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Looking for the top things to do in Perth? You don’t have to look any further – you’ve come to the expert!
I’m actually from Perth, and even though I travel all around the world, I know this city like the back of my hand.
So if this is your first time visiting and you don’t know where to begin, or your hundredth time in the city and looking for something new, I’ve got you covered! Not only have I included the top activities in the city, but also some of my favorite day trips. You really won’t go wrong no matter what you end up doing, Perth is fantastic!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE Perth activity is this stargazing tour to the Pinnacles! This place is insanely beautiful, and an organized tour from Perth makes visiting simple. Check out the 700 positive reviews and book it here!
Tip: This tour is popular – book it now and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Perth
- 1. Go stargazing in the Pinnacles desert
- 2. Taste Western Australia's best wine in Swan Valley
- 3. Take a day trip to Rottnest Island
- 4. Swim with wild dolphins
- 5. Go whale watching
- 6. Get a behind the scenes look of the The Optus Stadium
- 7. Kayak with seals and penguins
- 8. Ride in a hot air balloon in the Avon Valley
- 9. See the city on a Segway tour
- 10. Relax on a Swan River scenic cruise
- Where to Stay in Perth, WA
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Perth
1. Go stargazing in the Pinnacles desert
The Pinnacles Desert is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Perth. For a truly epic experience, this sunset and stargazing tour will take you to the Pinnacles Desert at night!
But before you get there, you’ll make a few fun stops on the way. You’ll visit the Lancelin Sand Dunes to go sandboarding, which is always a blast. Then, you’ll catch the awesome views from either the Nilgen Lookout or Hangover Bay, depending on the weather and your group’s preference.
You’ll arrive in the Pinnacles Desert just before sunset. At this time, the limestone pillars cast long shadows that look truly incredible!
You get to enjoy a barbecue dinner with complimentary wine just as the stars come out. It’s the perfect way to relax into the evening.
Finally, you get to stargaze using telescopes and astro binoculars. You can see an incredible amount of stars here! As you stargaze, you’ll also learn about how Aboriginal astronomy was actually the world’s first form of astronomy.
This is my favorite way to experience the Pinnacles and it lasts 9 hours in total. It costs $199 AUD and I think it’s great value for money, given how epic this experience is. It includes hotel pickup and drop off, your barbecue dinner and wine, a charismatic local guide, sandboarding, and National Park fees – basically, everything!
Book this tour with more than 700 glowing reviews here and get FREE cancellation options!
2. Taste Western Australia’s best wine in Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is a beautiful wine region just outside Perth. The best way to experience Western Australia’s oldest wine region is by taking this full day tour!
You’ll board the wine bus at one of the central meeting points in Perth. The guide will walk you through the 180+ years of wine making history, and explain about the popular wines produced here, such as Verdelho and Chenin Blanc
Then, you’ll stop at multiple wineries where you’ll meet a host and enjoy a premium guided tasting of their best wines. There will also be a cheeseboard and a chocolate tasting along the way, and you’ll get a gourmet lunch at one of the wineries, too.
If all of that wasn’t enough, the day ends with a visit to a microbrewery. You’ll sample some local craft beers before heading back to Perth. We had a ton of fun on this tour and made a few friends too!
This tour leaves around 10 am daily, lasting 6-7 hours. It costs $149 AUD, including your tastings, food, and transport. Overall, this is a great price for this type of experience. Bailey and I love going wine tasting in the Swan Valley, and this tour guarantees you’ll get to do it in style.
Check out the 450+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
3. Take a day trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is arguably the most popular day trip destination from Perth, and it’s not hard to see why. Who wouldn’t want to visit beautiful beaches and hang out with cute quokkas? Quokkas are small, adorable marsupials that look like they’re smiling all the time!
On top of all of that, Rottnest Island is super historic. It was used as a prison and an internment camp during WWII, so there’s plenty for history fans to learn about here.
The easiest way to enjoy Rottnest Island is by booking this full-day tour. The tour includes your ferry tickets, so you don’t need to worry about getting to Rottnest Island. Once you arrive, you get a 1.5-hour guided bus tour which includes historic sights, like Wadjemup Lighthouse, the adorable quokkas, and all the beautiful beaches too!
Then, in the afternoon, you get several hours to explore by yourself. You can enjoy the cute cafes, rent a SUP, or swim in the gorgeous clear water. You won’t be able to resist it – trust me!
This is a full-day experience and prices start at $143 AUD, depending on if you’re coming from Perth or Fremantle. You can opt to add lunch for an additional cost, but we enjoyed grabbing lunch during our free time.
See all 400+ 5-star reviews and reserve your spot on this top-rated tour here.
4. Swim with wild dolphins
Swimming with dolphins in the wild is an amazing opportunity. Seriously, I urge you not to miss this dolphin tour while you’re in Perth!
