What Should First-Time Visitors to Perth See and Do?

Perth, Australia, is a beautiful city on Australia's western coast that has enough to offer tourists. When you set foot on its ground, you'll be captivated by this city's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural variety, and easygoing vibe. The city's abundance of exciting opportunities and fascinating attractions will satisfy first-time visitors to Perth.

The breathtaking scenery in Perth is an open invitation to all outdoor enthusiasts. The city is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, with gorgeous white-sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and verdant national parks teeming with rare flora and species. The city of Perth is a veritable playground, with attractions like the pristine waves of Scarborough Beach, the beautiful Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and the thrilling wildlife encounters on Rottnest Island.

In addition to its beautiful scenery, Perth has a thriving cultural scene that celebrates its historical roots and forward-thinking spirit. The city's rich cultural diversity has encouraged the development of a dynamic arts and entertainment scene. 

Perth's fascinating landmarks and heritage sites provide a window into the city's past for history buffs. Fremantle Prison, constructed by convicts and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a fascinating look into the colonial past of Western Australia. Explore the quaint neighbourhoods of Fremantle, where Victorian-era structures still survive as a tribute to the city's history. And while you're there, take some time to learn about the region's history at the Western Australian Museum.

Perth continues attracting visitors late into the night because of its exciting and energetic nightlife. In Perth's hip Mount Lawley and Central Business District, you'll find secret speakeasies and rooftop bars where you can listen to live music and engage in a lively discussion. Elizabeth Quay is a waterfront district where you may stroll at sunset, eat delicious food while admiring the river, or do both.

Perth makes an immediate and permanent impression on visitors. Its natural beauty, cultural riches, and friendly people all weave together to form a rich tapestry that demands to be explored. So, come ready for an adventure and let Perth take you on a voyage of discovery and delight you will never forget.

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Perth

Perth, renowned for its temperate climate, stands as an exceptional year-round destination. However, the peak tourist season prevails during the Australian summer from December to February. To relish a less crowded experience and take advantage of lower hotel rates, travelers may consider visiting Perth in the months of October, November, March, or April.

Accessing Perth is convenient through the well-connected Perth International Airport, serving as a major gateway to the city. Travelers arriving at the airport have various transportation options at their disposal. An Uber ride from the airport to the city centre typically costs around 50 AUD and takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, metered taxis are also available for transportation, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

Whether visitors seek natural beauty, cultural experiences, or a delightful culinary journey, Perth offers a plethora of attractions and activities to suit diverse interests throughout the year.

The Best Way to Explore Perth

Walking, taking an Uber, or taking a CAT bus will transport you around Perth's CBD. However, in contrast to, for example, Melbourne, you'll find that getting around Perth and between its numerous neighbourhoods is much simpler if you rent a car, as the city and its various monuments are fairly spread out.

Accommodation Options in Perth

Staying in or around Perth's Central Business District (CBD) or NOR (also known as "north of the river") is highly recommended for first-time visitors. People who want to make the most of their time in Perth also frequent Northbridge, West Perth, Subiaco, and Leederville.

Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors to Perth

Visit Kings Park

Kings Park, situated on the banks of the Swan River, is one of the largest parks in the world. It's even more important than New York's Central Park or London's Hyde Park. Due to the vastness of the area, there is a great deal of sightseeing to be done. To get a bird's-eye view of the park, ascend the DNA Tower's 101 steps.

Stroll along the Bushland Nature Trail to see the beautiful flora and fauna that call this park home. The entire park may be covered on foot in about 25 minutes. More memorials, statues, and honour avenues can be found in this park than in any other in Australia. The State War Memorial, the Flame of Remembrance, and the Whispering Wall can all be seen on a self-guided park tour.  

Kings Park typically schedules summer events, such as concerts, movies, and theatre plays, from November through April. In addition, the beginning of wildflower season is celebrated in September during the Kings Park Festival, which involves seminars, excursions, and art displays in the park.  

Taking a Stroll Along Elizabeth Quay

The Swan River and the city are again connected thanks to this historic waterfront development project.

Even though some Perth residents were on the fence about it before it was finished, they now unanimously agree that it is a beautiful area to explore and a top attraction in the city.

Spanda, an abstract sculpture that stands 29 metres tall, and a statue of Bessie Rischbieth are only two examples of the public art that adorns this area.

