Where To Go In Perth

Many visitors to Australia say they wouldn't consider their trip complete without spending some time in the energetic capital city of Perth. This place, with a population of over 2 million, is unlike any other in the world because of the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity it provides.

Located on the Swan River, Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. Over a million people call it home, and tourists flock there to enjoy the stunning beaches. Perth attracts visitors from all over the world because it has everything to offer in one convenient location, including beaches, forests, and deserts.

Tourists staying in hotels near Perth's attractions have a wide variety of options, from relaxing on the city's white-sand beaches to exploring the galleries that showcase traditional Aboriginal art.

The Swan River flows through the city, and tourists can go kayaking or paddle boarding on its placid waters while taking in the breathtaking panoramas from Northbridge Hill on the city's outskirts.

Despite being one of the most distant capitals on the planet, Perth, Western Australia's bustling metropolis, proudly displays its many natural and material assets.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find paradise at this location, perched on the banks of the winding Swan River and close to a string of pristine beaches. Kings Park, located in the heart of the city, is a beautiful oasis of natural bushland and panoramic views, perfect for a day of sailing, swimming, fishing, or boating.

Despite its burgeoning skyscrapers, fueled by a mining boom, Perth maintains a laid-back atmosphere, earning it a place alongside Melbourne on lists of the world's most liveable cities. In spite of this, there are still many exciting urban destinations to visit.

Experience some of the best cuisine in the country, shop until you drop at chic boutiques, learn about local culture at museums and galleries, and party the night away at nightclubs and other exciting venues.

Rottnest Island, an oasis not far from Perth, and Fremantle, at the Swan River's mouth, are both frequent day-trip destinations. The famous "Fremantle Doctor" sea breeze, which blows in from the ocean and blasts the summer heat out of this vivacious, prosperous, and sociable city, takes its name from this historic port.

Perth, Western Australia, may be on the edge of the Indian Ocean, but that doesn't make it any less exciting than cities closer to the East Coast.

Officially recognised as Australia's sunniest city, Perth also consistently ranks high as one of the world's most liveable places, thanks to its successful blending of urban perks and a casual atmosphere.

Here, life moves along nicely under a blue sky that seems to be always present. In the city alone, you can find world-class beaches, cuisine from all over the globe, and a flourishing small bar and street art scene.

Some of Australia's best beaches, an incredible variety of wildlife, some world-class wineries, and even an actual island paradise can all be found within easy driving distance of Perth.

What Time of Year to Go

If you're looking for a place to spend your vacation that has hot, dry summers and mild winters, look no further than Perth. There is never a bad time to visit because of the average of 32,000 hours of sunshine per year.

In the warmer months, restaurants and temporary watering holes spring up all along the coastal suburbs. Spend the day on Rottnest Island, where you can watch humpback whales migrate, snorkel the reef, and swim with dolphins from September to November.

This city never slows down, even in the dead of winter, when the city's cultural season reaches its peak. The Western Australian Gourmet Escape (August - September) and the Perth CinefestOz Film Festival (August - September) (early November). To top it all off, the wildflowers are in full bloom (June - November).

How to Get There

Qantas has launched a nonstop service from London to Perth, a trip that formerly required a stopover and now takes about 17 hours. You can fly directly to Perth from any major Australian city on either Qantas or Virgin Australia; the flight time is between five and six hours.

Or maybe you'd rather take your time and enjoy the ride. In that case, the three-day trip on the legendary Indian Pacific train from Sydney across vineyards, the Riverlands, and the vast Nullarbor Plain is an experience of a lifetime.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a tranquil haven near the city's core with stunning views of the Swan River and the Darling Range. About 670 of the park's 1,000 acres are undeveloped bush, home to numerous species of native flora and fauna.

Plants from Western Australia and other Mediterranean climates like South Africa and California are featured at this conservation-focused botanic garden. The acacia garden, the reflective Place of Reflection, and the water garden that looks like a creek in the Darling Range are the highlights.

The Kings Park War Memorial is a moving tribute to Western Australia's military, located on top of Mount Eliza with panoramic views of the city below. The park is laced with pathways for strolling, and there's even a walkway—the Lotterywest Federation Walkway—that floats above a forest of eucalyptus trees.

There are also playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts to be found in the park. Visit Aspect of Kings Park, a shopping district filled with galleries and souvenir shops that feature the work of local artists, after a leisurely stroll through the park. At night, the park transforms into the ideal setting for a romantic stroll, with views of the city lights sparkling in the darkness from Fraser Avenue Lookout.

Perth's Finest Park Is Fit For A King

Discovering a vast native park in the middle of a capital city, complete with  a suspended bridge, dense wildflower carpets and 2000-year-old trees, is as surprising as it is fascinating. You've arrived in Perth's Kings Park.

