Essential Things to do in Perth on Your First Visit

It took me a surprisingly long time to make it to Perth. In fact, Western Australia was the last Australian state I visited.

My first visit was a short fly-in, fly-out trip just to see Perth. With only a few days in the city, I wanted to make the most of my time and see as many of the main sights as I could – and I quickly discovered there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Perth is a great city for a short break, particularly if it’s your first visit to Western Australia. You can wander through one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, learn about WA’s gold rush history, cruise along the Swan River, visit some excellent museums and galleries, and still have time to head to the beach.

And then there are places like Fremantle and Rottnest Island within easy reach.

If you’re planning your first trip, these are the things to do in Perth that I’d put at the top of your list.

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A Little About Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, sitting on the Swan River with the Indian Ocean just to the west. It’s often described as one of the world’s most isolated major cities, thanks to the enormous distances separating it from Australia’s other state capitals.

But once you’re there, Perth itself is surprisingly easy to explore.

The city centre is compact, public transport makes it possible to visit many of the main attractions without a car, and some of Perth’s best-known sights – including Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the Perth Cultural Centre – are close to the CBD.

Perth also makes a good base for exploring further afield. Fremantle is an easy train ride away, ferries run to Rottnest Island, and the beaches along the coast are close enough to include in a day of sightseeing.

For a first visit, I’d allow at least three days in Perth. Four or five gives you more breathing room and makes it much easier to include Rottnest Island or spend a full day exploring Fremantle.

Explore Perth CBD

Start your visit with a wander around the Perth CBD. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, and it’s a good way to get your bearings before heading further afield.

One of the places worth seeking out is London Court, a quirky little pedestrian arcade between Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace.

Built in the 1930s, it was designed to look like a Tudor-era English street, complete with mock Elizabethan façades, overhanging balconies and decorative details. It only takes a few minutes to walk through, but it’s one of those unexpected little corners of Perth that’s worth a look.

From here, wander along Hay Street and Murray Street malls and keep an eye out for Perth’s laneways and street art. Wolf Lane is one of the best known, with murals and small bars tucked away from the main shopping streets.

I’d also make your way towards Cathedral Square, where you’ll find St George’s Cathedral, the historic State Buildings and Perth Town Hall nearby. It’s a nice part of the city to wander around and gives you a glimpse of some of Perth’s older architecture amongst the modern office towers.

You don’t need to dedicate a whole day to the CBD. A couple of hours wandering around is enough to see the highlights, and it’s easy to combine with Elizabeth Quay, The Bell Tower or The Perth Mint.

Take a Walking Tour of Perth

One of the first things we did was a Discover Perth Walking Tour, and it turned out to be a great way to get our bearings.

Our 2.5-hour tour covered Perth’s history, street art, laneways and some of the stories we would never have discovered simply walking around by ourselves.

I’m a big fan of doing a walking tour early in a city visit. Apart from learning about the place, you have a local guide you can ask all those useful questions – where to eat, what else is worth seeing and what you can probably skip.

I’d happily recommend doing one near the beginning of your Perth visit.

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden

If you only have time for a handful of things in Perth, make Kings Park and Botanic Garden one of them.

Sitting above the city and the Swan River, Kings Park has some of the best views in Perth. Head towards the State War Memorial for that classic view across the river to the CBD skyline – it’s particularly lovely around sunset.

But Kings Park is much more than a viewpoint. Covering around 400 hectares, it’s one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, with walking trails, picnic areas, bushland and the Western Australian Botanic Garden, where you can see plants from across the state.

Take a walk along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, which includes an elevated section through the treetops, and look out for the glass and steel DNA Tower. If you’re happy to climb the 101 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with another great view over the park and city.

If you’re visiting in spring, Kings Park is particularly worth spending some extra time in. Western Australia is famous for its wildflowers, and you’ll find plenty flowering throughout the Botanic Garden.

You could easily spend half a day here, but even with only a couple of hours it’s worth visiting for the views and a walk through the gardens.

Good to know: Entry to Kings Park and the Botanic Garden is free. You also don’t need a car to get here – public buses run from the city, including a free CAT bus service.

Wander Around Elizabeth Quay

Right on the Swan River at the edge of the CBD, Elizabeth Quay is an easy addition to any Perth itinerary.

