The Top Things to do in Perth

Location: Fraser Ave, West Perth, WA

In terms of city hub areas, there are few other places in Australia that can compare to Perth's Kings Park, a shining example of quality city planning done right.

While almost every major urban area has some sort of botanical gardens or central grassed area, Kings Park takes all of the key ingredients that make such a space pleasant and blends them together into a single, wonderful, well-maintained whole.

Few parts of the city encapsulate the experience of Perth better than Kings Park, it is historical yet maintains a modern vibe and is being continually improved, reflective of the city itself.

It's from here that you can obtain the best views of Perth's panorama, with an outlook that overlooks the city skyline, the meandering waters of the Swan River and all the way out to the Perth Hills in the distance. In all, it's a spectacle that can compete with the likes of Sydney Harbour.

In terms of layout, Kings Park has plenty going for it. Size-wise, it's one of the biggest in the country, with numerous spacious grassy areas that are great picnic spots even during busy seasons, while the landscaping is flawless, grass condition immaculate and the facilities extensive.

A day in Kings Park can be as energetic or laid back as you wish. You can take a walk through one of the many lovely, shaded areas, go cycling on one of the numbers of tracks which take you along the banks of the Swan or simply wander amongst the greenery and ponds full of aquatic birds. Put simply, it's a spot where doing nothing has never been so enjoyable.

It's from here that you can obtain the best views of Perth's panorama, with an outlook that overlooks the city skyline, the meandering waters of the Swan River and all the way out to the Perth Hills in the distance.

The park is divided up into several subsections, each of which provides a focus on a select few facilities and landscapes.

There's a section featuring a war memorial and plaques dedicated to our Vietnam veterans that are a classy and wonderfully-done testament to our servicemen and women as well as Bali bombing victim memorial overlooking the water. Additionally, the Botanic Gardens are breathtaking during the spring season and are a must-see.

Kings Park's developers have also gone to great lengths to ensure it's as family-friendly as possible. All the main sections of the park are well-lit, and there are numerous facilities designed specifically for kids to ensure parents can have an enjoyable day while keeping the little ones entertained.

Two separate playgrounds with plenty of equipment, large stone dinosaur models and a scenic walk through the treetops all offer a great outlet for children to enjoy. Public barbecues, plenty of parking, public toilets and water fountains all add to the overall convenience factor of spending a day in the park.

Getting to Kings Park is easy given its central location and multiple entrance points, and a free bus (number 37) runs through the Perth CBD to the park. It's somewhat ironic that the best thing to do in Perth also happens to be free, but all you'll need to bring along is a desire for some fresh air and perhaps a picnic lunch and a camera to come away with a newfound appreciation for Perth as a whole.

Something for everyone may be a cliché, but it's one that Kings Park embodies to the fullest and so it is the #1 item on our must-do list.

Location: 18km off Western Australian coast, WA

Western Australia is a massive state that's home to some of the country's most beautiful spots, but there are few that can compare with the raw blend of striking colours, impressive lookout points and hidden golden coves of the amazing Rottnest Island.

With pristine sands and vibrant waters reminiscent of the Whitsundays, combined with truly unique wildlife on both land and sea all within easy reach of Perth.

Residents of WA's capital are truly spoiled having such an idyllic spot just a short distance from their city – it sits just 19km off the coast of WA.

The island offers a cavalcade of things to see and do, and the mere act of exploration of its approximately 11km-long expanse by boat, bike or foot is an adventure unto itself.

Known as 'Rotto' by locals, the lure of Rottnest Island all starts with the quality of the surrounding water. It's not only pretty to look at but generally both calm and quite warm in all but the coldest months of the year due to warm water currents, which in turn leads to ideal conditions for marine life and coral to make the island their home.

This results in some great off-shore snorkelling opportunities with more than 135 species of tropical fish as well as the likes of Green Turtles found within mere metres of the shore.

This results in some great off-shore snorkelling opportunities with more than 135 species of tropical fish as well as the likes of Green Turtles found within mere metres of the shore.

