entertainment proposals at sea, dreamy streets and its Mediterranean climate. You will find guided experiences from 37 euros that will take you to know:

  • Kings Park: it is the lung of the city, as big as Central Park. It offers the best views of the city and the Swan River.
  • Swan River: it is an ideal location to take advantage of the best cruises in Perth, which dive into gastronomic experiences, wine, nature watching or simple disconnection.
  • Perth Mint: local coins throughout history, are housed in the main center of local production. The Mint is a fun stop, ideal for family learning.

Book a guided tour of Perth

2. Climb the Perth Bell Tower

Perth Bell Tower| ©jrgr
Perth Bell Tower| ©jrgr

Awaken your musical ear in the Perth Bell Tower, a very busy monument that was built in 1999. Its main attraction are the 12 bells brought from St. Martha's Church in London, which generate an enchanting melody. It is a hands-on experience as it will allow you to ring the bells and enjoy the interactive history of this monument.

Its location is taken as a reference point, since its characteristic shape stands out and can be seen from different places. At the top you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the city, as well as the ocean since it is located in front of the seaport.

Inside, it has a gallery of temporary and permanent exhibitions, and at the bottom, you can find the "padlocks of love", a place where lovers express their feelings. To get to this destination, you can take advantage of the downtown bus, which is completely free, and venture out on guided experiences from 13 euros.

Buy tickets for the Perth Belfry

3. Check out the nightlife in Perth's best pubs.

Perth Pub| ©sobolevnrm
Perth Pub| ©sobolevnrm

Perth's nightlife has promising secrets that I invite you to explore. You can have a great time getting to know the city under the stars and detailing the trendiest places. I propose you to join an unforgettable plan, it is a tour in search of the most fun pubs on the beaches and upscale areas. Some of the most popular night spots are:

  • The Royal Perth: is a hotel that has one of the most prestigious bars in the city, suitable for spending time with friends. There is a dance floor, pool table and karaoke room.
  • Universal Bar: one of the most popular bars in the Wellington area, offering live music and a charming atmosphere from Wednesday to Sunday.
  • The Aviary Perth: in this bar they will be waiting for you with a special selection of local beers and live music from different periods. It is located on a terrace, so you will enjoy panoramic views of the city. Be prepared to enjoy lively nights, especially in high season.

These types of experiences are ideal if you are looking for things to do in Perth at night, as they tend to be concentrated on Hay Street: the city's main thoroughfare. Australian bars have a particular charm, with a full calendar of events. It's the perfect excuse to get drunk on the local beer, or taste the best wines. In addition, Perth has no shortage of speakeasies hidden behind hidden passageways. In the summer, themed parties are organized late into the night.

Book a pub crawl in Perth

4. Hop on the city's tour bus and explore at your own pace

Bus through the streets| ©Eren A
Bus through the streets| ©Eren A

The most convenient way to see the city's attractions is aboard Perth's free-stop sightseeing bus, ideal for passing through Kings Park, Northbridge and Optus Stadium. This is a mode of transportation that allows you to explore at your own pace, as you hop off and on at the designated stops. After the first use, you have about 24 hours to take advantage of each stop, which are usually accompanied by an audio guide in several languages.

Another option is to take the full tour, which lasts approximately two hours. The bus has an air-conditioned floor, as well as a convertible area that offers panoramic views. If you are looking for things to do in Perth with children, take advantage of the children's channel that is included in this transport pass. The experience costs approximately 28 euros.

Buy tickets for the Perth sightseeing bus

5. Visit Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory in Perth

Gravity Discovery Centre| ©Rocket 1970
Gravity Discovery Centre| ©Rocket 1970

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is an exciting and different proposal, where you will learn about astronomy and the mysteries of space. In this learning center, highlights the collection of Aboriginal art and displays of Einstein's discoveries.