Take a walk along the waterfront and across the Elizabeth Quay Bridge for views back towards the city skyline. You’ll also find public art, restaurants and bars around the precinct, and it’s a nice spot to stop for a drink or something to eat while you’re exploring.

Look out for Spanda, the large white sculpture that has become one of the most recognisable landmarks at Elizabeth Quay. Its curved design is meant to represent ripples on the Swan River.

Another sculpture worth seeking out is First Contact, by Noongar artist Laurel Nannup. At first glance it looks a little like a large bird, but there’s a fascinating story behind its shape.

The sculpture represents the arrival of European sailing ships from the perspective of the local Noongar people, who saw the ships’ white sails on the horizon and thought they resembled floating birds.

You’ll also find the Elizabeth Quay Carousel, a traditional Venetian-style carousel that adds a splash of colour to the waterfront.

More importantly for visitors, Elizabeth Quay is a bit of a transport hub. The ferry across the river to South Perth leaves from here, and several Swan River cruises and sightseeing boats also depart from the area.

You don’t need to set aside a huge amount of time for Elizabeth Quay. I’d combine it with exploring the CBD and visiting The Bell Tower, which is right next door.

See The Bell Tower

Right next to Elizabeth Quay, The Bell Tower is one of Perth’s most distinctive landmarks.

I only saw The Bell Tower from the outside on my visit, but you can go inside if you want to learn more about the bells and see the city from the observation deck.

The tower is home to the historic Swan Bells, including bells that originally hung in the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London’s Trafalgar Square. Visitors can also take part in an interactive bell-ringing experience and receive a certificate afterwards.

Even if you don’t go inside – like me – it’s worth walking past while you’re exploring Elizabeth Quay. The unusual glass and copper structure is hard to miss, and you can get some great views of it from around the waterfront.

If you do want to visit, allow around an hour for the full experience. Otherwise, it’s an easy five-minute detour while you’re wandering around Elizabeth Quay.

Discover Perth’s Gold Rush History at The Perth Mint

One of the more unusual attractions I visited in Perth was The Perth Mint.

The mint opened in 1899 during Western Australia’s gold rush and is still operating today, producing precious metal coins and bullion. You can wander through parts of the historic building for free, but I recommend doing the guided tour if you want to get more out of your visit.

One of the highlights is watching a traditional gold pour, where you’ll see pure gold heated to more than 1,000°C before being poured into a mould to create a gold bar. It’s fascinating to watch – and gives you some idea of just how much work went into processing gold during WA’s gold rush era.

You’ll also see an impressive collection of gold nuggets and coins and learn more about the prospectors who came to Western Australia hoping to make their fortunes.

And there’s now another reason to visit. In 2026, The Perth Mint created a massive 521.2 kg gold bar, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest gold bar. It’s on permanent display in the Gold Exhibition, so you can see it as part of your visit.

The Perth Mint isn’t something I’d necessarily have thought to visit before my trip, but I’m glad I did. It’s a really interesting introduction to just how important gold has been to Western Australia’s history.

Allow around an hour for the tour and a little extra time to explore the exhibition.

Explore the Perth Cultural Centre

Just north of the CBD, the Perth Cultural Centre brings together several of the city’s major museums, galleries and cultural institutions in one easy-to-reach precinct.

The highlight for me was WA Museum Boola Bardip, which opened in 2020 following a major redevelopment of the old Western Australian Museum.

It’s a big museum, covering Western Australia’s natural and cultural history. The exhibitions range from dinosaurs, wildlife and the state’s incredible landscapes to Aboriginal culture and the stories of the many people who have made Western Australia home.

I particularly liked that it’s not simply a collection of objects in display cases. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and stories throughout the museum, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here without realising where the time has gone.

Also in the Cultural Centre is the Art Gallery of Western Australia, with collections of Australian, First Nations and international art as well as changing exhibitions.

Both are right beside Perth Station, making this one of the easiest areas to include while exploring the city centre.

Good to know: General admission to WA Museum Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of Western Australia is free, although you’ll need to pay for some special exhibitions.

Take the Ferry to South Perth

For a different view of the Perth skyline, jump on the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth.

The trip across the Swan River only takes around ten minutes, but it’s an inexpensive way to get out on the water and enjoy some great views back towards the city.