Many of Perth's attractions, including the Perth Zoo and Rottnest Island, can be reached from New Elizabeth Quay, and the area is also close to Yagan Square and the state library.

Stop by Fremantle, a City Rich in Maritime History

Located 30 minutes south of Perth city by train or road, Fremantle port city near the mouth of the Swan River is famous for its various museums, including maritime, army, submarine, and former jails. Take a stroll along the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour boardwalk, eat fish and chips with a view of the harbour (Cicerello's is a Fremantle institution on the Fishing Boat Harbour waterfront), tour the old Fremantle Prison, built by convicts, even at night, see the historic limestone Roundhouse, and peruse the Fremantle Weekend Markets on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The Fly By Night Club features international nightlife and music.

Enjoy a Swan Valley Winery Tour and Cruise

Only 30 minutes from Perth is the state's oldest wine area. Over 180 years of winemaking history may be found in the Swan Valley's wineries and breweries. Rent a car and explore the region at your leisure, pulling over at local distilleries, breweries, cideries, and wineries. Just make sure you have a sober driver with you. You can always take it easy on a wine tour and be ready to try some fantastic wines if that sounds more appealing.

Up Close and Local offers half-day boutique wine tours. Due to the party's small size, the tour guide will be able to cater the trip to each traveller's individual interests and preferences. This trip's "up close and local" aspect guarantees that you will always feel as though you are experiencing Swan Valley's whole, genuine experience.

Travel by bus to the finest wineries in the world and sample their wares for the ultimate food and wine day trip. You'll be greeted by a host at each winery and given the lowdown on the region's best vintages as you taste them. You can get a tasty meal with chocolate, liqueur, cheese, and beer at a microbrewery.

Go on a Tour of Fremantle Prison

Although a prison may not be the first place you'd imagine visiting in Perth, its prominence in the city's history has made it a significant draw for visitors.

Formerly a prison for British prisoners, it has been transformed into a tourist attraction since 1991. There are five distinct tours available at the Fremantle Prison. You can go on the "Behind Bars, "Convict Prison," "Torchlight Tour," "True Crime," or "Tunnels Tour."  

Whiteman Park/Caversham Wildlife Conservation Trust 

The location is 30 minutes east of Perth. Caversham Wildlife Park, where you may pet a kangaroo, observe birds of prey, pose with a koala, see a wombat, and enjoy other activities (entry fees apply), is also worth a visit while you're in the area. Whiteman Park Village is a great place to have some coffee and browse the shops selling local art, ceramics, and glass. Kangaroos graze freely in the park, which offers several paths for biking and walking. Observe the children at play on the various playgrounds and water playgrounds, eat a picnic, and take in the stunning natural surroundings all in one outing by riding the train or tram. Seeing this and the nearby Swan Valley makes for a great day trip.

Observe the Stars from the Pinnacles!

Spend a day (or two) out from Perth and experience a dramatic shift in scenery. There are thousands of massive limestone pillars in the Pinnacles Desert, rising above the ever-changing dunes. At sunset, the shadows cast on the sand are breathtaking, and as the sun goes down, the sky becomes a stargazer's paradise.  

All you have to do is show up for this Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing excursion, and the guides will handle the logistics of getting you there and back. After a desert picnic at sundown, you can gaze at the stars through telescopes and astro binoculars. 

In addition, you'll get to go sandboarding on the Lancelin Sand Dunes and stroll along the Moore River to learn about native plants utilised for food and medicine for centuries. It takes roughly two hours to drive to the Pinnacles from Perth. You can check out the fascinating Discovery Centre and, of course, the stunning desert landscape.  

Amazing Beaches in Perth

The pristine, white sands of Cottesloe, Leighton, Scarborough, and City Beach, to mention a few, are among the most excellent options for tourists staying close to central Perth, and they're all free to use. Catch a wave, swim with the locals, watch the lifesavers in the summer, eat lunch at one of the coastal cafés, or for something less formal, get a cold drink and a pub meal at the Ocean Beach Hotel or the OBH as the locals call it, all within easy reach via train from the city centre. You're welcome to attend the "Sunday session" at the OBH every Sunday; however, the place can get crowded on a nice day instead. On weekends and holidays in the summer and every day in March for the "Sculpture by the Sea" public art display, a free shuttle bus runs between the Cottesloe train station and the beach every 15 minutes. There are also stops near the beach for the Transperth buses that go to Cottesloe. The other well-known beaches are all within easy bus distance, too.