This tour stands out from any other dolphin tour I’ve ever done because the crew has cultivated a close relationship with over 200 local dolphins.
Thanks to this bond, the dolphins feel comfortable with the crew. As such, you’re able to interact with these dolphins on a much more personal level. At one point, there were 12 dolphins all swimming with us around the boat! The tour provides snorkeling equipment and wetsuits if needed.
Sometimes, there are ethical concerns about swimming with dolphins, especially when you do it in some kind of enclosure. But with this tour, you get to interact with the creatures in their natural habitat in a way that doesn’t disturb them.
This tour lasts for 6 hours in total, and there are a few different pricing options. A swimming ticket with transportation is $339 AUD per person, which includes lunch, coffee and tea, and all of your snorkeling equipment. If you prefer to make your own way to the Rockingham Jetty (about a 30-minute drive), the price is $299 AUD. The boat leaves at 8 am, and hotel pickup starts at 6:30 am.
Don’t miss this unique experience – book it here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
5. Go whale watching
If you’re in Perth between September and early December, then a whale watching tour is a must. On this 2-hour cruise, you get to see humpback and southern right whales, as well as seals, dolphins, and seabirds – and, if you’re really lucky, blue whales!
We loved having an expert guide on board to teach us all about whales and their migration patterns. The boat also has an underwater camera and hydrophone underneath, so you can also see footage of the whales from a different angle.
What I like about this tour is that it has a whale-sighting guarantee. This means that in the unlikely event that you don’t see any whales, you’re entitled to a free repeat trip at any time. And if you never plan on coming back to Perth, you can also pass it on to a friend or family member!
During the whale watching season, tours depart from the Sardine Jetty in Fremantle daily at 10 am. The tour costs $95 AUD and lasts for 2 hours.
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Get a behind the scenes look of the The Optus Stadium
The Optus Stadium – also sometimes known as Perth Stadium – is the home of both of Perth’s Australian Football League (AFL) teams: the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles.
Australian rules football – AKA Footy – is like a combination of rugby, soccer, and American football. It’s a lot of fun to watch, and I love coming to games whenever I’m back in Perth
To dive deeper into Australia’s football culture, you can take a tour of Optus Stadium. This allows you to go behind the scenes and see what this stadium is all about. You get to check out the locker rooms and the coaches’ rooms, see lots of Footy memorabilia, and learn more about what goes on inside the stadium.
You also get to visit the arena’s highest point for beautiful views of Perth’s skyline and the Swan River. Plus, you’ll be able to see just how large and grand the stadium really is.
The 1.5-hour guided stadium tour costs $30 AUD for adults and is certainly one of the cheapest tours you can do in Perth. It’s offered daily at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, or 1 pm.
Sports fans – snag your tickets in advance here to secure your tour!
And if you’re a thrill-seeker looking to kick things up a notch, you can always book the VERTIGO rooftop walk. Check out the photo above!
You’ll be harnessed in from above, and then you get to walk on the stadium roof, which is 42 meters (138 feet) high. You’ll get incredible views of the field of play as well as the Swan River and Perth’s skyscrapers. Best of all, you can even lean over the edge for an adrenaline-fueled, gravity-defying experience!
The team will make you feel really safe, and they’ll share some behind-the-scenes stadium secrets along the way. You also get a printed group photo and an Ozone cap as a souvenir.
The rooftop walk costs $119 AUD. It lasts 1.5 hours and is available Tuesday through Sunday at various times throughout the day. This experience is definitely not for the faint of heart!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot here before it’s gone!
7. Kayak with seals and penguins
A lot of people don’t realize that penguins live in Perth, but it actually has its very own Penguin Island, which is home to a colony of around 1,200 blue penguins!
You can take the ferry to Penguin Island, but I think it’s even more fun to kayak over instead! On this kayak tour, you get to enjoy Perth’s beautiful coastal scenery and get up close to penguins and seals in a safe and respectful way.
The tour includes a guided walk around Penguin Island. When we went, we learned so much from our guides and were able to see so many penguins up close.
The experience also includes a visit to Seal Island to see penguins playing and during the summer months, you can even go snorkeling in the shallow reefs around the islands. It’s a nature lover’s dream!
You also get to enjoy a picnic on Penguin Island, which is the perfect way to refuel after kayaking. Then, there’s a guided visit to the Discovery Center, where you can visit rescued penguins and maybe even catch a feeding.
This experience lasts for 6 hours, so it’s a full-day adventure. This tour is also beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to be a kayaking pro to enjoy it.
This tour costs $198 AUD, including kayak and snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, and lunch. You can only do this tour from mid-November to mid-April, while the weather is good!
Click here to book this kayaking adventure to Penguin Island and beyond!
8. Ride in a hot air balloon in the Avon Valley
The Avon Valley is always a beautiful place to explore, but doing so on this hot air balloon tour really takes it to the next level.