Once you arrive, take a walk along the South Perth foreshore. There are plenty of grassy areas along the river, and it’s a lovely spot to stop for a while and look back across the water towards the CBD.

South Perth is also home to Perth Zoo, just a short walk from the ferry terminal. I wouldn’t necessarily squeeze the zoo into a short first visit unless it’s something you’re particularly interested in, but it’s easy to combine with the ferry trip if you want to go.

Even if you don’t visit the zoo, I’d consider taking the ferry across simply for the ride and the skyline views. You can wander along the foreshore for a while and then catch the ferry straight back to Elizabeth Quay.

Spend a Day in Fremantle

If you have a few days in Perth, make time for Fremantle. It’s only about 30 minutes from the CBD by train, but it has a completely different feel to central Perth.

Fremantle – or Freo, as you’ll hear it called – is a historic port city with heritage buildings, museums, markets, street art, cafes, breweries and plenty of interesting corners to explore on foot.

One of the highlights of my visit was Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed former prison that operated from the 1850s until 1991.

I recommend doing one of the guided tours rather than simply visiting the site. There are several to choose from, covering different aspects of the prison and the people who lived and worked there.

I also visited the WA Maritime Museum down on the waterfront. One of its star attractions is Australia II, the yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983 and ended the New York Yacht Club’s incredible 132-year winning streak.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in boats, the museum tells plenty of stories about Western Australia’s long relationship with the sea.

If you’re there from Friday to Sunday, you can also visit Fremantle Markets, which have been operating since 1897. You’ll find food, fresh produce, local products and small independent businesses inside the historic market building.

But don’t spend your whole visit rushing between attractions. Part of the appeal of Fremantle is simply wandering around the historic streets and waterfront, stopping for lunch or a drink and soaking up the atmosphere.

I’d allow at least half a day for Fremantle, although you can easily fill a full day if you visit the prison and museums.

Spend a Day on Rottnest Island

If you have enough time in Perth, I highly recommend setting aside a full day for Rottnest Island.

Rottnest sits just off the coast from Perth and is best known for its quokkas – those ridiculously cute little marsupials that seem to pop up everywhere around the island. But there’s much more to Rottnest than getting the obligatory quokka photo.

We booked a Rottnest Island ferry and bike package, which included our ferry from central Perth and bike hire for the day.

There are no private cars, so cycling gives you the freedom to make your way around at your own pace, stopping at beaches, bays and viewpoints along the way.

And you’ll definitely want to stop. Rottnest has some absolutely beautiful stretches of coastline, with clear turquoise water, white sand and plenty of places to swim or snorkel.

You don’t have to cycle, though. There’s also a hop-on hop-off bus that loops around the island, which is a good option if you don’t want to tackle the hills – because despite what you might expect, Rottnest isn’t completely flat!

Ferries leave for Rottnest from Perth and Fremantle, with the Fremantle crossing being the quickest. You can also hire your bike as part of some ferry packages, which makes organising the day fairly straightforward.

I’d allow a full day rather than trying to squeeze Rottnest into a few hours. There’s plenty to see once you’re there, and part of the fun is having time to stop whenever you find another gorgeous beach – or another quokka.

Planning a day on the island? Read my guide to visiting Rottnest Island for more information about getting there, getting around and what to see.

Head to One of Perth’s Beaches

My first visit to Perth was in July, right in the middle of winter, so unsurprisingly the beaches weren’t particularly high on my list. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, though, Perth’s coastline is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Cottesloe Beach is probably the best-known option for first-time visitors, with its white sand, clear water and distinctive Indiana building overlooking the beach. It’s also easy to reach from central Perth using public transport.

Another popular choice is Scarborough Beach, where you’ll find a long stretch of sand as well as cafes, restaurants and bars around the beachfront.

Perth’s west-facing coastline also makes the beach a great place to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean – something visitors from Australia’s east coast don’t usually get to do from the beach.

If you’re visiting Perth in summer, I’d definitely consider making time for the coast. In winter, particularly on a short visit like mine, I’d prioritise the city sights, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

Take a Wine Tour to the Swan Valley

You don’t have to travel far from Perth to find yourself amongst the vineyards. Swan Valley is just outside the city and makes an easy day trip – particularly if, like me, you enjoy visiting a few wineries while you’re away.

We did a Swan Valley wine tour, which meant we could enjoy the tastings without having to worry about driving. It’s also a good way to visit several places in one day without having to plan the route yourself.

