Perth has a reputation for being pricey, but some of its best experiences are completely free. Its parks, beaches and riverside paths cost nothing, its major gallery and museum offer free general entry, and free central-area buses make getting around the city centre easy. Here are the best free things to do in Perth.
400 ha
Kings Park
Free entry
437 ha
Bold Park
Free bushland
3.5 km
Lake Monger track
Around Galup
Parks and nature
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park is Perth's top free attraction. Enjoy views over the city and river, walk bushland trails, cross the Federation Walkway and explore the Botanic Garden. See our Kings Park guide.
Lake Monger (Galup)
Lake Monger, known as Galup to the Whadjuk Noongar people, is a wetland a few kilometres from the CBD. A 3.5 km track circles the lake, which is famous for its black swans. It is a place of significance to Noongar people.
Bold Park
Bold Park is a large bushland reserve of 437 hectares near City Beach, with walking trails and Reabold Hill, one of the highest points on the coastal plain, offering views.
Heirisson Island
In the Swan River near the Causeway, Heirisson Island has a small population of western grey kangaroos. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
Beaches
All of Perth's beaches are free. Cottesloe, Scarborough and City Beach are all easy to reach. Bring a picnic and stay for the sunset.
Galleries and museums
The Art Gallery of Western Australia has free general entry. WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre offers free entry to many galleries. The State Library of Western Australia hosts free exhibitions. Some special exhibitions charge.
City walks
Walk along the river from Elizabeth Quay, explore the laneways and street art, and visit historic buildings such as the Town Hall and London Court. See our city guide.
Free transport
Transperth runs free central-area buses in the city and provides free travel within defined Free Transit Zones. Rules and boundaries can change, so check Transperth's website before relying on them.
Free events
Many festivals have free outdoor events, installations and performances. Summer brings free concerts and outdoor events. See our festivals guide.
Budget tips
Budget Perth checklist
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Free day itinerary
Start at Kings Park for views and a bushland walk. Walk down to the city and explore the laneways. Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Catch a free bus or walk to Elizabeth Quay for an evening stroll, or take the train to Cottesloe for a sunset swim.
Free things for kids
Kids love playgrounds in Kings Park, the water playground at Elizabeth Quay in summer, beaches and the WA Museum. Many parks have free nature play areas.
Free markets
Perth has markets throughout the year. Entry is usually free, and some markets have free entertainment.
Free wildlife watching
Look for black swans at Lake Monger, dolphins in the Swan River and kangaroos on Heirisson Island and in some parks. Whale watching from the coast is possible in season.
Is Perth good for budget travellers?
Yes. With free parks, beaches, galleries and city transport, Perth offers plenty to do for free. Save money on food by picnicking, and use public transport.
Free sunset spots
Kings Park, Cottesloe, City Beach and Scarborough are great free sunset spots. Bring a picnic.
Free walks
Walk the river loop between the bridges, the coastal paths between beaches or bushland trails in Kings Park and Bold Park. All are free.
Free cultural experiences
Look for free talks, exhibitions and events at galleries, libraries and festivals. Some Aboriginal cultural events are free.
Accessibility
Many free attractions, including Kings Park's main precinct, galleries and Elizabeth Quay, are accessible. Check individual venues.
Saving on food
Supermarkets, food courts and markets are cheaper than restaurants. Bring a reusable bottle; Perth's tap water is safe to drink.
Saving on accommodation
Hostels, budget hotels and travelling outside peak periods can help reduce costs. Book early during festival season.
Free things to do on a rainy day
On wet days, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA Museum Boola Bardip and State Library are free and warm. Browse the CBD arcades, or catch a free central-area bus around the city to get your bearings without getting soaked.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free thing to do in Perth?
Kings Park is the top free attraction, with city views, bushland walks and the Botanic Garden. Perth's beaches are also free.
Are Perth's museums free?
General entry to the Art Gallery of Western Australia is free, and the WA Museum Boola Bardip offers free general entry to many galleries. Some exhibitions charge. Check official websites.
Is public transport free in Perth?
Transperth offers free travel within defined Free Transit Zones in central Perth and some other centres, plus free central-area buses. Check Transperth for current zones and rules.
Are there free walking tours?
Some volunteer and tip-based walking tours operate in Perth. Check current operators and reviews.
Where can I see free wildlife?
Look for black swans and waterbirds at Lake Monger (Galup) and Herdsman Lake, and kangaroos at some parks such as Heirisson Island.
Are barbecues free in Perth parks?
Many Perth parks have free public barbecues. Check fire restrictions in summer.
Is Perth expensive?
Perth can be expensive for food and accommodation, but many of its best attractions, including parks and beaches, are free.
Are there free events?
Yes. Festivals often include free outdoor events, and there are free concerts and markets throughout the year.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Free Transit Zones — Transperth
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden — Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
- Lake Monger — Wikipedia
- Bold Park — Wikipedia