On this tour, you’ll depart Perth at around 4 am to ensure that you make it to the Avon Valley for sunrise. Then, you’ll climb aboard a hot air balloon and soar over the gorgeous scenery as the sunrise bathes the landscape in red, orange, and golden light. It is truly spectacular!
You’ll meet the group at a central location in Perth, then they will drive you about an hour to the launch point.
Western Australia is such a gorgeous area with rolling hills and vineyards. Seeing it from a bird’s eye view really helps you take it all in and fully appreciate it. After the flight, you’ll also get breakfast on the way back to Perth. It’s the ideal way to spend a morning – and you’ll be back by the afternoon, so you’ll have time to rest or do more sightseeing.
This is an amazing thing to do while you’re in Perth, and it could also be the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion! It costs $390 AUD per person, including transfers and breakfast.
This tour sells out fast, so reserve your spot now and pay later!
9. See the city on a Segway tour
One of the best ways to cover a lot of ground in Perth, WA is to take a tour of the city. I recommend doing a tour like this early on in your trip as you’ll see lots of local landmarks and scout out places you want to revisit.
One of the most unique and fun options is this Segway tour! You’ll explore the riverfront area but have some choice in the matter.
Choose one of three different routes to explore, depending on what you want to see. You’ll follow the Swan River while learning about Perth’s history and seeing attractions like the Bell Tower, Optus Stadium, the Perth Mint, and Kings Park. You’ll cover a lot more ground than if you were walking and you’ll get to enjoy time outside.
Best of all, this tour is only 1.5 hours so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule! It has multiple departure times during the day and can be booked for $129 AUD per person.
Book this tour with over 500 glowing reviews here!
10. Relax on a Swan River scenic cruise
The Swan River flows through the heart of the city so naturally, taking a scenic cruise is one of the top things to do while in Perth! You can take in all of Perth’s waterfront sights as you sit back, relax, and float down the river.
It gets hot in Perth during the summer, so I think that taking this Swan River cruise is the perfect way to do some sightseeing. You’ll see some of Perth’s best attractions along the way, including the Bell Tower, Kings Park, and the Fremantle Harbor.
The captain will provide live commentary along the way. This gives you some context to what you’re seeing and a sense of what Perth is all about. You’ll also be able to enjoy some drinks available to purchase from the bar
The tour lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes so you can even fit it into your Perth itinerary, and it costs $60 AUD. The cruise is available from Friday to Tuesday. It departs from the Barrack Street Jetty at either 11:15 am or 2:15 pm or from Fremantle at 12:45 pm.
This is such a fun experience and the perfect thing to do on a sunny day in Perth (which, as a local, I can tell you is pretty much every day!).
Dates are limited – reserve this tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Where to Stay in Perth, WA
Now that you’ve found the best things to do, it’s time to find a place to stay in Perth. Because there are so many activities in Perth within the CBD (Central Business District), I recommend staying in the heart of the city if you can. There are places to stay in the city center for a range of budgets. If you need some help narrowing it down, these are our top picks!
The Westin Perth – $$$
A mix of classy and contemporary, The Westin Perth is the place to stay when you’re looking for a touch of luxury. The prime location in the heart of Perth puts you within walking distance of the trendy Elizabeth Quay area as well as lots of restaurants and cafes. You can also use the hotel’s infinity pool or its signature restaurant run by iconic Australian Chef Guy Grossi.
Rooms at the Westin Perth start at around $400 AUD per night and can be booked online.
Pensione Hotel Perth – $$
A nice mid-range option, the Pensione Hotel Perth is a refurbished boutique hotel with 98 rooms. It’s close to Elizabeth Quay, major shopping centers, the Swan River, and Northbridge. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into the 1960s with restored furniture and décor from the time filling the lobby.
The staff members are really friendly, and rooms are reasonable at under $150 AUD a night. To snag this deal, reserve your stay at Pensione Hotel Perth in advance.
Hostel G Perth – $
You don’t need to pay big bucks to stay in Perth’s CBD. Hostel G Perth has dorm rooms for around $40 AUD or private rooms for around $100 AUD. You’ll have a huge common area with movies on TV, a kitchen, and a great atmosphere with travelers of all ages.
We really like hostels because they are affordable so you can travel longer and you might even meet some new friends to hang out with! Grab a room using Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Well, there you have it, the top things to do in Perth. Once you’re here, I think you’ll see why I love this place and come back as often as I can. Even though I grew up here, I’m always finding new things to try.
If Perth is on your travel itinerary, make sure to check out our other Australia blogs for more ideas and inspiration. We also have other in-depth guides to help you find those hidden gems you might not discover on your own!
Complete Guide to Renting a Campervan in Australia
Jayeshkumar Bhadania
Friday 8th of November 2024
Want to visit perth