Meanwhile on the island's more rough and rocky side, Fur Seals can be seen lazing in the sunshine and dipping in and out of the water while Humpback Whales can also be spotted during their annual migratory season from September and November.

It's a wonderful display of marine life that extends onto the shore as well, with what is probably Rottnest Island's signature calling card, the Quokka. A small, furry and photogenic marsupial, the quokka is extremely rare and has managed to survive over the years due to a lack of major predators on the island.

Outside of wildlife, the island boasts an array of other activities and ways to pass the time. Cycling on Rottnest Island makes for a popular and reasonably priced way for getting around (bikes are available for hire on the island).

Those looking for some quality walking tracks will be spoiled as the island's extensive 50km Wadjemup Walk Trail walking track spans a wonderful, scenic path through some of the island's key points including natural and historical attractions.

Boardwalks on the west end of the island, a track overlooking Henrietta Rocks and its shipwreck, and panoramic views from Vlamingh Lookout are all-must do's for visitors who don't mind investing energy in a walk, and all have significant payoffs.

Other, family-oriented facilities such as a fun park, mini-golf and aqua park combine with the wildlife to make Rottnest Island a day out that's great for families as well, so you'll never be short of things to see on your visit.

Getting to Rottnest Island is doable with two quality companies in both Rottnest Express (departing Fremantle and Perth) and Rottnest Fast Ferries (from Hillary's Boat Harbour).

Both operators offer standalone transfers to the island as well as as bundled tour packages which include the likes of bike hire, on-island accommodation, snorkel gear, guided bus tours or wildlife cruises, meaning you'll be able to make your trip to Rottnest as comprehensive – or budget conscious – as you wish.

The trip takes approximately 1.5 hours when departing from Perth (the ferry has to cruise slowly down the Swan River before heading into open water) and 25 minutes from Fremantle (available only with Rottnest Express).

One of Australia's most scenic and thoroughly enjoyable spots that's not ridiculously expensive to enjoy, Rottnest Island is an absolute must on any Perth travel itinerary.

Location: Wellington St, Perth, WA

Scenery and wildlife aren't the only calling cards of the Perth region, food, dining and quality culinary experiences also play a large role in the city's overall identity. This is perhaps best exemplified by the region's verdant Swan Valley.

Dubbed the 'Valley of Taste', the Swan Valley is fueled by the waters of the Swan River, serves as one of the key locales for fresh produce in Western Australia and is a haven for foodies and wine aficionados alike.

The region is famed for the quality of more generic offerings such as its cheeses, wines, fresh fruits and more as well as more specific products like spreads, chutneys, scones, olive oil, honey and craft beers, making a trip here a true delight for the taste buds.

As a result, it's home to a range of food and beverage based attractions that run the gamut of all-things-culinary.

Here you'll find award-winning wineries, breweries, bakeries and more abound, with over 150 individual spots ranging from small boutiques to renowned national brands on offer.

Couple this with the fact that the region provides a pleasant dose of green scenery, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, and it's a destination that's almost as much a feast for the eyes as it is the palate.

The region is famed for the quality of more generic offerings such as its cheeses, wines, fresh fruits and more as well as more specific products like spreads, chutneys, scones, olive oil, honey and craft beers, making a trip here a true delight for the taste buds.

If you're looking to relax and indulge while in Perth, the Swan Valley should be near the top of your list.

While it's possible to do a self-driving tour of the Swan given its relatively close proximity to Perth city – roughly a 25-minute drive from the CBD – the fact that you'll likely want to sample multiple wines or beers during your visit makes a tour a highly recommended option.

It's here that local Perth operator, Swan Valley Tours, come in. Offering a range of great coach tours and cruises to local wineries with tastings and lunch. These tours aim to provide visitors with a good sampling of the region and have been fine-tuned down to a tee so that everything is perfectly organised.

The tour hosts have great relationships with the businesses visited along the way, and with a cheerful overall atmosphere, very solid value for money, and both morning and afternoon departure times available, there's no better way tour the Swan Valley without having to monitor your alcohol intake than this.