The Swan Valley is one of Western Australia’s oldest wine regions, but it’s not all about wine. You’ll also find breweries, distilleries, restaurants and local food producers scattered throughout the area.

For me, an organised tour was definitely the way to do it. Apart from the obvious advantage that nobody has to be the designated driver, everything was organised for us and we could simply enjoy the day.

If you have three or four days in Perth and enjoy wine, I’d absolutely consider adding the Swan Valley to your itinerary.

More Things to Do in Perth If You Have Time

There were only so many things I could squeeze into my first short visit to Perth, and inevitably a few places didn’t make the cut. If you have more time – or different interests to me – here are a few more to consider.

Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge

Sports fans may want to add Optus Stadium to their itinerary. It’s home to AFL and cricket matches as well as concerts and other major events, and stadium tours or rooftop experiences are available if there isn’t a game on while you’re in town.

Right next door is the striking Matagarup Bridge, which crosses the Swan River between East Perth and the stadium precinct. You can simply walk across it, or take things considerably further with one of the bridge climbing experiences.

Perth Zoo

If you enjoy zoos, Perth Zoo is an easy addition to your time in South Perth. It’s only a short distance from the ferry terminal, so you could combine it with the ferry ride from Elizabeth Quay.

The zoo is open every day of the year, and I’d allow at least half a day if you decide to visit.

Planning Your First Trip to Perth

How Many Days Do You Need in Perth?

I’d recommend at least three days for a first visit to Perth.

That gives you enough time to explore the CBD, Kings Park and the waterfront, spend some time in Fremantle and devote a full day to Rottnest Island without trying to cram everything into an impossible itinerary.

If you have four or five days, even better. You’ll have time to slow things down, visit more museums, head to the beach or add somewhere like the Swan Valley.

My first visit was a short city break, and I was surprised by how much there was to do. Perth might look relatively small on the map, but once you start adding Fremantle and Rottnest Island, the days fill up very quickly.

Getting Around Perth

You don’t necessarily need a car to explore Perth. I found public transport worked well for a short city visit, particularly if you’re staying centrally.

Perth has trains, buses and ferries, and the free CAT buses are particularly useful for sightseeing around the city. There are five CAT routes – Blue, Green, Purple, Red and Yellow – and you can hop on and off without paying a fare.

There’s also a Free Transit Zone within central Perth, although make sure you understand where the boundaries are before assuming your trip will be free.

Getting further afield is relatively straightforward too. You can take the train to Fremantle, the ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth and public transport out towards the beaches.

Paying for public transport is now much easier for visitors too. You can use a contactless Visa or Mastercard, including cards in your digital wallet, to tag on and off Transperth services. Just make sure you use the same card or device at both ends of your journey.

If you’re flying into Perth, the Airport Line connects Perth Airport with the city rail network, making public transport a practical option from the moment you arrive.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Perth?

Perth is a year-round destination, but when you visit can make quite a difference to what you do.

My first trip was in July, so I visited in the middle of winter. That worked well for exploring the city, museums, Fremantle and Rottnest Island, but sitting on the beach obviously wasn’t high on my priority list.

For warmer weather without the peak summer heat, I’d look at spring or autumn. Spring is particularly appealing if you want to see Western Australia’s famous wildflowers, including those in Kings Park.

Summer is the obvious choice if Perth’s beaches are a big part of your plans, but be prepared for hot days. If you’re more interested in sightseeing than swimming, don’t discount winter. I visited at that time of year and still managed to pack plenty into my trip.

Is Perth Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Perth may be a long way from Australia’s east coast, but don’t let the distance put you off.

My first visit was a short winter city break, and I managed to pack a surprising amount into just a few days. From exploring Kings Park and learning about WA’s gold rush history to spending a day cycling around Rottnest Island and discovering Fremantle, there was plenty to keep me busy.

And I still didn’t see everything.

I’d happily return in the warmer months to experience a different side of the city, particularly Perth’s beaches and some of the other places I didn’t have time for on that first trip.

If you’re visiting Western Australia for the first time, don’t treat Perth as somewhere to simply fly into before heading off on a road trip. Give the city a few days of its own – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do.

Looking for more WA goodness? Check out these places to visit in Western Australia and find your perfect place to stay in Perth here.

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