It has day and night activities, so you can visit at any time. Its interactive exhibits and presentations for all ages are ideal for organizing things to do in Perth with children. It is located in Gingi, about an hour from the city, and to get there you can use the train, bus line 490 or a cab. You can find tickets from 16 euros that include access to all areas.

What to do at Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory during the daytime

During daytime hours the galleries and observatory are usually very crowded, due to guided tours for tourists and schools. However, it's worth it because certain activities only take place during this shift.

  • Stroll through the Wildflower Exhibit: this educational building is surrounded by a virgin forest, considered an international heritage of flora and fauna. All year round there is a variety of wildflowers, especially beautiful in spring. The exhibition has more than 12,000 species, where the different types of orchids stand out. There are also cultural galleries focused on exhibiting rare animals and plants, some in danger of extinction.
  • Explore the Leaning Tower of Gingin: one of the most important attractions of the center, it is inspired by the Tower of Pisa and Galileo's experiments. It measures about 45 meters, to reach the top you need to climb about 222 steps. From the top you will enjoy breathtaking views of the outskirts of Perth.
  • Observe the Trilobus Skull, an ancient jewel over 50,000 years old. It is believed to belong to the marsupials, a type of mammal that takes a short time in the mother's womb and finishes forming in the marsupial pouch. The best known are the Australian kangaroos, which are abundant in the region.
  • Take a look at the models of the Solar System, you can observe the location of the planets in relation to the sun, as well as take advantage of the information panels to learn more about each one.
  • Don't miss the Cosmo Gallery: it's a fascinating hallway, where you'll find the first gravitational wave detector. There is also a section where you will learn how the Universe was created and its development on the timeline.

What to do at the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory at night

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory offers activities to do at night in Perth. Please note that from Tuesday to Thursday it is open until 4:00 p.m., while from Friday to Sunday it works until 8:00 p.m. However, the center continues to be active with guided tours until midnight.

  • Explore the universe: the most special area of the center is the observatory, which I recommend you visit at night to observe stars and constellations. You will usually enjoy the company of professional astronomers, who will talk to you about the cosmos and its phenomena under Perth's clear skies.
  • Experience a night of Aboriginal astronomy: this center and observatory is the only place in Perth where you can see the Aboriginal constellations. This is done through a special laser, in May and October the sky is usually clear and there are more chances to see celestial bodies.

Buy tickets for the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory

6. Join a tandem skydiving experience in Perth

Skydiving| ©sandy
Skydiving| ©sandy

The colors of Perth from above are breathtaking, so you need to try new experiences to get the best panoramic views. A skydive is an ideal activity, which offers an adrenaline rush worthy of an adventurer's itinerary. Specifically, I recommend you to practice tandem skydiving, a variation of the traditional jumps in which you will receive a brief training.

The main advantage is that you do not need previous experience, since the jump is done with a professional. You will be 4,000 meters above sea level, performing a 60-second free fall over Rockingham Beach. Take your time to spot Perth' s penguin island. The value of the experience is around 250 euros and takes you to know:

  • Penguin Island: Western Australia has a large colony of penguins, which hides on this beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. The sandy beaches are the most recommended for children, so it is ideal for sharing activitieswith children in Perth. In addition, it is possible to see dolphins and sea lions.
  • Garden Island: it is a narrow road on the water, surrounded by sunken ships and old military bases.
  • Cockburn Sound: is a connection of the Swan River with the Indian Ocean, from here you will feel like you are touching the sunset with your fingertips.

7. Enjoy a guided tour of the Optus Stadium in Perth

Optus Stadium| ©photobom
Optus Stadium| ©photobom

Perth's Optus Stadium is an impressive building, where mostly the Australian Football League plays. It also hosts large concerts, thanks to its large capacity, considered the third largest in the city. On vacations you can spend a pleasant time exploring its interior in a private experience away from the crowds.