The first of many breathtaking experiences in Perth's Kings Park is a sight like this: a row of smooth, white tree trunks reaching their leafy fingers into the blue sky. You can visit the world's largest urban park as often as you like, and it will never cease to amaze you.

Only five minutes from the heart of the city, this oasis will provide you with sweet escapism from your everyday life as you wander through its wildflowers and take in the breathtaking views and a 750-year-old boab that travelled 3200 kilometres to get there.

It says a lot about Kings Park's success as a tourist destination that it draws in six million people every year, equally from nearby neighbourhoods and from far away. People spread picnic rugs on the grass near the State War Memorial or stroll to the lookouts along Fraser Avenue because of the entrance's tall, lemon-scented gums.

From that vantage point, you can see the Swan River and the city's skyscrapers. There aren't many vantage points from which to see the waterway merging into the Canning River as it curves towards the Darling Range's blue haze which makes up the Perth Hills. The second unbelievable thing just happened.

Is there room for a few more? When pitted against New York City's natural resources, Perth comes out on top. Kings Park, at 400 hectares, is 60 hectares larger than Central Park and just as recognisable to locals.

It's also competitive statistically. The Western Australian Botanic Garden is located in Kings Park, and it features over 3,000 species of Western Australian flora. A third of the park is left undeveloped for visitors to explore on their own, and this area features natural scrub connected by sandy or paved trails.

You'll feel like you've stepped out into the wilderness, but you'll be right in the middle of the city. In the midst of the chirping of 80 different bird species, it's easy to forget that a major city is just outside.

It also features more memorials to Australian war dead, historical figures, and honour avenues than any other park in the country.

Getting to Kings Park is easy from a logistical standpoint, as most city buses travelling along St. Georges Terrace from the downtown area will bring you up the hill at no cost (just ask the driver). Parking is available for those who drive for free in various areas of the park.

You won't have to spend a dime to take in the sights of this green space thanks to the free walking tours led by knowledgeable Kings Park Volunteer Guides. There are three daily departure times (at 10:00, 12:00, and 2:00) for these free walks, which last between one and three hours.

You can zero in on whatever aspects of Western Australia's flora pique your interest: native flora, invasive species, exotic trees, bushwalking routes, cultural landmarks, or the wide variety of plant life found in the state's coastal and inland regions. Although leisurely picnics are highly recommended, the park also features cafés and a restaurant for those who prefer to hurry their meals.

The park features a giant tree that has the potential to live for another two thousand years; it is one of the park's most popular attractions. The Kings Park’s huge boab has a mysterious allure; it weighs 36 tonnes and was trucked south from the Kimberley to avoid major roadworks.

It has a bottle-like width and shape, and its top is covered in green tufts and tangled branches, giving it an almost comical appearance.

There are plants and flowerbeds in the Botanic Garden that represent the climate in various regions of the vast state, and the tree serves as a guide to these areas. Attractive at any time of year, this segment shines during the month of September's free annual Kings Park Festival when wildflowers are in full bloom.

A wide variety of wildflowers adorn the landscape, from purple Geraldton wax and scarlet grevilleas to fringe tufts of velvety kangaroo paw blossoms and mauve carpets of papery everlastings. You might still be able to see wildflowers later in the month of October if you miss the festival in the beginning of the month.

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a paved, 620-metre path that leads to the treetop suspension bridge. The 52-metre-tall glass and iron arc structure is suspended above the forest floor. Behind the Pioneer Women's Memorial, you'll find the moody and romantic Marri woodland, as well as a series of tranquil pools.

Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, Lorde, and Tim Minchin, among many others, have all performed in this natural setting, which provides an adult and atmospheric venue for their fans. Meanwhile, every summer, crowds gather at the open-air Moonlight Cinema on the western side of May Drive Parkland.

It was thanks to the efforts of John Septimus Roe, the first surveyor-general of the Swan River colony, that such a place has been preserved in the centre of a capital city.

The wooded area was protected by him after European settlement in 1829 because he recognised its worth, but by 1835, the early residents of Perth saw its potential as a site for a timber mill. It took 36 years of logging before a sizable area was finally protected.

The park was expanded by 1890 and opened to the public soon after. Kings Park was so named in honour of King Edward VII's accession to the throne in 1901.

Aboriginal people from the area had been holding rituals, dreaming, engaging in cultural activities, and hunting there for thousands of years prior. Along the self-guided Boodja Gnarning Walk, you'll find interpretive signs that detail the history of the Nyoongar people, their relationship to the land, and the different roles that men and women played in society. At the foot of the Kaarta Gar-up lookout at Fraser Avenue is indeed Aboriginal Art Gallery, another excellent place to gain insight into the local culture.

