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About Perth » Attractions & places to explore

Perth offers a mix of vibrant contrasts ranging from the splendour of the coast to the depths of the forest, from the uncrowded beaches to the lively city streets and it's all on offer within a short distance of the city centre.

You can experience awesome nature, history, action and adventure, world class arts, culture and dining. You can laze on white sandy beaches, visit vineyards, taste local fresh produce, stroll through fields of wildflowers and hike through acres of natural bush.

In the city itself you'll find a pulsing Central Business District resplendent with a glorious selection of shops, bars, restaurants, galleries, theatres and museums. The city also boasts the scenic splendours of the Swan River and Kings Park – both offering a wealth of activities helping you to relax and get back to nature while remaining in the heart of the city.

Perth City

Free buses get you around the CBD where you can visit the Perth Mint, Swan Bells Tower, Art Gallery of WA and many more attractions.

And there's a train and bus station right in the centre of town, as well as plenty of accommodation in the form of hotels and hostels.

Stroll through Kings Park botanical gardens - or try the treetop walk for a unique view of the city.

There are free barbecue facilities and plenty of picnic spots to dine among the gum trees.

Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Leederville and Subiaco have buzzing nightlife, or try Cottesloe or Scarborough for a more laid-back surfie vibe.

Jump on a ferry to South Perth to take that world-famous snap of Perth's skyline.

At night, it's especially spectacular when the city's glittering skyline is reflected in the Swan River.

Perth beaches

A trip to the seaside town of Rockingham will allow you to experience the famous dolphins (Rockingham Dolphins). Enjoy a cruise into the bay then it's on with a mask and snorkel, and into the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Over 80 kilometres of white sandy beaches make Perth's coast ideal for swimming and surfing. You can learn to surf at Scarborough (Adrift Learn to Surf), which offers great surf breaks as well as plenty of restaurants and pubs.

Fremantle

Fremantle is a 20 minute drive, a 15 minute train ride or a half an hour cruise along the Swan River from Perth.

Fremantle has world-famous heritage buildings and a fascinating maritime and convict history. And it boasts the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world.

Essential stops on the history trail include WA's earliest convict jail, the Roundhouse, Fremantle Prison and WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle Markets.

Enjoy a pint at a heritage pub to watch the buskers – Little Creatures and the Sail and Anchor are known for their award winning brews.

And you can't visit Freo without enjoying fish and chips by the water.

Rottnest Island

Just offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is where the locals go to swim at white-sand beaches, snorkel in turquoise water over shipwrecks, or kick back and go fishing.

Rotto, as it's called locally, is a car-free zone, which adds to its relaxed feel. Hiring a bike is the best way to get around - and to find those secluded beaches and secret surf spots on the other side of the island.

Watch out for the quokkas, the cute marsupials which were the inspiration for the island's name.

Once used as an Aboriginal prison, the island has a fascinating history, including early colonial buildings, a lighthouse and underground tunnels to explore.

Surrounded by coral reefs and shipwrecks, the diving and snorkelling is out-of-this-world.

There's also a guided bus and historic train tour, or you can just hop on and off the free bus.

Attractions include guided walking tours, scenic flights, a family fun park, the Rottnest Museum, as well as tennis, lawn bowls and golf.

Swan Valley

Just a 20 minute drive from Perth, the Swan Valley is WA's oldest wine growing region.

One of the best ways to appreciate the scenery is by taking cruise up the Swan River from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth.

The Swan Valley is home to a charming mix of big international players like Sandalford and Houghton, as well as family-run wineries where you can chat with the owner over a fruity red.

Many wineries offer cellar door tastings, or if you're partial to a pint, there are four microbreweries offering award winning drops. You can also taste the local produce including olives, cheese, jams, preserves, chocolate and nougat.

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