You can learn about the history of the stadium, as well as the achievements of teams such as the West Coast Eagles and the Perth Scorchers. The best part of this experience, is that there are areas closed to the public, such as the Hall of Achievement, the dugout, the playing field and the players' locker rooms that you can learn about on a guided tour. These types of tours usually include a look at the highest point of the stadium, from where you can see the entire city. For this particular attraction, guided tours are available from 16 euros.

Book a guided tour of Optus Stadium in Perth

8. Watch a dolphin show off Perth's shores

Whale watching| ©Wouter de Bruijn
Whale watching| ©Wouter de Bruijn

Perth's coastline is highly visited by a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, seals, penguins and the restless dolphins. All year round it is possible to see them dancing, but there are certain areas where this spectacle of nature predominates, as in Hillarys Boat Harbour. Although there are months where there are more possibilities to see them like July, September and November, in this season humpback whales and blue whales also approach.

The best cruises in Perth take you to a professionally controlled observation in the north of the city, usually aboard a boat in the Indian Ocean. On such tours, it is possible to see blue whales in their feeding grounds, witness the humpback whale migration from September to December, and enjoy a natural dolphin show. You can book a whale watching experience from 40 euros.

Perth Whale Watching Cruise Reservation

9. Learn at the Perth Aquarium

Australia Aquarium| ©Les Butcher
Australia Aquarium| ©Les Butcher

Perth's marine wildlife is interesting and diverse, so a cursory glance is not enough. The best place to learn is the AQWA Western Australian Aquarium, hidden in the vastness of Hillarys Boat Harbor. It is a space with ecosystem emulations, such as the underwater tunnel and coral reefs. The whole family will spend quality time getting to know hundreds of species and getting involved in their care and preservation.

At the aquarium you can see venomous jellyfish up close with professional guides. Generally, the approximate cost of a guided tour is 20 euros and you will be able to enjoy reproductions of the main Australian habitats:

  • Perth: in this section you will find octopuses, lobsters and fish.
  • Far North: where crocodiles and mangroves hide.
  • Shipwreck Coast: home to sharks and rays.
  • Great Southern: home to a very curious animal known as the Pineapple Fish.
  • Danger Zone: of course, here you will find poisonous marine species that are preserved by the keepers.
  • Turtle Rescue Pool: the outside world is becoming increasingly difficult for certain species, so the aquarium has a turtle recovery area.

Buy tickets for AQWA the Perth Aquarium

10. Explore the Video Game Console Museum in Perth

Inside the Museum| ©Michael Holdsworth
Inside the Museum| ©Michael Holdsworth

The Video Game Console Museum or Nostalgia Box is an attraction that will trigger your nostalgia, as it showcases screens and computers from eras gone by. From the classic Nintendo console, to relics like the 1972 Magnavox Odyssey. There are also games for the little ones of more modern consoles, such as the Xbox 360.

In this iconic museum you will find interactive games open to the public, as well as tours of the building that will lead you to explore the fascinating history of consoles. In fact, you can find Mario Kart tracks and more than 100 different exhibits. Admission starts at 13 euros, making it an economical choice for your vacation, and its location in the heart of Northbridge is extremely convenient. You can take advantage of Perth' s free stopping tour bus to visit.

Additionally, don't miss the amateur quiz nights and free pizza is a frequent activity that includes prizes. Access to these activities is not included in the museum admission, as it is an additional cost of approximately €22.

Buy tickets for the Video Game Console Museum

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 100 Reviews
  • S
    S.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The aquarium offers educational programs and special activities throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for school and family visits.
  • F
    F.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The aquarium facilities were modern and well maintained, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment for our visit.
  • F
    F.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium has educational areas that taught us about the importance of conserving and protecting the oceans and their inhabitants.
  • G
    G.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    AQWA offers interactive activities for all ages, such as feeding the fish and touching the rays, providing an even more enriching and memorable experience.
  • Y
    Y.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The aquarium staff members were very knowledgeable and willing to answer our questions and share interesting information about the different marine species.