Kings Park's allure keeps you there for far longer than the initial hour or two you had planned to spend exploring.

Swan River

The Aboriginals of this area credit the rainbow serpent Waugal with the creation of this crooked river. Both Perth residents and visitors will find it to be an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.

You can have a picnic by the river, go biking or hiking on one of the many trails, swim, sail, fish, or kayak. Take a leisurely river cruise between Perth and the historic port of Fremantle to see some of the luxurious homes of the riverfront suburbs.

A cruise up the river to the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region, is another popular day trip. Gourmets will appreciate the abundance of top-notch eateries serving locally sourced, seasonally appropriate dishes made with delicious artisanal ingredients. From Barrack Square Jetty, you can board most ferries and river cruises.

Beaches

Those in search of some rays can pick from a wide variety of stunning beaches in and around Perth. Cottesloe, one of Perth's most popular beaches, is only a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is known for its clear waters and lively café culture. City Beach features a children's playground and numerous ideal spots for picnics, while Port Beach is also very popular.

Family-friendly options include Rockingham Beach and the calm waters of Hillarys Boat Harbour, as well as the coves and points along the winding Swan River, such as Point Walter, Como, and Crawley. Trigg Point has one of the best and most reliable surf breaks in Perth, while Scarborough is another great option. A bit further out, Rottnest and Penguin Islands both have excellent snorkelling and make for fun family day trips.

The Perth Mint

Visitors of all ages find the Perth Mint's exhibits on Western Australia's gold history fascinating. At the Gold Exhibition, you can see gold nuggets and bullion alongside the world's largest coin, which weighs in at a whopping one tonne.

Witness the creation of a solid gold bar from molten gold in the 1899 melting house, and peruse the largest collection of gold nuggets in the Southern Hemisphere. The tours include an informative short film and hourly guided talks about the history of the Perth Mint and the discovery of gold in the state.

See how much of a goldmine you are. After your tour, relax with a cup of Devonshire Tea or peruse the museum's gift shop for some unique keepsakes to take home with you.

Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo, located about 3 km from downtown, has been a tourist attraction since 1898. The Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands exhibits allow foreign visitors to get a taste of Australia's diverse wildlife.

There are kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and even Tasmanian devils, among other popular Australian animals. Visitors can also feed giraffes on the African Savannah, watch orangutans in the Asian Rainforest, see an elephant show, and see a pygmy marmoset in the South American primate exhibit, among many other immersive experiences. You can take a ferry from the jetty on Barrack Street to get to the zoo, or you can take a bus, a car, a train, or a bike.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is a large marina with numerous retail outlets, fun activities and dining options for the whole family just 20 kilometres north-west of downtown Perth. One of the most popular attractions in Perth is the Aquarium of Western Australia.

More than 200 species of marine life, such as stingrays, manta rays, dolphins, and sharks, can be viewed from a close proximity as you stroll through an underwater glass tunnel. This is a popular destination for a day trip because of the abundance of parks, bike lanes, protected beaches, and sidewalks. From here, you can also catch a ferry to Rottnest Island.

Art Gallery of Western Australia

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is located in Perth, Western Australia, and features a collection of Australian and international artwork dating from 1829 to the present day. Australia and the other countries along the Indian Ocean are given special attention. The gallery features works by renowned artists like Hans Heysen and Frederick McCubbin alongside its extensive collection of traditional and modern indigenous art.

The Bell Tower

Bell Tower in Barrack Square is one of the largest musical instruments in the world, and it kind of looks like an alien spaceship or rocket. The parish church of London's Buckingham Palace, Saint Martin with in Fields Church, may have a modern façade, but its bells were actually cast in the 14th century.

In addition to fascinating displays about the bells' rich history, admission to the museum also includes a fascinating demonstration of the ancient art of bell ringing. Spend some time on the open-air 6th-floor observation deck to take in the city and Swan River from every angle.

If a couple is feeling particularly romantic, they can spend a little extra on a unique "love lock" to attach to a fence. The Bell Tower is conveniently located. The central business district is within a five-minute walk.

SciTech

Scitech is a fantastic place to visit if you have restless children in tow. This exciting, kid-friendly museum features imaginative, interactive exhibits to get kids interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The exhibits at Discoverland on water, air, magnets, gravity, and electricity,  are tailored to kids aged three to seven.

Young constructors will love this place, and older kids can have fun exploring the small aquarium exhibit, complete with a periscope for sneaking peeks at mum and dad. Older children will enjoy the planetarium shows and science demonstrations, and all children will learn about the water cycle at Waterlandia. Included in the fun are a puppet theatre and themed exhibits.