What to See and Do in Perth, Australia

Perth is known for its sun-drenched coastline, expansive parks, and relaxed sophistication. As the capital of Western Australia, this city stretches between the Indian Ocean and the bushland, with a skyline that rises gently above the banks of the Swan River.

What sets Perth apart is its natural rhythm. Here, modern art museums sit steps from pristine beaches. World-class wineries thrive an hour away. Kangaroos share city parks with morning walkers. It is a city where nature feels close and urban life feels unhurried.

From its waterfront to its wine regions, here are ten things Perth is best known for.

1. Sun-Soaked Beaches

Perth is best known for its beaches, many of which are just minutes from the city center. Cottesloe Beach, with its soft sand and iconic terraced lawn, is one of the most photographed coastal spots in Australia. Scarborough Beach offers a lively mix of cafes, surf schools, and open-air markets, while City Beach draws locals for sunset swims and seaside dinners.

Clear turquoise water, long summer days, and open space make the coastline one of the top Perth attractions. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and evening walks along the sand are part of daily life.

2. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, Kings Park is a defining feature of Perth. It sits on Mount Eliza, overlooking the city and Swan River, and covers over 990 acres of bushland, landscaped gardens, and walking trails.

The park is home to more than 3,000 species of native flora and offers sweeping views of the Perth skyline. Kings Park is known for its wildflower displays, open-air concerts, and cultural monuments. Walking the treetop bridge or joining a guided garden tour are popular things to do in Perth.

3. Swan River and Riverside Living

The Swan River curves gently through the city, creating a natural centerpiece that offers recreation, beauty, and space. Locals sail, kayak, cycle, and picnic along the foreshore. Paths stretch along both sides, with views that shift between city towers and quiet parks.

One of the most iconic experiences is the ferry ride to Fremantle or a river cruise to the Swan Valley. The river is part of what makes Perth known for its open-air lifestyle and seamless blend of city and nature.

4. Rottnest Island and the Quokka

Rottnest Island, located just offshore, is one of Perth’s most famous day trips. Known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and car-free roads, Rottnest is also home to the quokka, a small, smiley-looking marsupial that has become an icon of Western Australia.

Visitors explore the island by bicycle, snorkeling in quiet bays or visiting heritage sites. The ferry to Rottnest departs regularly from Fremantle and Perth. Seeing a quokka up close is one of the most memorable things to do in Perth.

5. Perth’s Expansive Wine Country

Less than an hour from Perth lies the Swan Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. This area is known for its boutique vineyards, cellar doors, and artisan producers offering chocolate, honey, olive oil, and cheese.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, riverfront lunches, and farm-to-table cuisine. Popular varietals include Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Shiraz. A scenic drive or river cruise brings travelers from city to vineyard, making it easy to pair urban comforts with countryside charm.

6. Indigenous Culture and Art

Perth is known for its deep connection to Noongar culture, the traditional custodians of the land. Indigenous heritage is present in the stories, place names, and artworks that shape the city’s identity.

The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of Western Australia feature exhibitions that highlight Aboriginal voices, past and present. Cultural walking tours, guided by Noongar leaders, explore sites of significance across Kings Park and the Swan River.

Learning about Perth’s Indigenous history adds meaning to the land beneath your feet.

7. Fremantle’s Heritage and Markets

Fremantle, a port city just 30 minutes from central Perth, is known for its Victorian-era architecture, lively markets, and creative energy. “Freo,” as locals call it, blends maritime history with a modern arts scene.

Highlights include Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Maritime Museum, and Fremantle Markets. Cafes, microbreweries, and boutiques line the heritage streets, while live music and buskers fill the atmosphere with energy.

Visiting Fremantle is one of the best things to do in Perth for travelers who enjoy culture, history, and a more local pace.

8. Wildlife Experiences

Perth is best known for its proximity to native Australian wildlife. In addition to quokkas on Rottnest Island, kangaroos can often be seen in city parks, including Heirisson Island and the outer areas of Kings Park.

Nearby wildlife parks and sanctuaries, such as Caversham Wildlife Park, offer opportunities to see koalas, wombats, and emus up close. Wild dolphins are frequently spotted along the coast, and whale watching tours operate during migration season from June to November.

The chance to see iconic animals in their natural settings is part of what makes Perth special.

9. Perth’s Laid-Back City Life

Though Perth is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, it's well-known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent quality of life. The city center blends sleek buildings with open-air shopping streets, green spaces, and cultural precincts.

Elizabeth Quay offers riverside dining, sculpture walks, and views of the Swan River. Northbridge is home to art galleries, performance venues, and some of the city’s best restaurants. There is space to breathe in Perth, and its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.

10. Endless Sunshine and Open Skies

Perth is the sunniest major city in Australia, with an average of more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters.

Blue skies and golden light shape the city’s mood. Locals spend time outdoors year-round, and the weather enhances everything from beach walks to vineyard visits. Perth’s sunshine is part of its identity and plays a role in why so many travelers return.

What Is Perth, Australia Known For?

Perth, Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, Kings Park, Swan River, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. It is also famous for Rottnest Island, Swan Valley wine country, and Fremantle’s heritage charm. Perth attractions include wildlife experiences, Indigenous culture, and year-round sunshine. Travelers visit for its natural beauty, spacious city design, and easy pace of life.

Discover Perth on a Silversea Cruise

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