25 Things to do in Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia, Australia largest state. We all can imagine how big Australia is and to put it into perspective, it is 10 times larger than United Kingdom!  Touring in the largest state of Australia in 6 days is simply possible, taking in all the highlights.  So here are 25 tips and must-do activities to assist in your planning of next trip to Western Australia!

Let’s jump straight in!  I have used Perth city as the base location and I will divide it into Central Perth , South Perth, Northern Perth for easy geographical separation. This will help in your itinerary trip planning. For detailed itinerary if you intend to embark on a self-drive road trip, refer to my other blog post here.

Transport Tips 

#1: Free Transit Zone for buses in Perth

Right in Perth downtown, taking public transport is a bliss and there were no fares required if one ride within the city area. I attempted to pay the bus driver but was informed that it was free. I strongly recommend you to try out the local trains and buses.

#2: Rent a car for touring outskirt of Perth 

Renting a car is easy and comes with a lot of freedom instead of travelling along in a tour. Taking into consideration of Western Australia mass land space, driving allows you to stop anywhere to admire the scenery. Did I say the sunset is a beauty there? I do wonder if being situated at the most western end of Peninsula Australia does play a part in having one of the most beautiful sunset I ever witnessed?

#3: Car rental at airport costs more

Here is a quick tip in car rental. Usually, if one pick up the car from airport, there is usually a surcharge on top of rental, or what they call as location fee. If you are looking to save money, explore Perth on foot and public transport. When you are in the city, collect your car from downtown Perth!

Do note thou on Sunday, car collection in Perth downtown are usually close. Collect your car from airport only if you arrive very late into Perth , after the working hours (6pm and beyond ) or on a Sunday.

#4: Download private car hirer mobile application to save cost 

Just like most countries, Australia has quite a number of private car hirer mobile applications to choose from, an alternative to Uber or Grab used in your country. If you are feeling lazy, do consider download the mobile application  <DiDi>. As a first time user, I managed to setup an account on the spot within 3 minutes and got my car ordered through the use of first time rider promo code, which save me quite a fair bit of money.

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

#5: Supermarket is your best friend 

Of the time I were there for 5 nights on this trip, I cooked for 4 nights. Big supermarkets are easily found in all towns. The usual hunt I would go is Woolworths or Coles Supermarket.

Saving tip: Cook yourself in your service apartment to save on dinning cost. It is far more costly to dine outside!

#6: Collect Brochures at Airport Arrival Hall or Visitor Centers 

Be assured that in most towns, there are visitor centers that offers information to visitors on the area you are in. The first booth I will usually head upon touchdown is the visitor booth at airport arrival center. I have already done the trip research, have a rough guide of places you want to visit. However, the booth usually have brochures and in it , offers you a wide range of discounts coupons!

For example, I picked up the brochure that offers me 15% discount when I tour the Lobster Shack which I intended to do during my trip!

 CENTRAL PERTH 

Before we start going about what are the things to do in Perth, here is a fun fact:
Being located 2,104 km away from the next closest capital city, Adelaide, Perth is known for being pretty isolated!

#7: Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Cost: Free 

This park offers one a spectacular view of the Swan River and Perth city. Over 400 hectare, this park is one of the biggest city parks in the world! This also mean there are a lot of entrances or pathways that leads to the park. For a good view of the city, head directly to the main entrance.

#8: Local Farmers Market 

Cost: Free 

Visit Subiaco farmers market: oldest and original farmers market in Western Australia. Do note that they are open only on Saturday from 8am-1230pm. Make it your first stop of the day to get some daily fresh stuff for dinner.

#9: Blue boat house

Cost: Free 

Made popular by Instagram shots, the Blue boat house has now become an iconic shot for travellers to Perth. Make sure you capture this beauty along Swan River in downtown Perth! There are direct buses easily available from the main Elizabeth Quay bus terminal.

#10: Visit Fremantle Town 

Cost: Free (Only public transport fare applies) 

Situated at the mouth of Swan River, Fremantle is just 25 minutes drive away west of Perth. I took the public transport, require change of 2 public buses, it took me 50 minutes one way to get there. Along the way, sit back and enjoy the Perth suburb, witnessing how the locals go about in their daily life.

Simply fall in love with the architectural buildings located in Fremantle. Some of the highlights to visit include Fremantle Prison, home to Western Australia’s only World Heritage listed building. Admission is free to the prison surrounding. However, if you want to take a guided tour with access to the prison cell in it, one got to pay for the admission fee.

Cost: Free 

The other highlight in includes the Fremantle Market . Over 150 stalls, including fresh produce like cheese, honey, coffees, jewellery can all be found here. This market is open from Friday to Sunday.

#11: Elizabeth Quay

Cost: Free 

This is the waterfront precinct on the banks of the Swan River. This is also where buses and trains stop, making it convenient transit point. One of Perth’s iconic structure, the Bell Tower which includes the twelve bells of one of London’s most famous churches , which are recorded here. A place filled with history, with the bells having rung out to celebrate many events like World War II victory.

SOUTH OF PERTH REGION

#12: Visit Bunbury 

Cost: Free 

Located just 172km away from Perth, this should be the first pit stop along your self-drive road trip. Being most populated place in South West region, soak in the atmosphere as you explore award winning cafés , restaurants, museums, galleries, art & crafts.

