10 unmissable experiences in Perth

Why Perth is so often overlooked in favour of other Australian cities is a puzzle. Given that it has everything needed for a quintessential Australian experience, it’s a place neither to be underestimated nor missed.

Replete with stunning scenery, excellent weather, and endless adventures on and off land, this city is the key to unlocking the wonders of Western Australia. Here are our recommendations for what to see and do in Perth. 

1. Swim through the Coogee Maritime Trail 

The Coogee Maritime Trail is an underwater trail just off Coogee Beach. It takes snorkelers and scuba divers on an exciting deep-sea journey with much to see along the way: the Omeo Shipwreck, an underwater art gallery with a sculpture you can swim through, an artificial reef, and tons of marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, this is an experience not to be missed. 

2. Spend a day (or more) exploring the cultural district

Perth is well served by a year-round line-up of art, theatre, film, comedy, and musical events within its cultural precinct, which houses the Perth Cultural Centre , the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), the State Theatre Centre of WA , and the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip . If you only see one thing, make it the latter’s permanent exhibition, Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn, which shares the history and stories of the First Nations peoples of Western Australia. 

3. Soak up some sun at Cottesloe Beach 

Perth is home to 19 white sand beaches, many of them just a stone’s throw from the city. One of the most popular is Cottesloe, where you can go swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and snorkelling. If you can pull yourself away from the sparkling ocean, grab a spot on the sand for some fish and chips or a famed cinnamon roll from North Street Store , enjoy cocktails at The Beach Club or watch the sunset with a wine in hand at Il Lido . 

4. See the quokkas at Rottnest Island 

Only a short ferry ride away from Perth’s CBD lies a slice of paradise. No matter where you look on Rottnest Island , the views are postcard-perfect and there is plenty to do. Hire a boat to explore the surrounding crystal waters, take a dip in one of the many pristine bays, or go snorkelling or diving to uncover shipwrecks and life under the sea. On land, you can hike, bike or segway around the island. Don’t forget to look out for quokkas, Rottnest Island’s smiley resident marsupials.  

5. Enjoy panoramic views from Kings Park

At 400 hectares, Kings Park is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world ¬– even bigger than New York’s Central Park. Explore the flora, fauna, and rich history of the grounds with a guided walk. With Nyungar Tours , you can learn about the history and traditions of the local Noongar people while surveying medicinal and bush foods. Alternatively, choose from several self-guided walking trails and discover bushland, art, war memorials, and native plants. A walk along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a must: this glass bridge offers stunning treetop views of the city.

6. Sip wine across Swan Valley 

Margaret River may be Western Australia’s most renowned wine region, but did you know its oldest one is only 25 minutes from Perth? The Swan Valley is home to historic wineries such as Olive Farm Wines , established in 1829. Get a taste of the valley’s award-winning vineyards with the Fine Wine Trail . If beer is more up your alley, take a look at some of the cideries and breweries in the area .

7. Swan across the river 

There’s plenty of fun to be had on Perth’s beaches, but the city’s Swan River is not to be ignored, especially when you can explore its waters and enjoy tremendous views of the city and Elizabeth Quay. Choose your mode of transport from swan pedal boats , kayaks, canoes, waterbikes – a hybrid between a bike and a boat – or even stand-up paddle boards. Afterwards, stop by The Island for something to eat; it has a wide range of options, and thanks its own microbrewery, a stellar selection of beers. 

8. Visit the State Buildings 

The State Buildings are an ultra-cool dining, retail and wellness destination in the historical setting of the former Lands, Titles and Treasury buildings. Stay at the luxurious COMO The Treasury , which also houses Wildflower , a rooftop eatery with a menu focusing on the six Indigenous seasons, and POST , a contemporary Italian joint. Lose yourself in Edicole , a bibliophile’s dream with a curated list of books in the jaw-dropping environs of the Postal Hall; and unearth hard-to-find new and used vinyls at Shari-Vari Records .  

9. Take a day trip to Fremantle

Fremantle is a port city less than 30 minutes from Perth. Start a day trip here with a hot coffee from Best Wishes before browsing the Fremantle Markets . Learn about the city’s maritime history at the Shipwrecks Museum , take an eerie torchlit tour of the heritage-listed Fremantle Prison , or craft your own gin at Republic of Fremantle . Food-wise, head to bistro La Lune for New York-inspired fare, Hinata Cafe for seasonal Japanese, Bumplings for Chinese-Mauritian street food, or Madalena’s for sublime seafood. And for the perfect way to end the evening? Don't forget a nightcap from Al Lupo .

10. Little Creatures Brewery 

While you're in Fremantle, don’t miss a detour to Little Creatures Brewery for a taste of their famed ciders and beers. Grab a coveted seat in the dog-friendly beer garden, or sit inside the cavernous “Great Hall”. It’s worth taking a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery (which used to be a crocodile farm) with a group tour; they are held Monday-Sunday and are accompanied by a guided tasting. Private tours can also be arranged for groups of 10-20 people.