Perth, the sun-soaked capital of Western Australia, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. For travelers visiting Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), Perth provides an array of experiences that showcase the best of Australia’s west coast. From pristine beaches to vibrant markets, and lush parks to historic sites, here’s a guide to the top things to do in Perth.
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Visit Perth’s City Centre
This city is definitely full of surprises and there’s a lot to see ! Among those don’t miss Elizabeth Quay! On the banks of the Swan River, you can stop by at one of the coffee shops and can also visit the Bell Tower (Barrack Square), one of the largest musical instruments on earth.
Do not miss the Northbridge district with its large library and museums. Yagan Square joins Northbridge to the city. It s a transit area with a vibrant open space with bars, cafes and entertainment. If you are keen on some shopping, head toward Murray Street to find all the big brands and shops.
Perth’s laneways and neighborhoods are adorned with vibrant street art, making the city a canvas for local and international artists. Take a self-guided street art tour in the city center, Northbridge, and Leederville to discover murals and installations that add color to Perth’s urban landscape.
Also Read : Visit Perth – The Complete Guide
Enjoy Perth’s Food and Drink Scene
Perth’s culinary scene is booming, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and multicultural influences. Explore the city’s food markets, such as the Perth City Farm Market or the Subiaco Farmers Market. For dining, head to Elizabeth Quay or the Northbridge area, where you’ll find everything from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries.
Explore Kings Park and Botanical Garden
One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park offers breathtaking views of the Perth skyline and Swan River. It’s a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and learning about Western Australia’s flora in the Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the Federation Walkway for an elevated view among the treetops. There’s also a fairly unique highlight within the park, which is glass bridge that winds its way through a little eucalyptus forest.
Have fun at Crown Perth
If you want some more standard urban entertainment, Crown Perth is a fun place to spend an evening. It’s basically a casino resort where you can enjoy a spa, fine dining restaurants, live shows, and the actual casino gaming floor. There are over 240 table games in the facility, but those aren’t even the main attraction. Pokies are believed to represent the most popular and alluring offerings for players around the world, and if you fall into that category you can enjoy upwards of 2,000 electric gaming machines as well.
Hit the Beaches
Perth’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, making it a haven for beach lovers. Cottesloe Beach (take the Fremantle Line and bus 102), with its golden sands and turquoise waters, is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Scarborough Beach (take the Joondalup Line at Perth train station then buses 990, 421 or 410) offers great surf and a lively atmosphere, while City Beach provides a quieter seaside experience. In summer, don’t miss the night markets in Scarborough Beach (from November to April, every Thursday evening).
Discover Perth’s surroundings
Just a short scroll from the city centre, visit the Aquarium of Western Australia. Located on Hillary’s Boat Harbour, it has one of the world’s largest living coral reef exhibits. You can also jump on a 98 metre long moving walkway that takes you through an underwater tunnel ($30/adult).
If you want a sense of the city’s history as well as some seaside views, the Fremantle Port area should definitely be on your list. It’s still an active port, so you’ll find some uglier shipping areas. But you can also learn about the history of the port in the British colony days, and you can also find some interesting little bars and restaurants near the water. It’s charming place to visit just outside of Perth. It is easily accessible by train or bus, so don’t miss it! Moreover Fremantle is the perfect place if you wanna go on a day trip to see the whales!
Just a ferry ride away from Perth, Rottnest Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and the adorable quokka. Rent a bike to explore the island’s scenic trails, snorkel in the bays, and snap a selfie with a quokka for a quintessential Rottnest experience.
You probably don’t need much more than the name to be tempted to visit Penguin Island! It’s technically outside of Perth, but it’s only a short journey to the south, in the middle of Showalter Bay. You’ll see a lot of interesting wildlife given that the island is situated within Showalter Islands Marine Park (the snorkeling is outstanding, in fact), but the tiny penguins are the main attraction. You may see them in the wild, but you can also attend a feeding to see them up close.
Tips for travellers in Perth
Accommodation: Look for hostels, guesthouses, or shared housing to meet other travelers and save on accommodation costs.
🏨 Our top picks for hotels in Perth
Here’s a selection of recommended accommodations to suit your budget:
- Best Luxury Hotel: Crown Towers Perth
- Best Hotel average budget: Novotel Perth Murray Street
- Best cheap hostel: Spinners Hostel
Transport: Perth has an efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Consider getting a SmartRider card for convenience and savings. There are free buses that allow you to visit the centre (Cat Buses).
Employment: For those looking to work during their stay, Perth offers opportunities in hospitality, retail, and agriculture, especially in the surrounding regions.
