Perth and ‘things to do’ go hand in hand. It is rapidly developing as a tourist destination, with an increasing number of attractions throughout the city. Boasting impressive scenery, contemporary architecture and a warm climate, the list of places to visit in Perth is almost endless. Here, we’ll guide you through what to do in Perth during your stay, regardless of your interests.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden allows you to escape the city and indulge in a rich collection of native plants and stunning views of the city skyline. Explore bushland trails, stop for a picnic and stroll the iconic Lotterywest Federation Walkway during your visit. Seasonal wildflower displays round out the reasons why Kings Park is a must on a list of places to visit in Perth.
The Fremantle Markets are the ideal place to sample local delicacies, with a variety of fresh local produce, artisan goods and souvenirs on sale. Experience the local culture, enjoy live music and shop for gourmet delights from a historic location that dates from 1897. While in Fremantle, enjoy a meal in the bustling seaside town, rich in maritime history and architecture. The Fremantle Markets are open from Friday to Sunday.
While there’s plenty of things to do in Perth on land, seeing the city from the water allows it to take on a whole new dimension. A river cruise on the Swan River allows you to see the cityscape, parklands and suburbs from the water. The cruises are available from a number of providers, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and whale watching tours.
Metro Hotels is an official Whale Watch Western Australia partner, offering discounts on whale watching cruises when you book through either of our Perth locations.
The Perth Zoo offers something for animal lovers of all ages, with different regions of the world represented in a range of exhibits. From rainforests to savannahs, a tour of Perth Zoo showcases Australian wildlife like few others. More than 1200 animals of over 160 species call the Perth Zoo home, including fauna from Australia and abroad.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia showcases an expansive collection of international, Australian and Indigenous Australian art. Located in the Perth Cultural Centre, the gallery is a haven for art lovers with plenty of captivating works from which to draw inspiration. In addition to permanent displays, the art gallery also has exhibits which run seasonally throughout the year.
AQWA ranks highly on anyone’s list of places to visit in Perth, particularly if you’re a marine enthusiast. Located just outside Perth, this aquarium is an underwater experience of Western Australia’s marine life, offering insights into the habitats of creatures of all shapes and sizes. One of the highlights of AQWA is that it includes one of the world’s largest living coral reef exhibitions, making it a must-see for maritime lovers.
Rottnest Island always ranks highly in tourist guides of what to do in Perth, and it’s not hard to see why. The island’s main claim to fame is its 10,000-strong population of quokkas, but it also features pristine beaches accessed by scenic bike paths. After a short ferry ride from the city centre, rent a bike and explore Rottnest’s beauty, immerse yourself in the wildlife, or simply kick back and relax on one of its sun-kissed beaches.
The Matagarup Bridge & Zip Climb is perfect for thrillseekers. The highlight is a 400m-long zipline that reaches a maximum speed of 75km/h. The bridge climb, meanwhile, is a 314-step walk that allows you to view the Perth CBD from 72m above the ground. You can choose to either walk to the viewing platform and back, walk halfway up the bridge and zipline back down, or walk the entire way to the viewing platform and zipline the full 400m.
There’s something for all ages at the Scitech Discovery Centre. Families and science buffs alike will love its interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and immersive planetarium, all of which offer a fascinating insight into the wondrous worlds of science and technology. A trip to Scitech will open your mind as to what is scientifically possible, and it’s just five minutes from the city centre
The Bell Tower is one of the most iconic places to visit in Perth, offering panoramic views of the city and the Swan River. Inside, you can marvel at its fantastic outlook and learn about the history of bell ringing. Staff at the Tower will guide you through the art of bell ringing, and there are even opportunities to participate in live demonstrations during your visit.
With so many things to do in Perth, a relaxing hotel close to the city is necessary. Metro Hotels has you covered, with two locations offering in-house accommodation, restaurants and amenities. Our South Perth location gives you stunning views of the city, while our Perth City hotel is located close to the Swan River foreshore, the Perth Mint and Kings Park. Both our Perth locations can assist you with recommending and booking tour packages.
Perth is a shopaholic’s best friend, with malls like the Watertown Brand Outlet Centre offering fashion, homewares and gifts at discounted prices. With a range of Australian and international brands on sale, Watertown is the ideal place to grab a bargain during your stay in Perth. As a bonus, Watertown is an easy train, bus or car ride from either of Metro Hotels’ Perth locations.
Cottlesloe Beach is one of the most highly recommended places to visit in Perth, renowned for its crystal clear water and golden sand. Cottlesloe is a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and glorious sunset views. The beach is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, perfect for lunch or dinner. Popular for its vibrant atmosphere, Cottlesloe is located around 15 kilometres from the Perth CBD.
One of Perth’s newest attractions is its contemporary sporting venue. Seating 60,000, Optus Stadium plays home to a number of events throughout the year, including international cricket, AFL, soccer, concerts and festivals. When it’s not being used for sporting or cultural events, you can tour the inside of the stadium, including the grandstands, changing rooms and the awe-inspiring Skyview Lounge.
Located around 30 kilometres outside of the Perth CBD, the John Forrest National Park offers picturesque views and hiking trails for those of all abilities. While exploring this national park, you’ll experience the beauty of its waterfalls and see its native wildlife up close and personal. It’s the perfect destination for those wanting exercise and tranquillity in equal measure.
To help you see all of Perth’s attractions, Metro Hotels has partnered with Europcar. Save up to 15% on your next vehicle rental when booking directly with Europcar. Click here to book and save!
The Perth Mint offers visitors a glimpse into Western Australia’s rich history of gold mining. Touring the Mint will provide you with a deeper understanding into the process of mining gold, with opportunities to see historical pieces of gold and the chance to witness a live gold pour. Located just a few hundred metres from Metro Hotels’ Perth City location, the Perth Mint is the perfect addition to your list of what to do in Perth.
Regardless of whether you choose Metro Hotels’ South Perth or Perth City location, you’ll be staying in a hotel located minutes from popular destinations. Both hotels have a range of rooms available, and include a restaurant, free wifi and onsite parking. Regardless of which hotel you stay at, you’ll be close to all of Perth’s attractions. Contact us for more information or to book a stay at one of Metro Hotels’ Perth locations.
Image Credit: Tourism WA
