Perth's centre is compact, green and easy to explore. Within a short walk or bus ride, you can stand at one of Australia's best city lookouts, stroll the riverfront, browse a world-class gallery and finish with dinner in a lively restaurant district. Many of the highlights are free. This hub brings together our guides to the best things to do in the city.
400 ha
Kings Park
Free to visit
2016
Elizabeth Quay
Riverfront precinct opened
Feb–Mar
Perth Festival
Australia's longest-running
Our guides
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park is Perth's top attraction. Covering about 400 hectares, around two-thirds of it bushland, it offers sweeping views of the city and river, walking trails, the Federation Walkway and the Western Australian Botanic Garden. Each September, the Kings Park Festival celebrates wildflowers. Read our Kings Park guide.
Elizabeth Quay and the city
Elizabeth Quay, opened in 2016, reconnected the city with the Swan River. From here, explore the CBD's malls and laneways, the Perth Cultural Centre's gallery and museum, Northbridge's restaurants and bars, and the Perth Mint. Read our city guide.
Perth festivals and events
Summer is festival season, with Fringe World in January and February and Perth Festival in February and March. Spring brings the Kings Park Festival. Read our festivals guide.
Free things to do
Parks, beaches, galleries, walks and free city buses make Perth great for budget travellers. Read our free things to do guide.
Getting around Perth
Transperth trains, buses and ferries reach most highlights, and free central-area buses run in the CBD. Read our getting around guide.
At a glance
| Attraction | Cost | Allow |
|---|---|---|
| Kings Park | Free | 1–3 hours |
| Elizabeth Quay | Free | 1–2 hours |
| Art Gallery of WA | Free general entry | 1–2 hours |
| WA Museum Boola Bardip | Free general entry to many galleries | 2–3 hours |
| Perth Mint | Check website | 1–2 hours |
| Northbridge | Free to explore | Evening |
Prices and free entry can change. Check official websites.
A perfect city day
Begin with sunrise at the Kings Park lookout, then walk down Jacob's Ladder into the city. Explore the laneways and the Art Gallery of Western Australia, then lunch at Elizabeth Quay. Take the ferry to South Perth for skyline views. In the evening, eat in Northbridge.
With children
Kings Park has playgrounds and nature play areas. Elizabeth Quay has a water playground. The WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Zoo, across the river in South Perth, are family favourites. The zoo covers 17 hectares and opened in 1898.
Rainy days
Perth's rainy season is winter. On wet days, visit the gallery, museum, State Library, Perth Mint or Bell Tower, or catch a show.
Nightlife
Northbridge is Perth's main nightlife district. The CBD has small bars in laneways. Elizabeth Quay is lovely at night.
Sport
Optus Stadium, opened in 2018, hosts AFL, cricket and concerts. Check fixtures and book from official sellers.
Planning tips
City planning checklist
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Where to stay
The CBD is convenient for transport and sights. Northbridge suits nightlife lovers. Many visitors also stay in Fremantle or near the beaches.
Seasons
Summer is hot, with festivals and long evenings. Autumn is mild and settled. Winter is cooler and wetter. Spring brings wildflowers and the Kings Park Festival.
Respecting Country
Perth is on Whadjuk Noongar Country. Look for Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, and consider an Aboriginal-led tour in Kings Park.
Guides in this section
Things to do
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Plan a visit to Kings Park and Botanic Garden in Perth: city lookouts, bushland walks, the DNA Tower, wildflowers, the September festival and getting there.
Read · 5 min
Things to do
Elizabeth Quay and the city
Explore Elizabeth Quay and central Perth: the riverfront, Bell Tower, ferries, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, the Perth Mint, shopping and food.
Read · 3 min
Things to do
Perth festivals and events
A month-by-month guide to Perth festivals and events: Fringe World, Perth Festival, Kings Park Festival, Sculpture by the Sea, sport and how to plan around them.
Read · 4 min
Things to do
Free things to do in Perth
Free things to do in Perth: Kings Park, beaches, the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum Boola Bardip, Lake Monger, Bold Park, free city buses and budget tips.
Read · 3 min
Things to do
Getting around Perth
How to get around Perth: Transperth trains, buses and ferries, free central-area buses, SmartRider cards, airport transfers, cycling, driving and accessibility.
Read · 4 min
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Perth?
For many visitors, Kings Park is the top attraction, with free city views, bushland walks and the Botanic Garden.
What can I do in Perth on a rainy day?
Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip, the State Library, the Perth Mint or the Bell Tower. Check opening hours.
What is there to do in Perth at night?
Walk Elizabeth Quay, eat and drink in Northbridge, enjoy small bars in the CBD laneways or catch a show. In summer, festivals bring outdoor events.
Is Perth good for families?
Yes. Kings Park playgrounds, the water playground at Elizabeth Quay, the WA Museum, Perth Zoo and beaches are popular with families.
How do I get around central Perth?
Walk, use the free central-area buses, or catch trains, buses and ferries run by Transperth.
When is the best time to visit Perth?
Spring and autumn are mild. Summer is the festival season. Winter is mild and wetter.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden — Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
- Transperth — Transperth
- Perth Festival — Perth Festival
- Elizabeth Quay — Wikipedia