Capital of Western Australia located south of the territory, Perth is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking sun and warmth ☀️ If you've chosen this metropolis for your next vacation, you're probably wondering what the essential activities are to do in Perth. To answer all your questions, this guide offers the essentials to discover for a perfect stay!
Although downtown is not highly touristy, discovering Perth is not a bad idea; it's even something I recommend! The capital of Western Australia is situated on the banks of the Swan River and offers some beautiful attractions and remarkable colonial architecture.
Among the sights to see in Perth, the Swan Bells Tower is iconic with its set of 18 bells suspended in a bell tower made of glass and copper. If you're interested, I've found a ticket to the Perth Bell Tower that includes a 30-minute guided bell ringing experience, a bell chime certificate, and access to the 360-degree observation platform
Not far from there is Elizabeth Quay, a waterfront entertainment area that is full of museums, sculptures, and shops! Its location around a cove offers a perfect setting to relax and soak up the sun by the water
Murray Street and Hay Street are interesting shopping thoroughfares if you want to enjoy Perth's nightlife or go shopping during your stay.
From a historical perspective, St. George's Cathedral is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Australia, while a visit to the Old Perth Mint tells the story of Australian currency. Continue your Perth visit in the Northbridge area, rich in art galleries and theaters! William Street hosts excellent cocktail lounges, clubs, and trendy bars. Kings Park will be your haven of relaxation...
A must for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air, Kings Park spans an area of 400 hectares and offers a beautiful view of the city center and the Swan River. It is a popular relaxation spot for locals who come to enjoy the lush gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, and trails
At the heart of Kings Park are the botanical gardens that house an impressive variety of native plants and exotic species! It's the perfect place to take a stroll and discover Western Australia's flora, including banksias, brightly colored wildflowers that are iconic to Australia.
There are also historic memorial monuments dedicated to soldiers who died in combat and to the state's pioneers, with the State War Memorial visited by over 40,000 people on Anzac Day. Every year, on April 25, we commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli, which pitted Ottoman Empire troops against British and French forces during World War I.
To explore the park even more easily and discover every corner, don't hesitate to join a guided Segway tour of Kings Park Accompanied by a local guide, you'll explore the park for 1.5 hours and benefit from the guide's commentary, who will teach you more about the local flora. Expect to pay around €78 per person.
If you don't know what to do in Perth, especially if you're traveling to Australia with children, the Perth Zoo is a must-visit for discovering local wildlife. Founded in 1898, the Perth Zoo is part of the Oceania Zoo and Aquarium Association and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The zoo is located in the City of Perth South and covers an area of 17 hectares. It hosts no fewer than 1,300 animals, including 164 species, and welcomes an average of 600,000 visitors each year. While wandering through the park, you might encounter impressive species ranging from iconic kangaroos and koalas comfortably sitting in eucalyptus trees to alligators, orangutans, tigers, and other wildlife
The diversity of recreated habitats allows the animals to thrive in an environment close to their natural habitat. Platforms also allow for discreet observation without disturbing them. To save time, book your entry tickets directly on the official Perth Zoo website!
Mainly known as AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia benefits from a nice location along the banks of the Swan River and is a great activity idea to do in Perth
It offers a wonderful experience in local underwater wonders with a large variety of marine ecosystems ranging from stunning coral reefs to kelp forests.
The Perth Aquarium is home to a multitude of incredible creatures such as sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and a large number of colorful tropical fish One of the most visited attractions by tourists is the underwater tunnel where you can walk through an artificial ocean. This intense experience allows you to observe some of the world's most dangerous and fascinating marine predators up close! For a ticket to the Perth Aquarium, expect to pay around €21 per adult and €12 per child. You can click below to book directly
To complete the visit, know that the complex also offers interactive programs to raise visitor awareness about marine conservation. Presentations on local marine life, animal feeding sessions, and encounters with marine biologists are other activities available on-site.
Founded in 1829 by Captain Charles Fremantle, the port city of Fremantle is located about 12 miles away and is one of the most beautiful cities to discover in Australia for its history and charm of yesteryear. The City of Fremantle features typically colonial architecture through its Victorian-style colonial buildings.
