The top things to do in Perth

Perth, the sun-soaked capital of Western Australia, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. For travelers visiting Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), Perth provides an array of experiences that showcase the best of Australia’s west coast. From pristine beaches to vibrant markets, and lush parks to historic sites, here’s a guide to the top things to do in Perth.

Visit Perth’s City Centre

This city is definitely full of surprises and there’s a lot to see ! Among those don’t miss Elizabeth Quay! On the banks of the Swan River, you can stop by at one of the coffee shops and can also visit the Bell Tower (Barrack Square), one of the largest musical instruments on earth.

Highlights: Iconic Spanda sculpture, the new Quay to Peak zip-line experience (AUD 35), and riverside cafés.
Free: Public art, playgrounds, and the daily water taxi shuttle (AUD 2.20) unless you have a Transperth Pass.

Do not miss the Northbridge district with its large library and museums. Yagan Square joins Northbridge to the city. It s a transit area with a vibrant open space with bars, cafes and entertainment. If you are keen on some shopping, head toward Murray Street to find all the big brands and shops.

Perth’s laneways and neighborhoods are adorned with vibrant street art, making the city a canvas for local and international artists. Take a self-guided street art tour in the city center, Northbridge, and Leederville to discover murals and installations that add color to Perth’s urban landscape.

Enjoy Perth’s Food and Drink Scene

Perth’s culinary scene is booming, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and multicultural influences. Explore the city’s food markets, such as the Perth City Farm Market or the Subiaco Farmers Market. For dining, head to Elizabeth Quay or the Northbridge area, where you’ll find everything from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries.

Nightlife on a Budget

• Live Music: Check free gigs at The Ellington Jazz Club (Tues) or Rooftop at QT (Wed).
• Happy Hours: Many Northbridge bars offer 2-for-1 from 5–7 pm; look for chalkboard specials.
• Tip: Grab a 6-pack from BWS for AUD 12 and join locals at His Majesty’s Theatre forecourt for free outdoor concerts in summer.

Explore Kings Park & Botanic Garden

One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park offers breathtaking views of the Perth skyline and Swan River. Don’t miss the Federation Walkway for an elevated view among the treetops. There’s also a fairly unique highlight within the park, which is glass bridge that winds its way through a little eucalyptus forest.

• What’s New: The recently opened Sand to Sky Lookout (2024) offers panoramic views from the river all the way to the city skyline and the Darling Range.
• Free Activities:
  • Guided Walking Tours daily at 10 am (no booking required).
  • Self-guided Aboriginal Heritage Trail, with interpretive signage.
• Backpacker Tip: Pack a picnic from Fremantle Markets and watch the sunset over the Swan River—no transport cost if you catch the free CAT bus from Elizabeth Quay.

Have fun at Crown Perth

If you want some more standard urban entertainment, Crown Perth is a fun place to spend an evening. It’s basically a casino resort where you can enjoy a spa, fine dining restaurants, live shows, and the actual casino gaming floor. There are over 240 table games in the facility, but those aren’t even the main attraction. Pokies are believed to represent the most popular and alluring offerings for players around the world, and if you fall into that category you can enjoy upwards of 2,000 electric gaming machines as well.

Beach-hopping: Cottesloe → Scarborough → Trigg

Perth’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, making it a haven for beach lovers.

• Transport: Catch the 102 or 990 bus from the city (day-pass covers it).
• What to Do:
  • Cottesloe Beach rockpools at low tide.
  • Scarborough Sunset Markets (Fri, Sat from 5 pm; free entry).
  • Trigg Point surf break—board rental from AUD 25 for 2 hrs.
• Free: Yoga classes on Scarborough lawns (Sun 8 am) and beach volleyball nets at Cottesloe.

Discover Perth’s surroundings

Visit the Aquarium

Just a short scroll from the city centre, visit the Aquarium of Western Australia. Located on Hillary’s Boat Harbour, it has one of the world’s largest living coral reef exhibits. You can also jump on a 98 metre long moving walkway that takes you through an underwater tunnel ($30/adult).

Discover Fremantle

If you want a sense of the city’s history as well as some seaside views, the Fremantle Port area should definitely be on your list. It’s still an active port, so you’ll find some uglier shipping areas. But you can also learn about the history of the port in the British colony days, and you can also find some interesting little bars and restaurants near the water. It’s charming place to visit just outside of Perth.

• Fremantle Markets: Open Fri–Sun, 9 am–6 pm. Stalls from AUD 5-10 per snack.
• Fremantle Prison Tour: Historic “Doing Time” audio tour AUD 28; but the Torchlight Tour at night (AUD 65) is a unique splurge.
• Free: Art walks on the Street Arts Trail, and the Fremantle Heritage Walk brochure (downloadable online).
• Backpacker Hack: Stay in North Fremantle hostel (AUD 25 dorm) and walk everywhere.

Ferry to Rottnest Island

Just a ferry ride away from Perth, Rottnest Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and the adorable quokka. Rent a bike to explore the island’s scenic trails, snorkel in the bays, and snap a selfie with a quokka for a quintessential Rottnest experience.

Wild Encounters: Penguin Island & Caversham Wildlife

You probably don’t need much more than the name to be tempted to visit Penguin Island! It’s technically outside of Perth, but it’s only a short journey to the south, in the middle of Showalter Bay. You’ll see a lot of interesting wildlife given that the island is situated within Showalter Islands Marine Park (the snorkeling is outstanding, in fact), but the tiny penguins are the main attraction. You may see them in the wild, but you can also attend a feeding to see them up close.

• Penguin Island Ferry: AUD 30 return + AUD 12 entry; penguin feeding at 2 pm daily.
• Caversham Wildlife Park: Entry AUD 30; free farm show included.
• Free: Spot wild dolphins near Mettams Pool or Scarborough Jetty at dawn.

Tips for travellers in Perth

Accommodation: Look for hostels, guesthouses, or shared housing to meet other travelers and save on accommodation costs.

Transport: Perth has an efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Consider getting a SmartRider card for convenience and savings. There are free buses that allow you to visit the centre (Cat Buses).

Employment: For those looking to work during their stay, Perth offers opportunities in hospitality, retail, and agriculture, especially in the surrounding regions.