In this post I’ll give you some suggestions for activities to do in or around Perth. These include the popular Pinnacles Desert, one of the city’s main attractions, Kings Park, a museum, day trips out of the city, and even beach suggestions.
Pinnacles Desert
I booked this very popular tour with Lumineer Adventure Tours well in advance as it was one of the attractions I was most excited about and for sure didn’t want to miss.
The trip started at 2pm at the agreed meeting point near our hotel, and included a first stop at the Lancelin sand dunes, where we got to slide down them on a board. Although I was a little apprehensive, it was great fun.
Photo 1: Lancelin sand dunes
Photo 2: The dune we slid down on a board
When we arrived at the Pinnacles Desert, there was an awful windstorm, really terrible, the kind where the sand actually hurts when it hits you. All I could think of was crying over the money we had wasted, because at one point it was impossible to even enjoy the scenery. Luckily, the wind calmed down just as they were serving dinner, and we had one of the most amazing experiences ever, watching the sky light up from the desert. I had never seen anything like it, and it was unforgettable. The photos don’t do the moment justice, but they give an idea. And we even got a bonus visit from an emu while dinner was being prepared.
Photo 3 and 4: Pinnacles desert at the sunset
The tour staff knew a lot about astronomy, and through their telescopes we were able to see Venus, one of Jupiter’s moons, and even Saturn’s rings with impressive clarity.
Photo 5: starry night at the Pinnacles desert
Our guide wasn’t the friendliest of the team, and I actually had some difficulty understanding what he was saying, but overall, I highly recommend this tour. Even with the strong wind, the view of the starry sky exceeded all expectations.
Book your tour to the Pinnacles Desert on Get Your Guide.
Kings Park
The heart of Perth’s green spaces, Kings Park is home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden and offers some of the best panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River.
If you´ve got about two hours to spend in the park, stop by the Visitor Centre and see if there’s a guided tour you can join. We were lucky as a free tour led by park volunteers was about to start, and it was an excellent way to learn more about the local fauna, flora, and history.
One of Perth’s free buses, the blue CAT, stops right at Kings Park, making this an absolutely free activity.
Photo 6: Kaarta Gar-Up Lookout at Kings Park
Photo 7: One of the many palm trees species at the Kings Park
Photo 8: Kangaroo paw flower
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Another great and free activity if you’re visiting during the Australian summer! The Museum Boola Bardip is also easily accessible by the blue CAT bus, which has stops nearby.
Photo 9: Entrance to the WA Boola Bardip Museum
Photo 10: One of the façades of the WA Museum Boola Bardip
As soon as we entered the museum, we were advised to start the visit on the third floor, which is dedicated to the biodiversity of Western Australia, and then work our way down. We ended up running out of time because the museum closes at 5pm, so I didn’t get a chance to properly explore the first floor, which at the time had an Aboriginal art exhibition. So here’s a tip: find out what exhibitions are on before you go, so you can plan your visit accordingly. The museum is highly interactive, making it a great activity for children.
Photo 11 and 12: Amazing paintings from Aboriginal cultures in the Special Exhibitions Gallery. Spinifex People: Arts and Stories from Pila Nguru
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is one of Perth’s most scenic areas, offering incredible river views and a lively atmosphere.
Lunch Cruise – If you want to see Perth and Fremantle from the water, check out this highly rated tour on Get Your Guide.
Photo 13: View from Elizabeth Quay
Photo 14: Elizabeth Quay Bridge
Rottnest Island
Known locally as Rotto, this stunning island is a favourite getaway for Aussies, who love to shorten words whenever they can!.
The name Rottnest comes from the Dutch word “Rattennest”, meaning “rat’s nest”. When Dutch explorers arrived in the 17th century, they mistook the island’s adorable quokkas for giant rats.
Check out my full guide to Rottnest Island, where I cover ferry options, activities, and tips on how to make the most of this popular destination!
Visiting Fremantle
Fremantle – or Freo, as the locals call it – is Western Australia’s largest port and a must-visit destination. Whether you’re staying overnight or taking a day trip, there’s plenty to explore!
Check out these posts for accommodation, things to do, and places to eat in Fremantle:
Even if you’re staying in Perth, Fremantle is only a 30-minute drive away if you’ve rented a car. Or you can also take a train which runs every 12 minutes from Perth Central Station.
We took the train from Perth, and it was super easy. Once in Fremantle, we caught a bus to the centre as we had luggage, but it’s easily to walk if you’re travelling light.
Caversham Wild Park
If you’re hoping to see koalas during your visit to Western Australia, Caversham Wildlife Park is a fantastic day trip option! (Actually, koalas aren’t native to this region, but you can still see them here.)
The park is home to a huge variety of Australian wildlife, and is highly recommended, especially for families with children, who tend to love the experience.
It was originally part of our itinerary, but we made some changes along the way and didn’t get a chance to visit at the end. If you’re interested, here’s the link to find out everything you need to know about Caversham Wildlife Park!
Beaches near Perth
We didn’t get a chance to visit Perth’s beaches as we had planned our beach days for the Margaret River region. However, there are some great options if you’d like to explore the coastline.
Giants of Mandurah
This is an open-air exhibition of giant sculptures created by the artist Thomas Dambo, and made entirely of recycled wood. There are six giants in total to discover in this installation, which will be open to the public free of charge until the end of 2026. Mandurah is about an hour from Perth. Find out more here.
You can also take a boat cruise, where you’ll not only see the Giants of Mandurah, but also dolphins in their natural habitat. Book your tour with Get Your Guide.
Final thoughts on Perth
One of the things that struck me the most about Perth’s city centre was the number of homeless people on the streets, many of whom seemed to have or have had problems with drugs. I didn’t feel unsafe, but it certainly kept us on our toes, especially as some people would suddenly start shouting in the middle of the street. Although I enjoyed the city’s vibe, this central area didn’t seem like the best place to live. However, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Perth for the first time.
When we arrived in Perth by car from the south, we passed through residential areas that seemed much nicer (to live in), such as South Perth. So, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly area to explore the city, I’d suggest one of these suburban neighbourhoods.
During our stay in Perth, we didn’t need a car, as the public transport systems works quite well, and Uber is also available. However, if you’re planning to visit some of the attractions I’ve mentioned, such as Caversham Wildlife Park, it might be best to hire a car. (See the Driving in Australia post for more details on car hire).
There’s no shortage of things to do in Perth, and I’m sure you won’t regret adding it to your itinerary.
Don’t miss the posts bellow for more tips on making the most of your visit:
*This post contains affiliated links, and if you make a reservation/purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost you.