Among the activities available in Fremantle, visiting the waterfront is a must. It is home to markets, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and various entertainment options. We can also mention Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site; this former prison is now converted into a memorial museum. The city also contains art galleries, craft studios, and Aboriginal art shops.
Where to dive in Perth? If you're coming to Australia to explore the underwater world, then I can only recommend discovering Rottnest Island. This paradise located about 12 miles to the west of Perth is famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life
Rottnest Island is the perfect place to escape the bustle of downtown while enjoying its many natural riches and various animal species. In addition to scuba diving, you'll also be happy to meet the quokka, a small marsupial emblematic of the island. By the way, I highly encourage you to rent a bike to explore Rottnest Island and its secluded bays and coves
By the way! I've found a great activity to do on the island! From Perth, head to Rottnest Island by ferry to discover it during a day of biking. This excursion includes the entrance fee to Rottnest Island, round-trip ferry transfer, bike rental, and equipment. For more information on the day trip to Rottnest Island, click below ⬇️ Expect to pay around €72 per person.
Of course, water sports and activities are essential here. Whether it's scuba diving or snorkeling, you'll be able to explore the underwater world and coral reefs. For surfing enthusiasts, surfing is also a popular activity at Rottnest Island, with particularly ideal conditions! ♀️
Off the coast of Rockingham lies Penguin Island, a natural treasure housing a colony of penguins. This picturesque island is a wildlife sanctuary providing a safe natural habitat for many animal species, including various birds. During a boat trip from Rockingham, visitors can enjoy coastal landscapes and the lagoon before reaching the island ️
On site, you can admire the diverse wildlife, especially the penguins frolicking on the beautiful white sandy beaches, spot dolphins offshore, or see seals if you're lucky!
Additionally, you can certainly enjoy the beaches, follow hiking trails to discover the local flora, or dive into the transparent turquoise waters
Mount Eliza, located on the side of Kings Park, is a beautiful hill where you can admire the city, including landmarks such as museums and the World War I memorial. You can also take lovely walks to enjoy the landscape
Flying is undoubtedly the most common and fastest way to reach Perth. Although there are no direct flights between the United States and Perth, several airlines, such as Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, offer regular flights from major U.S. cities like New York or Los Angeles. Expect around 20 hours of flight time. I recommend using Ulysse to find the best deals ✈️
Perth Airport is located about 9 miles east of the city center. If you're traveling to Perth from an Australian city like Melbourne or Sydney, regular flights connect those cities to Perth. In this case, you'll fly with low-cost airlines such as Jetstar, Tigerair, or Scoot.
As part of Western Australia, Perth has a temperate climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. During the summer season, from December to February, average temperatures hover around 86 degrees while winter brings temperatures of about 68 degrees.
In some areas of the region, particularly in the center, a desert or semi-arid climate can be found, with several drought zones interspersed with brief, heavy rainfall. Further north, the climate is tropical as this part of the region approaches South Asian countries where monsoons are frequent ️
The best time to visit Perth is during the summer. Temperatures are warm enough to enjoy the beaches, take excursions, and explore the city and its surroundings. However, book accommodation and plane tickets as early as possible as this is peak tourist season!
If you're still looking for a hotel where to stay in Perth, here are 3 establishments offering good value for money. Additionally, reading my dedicated article will help you learn more about neighborhoods to prioritize in the metropolis
Located right in the heart of Perth's business district, the Aureal Hotel features an outdoor pool, a bar, as well as modern and bright rooms. For a minimum of €114 per night, you can enjoy a pleasant establishment run by warm and attentive staff.
The Great Southern Hotel offers good value for money with large comfortable rooms available from €70 per night, breakfast included. The establishment is located in downtown Perth, close to all cultural sites and shops, and the staff is very friendly
Ideal for budget travelers wanting to stay in Perth, the Hostel G Perth offers dormitory beds starting at €80 per night. The establishment features modern and stylish decor, is well-maintained, and has a central location near everything!
You now have all the cards in hand to find the perfect accommodation in Perth for your next stay. I hope you found my article helpful! If you're planning a road trip in Australia and are unsure of what to do in Sydney or what to do in Melbourne, I also have complete articles that can help!