Take a Tour of the City

Taking a tour of Perth is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. If you want to get a feel for the area and determine where to return, a tour like this is a great way to kick off your trip.  

Customise Tour  

Make your itinerary and explore only the sights that interest you most in Perth. On this customised trip, you can choose your speed and see only the sights that interest you. For this 8-hour excursion, you will have the services of a guide and driver. Whether you spend your day at the beach, in Kings Park, or at a winery or chocolate factory is up to you.  

Tour for a Small Group  

This highlight of the city tour is limited to ten individuals, so you can see the top attractions without fighting the crowds. Spend the day strolling through the gardens of King's Park and enjoying a private tour of the Wildlife Park after a gourmet lunch and private wine tasting, then travel along the coast to check out some of the best beaches.   

Segway  

Take a segway tour of Perth's picturesque waterfront. You can take three paths through the area, each leading to unique sights. The Swan River will guide you as you learn about Perth's past and see famous landmarks, including the Bell Tower, Optus Stadium, Perth Mint, and Kings Park. You'll get to spend more time outdoors while covering more ground than you would walking.  

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour!  

Hop on and off a double-decker bus at your leisure for a 24- or 48-hour tour of Perth. This is a great, low-cost option for getting around to all of Perth's top sights, with helpful commentary along the route. When the bus stops at a destination, simply get off.  

Conclusion

Perth, Australia, is an attractive metropolis known for its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and laid-back ambience. It has a wide variety of interesting activities and sights that are sure to please first-time visitors. Amazing natural beauty, pristine beaches, and lush parks make Perth a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The city is also a playground, with places like Scarborough Beach and Kings Park and Botanic Garden to relax and enjoy nature, and Rottnest Island, where you may experience thrilling wildlife encounters.

The city's vibrant arts and entertainment sector is a direct result of its cultural variety. For anyone interested in Perth's past, the city's many historic landmarks and sites are invaluable resources. As a UNESCO World Heritage monument, Fremantle Prison offers a unique glimpse into Western Australia's colonial past. Visit the charming Fremantle areas where Victorian-era buildings stand as a testament to the city's past.

Perth's lively nightlife is a major draw for tourists far into the wee hours. Perth's trendy Mount Lawley and CBD are home to hidden speakeasies and rooftop bars where you may hear live music and engage in stimulating conversation. Located on the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is home to numerous popular tourist destinations like the Perth Zoo and Rottnest Island.

The port city of Fremantle is only half an hour away from Perth by train or car, and it boasts a storied nautical past. The historic limestone Roundhouse, the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour walkway, and the Fremantle Weekend Markets are all must-sees for visitors. The Fly By Night Club is a global hotspot for partying and music.

Finally, Perth hosts a Swan Valley Winery Tour and Cruise, which showcases the region's 180 years of winemaking history. Visit the many distilleries, breweries, cideries, and vineyards in the area at your own pace by renting a car and driving about. Visit some of the best wineries in the world without leaving Perth. Try some of the greatest wines in the area while dining on delicious food at a microbrewery. You can choose from five different excursions when you're at the former British prison of Fremantle.

Just 30 minutes outside of Perth lies Whiteman Park/Caversham Wildlife Conservation Trust, where you can do things like pet a kangaroo, watch birds of prey, cuddle a koala, and even see a wombat. The Swan Valley is close by and makes for a wonderful day trip.

Pinnacles Desert is a great place to take in the night sky because of the thousands of huge limestone pillars that rise above the ever-shifting dunes. Get away from Perth for a few of days and witness the breathtaking vistas as the sun goes down. In addition to sandboarding on the Lancelin Sand Dunes and riverside strolls along the Moore, tourists can participate in excursions like the Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing.

Cottesloe, Leighton, Scarborough, and City Beach all have fine white sand and are convenient for visitors staying in the heart of Perth. Visit the Ocean Beach Hotel, also known as the OBH, to ride the waves, swim with the locals, and watch the lifeguards in action.