Location:17 Victoria Square, Perth WA

Most of Australia's cities have at least one truly distinct piece of historical architecture, and Perth's answer to this is the stunning St. Mary's Cathedral.

The Cathedral is located right in the heart of the city and offers an oasis of peace and spirituality amongst all the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The cathedral, originally constructed in 1865 and built from intricately-carved stone, is a living testament to the beauty of Gothic design that continues to remain aesthetically pleasing to this day.

The building's sand-coloured exterior is wonderful to look at with its characteristic spires and arches, but the interior of St. Mary's is equally beautiful. The painstaking care and craftsmanship of the rich wooden pews, marble flooring and stained glass emit a sense of warmth and comfort.

Photographers will also love it here, as the sunlight dappling through the windows can make for a very photogenic subject assuming you get the time of day of your visit right.

The cathedral also takes on a new life at night when it's illuminated, with the lighting serving to further highlight its various ridges and carved sections.

The nave of the cathedral has also received a touch of modern flavour, as there are glass panels sitting behind the altar which is back-lit augmented by steel beams that somehow manage to blend the old and the new quite well.

The painstaking care and craftsmanship of the rich wooden pews, marble flooring and stained glass emit a sense of warmth and comfort.

Outside, meanwhile, there's a lovely mix of both gardens and lawns that make for a lovely, peaceful spot for a quiet picnic lunch or to laze away a few hours in the sunshine while reading a book.

The gardens are incredibly well-manicured and feature beautiful pink and red flowers intermingled amongst the greenery that is at their best and brightest during Perth's spring months.

Bear in mind that masses at St. Mary's take place several times on Sundays, so if you're wanting to pay a tourist-style visit you'd be best served to pass by another day unless you're looking to take part in the ceremony.

The masses are beautifully conducted and feature rich organ music, a talented choir and great acoustics. The cathedral also has crypts below that contain tombs where past Archbishops are now in their final resting place that is a must-see.

Lastly, the fact that it's entirely free (although donations are welcome) and even offers free underground parking means there's no real reason not to take the time to visit this Perth icon.

St. Mary's Cathedral is a fascinating, expansive structure that highlights the beauty of construction efforts of the past that causes the majority of today's buildings to pale in comparison.

Location: 45 minutes south of Perth, WA

The greater Perth region is blessed to be home to quite an array of stunning little islands located not too far from the city (another of which you'll encounter further down this list), however, if you're the type of person who loves wildlife then you'd be hard-pressed to find a better spot to spend a day near WA's capital than the iconic Penguin Island.

Located within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, roughly 45 minutes to the south of Perth, the island derives its name from the 1,000 Little Penguins who call it home.

When combined with the extensive array of other wildlife in the surrounding waters, rocks and beaches such as sea lions, stingrays, pelicans, dolphins and more, it's a true delight for those looking to see these creatures in their natural environment rather than the confines of a zoo.

Penguin Island is easily reached with a short yet scenic 5-10 minute ferry ride provided by operator Rockingham Wild Encounters and makes for a highly accessible one-day escape for local Perth residents as well as an essential stop for wildlife lovers travelling to the region.

Birds also feature prominently here and with over 50 species of birds in various states of flight, nest and rest it's something of a birdwatcher's delight.

The physical beauty of the island is no slouch, either. The picture-perfect, turquoise waters make for a wonderfully colourful and vibrant environment, and there are a range of lovely little beaches around the island that provide change for plenty of other marine activities.

Snorkelling, surfing and swimming are all popular here, and the sheltered nature of the island's beaches provide great conditions and levels of visibility for each of these.

When combined with the extensive array of other wildlife in the surrounding waters, rocks and beaches such as sea lions, stingrays, pelicans, dolphins and more, it's a true delight for those looking to see these creatures in their natural environment rather than the confines of a zoo.

Those wanting to explore without getting wet can choose to take part in one of Rockingham Wild Encounters' glass-bottom boat cruises as well, which provides a veritable window into the many colourful charms of the underwater world awaiting below.

