Perth packs more than 30 major attractions into a city of 2 million people, set between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Range. Swimmers and surfers have 19 white-sand beaches along a 30km coastline, while Kings Park offers 400 hectares of botanical gardens with panoramic city views. Day trips to Rottnest Island to see quokkas, wine tasting in the Swan Valley, and exploring the historic port of Fremantle round out a complete Perth itinerary. Here are the top things to do in Perth, organized by category with practical details on prices, hours, and transport. For more detailed information, see our guides to best neighborhoods in Perth, where to stay in Perth, and Perth travel tips.
Things to Do in Perth: Beaches and Water Activities
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach, 14km west of the CBD, is Perth’s most famous beach. It stretches 1.5km along a sheltered bay with gentle surf, making it safe for families and casual swimmers. The Indiana Tea House, a 1910 heritage building, anchors the northern end with a restaurant and bar. Norfolk Island pines line the grassy terraces above the sand, providing shade for picnics. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers from October to April, 7:30am to 5pm. Free parking is available along Marine Parade but fills by 9am on summer weekends. Take the Fremantle train line from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station (15 minutes, AUD 4.80), then walk 10 minutes west.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is Perth’s action beach, 12km northwest of the CBD. The Scarborough Beach Pool, a heated 50m oceanfront pool, opened in 2016 and costs AUD 7 for adults (open 5:30am to 7pm weekdays, 7am to 6pm weekends). The beach break produces consistent surf for beginners and intermediates; board rental costs AUD 25 to 35 per hour from Scarborough Beach Surf School. The Sunset Hill amphitheater-style seating area fills from 5pm every evening. Bus 990 from Perth Busport reaches Scarborough in 35 minutes for AUD 4.80.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, 19km offshore, is famous for its 63 beaches, 20 bays, and the quokka, a small marsupial found nowhere else. Ferries depart from Barrack Street Jetty (90 minutes, AUD 99 return) and Fremantle B Shed (25 minutes, AUD 79 return). Rottnest Express and SeaLink Rottnest Island operate daily departures. No private cars are allowed; rent a bike from the ferry terminal (AUD 30/day) to explore the 11km-long island. Snorkeling at Parker Point reveals coral formations and 400+ fish species. The island has limited accommodation (book 6 to 12 months ahead) and a small general store. Island admission fee: AUD 25 for adults. Ferries sell out by 9am in summer, so book online 1 to 2 days in advance.
Things to Do in Perth: Nature and Parks
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park covers 400 hectares on Mount Eliza, directly west of the CBD. It’s larger than New York’s Central Park and draws 6 million visitors annually. The Federation Walkway, a 620m elevated glass bridge through the tree canopy, offers views of the Swan River and Perth skyline. The Western Australian Botanic Garden within the park displays 3,000 species of native plants across 17 hectares. Free guided walks depart daily at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm from the Visitor Information Centre. The park is open 24 hours, though the Botanic Garden closes at 5pm (6pm in summer). Free entry. Bus 935 from St Georges Terrace stops at the entrance in 5 minutes.
Swan Valley
Western Australia’s oldest wine region, the Swan Valley, sits 25km northeast of the CBD along the Swan River. It contains over 40 wineries, 10 breweries, and 6 distilleries. Sandalford Wines (est. 1840) offers tastings from AUD 10, with tours at 11am and 2pm daily. Mandoon Estate combines a winery, brewery, and restaurant on one site. The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail is a 32km loop drive taking 3 to 4 hours with stops. Rent a car (AUD 60 to 80/day) or book a tour from the CBD (AUD 120 to 150 per person, half-day). The area also includes Caversham Wildlife Park where you can feed kangaroos and see koalas (AUD 32 adult entry, open 9am to 5:30pm).
Things to Do in Perth: Culture and History
WA Museum Boola Bardip
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip opened in November 2020 in the Perth Cultural Centre after a AUD 400 million redevelopment. It houses 8 permanent galleries covering WA’s natural, cultural, and Aboriginal history across 12,000 square metres. The Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn gallery presents Aboriginal stories through 1,000+ objects. General entry is free, though special exhibitions cost AUD 15 to 25. Open 9:30am to 5pm daily. The museum is a 2-minute walk from Perth Train Station on Wellington Street.
Fremantle Prison
Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site, operated as a maximum-security prison from 1855 to 1991. It was built by convict labour and housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals. Five tour options are available: the Convict Prison tour (AUD 22, 1.5 hours, runs daily), the Behind Bars tour (AUD 22, 1.25 hours), True Crime (AUD 22, 1.5 hours), Tunnels Tour (AUD 65, 2.5 hours, includes hard hat and harness), and Torchlight Tour (AUD 28, 1.5 hours, Wednesdays and Fridays evenings). Open 9am to 5pm. Located in central Fremantle, 10 minutes walk from Fremantle Station (30 minutes by train from Perth, AUD 4.80).
The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint, established in 1899, is Australia’s oldest operating mint and one of Perth’s few remaining gold-rush-era buildings. The Gold Exhibition tour (AUD 22, 1 hour, runs daily 10am to 3pm on the hour) includes a live gold pour demonstration. You’ll see the world’s largest gold coin, a one-tonne Australian Kangaroo worth over AUD 50 million. The mint still produces gold, silver, and platinum bullion bars. Located at 310 Hay Street, East Perth, a 12-minute walk from the CBD or take the free Red CAT bus.
Things to Do in Perth: Urban Attractions
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay, a AUD 440 million waterfront development on the Swan River, opened in 2016. The 29m-high Elizabeth Quay pedestrian bridge, shaped like two swooping wishbones, connects the promenade to an artificial island. The Carillon Tower, a 45m glass bell tower housing 18 bells from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields, stands at the quay’s edge. Swan River ferry services to South Perth depart from Elizabeth Quay Jetty (AUD 2.40 with SmartRider card, hourly departures). The area includes 16 restaurants and bars along the waterfront. Free and open 24 hours; the bridge lights up at night with LED displays.
Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets operate Friday through Sunday in a Victorian-era hall built in 1897 on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street. Over 150 stalls sell fresh produce, street food, crafts, clothing, and Aboriginal art. The Yard area has food vendors cooking Filipino, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Australian barbecue. Open Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. Entry is free. The markets are a 5-minute walk from Fremantle Station. Fremantle’s famous Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace) is directly outside, with 14 cafes and restaurants in a 200m stretch.
