Perth in Western Australia doesn’t leave you on your first visit. The city has beaches and indigenous history to boot. From parks and monuments to beaches and forest reserves, there’s something for everyone in Perth City. This guide will show you the top 10 most visited spots in Perth and its surroundings for visitors who want to experience the best of the city and beyond.
Perth as a Destination
Perth is a city of contrasts where the attributes of a modern city in the middle of a constructed landscape sit comfortably with those of nature. With its great weather, almost perpetual sunshine, and laid-back atmosphere, Perth is an Australian city on the Indian Ocean in the west of the country. In the CBD, there is chaos in the city, with all types of eateries, shops, and entertainment. Even if you want to slow down, South Perth and East Perth have nice views and are still close to the action. There’s also a good public transport system to get you to the main attractions and to other places. With drama in the inner city and many natural and heritage experiences just outside, Perth has many types of travel experiences.
Around the Area
Perth has something for all types of traveller. Every haven has something different whether it’s culture, scenery or just relaxing the day away. Whether it’s in its parks or old buildings, there’s something patently fascinating about the city and many attractions are scattered around and leaving many things for you to see thanks to the city’s geography.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park also known as King’s Park is one of those places you can’t miss when visiting Perth it’s very popular with tourists. This park combines Nature with History over 400 ha. The Western Australian Botanical Garden part of the King’s Park Complex has many native plants to please any nature lover. So the park has great views of the Perth CBD and Swan River perfect for a walk and taking photos.
Highlights
- Western Australian Botanic Garden: A rare botanical garden with so many abundant and endangered species that have evolved in the state and still holds its history.
- The Lotterywest Federation Walkway: This walk is very high up and till the end has spoiler views. Beautiful historic sites show that Perth is beautiful in every way, basically.
- The Kings Park War Memorial: The monuments help tourists learn about various military campaigns in Australia and not just that, as the exhibitions have artefacts from other civilisations.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is famous for its beaches, scenery and wildlife and is a favourite among beach lovers. However, only a short ferry ride from Perth City and the island has something for everyone, whether you’re a sun seeker or head over heels in nature. Rottnest Island is famous for its quokkas, which are tiny and very friendly animals that are photogenic, as many visitors go there with their cameras. Plus the island has good facilities for snorkelling, diving and other water sports so if you’re lucky enough to be there for more than a day, there’s enough to keep you busy.
Highlights
- Quokka Sightings: Rottnest island is also known as the land of Quokkas because of the many that roam around the island. These cute animals are the main attraction for most of the guests.
- Snorkelling and Diving: There’s enough visibility underwater that visitors can swim and see the beautiful fish and coral beneath the water in the marine environment.
- Historic Sites: Rottnest Island has a historical heritage as seen in its heritage structures, one of which is its oldest heritage structure which was a prison.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is one of the most photographed and favourite beaches in Perth because of its beautiful sunsets and windy weather. This beach is not far from Perth City, so it’s easy to get to if you want to swim, tan and enjoy the sea views. It’s an active beach with many cafes and restaurants so that you can chill out after a day of adventure.
Highlights
- Calm Waters: Shallow water, clean water and small waves makes it perfect for kids and swimmers of all ages.
- Sunset Views: Cottesloe Beach has some of the best sunsets in Perth and its an atmosphere you get after the beach activity.
- Local Dining: Eat at one of the cafes or restaurants overlooking the beach; shell or fresh fish and other specials while taking in the views of the ocean.
Swan Valley
Although Swan Valley is 25km from Perth City it is the oldest wine region in Western Australia. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes of vineyards, wineries and food makers. The experience of Swan Valley will include wine tasting, food treats and countryside.
Highlights
- Wine Tasting: Visit several wineries in the area and try some of its best red, white and sparkling wines.
- Farmers Markets: Buy vegetables, fruits, baked goods and local cheeses at the daily market.
- Scenic Drives: There is a lovely and peaceful drive around the valley with rolling hills and backdrops.
Penguin Island
Penguin Island is a small island off the coast of Rockingham, just a short drive from Perth City. This island is home to a colony of little penguins, the smallest of all penguin species. While on Penguin Island, you will see the pandas in their natural habitat and up close.
