If you’re planning a trip to WA’s capital then here’s your ultimate bucket list: 8 things to you have to do in Perth!
Listen to our overview of all things to do in Perth below!
Take a stroll through Kings Park
Did you know that Kings Park is bigger than Central Park in New York City? In fact, it’s one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. More than six million visitors enter the 400+ hectare parkland each year to embrace Western Australia’s native flora (and even some fauna!). The Fraser Avenue Lookout offers spectacular city views and there are many concerts and events held in the park throughout the year. Kings Park is also a memorial park. Seventeen hundred plaques set along avenues of lemon-scented gum trees commemorate soldiers who fought for our freedom.
Related: Top 4 Family Friendly Flower Festivals in Australia
Immerse yourself in Perth’s street culture
The City of Perth is on a mission to enliven the CBD with an abundance of commissioned street art. In a bid to re-vamp derelict alleyways, impressive and interesting wall murals convince curious tourists to wander. Look for laneways with a cobblestone or granite strip down the middle, which implies there is something to see. Most likely it will be street art, along with hidden cafes, bars and restaurants. Wolf Lane, which runs between King and Murray Streets, is a good place to start. Here you’ll see large-scale works by Stormie Mills and Hyuro, and a very cool digitally interactive mural by Heavy.
Cruise the stunning Swan River
The glorious Swan River snakes through Perth from the Swan Valley and no visit to the WA capital would be complete without time on this historic waterway. A lovely way to experience the Swan is on a cruise. Captain Cook Cruises offers a variety of options that will show you Perth from the river while you enjoy lunch and wine. The Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise takes you to Perth’s celebrated wine region for lunch and a wine tasting at Sandalford Estate Winery. If fancy wine cruises are beyond your budget, hop on the ferry at Elizabeth Quay for a jaunt across to South Perth.
Your Next Adventure: WA’s most loved wineries, distilleries, and breweries
Do a day trip to Rottnest Island
Spending the day at Rottnest Island will feel like you’ve jetted off to a tropical holiday destination. A day trip to ‘Rotto’ (as the locals call it) begins with a leisurely cruise from Perth city or Fremantle. On the island, explore by bicycle, tour bus or Segway, or on your own two feet. Pack your bathers for swimming and snorkelling in divine, clear waters or lazing on any of the 63 splendid beaches. Remember to say hello to the world’s happiest animal: the quokka.
Wine and dine
Before 2007, Perth’s CBD had virtually no nightlife. Liquor licences were so expensive that evening socialising was limited to wine with dinner at expensive restaurants. Thankfully the law was changed and since 2008, Perth’s bar scene has exploded. The first small bar to celebrate the new liquor law was Helvetica Bar in Howard Lane. This shadowy watering hole opened in 2009 and continues to be a favourite among locals. Brookfield Place is a great spot to find hip and trendy bars and eateries for evening mingling, while the new Yagan Square’s high-end Market Hall Plaza is the perfect food court for lunch and sampling a variety of local specialties.
More: Top 5 Pumpin’ Perth Bars
Get Gold Rush Fever
Spend a couple of hours at the Perth Mint for a fantastic history lesson on Western Australia’s gold rush days. Tourists flock to the mint to see the famous kangaroo-emblemed gold coin, which weighs a tonne and is valued at 50 million AUD. You’ll get to see the massive coin, as well as the thrilling ‘gold pour’ demo, on a guided tour of the heritage building.
Hit the beach
Perth enjoys sensational weather for much of the year. During the summer months, temperatures climb well into the 30s. Head to Cottesloe, Scarborough, Trigg and City Beaches for a true blue Aussie beach experience, complete with white sand, turquoise water, and lifeguards on duty much of the time. Perth is one of the world’s windiest cities, so a top tip is to get to the beach early before the breezy Fremantle Doctor blows in to cool the city down.
Watch a magical sunset
Another beautiful beach to visit is Bathers Beach in Fremantle. Western Australia is famous for its glowing, red sky sunsets and you’ll get a mind-blowing view from Bathers Beach House, Perth’s only restaurant licensed to serve alcohol on the beach. Order a sundowner, pull up a lounge chair and get your camera ready to capture the sun slipping into the Indian Ocean.
Need a place to stay?
The Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth on Adelaide Terrace is a natural choice when you want a location close to the heart of the action. A stay here means you’ll be within walking, free-transit and affordable taxi fare distance of the city’s growing food scene, nightlife, shopping, and amazing public parks. The hotel features 170 guest rooms ranging from standard rooms to premium deluxe and family suites.
About the writer
Jennifer Morton is a freelance writer and photographer based in WA’s Margaret River. She’s likely found boarding an airplane – or jumping out of one!
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