If you don't have a lot of time but want to see a lot, book a city tour. Use the services of a guide and driver to create a personalised itinerary focused on your interests. Avoid the throngs of tourists visiting popular sights by booking a private tour. Segway along Perth's beautiful waterfront while learning about the city's history along one of three routes. Tour Perth on a 24- or 48-hour double-decker bus ride with on-board narration.

Content Summary

• Perth, Australia, is a stunning city on Australia's western coast, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The city boasts beautiful white-sand beaches and lush national parks, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Scarborough Beach offers pristine waves for surfers to enjoy, while Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcase breathtaking views.
• Rottnest Island provides thrilling wildlife encounters, including the opportunity to meet the adorable quokkas.
• Perth's vibrant cultural scene celebrates its historical roots and forward-thinking spirit.
• Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into Western Australia's colonial past.
• The city's Victorian-era structures in Fremantle pay tribute to its rich history.
• Elizabeth Quay is a picturesque waterfront district perfect for evening strolls and enjoying delicious food.
• Perth's natural beauty, cultural richness, and friendly locals create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
• Perth's temperate climate makes it an exceptional year-round destination.
• Travelling to Perth is convenient through the well-connected Perth International Airport.
• The peak tourist season falls between December and February, but visiting in October, November, March, or April offers a less crowded experience.
• Renting a car is recommended to explore Perth's various neighbourhoods and attractions.
• Staying in or around Perth's Central Business District (CBD) or NOR provides easy access to the city's highlights.
• Kings Park, one of the world's largest parks, offers stunning vistas and numerous sightseeing opportunities.
• The Bushland Nature Trail in Kings Park showcases beautiful flora and fauna.
• Elizabeth Quay's waterfront development project has become a top attraction in the city.
• Fremantle, a port city rich in maritime history, offers various museums and historical sites.
• Swan Valley wineries and breweries, just 30 minutes from Perth, boast over 180 years of winemaking history.
• Half-day boutique wine tours in Swan Valley provide a personalised and authentic experience.
• Fremantle Prison, a significant part of Perth's history, offers five distinct tours for visitors.
• Caversham Wildlife Park allows visitors to interact with kangaroos, koalas, and other native animals.
• The Pinnacles Desert offers a dramatic landscape of limestone pillars and stunning stargazing opportunities.
• Perth's beautiful beaches, including Cottesloe, Leighton, Scarborough, and City Beach, are must-visit destinations.
• Taking a city tour is an excellent way to see many of Perth's highlights efficiently.
• Customised tours allow visitors to explore their preferred sights and attractions in Perth.
• Small group tours offer a more intimate and crowd-free experience of the city's top attractions.
• Segway tours of Perth's waterfront provide a fun and efficient way to see famous landmarks.
• Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours offer a cost-effective option to explore all of Perth's top sights at your own pace.
• Perth's Central Business District (CBD) is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Perth boasts some of Australia's most beautiful and pristine beaches.
• The Swan River flows through the heart of Perth, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities.
• Perth's lively nightlife in Mount Lawley and the Central Business District offers secret speakeasies and rooftop bars.
• The Western Australian Museum in Fremantle provides insights into the region's history and cultural heritage.
• Perth's climate is ideal for outdoor activities throughout the year.
• The State War Memorial in Kings Park pays tribute to the fallen soldiers of Western Australia.
• Perth offers diverse accommodation options, with CBD and NOR being recommended for first-time visitors.
• The Flame of Remembrance in Kings Park is a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for the fallen.
• The Perth Zoo, reachable from Elizabeth Quay, is a popular destination for families.
• Rottnest Island is famous for its adorable quokkas, known for their friendly and photogenic nature.
• The Swan River provides opportunities for river cruises and watersports.
• Perth's vibrant arts and entertainment scene caters to diverse interests.
• The Bell Tower, Optus Stadium, and Perth Mint are notable landmarks worth exploring.
• Perth's public art, including the Spanda sculpture, adds to the city's artistic charm.
• Caversham Wildlife Park offers memorable wildlife encounters, including a bird of prey shows.
• Perth's culinary scene offers delightful options for food enthusiasts.
• Taking a trip to the Pinnacles Desert allows visitors to witness stunning desert landscapes.
• Whiteman Park offers a family-friendly experience with wildlife encounters and scenic trails.
• Perth's proximity to Swan Valley makes it perfect for wine tours and tastings.
• Exploring Perth by car allows visitors to easily access various attractions spread across the city and its neighbourhoods.