Highlights
- Here, you can see the colony of little penguins waddling about, toddler-sized and miniature penguins mingling and waddling about the island and so forth.
- Skim Options: See the coastline and ocean on this ferry ride from Rockingham to Penguin Island.
- Beaches & Picnic Areas: Relax on the beaches of the island or have a picnic while taking in the views.
Perth
Perth Zoo is another popular attraction that is not far from Perth City. The zoo not only exhibits but also conserves and educates about wildlife with many animals from around the world. It’s a great place for families and animal lovers as the exhibits are interactive and educational.
Highlights
- Australian Bushwalk: Visit the zoo’s Australian Bushwalk which has a walk through section where kangaroos, koalas and wombats are kept.
- African Savannah: The lion enclosure is part of the more open space exhibit called the African Savannah.
- Nocturnal House: A feature not found in most zoos is the Nocturnal House where you can see species that are active at night with various mammals and reptiles.
Fremantle
Fremantle is a historic port city 30 minutes from Perth City and is also known as “Freo”. It’s famous for its many art attractions, historic buildings and lively markets and has a great balance of culture and history. Worth the trip for the atmosphere and food alone.
Highlights
- Fremantle Market: Wander through the busy Fremantle Market and buy fresh food, handmade goods and gifts.
- Fremantle Prison: Visit the Fremantle Prison non-fiction site to look into the convict history of Australia.
- Historic Architecture: Walk the streets of Fremantle and see the well-preserved and beautiful historic buildings.
Scarborough Beach
Like most of Perth, there are many beaches to choose from, but Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular because of its lively and surfy conditions. On the shore, this beach is perfect for people who want perfect weather and warm water to sunbathe, surf or build sandcastles.
Highlights
- Surfing: Scarborough Beach has great surfing due to its gentle waves.
- Beachfront Dining: Eat at one of the cafes or restaurants on the beach and try local cuisine.
- Outdoor Activities: Use the beach’s facilities and services including picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths on site.
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park is a natural attraction just 15 minutes from Perth city. This park is great for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching and family picnics. Nature lovers will love the scenery, flora, and fauna.
Highlights
- Serpentine Falls: Don’t miss the Serpentine Falls for a quick swim and a photo of the waterfall inside the park.
- Walking Trails: Take one of the many walking trails of varying degrees to see the park.
- Aboriginal History: Meet the Aboriginal people and learn about the map, its history and the important dates.
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is a historic site in the heart of Perth city that’s worth visiting for anyone interested in the gold story of Western Australia. It’s located in Sydney’s CBD and has various forms of entertainment about Australian history including a range of gold mining history and the luxurious Perth mint that entertains visitors with exhibits and guided Perth tours.
Highlights
- Gold Pouring Demonstration: Come and see, learn and watch a live gold pouring at the Perth mint and see the whole gold minting process.
- Historical Exhibits: Visit the exhibits about the gold mining history of Western Australia and the mint’s activities in this area.
- Souvenir Shop: Buy gold crafts and other goodies from the mint shop.
Conclusion
Perth and its surroundings have something for everyone: beautiful beaches, city life, historic and beautiful parks and reserves. Perth is definitely a must-see for first-timers. Like, if you’re at Kings Park or on a ferry to Rotto or in Fremantle, Perth has got something for the confused traveller.
FAQ
When to visit Perth?
Perth can be visited during the spring months of September to November and autumn months of March to May as the weather is pleasant and you can do lots of outdoor activities.
How to get around Perth?
For visitors to Perth, there are public transport options available such as buses, trains and ferries. You can also take a double decker bus tour of the city.
Are these attractions free to enter?
Some places like Kings Park and Cottesloe Beach can’t be visited while others like Perth Zoo and Fremantle Prison charge an entry fee. Check individual attraction websites for more info.
Can I do a day trip to Rotto?
Yes you can do a day trip from Perth to Rotto. Just make sure to book your ferry in advance.
Where to eat in Perth?
Perth has restaurants galore with seaside cafes at Cottesloe Beach, Chic dejais there’s heaps of options and huchinette’s in Swan Valley.