If you're looking to explore the island on foot, there is a timber boardwalk around the island that will take you to secluded coves, penguin colonies and beautiful lookouts.

All of this is, of course, wonderful, but it's the Little Penguins themselves that are the stars of this natural attraction. Unfortunately, due to both their shy nature and offshore feeding habits, your best bet to see them up close is by paying a visit to the island's Discovery Centre.

One of the focal points of the island, the centre provides more detailed information on the penguins and allows visitors the opportunity to see them being fed for a small fee.

Perhaps the only downside to Penguin Island is that it's closed to visitors during the winter months (June – August), so if you're wanting to visit be sure to schedule your trip accordingly. One of Australia's best examples of wildlife uninhibited by cages this side of the Great Barrier Reef, Penguin Island is yet another standout amongst the Perh region's extensive array of things to see and do.

Location: Nambung National Park, WA (approx 250km from Perth)

Australia is known worldwide for some truly outstanding and distinctive geographical and rock formations, and in Western Australia, there are few more distinctive than the eerily astounding Pinnacles Desert in WA's Nambung National Park.

Renowned for its mixture of both vivid red-orange grains of sand and moon-like rocky limestone formations, the Pinnacles has been a staple of postcards and calendars depicting Australia's physical diversity for decades.

This is all with good cause as it's a relative one-of-a-kind landscape unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Consisting of a variety of massive individual blocks of varying sizes – with some measuring up to 4m high – scattered at random through the desert, the Pinnacles sit around two and a half hours' drive from the centre of Perth via the Indian Ocean Highway and make for one of the most popular day trip destinations.

While it's not technically in Perth, the fact that it's one of the most photogenic destinations in Australia makes it an essential for first-timers to the region.

The way the blue of the sky contrasts with the desert below is entrancing, and when combined with the outstanding views of the ocean in the distance, it's a spectacle that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Renowned for its mixture of both vivid red-orange grains of sand and moon-like rocky limestone formations, the Pinnacles has been a staple of postcards and calendars depicting Australia's physical diversity for decades.

Assuming you're blessed with good weather during your trip, hanging around for sunset is a must if you've put forth the effort to make the trip out. In terms of getting there, both guided tours and self-drive options are available, with a sealed road that leads into the mouth of the Pinnacles themselves.

If you're driving yourself, keep in mind there's an entry fee for the park. Once inside you'll have the option to explore the walking or driving tracks, with the car track being roughly 4km in length and providing a great overall view of the middle of the formations.

The various walking trails take you on different routes through the Pinnacles allowing you to get up close to the rocks.

Tours of the Pinnacles from Perth are typically conducted aboard purpose-built off-road buses that are designed to be able to navigate on the sand. While in the region you can explore nearby attractions and activities such as sand boarding and visit Caversham Wildlife Park.

The Pinnacles also has a designated Discovery Centre that provides a window into the history of the formation of the Pinnacles and offers visitors the chance to pick up some souvenirs, however, if you're planning a sunset visit bear in mind that the centre closes at 4:30 pm.

Location: Bull Creek, Perth Outskirts, WA

Another Perth attraction that ranks high is the Aviation Heritage Museum. The museum boasts one of the most impressive collections of vintage aircraft in existence, with more than 30 full-sized aircraft in total as well as thousands of smaller miscellaneous items of flight-related memorabilia.

Located in Bull Creek just 10-minutes from the Perth city centre, the museum was initially constructed back in 1979 and now serves as an expansive and extraordinary documentation of aviation history.

The museum has gradually been built up over the years by a combined effort of sponsorship, visitor donations and volunteer efforts to be what it is today.

You don't have to be an aviation junkie to appreciate this in-depth look back at one of the most crucial inventions in human history. The quality and scale of the exhibits are impressive in and of themselves, with a blend of both civilian and military planes spanning a time frame of nearly 100 years.

Each of the aircraft, from the Lancaster Bomber to the Spitfire to the Catalina flying boat are in remarkably good condition, and each serves as a snapshot of its particular period of aviation history. The whole museum is a humbling documentation of how quickly technology has evolved.

