19 Best Things to Do in Perth in 2025: Beaches, Quokkas, Culture & Coastal Adventures
Welcome to Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital and a city where crystal-blue ocean meets modern skyline, stylish cafés meet Aboriginal culture, and island escapes sit just minutes offshore. Whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a full vacation, Perth offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
This up-to-date travel guide highlights the 19 best things to do in Perth in 2025 — including must-visit Kings Park, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island — plus hidden gems only locals know!
🌳 Perth Highlights: Kings Park & the Swan River
1️⃣ Kings Park & Botanic Garden
One of the world’s largest city parks — even bigger than NYC’s Central Park!
Top experiences:
- Fraser Avenue Lookout (breathtaking city views)
- Kaarta Gar-up viewpoint at golden hour
- Federation Walkway among the treetops
🧠 Amazing Fact: Over 3,000 species of Western Australia’s wildflowers bloom here — many found nowhere else on Earth!
Pack a picnic or enjoy coffee with skyline views at a park café.
2️⃣ Walk or Cruise the Swan River
Choose a river cruise or stroll/cycle the waterfront path between:
- Elizabeth Quay → a hub for bars & weekend events
- Claisebrook Cove → peaceful riverfront dining
Great for photography and sunset lovers.
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⚓ Fremantle: History, Food & Weekend Vibes
3️⃣ Explore Fremantle Historic Streets
Locally called “Freo”, this port city blends Victorian architecture with bold street art and a cool café culture.
4️⃣ Fremantle Markets (Fri–Sun)
Street food, Indigenous crafts, fresh flowers & live music — perfect for souvenir shopping!
5️⃣ Fishing Boat Harbour & Bathers Beach
Grab fish & chips, dip in calm waters, and enjoy coastal dining with ocean views.
6️⃣ Fremantle Prison
UNESCO-listed and chillingly fascinating!
Take:
- Torchlight night tours 🔦
- Escape stories & convict history walks
(Pre-booking recommended in 2025 peak season.)
7️⃣ WA Maritime & Shipwrecks Museums
Learn about legendary shipwreck tales and Western Australia’s sea exploration history.
🏝️ Rottnest Island: The Quokka Kingdom of Perth
8️⃣ Meet the Famous Quokkas
These cute smiley marsupials are exclusive to WA!
📸 Take a selfie — but keep safe distance & never feed them.
9️⃣ Cycle Car-Free Lanes
Rent a bike and explore lookout loops along turquoise coves and wild cliffs.
🔟 Swim & Snorkel Hidden Bays
Top picks:
- The Basin (family-friendly!)
- Little Salmon Bay
- Parakeet Bay
- Pinky Beach near Bathurst Lighthouse
11️⃣ Boat Tours & Lighthouses
Learn island history, see dolphins, or snorkel shipwreck sites.
🚤 Ferries depart from Perth and Fremantle daily.
🎨 Culture, Beaches & Wildlife in Perth
12️⃣ Perth Cultural Centre
Visit:
- Art Gallery of WA
- WA Museum Boola Bardip (2025 special exhibitions underway!)
- Live events in Northbridge
13️⃣ Elizabeth Quay
Ride the Elizabeth Quay Carousel, snap photos of The Spanda sculpture & visit The Bell Tower.
14️⃣ Cottesloe Beach
The #1 sunset spot.
Swim, paddleboard or enjoy oceanfront dining.
15️⃣ Scarborough Beach
Surf waves, skate parks, beach bars & weekend markets = summer vibes guaranteed!
🐨 Wildlife, Wine & Nature Adventures Near Perth
16️⃣ Perth Zoo or Caversham Wildlife Park
Meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats & more — great for families.
17️⃣ Swan Valley Wine Region
Just 30 minutes from the city!
- Award-winning wineries 🍷
- Chocolate & nougat factories 🍫
- Breweries & local farms
Self-drives, hop-on tours & river-cruise options available.
18️⃣ Hillarys Boat Harbour & AQWA
Relax at seaside restaurants or explore Australia’s largest aquarium tunnel.
19️⃣ Pinnacles Desert Day Trip
An epic landscape of ancient limestone pillars ⛰️
Combine with:
- Sunset over the desert
- Stargazing under WA’s clearest skies
One of Australia’s most otherworldly experiences!
✨ Bonus Experiences Worth Adding
- Northbridge street art trails 🎨
- Small-bar hopping in the CBD 🍻
- Kings Park outdoor cinema (summer only)
- Whale-watching cruises (June–November)
🧭 Practical Tips for Visiting Perth in 2025
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Best time: Sep–Nov & Mar–May | Perfect weather without extreme heat |
| Buy ferry & tour tickets in advance | 2025 is a busier travel year |
| Public transport is great | Use ferries, trains & free CAT buses |
| Bring sunscreen & hats | Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital! |
🧠 Amazing Fact: Perth receives over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. That’s more sunny days than Brisbane, Sydney OR Melbourne!
📌 Why Perth Should Be on Every Traveler’s List
Perth offers:
- World-class beaches
- Island nature escapes
- Surprising cultural depth
- Laid-back coastal lifestyle
It’s a city that makes you slow down, breathe deeper and enjoy the sunshine — while still giving you so much to see.
Whether you love wildlife, surf, food, history or epic sunsets… Perth delivers it all.
FAQs
At least 3–5 days to include Rottnest & Swan Valley.
Kings Park, Fremantle and Rottnest Island are the top three.
Yes! Ferries, trains and free CAT buses make it easy to explore.
Yes — but summer (Dec–Feb) is prime beach season.
Dining can be pricey, but beaches, Kings Park & outdoor attractions are mostly free.