Western Australia’s capital Perth is a beautiful city overlooking the Indian Ocean.
This vibrant and energetic city dotted with sleek skyscrapers, is home to around two million people.
Its coastal location means it also boasts stunning clean, white sandy beaches. This has helped developed the perfect balance between bustling and carefree which appeals to all kinds of tourists. Along with expansive green parklands, the Swan River, exotic wineries, fresh seafood and fantastic weather year round, Perth is a great destination to visit that is often over-looked.
Many tourists don’t consider visiting Perth and are drawn to the east coast instead, partly due to not knowing what is on offer there.
It is known as the most isolated capital in the world- but also the sunniest; with an average of eight hours of sunshine every single day.
Due to the booming mining industry Perth is also home to the highest per capita number of self-made millionaires in any city in the world.
Here is a small attraction guide for a glimpse into what you can experience in this marvelous city.
Discover the cultural centre
Perth’s cultural centre is situated in the heart of the city and provides plenty of both entertainment and education. You can discover more about Australia's amazing west coast at the Western Australia Museum, with its fascinating local scientific and cultural collection.
Delve into an extensive collection of Indigenous art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Be sure to make time for Perth Zoo, dedicated to conserving Australian wildlife.
The centre also holds music, theatrical and science-based events all throughout the year which are perfect for all ages. For more details on getting to Perth’s Cultural Centre and seeing what events are taking place you can visit their website.
Explore Perth's diverse precints. There are many boutiques, cafes and markets on offer. Turn down Hay Street and find the funky Wolf Land for eclectic collections of cafes, bars and boutiques.
Chill out in Subiaco, meet office workers in Perth's city bars, hit up vintage and antique shops along Leederville's Oxford Street and head to Northbridge for designer fashion, hip cafes and cutting-edge restaurants.
Head to the beach
Chill out or surf at Perth's best beaches. While it’s great to spend time within the city, going to the beach can help you relax and recharge your batteries.
There are plenty of picture-perfect beaches on offer, each with its own vibe.
If you love surfing, head to the beachside towns of Trigg and Scarborough. Stop for a coffee at the funky cafes Wild Fig and Funky Lizard before taking to the incredible waves on offer.
Closer to the city centre, watch the sunset across the waters of Cottesloe Beach, a great spot for families and picnics under shady Norfolk Pines.
City beach is another that many people favour due to it’s cleanliness and fantastic views of the ocean. There is a whole host of restaurants, picnic areas, and playgrounds nearby, making it perfect for families again. Perth even has it’s own nudist beach, known as Swanbourne.
Whether you enjoy sunbathing or water sports, Perth’s beaches will be more than accommodating.
Thirty minutes from Perth's centre Fremantle Harbour, frequently used for it’s port has its own special character. Famous for its history and architecture, it is a complete contrast to Perth itself.
Discover colonial remnants like the interesting Fremantle Prison, which closed in 1991; one of the city’s most popular attractions.
There are plenty of bars, parks and museums to visit. Delve into seafaring history at the terrific Maritime Museum and Shipwreck Galleries, then drink from a choice of 43 beers at the 1843 landmark Sail & Anchor. You can even visit the famous craft brewer Little Creatures headquarters.
Fremantle is the ideal place if you want to get away for the day.
You can catch a direct train there or driving is very easy. Search for Perth car hire or Perth train timetables online for more information.
Other top ideas for things to do in Perth:
- Enjoy Spectacular views in Kings Park; one of the largest in the world.
- Feel an adrenaline rush with Perth's adventure activities- such as a 360 aerobatic high-speed flight or a rally-driving adventure in a V8 around the Barbagallo Raceway.
- Plan a Swan Valley winery day trip. Only 25 minutes away is Western Australia's oldest wine region.
- Sail Perth's beautiful river and coastline, especially recommended at sunset.
- Hit Perth's small bars- a movement growing substantially with many popping up around the city centre.
- Hop on a ferry to Rottnest Island (only 19 kilometres away) and meet Quokkas- the cute little marsupials only found in Western Australia.
These are just a few examples of the many popular tourist attractions and great things to go within the city of Perth. It might be considered one of the most isolated capitals on the planet, but there is certainly no shortage of things to do. It's a magnificent city that delights everyone that visits if given the chance.
Thanks for reading,
*This post is a collaboration and contains images that are not my own.