From the instrumentation in the cockpit and transition from propeller to jet propulsion to the advancement of both comfort and safety features, it's all documented with real-life examples that you can see, touch and feel at the Aviation Heritage Museum.

The museum itself is separated into two main hangers, with multiple aircraft in each while both the larger Avro Lancaster (one of only 11 remaining in the world) and Catalina serve as the respective features of each hanger on the north and south sides of the facility, respectively.

You don't have to be an aviation junkie to appreciate this in-depth look back at one of the most crucial inventions in human history. The quality and scale of the exhibits are impressive with a blend of both civilian and military planes spanning a time frame of nearly 100 years.

Each individual exhibit within the hangers is very well curated, and done in such language to be informative without being overly complicated or confusing.

This makes it layman-friendly enough so that even children can enjoy their time here while coming away with a little extra knowledge.

The Aviation Heritage Museum is a favourite with young boys in particular, as the chance to sit in the cockpit of an aircraft or peer inside the inner workings of engines and instrumentation are in alignment with the dreams of many a young man or aspiring pilot.

The quality of the attraction is only further enhanced by the helpfulness, enthusiasm and passion of the museum's staff. The staff know all factors of aviation like the back of their hands and are always more than willing to provide detailed information on each aircraft.

Many of the volunteers are former RAAF pilots and members themselves, which shows in both their degree of knowledge and passion for the subject matter. You'll be able to hear stories of what each of the aircraft was like under practical application and real world use rather than simply reading a few dusty captions.

Located just off the Leech Highway, entry to the Aviation Heritage Museum costs quite cheap and all proceeds go towards the continued maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

Couple this with free parking and the fact that most people will be capable of spending several hours here and you've got a very cost-effective way to spend a few hours in Perth that's both entertaining and a living history lesson all in one.

Location: Sutherland Street &, Railway St, Perth WA

Simply put, if you're bringing kids along you'll want to include a stop at Scitech on your travel itinerary.

As a facility that walks the line between educational and entertaining, it's a spot you can take the little ones so they have fun but also learn something.

Conveniently located near Kings Park, Scitech is an attraction that's completely hands-on. It places an emphasis on interaction and participation from visitors of all ages incorporating a variety of different individual themed exhibits.

The variety of exhibits display and activities encompass all major aspects of the science and technology stratosphere, with separate sections on space and the galaxy, a woodwork workshop area and the world of physics is explored firsthand with visitors able to push, pull, press and play with a range of mechanisms, pulleys and electrical globes.

While it's an attraction that's perhaps best reserved for kids over 6 or 7 years old in order for them to get the most out of the experience, SciTech offers enough variety that most ages should be able to find multiple exhibits to tickle their fancy as it boasts over 100 individual touch points in total.

In addition, due to it being undercover, making it an essential go-to attraction during the rain. Also, given that it's close to public transport the ease of access factor also scores a point in its favour.

Scitech is an attraction that places an emphasis on interaction and participation from visitors of all ages incorporating a variety of different individual themed exhibits.

Scitech also periodically runs adults only, after dark sessions that offer access to a bar serving alcohol too, which can make for a truly different, alternative and entertaining evening with friends.

In all, Scitech offers some great value entertainment and is one of the best bang-for-the-back paid attractions in Perth for families.

There's even a designated eating area located inside for those who want to bring their own lunch along rather than pay for eating out.

There's also free parking validation from within the building Scitech is housed, which can help keep the day out as cost-efficient as possible.

Combining fun, education, convenience and price into a single great value package in the Perth CBD, Scitech is well worth a visit and a must for those with kids in tow.

Location: 825 Hay St, Perth, WA

Those looking for a drop of culture during their time in Perth will be spoiled for choice, as the city is home to numerous high-quality art galleries, museums and theatres.

Perhaps the best and most unique of these venues is the city's excellent His Majesty's Theatre, a historic, Edwardian-style throwback.