#13: Busselton Town 

Cost: Free 

Known for the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere stretching at 1.8km long, the town is a good lunch pit stop for good food & wines. I also took the opportunity to stock up my dinner grocery shopping in this town.

#14: Margaret River

Cost: Free 

One of the most famous town in the South of Perth region, Margaret Town no need further introdcution for its wines. A visit to the winery has to be on the list. I was there in June, which was winter period as such most wineries were closed. Certainly it was not an ideal time to visit, but we managed to find some wineries that opens all year round. Along the way to Margaret River, look out for signs pointing to wineries. Some of the better ones maybe located off a small road. Do not be afraid to turn in as usually, there is where one can discover more the vast piece of land filled with grapes.

Wine tasting is most welcome at most wineries and there are tours to take if one is keen. Given the short amount of time we have on hand, we popped by at one of the wineries and spend around 30 minutes before continuing on our road trip.

#15: Cape Leeuwin

Cost: $5 Entrance Fees 

Cape Leeuwin is the most south-westerly mainland point of the Australian continent. This is where the Southern and Indian Ocean meets. From June to September, migrating humpback and southern right whales can often be spotted close to the shores here. Take in this dramatic seascape from the top of mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse. Be prepared to brace for the strong winds! The entrance fees include a visit to the lighthouse, a museum located in the vicinity to relate how people used to live in the past, certainly an interesting read up on it!

#16: Pemberton Town 

Cost: Free , unless visit to National Park in the area cost AUD15 per car. 

Most picturesque timber towns if I could describe it. Along the way towards the town, one will drive past these majestic forests. It is also the first night stop along the road trip, a place to enjoy the nature. Recommended staying at Forest Lodge Resort, where one can spot Kangaroos in the wild roaming around your accommodation right at your doorstep. Morning and sunset time is the best time to spot them!

#17: William Bay National Park

Cost: Free 

On the second day of self drive, the first stop would be William Bay National Park, located 174km away (2 hour drive) from Pemberton town.

Be rewarded with costal scenery, amazing natural formations at the attraction named: Elephant Rocks.

#18: Albany Town 

Cost: Free , unless you want to visit Whaling station museum- AUD32 per pax. 

Albany town is first town to be settled by Europeans in Western Australia. The Whaling station museum allows one to explore an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship. Require at least 1.5 hour in this area, so do allocate more time if you want to do this. Opens from 9am-5pm.

Visit the Gap and Natural Bridge at Torndirrup National Park; viewing platform 40 meters directly above the surging seas. Entry cost is between $8 – $15.

Photo Credits: Tourism Western Australia 

#19: The WindFarm @ Albany 

Costs: Free 

Astonishingly high windmills surrounded by natural heathland and walking paths along the stunning coastline. Turn off Frenchmans Bay Rd at Princess Ave.  Address: Sand Patch Road, Albany, Western Australia, 6330

NORTHERN PERTH 

#20: Lancelin 

Costs: Entry to the dunes is free.  Board hire costs $10 for an hour

Known for the sand dunes, stretching for 2 kilometers long. Drive towards the sand dunes you will see a kiosk which is where you can pick up hire sandboards. You can park here near the sand dunes. 300m walk from the hire kiosk to the base of the sand dune.

#21: The Pinnacles Desert

Costs: AU$15 per car (up to 12 people) for entrance to Nambung National Park for the entire day

The highlight of Western Australia, welcome to The Pinnacles which lies in Nambung National Park. Striking limestone formations and a sea of golden sand. There is a choice of doing self drive tour around Pinnacles. For a self-drive tour to the Pinnacles, a 2WD vehicle is adequate and you do not require a SUV or a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

#22: Cervantes Town 

Grab a bite at the Lobster Shack and enjoy some fresh lobsters, which this beautiful town is known for. Lobster Shack, a family business established in 1966. Factory tours are from 12PM – 3PM. This is whereby if one find vouchers in the brochures picked up at visitor center, you may use it to enjoy discount on the factory tour. I would highly recommend if you are keen for the tour to do a pre-book or check with them first on the day of arrival to avoid disappointment of the factory tour.

#23: Geraldton Town 

Catch the sunset at Point Moore Lighthouse. facing the Indian Ocean in the West direction, that explains the beauty one is able to witness during sunset.

#24: Pink Lake 

About 120km away from Geraldton town, lies Pink Lake. Also known as Hutt Lagoon, visit during mid-morning or sundown to catch the best of its colourful spectrum.

Credits:  2019 electra/Shutterstock

#25: Stop along the way, anywhere will do! 

Along the way, we did some washroom break and unplanned scenery was absolutely breath taking too! Sometimes, as the saying goes, an unplan destination turns out to be the highlight.

 When I first mention I am heading to Western Australia, Perth. Many first reaction were: “Why go there? Is boring, Nothing to do!” Trust picture says a thousand of words. Leaving up for you to decide. Western Australia has awesome sunset, freshest seafood, blue sky bounded by the vast Indian Ocean, Desert adventure, Pink Lake and the list goes on!

Check out detailed itinerary here: http://www.theguytravel.com/6-days-5-nights-perth-western-australia-itinerary/

Categories: Oceania Region