20 Best Things to Do in Perth, Australia (2025 Travel Guide)

You plan to visit Perth in the upcoming year of 2025. Your vacation awaits you with warm sunshine and unique adventures in store. The capital city of Western Australia shines as Perth presents itself as a lively metropolitan hub united by the perfect blend of nature and culture. This Western Australian metropolis provides an endless range of attractions, including warm, sunny weather together with sparkling white shores, an active art culture, and a relaxing atmosphere that welcomes all visitors. Whether you’re looking for the best things to do in Perth or simply hoping to unwind, the city offers something for everyone. Exploring the city is also made easier and more enjoyable with the hop on and off bus Perth, allowing you to visit top attractions at your own pace.

Perth provides travel experiences for all types of travelers, including solo explorers making odd routes, couples pursuing romance, and families who wish to adventure outside. What makes this destination stand out is its perfect combination of coastal scenery and wildlife encounters, along with its diverse markets, top-class dining, and thriving Aboriginal heritage.

The 2025 travel guide presents the select 20 Best Things to Do in Perth that will help you optimize your destination experience. The city provides a fusion between natural splendors combined with cultural artifacts while offering locals unique experiences for a complete, memorable vacation experience. The beginning of your thrilling Perth experience can be found at this destination.

1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Located on Mount Eliza, overlooking the Swan River and Perth skyline, Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. It spans over 400 hectares of natural bushland, manicured gardens, and panoramic viewpoints.

• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Lotterywest Federation Walkway, war memorials, and native wildflowers in spring
• Tip: Visit at sunset for jaw-dropping skyline views.

2. Cottesloe Beach

Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Cottesloe Beach is Perth’s most iconic beach. Known for its turquoise waters and epic sunsets, it’s ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunset picnics.

• Best For: Beach lovers and photographers
• Nearby Eats: Indiana Teahouse and seaside cafes
• When to Go: Golden hour for unforgettable sunset views

3. Swan River Cruise

Flowing through the heart of Perth, the Swan River offers a relaxing way to view the city and suburbs. River cruises range from scenic sightseeing to gourmet wine cruises.

• Options: Perth to Fremantle or Swan Valley
• Top Tip: Try a sunset cruise for dreamy city views

4. Fremantle Markets & Fremantle Prison

The port city of Fremantle, or “Freo,” combines bohemian energy with colonial history. Start with artisanal eats and local crafts at Fremantle Markets, then explore the eerie Fremantle Prison.

• Markets Open: Friday to Sunday
• Top Experience: Torchlight tour at Fremantle Prison

5. Perth Cultural Centre

Situated in Northbridge, this precinct includes the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum Boola Bardip, and State Library. It’s the city’s hub for arts, culture, and indigenous heritage.

• Don’t Miss: Indigenous history exhibits and local art installations
• Location: James Street, Northbridge

6. Rottnest Island Day Trip

A short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) is a car-free paradise with stunning beaches, scenic bike trails, and the famous smiling quokkas.

• How to Get There: Ferries from Perth, Fremantle, or Hillarys
• Must-Do: Take a selfie with a quokka!

7. Elizabeth Quay

In the heart of Perth’s CBD, Elizabeth Quay blends urban vibes with riverside relaxation. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy public art, and catch a ferry or river cruise.

• Must-See: Elizabeth Quay Bridge and the Spanda sculpture
• Food Tip: Dine by the water at The Island or The Reveley

8. Perth Zoo

A 5-minute ferry ride from the city, Perth Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals and offers immersive exhibits that focus on wildlife conservation and education.

• Highlight: Australian Bushwalk zone with kangaroos and koalas
• Location: 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth

9. Northbridge Street Art & Nightlife

Northbridge is Perth’s cultural playground. By day, explore murals and boutique cafes; by night, dive into the city’s top music venues, cocktail bars, and late-night eateries.

• Best For: Street art lovers and night owls
• Must-Do: Visit Rooftop Movies in summer

10. Matagarup Bridge & Zip+Climb

This dramatic bridge spans the Swan River and connects East Perth to Optus Stadium. Daredevils can scale the arch and zipline across the river.

• Fitness Level: Moderate to high
• Best Time: Sunset for stunning views

11. Pinnacles Desert Day Trip

Located in Nambung National Park, about 2 hours from Perth, the Pinnacles is a natural wonder filled with eerie limestone pillars and desert scenery.

• Tours: Join a 4WD tour or self-drive
• Stargazing: Incredible night sky viewing opportunities

12. WA Shipwrecks Museum

Nestled in Fremantle, this museum is Australia’s foremost maritime archaeology museum. Discover shipwreck artifacts, including remains from the Dutch ship Batavia.

• Entry: Free (donations welcome)
• Top Exhibit: 17th-century shipwreck display

13. The Perth Mint

Step back to the gold rush era at one of the world’s oldest mints. See molten gold being poured and learn about the history of Australia’s precious metals.

• Don’t Miss: World’s largest gold coin
• Souvenirs: Buy gold bars and collector’s coins

14. Hillary’s Boat Harbour & AQWA

This family-friendly marina offers shops, cafes, and the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA). It’s ideal for a relaxed seaside day.

• AQWA Highlight: Underwater tunnel with sharks
• Travel Time: 25 minutes from Perth CBD

15. The Bell Tower

This uniquely designed glass tower houses 18 bells from St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Enjoy sweeping views of the Swan River and participate in bell chiming.

• Photo Tip: Great sunset shots with Elizabeth Quay in the background
• Experience: Bell handling demonstration

16. Lake Monger

Only minutes from the city, Lake Monger is a tranquil spot for birdwatching and walking. It’s especially known for its iconic black swans.

• Trail Length: 3.5 km walking loop
• When to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for birdwatching

17. Swan Valley Wineries & Gourmet Trail

WA’s oldest wine region, just 25 minutes from Perth, features boutique wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers.

• Top Picks: Sandalford Wines, Mandoon Estate
• Tip: Book a guided tasting tour or go self-driving

18. Scarborough Beach

Scarborough offers a youthful beach vibe with surfing, beachfront bars, and lively markets. It’s a hub for beach sports and summer festivals.

• Best Time: Summer evenings for Twilight Markets
• Food Tip: Try the local fish and chips

19. Rooftop Bars & Live Music Scene

Perth’s skyline comes alive at night with rooftop venues and live music spots. Northbridge and the CBD host the best of the city’s after-dark action.

• Top Venues: The Aviary, Mechanics Institute, Henry’s Rooftop
• Music Genres: From indie to jazz to EDM

20. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A must for first-timers! Explore Perth with ease on a double-decker bus that stops at major attractions like Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, and The Bell Tower.

• Pass Options: 24 or 48-hour tickets
• Features: Multilingual audio guide, scenic upper deck
• Bonus: Combine with river cruise or Perth Zoo entry

Final Thoughts

The city of Perth continues to thrive as it presents its distinct charm to visitors throughout different seasons. Each period in the year offers visitors distinct experiences of Perth, no matter their preferred disposition, thus making every season acceptable for exploring the city. Whether you’re planning your itinerary around things to do Perth is known for or simply looking to soak in its vibrant culture, the city has something to offer all year round.

The combination of weather analysis, event schedules, and travel objectives will enable you to find The Best Time to Visit Perth for your exploration. This guide will help first-time travelers and returning explorers decide which period in Perth offers them the most rewarding experience.