A majestic building, if there was one word to sum up the theatre it would be elegant. A sense of class permeates the theatre both in its ambience and its on-stage productions, the theatre harks back to the deluge of wealth encountered during Perth's peak Gold Rush period.

'The Maj', as it's known to locals, dates back to over 110 years yet remains very well maintained. The theatre has undergone a series of restorations over the years and retains an atmosphere that is reminiscent of 19th century London, providing a theatregoing experience that is truly unique in modern Australia.

This is reflected throughout its construction with the sheer degree of materials such as intricately-carved wood, velvet, marble, and a mosaic of rich reds and golds along with other fine craftsmanship that you simply don't see used in modern construction.

The theatre has undergone a series of restorations over the years and retains an atmosphere that is reminiscent of 19th century London, providing a theatregoing experience that is truly unique in modern Australia.

Throughout its history, the theatre has hosted live performances musicals, ballet, opera and plays. The theatre also hosts a range of standalone acts as well as regular performances put on by both the West Australian Opera and Ballet which call the venue home.

The shows and performances shift regularly, so whether or not the current events appeals to you will likely vary based on sheer luck. However, even if you're not the most enthusiastic “patron of the arts”, spending an evening here is still well worth it.

The theatre itself is set out over three tiers, with a stage at the focal point that is quite small considering the scale of the surrounding seating, however, the acoustics and modernisation of the facilities sufficiently make up for it.

The theatre is located near a district of Perth that's ripe with restaurants and cafes, and the theatre's own cafe and bar offer some quality food and beverages as well. A word of advice for first-time visitors, there's no parking at the theatre but there is a public car park available roughly 10 minutes' walk on Hay Street.

Combine all of the above unique and distinguishing factors together and you've got a charming, old-world style night out in Perth that few other cities in Australia can match.

Location: Lot 504 Telephone Road, Neergabby, WA

All that greenery around Perth isn't just for show, it also offers numerous opportunities for exploration and sightseeing for those looking for a dose of fresh air, and there are few better ways to get back in touch with nature than horse riding.

Located on a beautifully-kept farm just a short drive outside Perth city, local operator 1800 Trail Rides offer the chance for beginners and more experienced riders alike to take part in this adventure, regardless of age.

Offering everything from introductory pony rides for small children all the way up to more advanced 3-hour rides that explore some of the Perth backcountry's historic routes formerly used by stockmen.

If you've ever wanted to take the plunge with horse riding then there are few better environments in which to do so.

The trail rides explore areas adjacent to the Moore River surrounded by rolling hills and providing some outstanding views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Couple this with both the exceedingly friendly manner of the farm and guide staff and that obvious degree of care with which they treat their horses and you've got a great all-round form of entertainment that even the most skittish riders can enjoy.

Horses of different temperaments are matched to their riders to ensure that first-timers and those with lower confidence levels are comfortable.

The trail rides explore areas adjacent to the Moore River surrounded by rolling hills and providing some outstanding views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

The introductory farm rides around the property provide the ideal taste-test for kids and beginners to get used to the sensation of riding on horseback.

Other extended riding options branch further out from the farm, with more advanced courses that make their way through some truly magnificent stretches of WA countryside at speeds of up to a canter.

This ensures veteran riders won't be limited to basic tracks at a slower, introductory level pace.

There's simply something to be said about the old-world charm of sightseeing while crossing through creeks, open fields and woodland in a quiet and peaceful manner without the hustle and bustle. This makes it one of Perth's more special sightseeing activities.

Lastly, a tip of the cap for those bringing kids along must also be given to the excellent farm zoo that was set up for the little ones to get up close with various farm animals in addition to mere horse riding.

Children can encounter the likes of sheep, pigs, emus, kangaroos and even llamas and alpacas to round out the animal experience. This is a lovely touch that can help extend the experience and make for a solid family day out.

Ride options range from 40-minute to 90-minutes and 2-hours, so both your time and budget spent will likely depend on personal preference.

Regardless of choice of horse riding itineraries, a day out with 1800 Trail Rides is sure to be a satisfying experience in the Perth region for adults and kids alike.