Things to do in Perth

Perth completely dominates the isolated state of Western Australia and thankfully, offers a sophisticated and lively cultural scene. There are all kinds of things to do in and around this water-bound city, from admiring the Aboriginal art galleries to hugging koala bears.

A recent explosion in trendy cafés and coffeehouses ensures a top-notch dining and hanging out experience, which is something the people of Perth have embraced with gusto. Meanwhile, many of the most remarkable natural attractions lie outside the city itself, making this one destination where you’ll want to rent a car. Despite being closer to Bali than Eastern Australia, Perth continues to draw visitors from around the world, who are rarely disappointed by the return on their travelling investment.   

Allan Green Conservatory

This splendid conservatory is a large glass pyramid situated in the city centre, which is full of colourful, exotic plants and flowers. A popular tourist attraction, the imposing glass structures rise out of the Esplanade lawns, creating an impressive sight right in the heart of Perth. This free attraction is open Monday to Saturday and is well worth a visit if you are in the downtown area. Phone: +61 8 9461 3333.

Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)

The western coast of Australia has some of the best maritime conditions in the world, and this modern aquarium is the place to experience the diversity of local sea life. Throughout the myriad tank environments, you can view the best marine life that Western Australia has to offer including deadly stonefish, sea dragons, jellyfish and coral reefs. One of the highlights is a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel, where you can see sharks, turtles, rays and many exotic fish swimming right next to you.

The aquarium also has a number of touchpools, where visitors can get up close and personal with the sea life; and for a truly adventurous experience, you can even swim with the sharks under guided supervision. Phone: +61 8 9447 7500.

Art Gallery of Western Australia

No trip to Australia should be without some exploration of the ancient Aboriginal culture, which has lived continuously on this continent for the past 40,000 years. The Aboriginal art collection in this gallery is considered to be the finest in the country and should not be missed. Visitors can also see works by some of modern Australia’s most important artists as well as a small number of international artworks. Free guided tours of selected exhibits are given every day except Mondays. Phone: +61 8 9492 6622.

Cohunu Koala Park

Who can resist hugging a koala bear? Although most states in the country do not allow koala-cuddling, Western Australia is one of the few places where you can indulge in this personal experience with one of the world’s cutest animals. This expansive park, set in the natural bushland, is the only place in Western Australia which allows close contact with koalas, so it’s well worth a visit. Additionally, you can feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus as they wander around the natural enclosures. Nearly all the animals of this region of Australia are on display here in environmentally-friendly habitats. Phone: +61 8 9390 6090.

Kings Park and Botanical Gardens

Perth’s main park, a sprawling 988 acre hilltop oasis of bushland and botanic gardens, is located right in the heart of the city, alongside the Swan River. As one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, many events and activities happen here throughout the year. This is the best spot in Perth to experience the strange and wonderful plants and animals of Western Australia in their natural habitat.

The extensive trail system allows visitors to walk and bike in relative solitude. Self-guided tour maps are available at the Visitor Information Centre, or you can join one of the free daily guided walks. During the peak of wildflower season, from September to October, the hills burst into colourful life, attracting hoards of admirers. The park is also the best place in town to snap a postcard-perfect picture overlooking the city and the river, a spectacular sight by day or at night. Phone: +61 8 9480 3659.

Perth Zoo

Perth’s zoo is a great place to see all of the strange and exotic animals which live in Australia. The zoo does an excellent job of maintaining all these creatures in large natural enclosures including a massive walk-through aviary. Besides the native Australian animals, you can find plenty of other exotic wildlife from around the globe such as lions, zebras, elephants and rhinos. Feeding demonstrations and educational talks occur throughout the day to give visitors a more informative experience. Phone: +61 8 9474 3551.

Western Australian Museum

If you’re interested in an educational experience during your visit to Perth, you should check out the city’s main natural history museum. Kids will enjoy the dinosaur gallery, massive blue whale skeleton and the drawers of preserved insects from Australia. This country has many unique creatures which are only found in Australia, so it’s worth a visit to learn more about what makes this continent so unique. Adults will appreciate the collection of Aboriginal artefacts and rare photographs, which is one of the finest in the country. Phone: +61 8 9427 2700.

Whiteman Park

This enormous recreation area is one of the best places to get out and have both a natural and cultural experience, right in the city. Over 30kms of walking trails and bike paths connect picnic spots, which are littered with vintage trains, historic wagons and tractors. A highlight of the park is the many craftsmen, such as potters, blacksmiths, leather workers, toy makers and stained-glass artists, who work here in the shops. Visitors can watch the artists craft things the traditional way. Among the wildlife running around the park are plenty of free-ranging kangaroos. Caversham Wildlife Park, home to more than 200 species of native animals, is also on the grounds. You can feed the animals and walk among koalas and wombats.