Things to Do in Perth

Perth Activities & Experiences

Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city, and it shows in just how much there is to do here. Whether you’re searching for activities in Perth WA for a family holiday, Perth activities to fill a long weekend, or experiences Perth WA locals rate as must-dos, the RedBalloon range covers the lot. Cruises along the Swan River, wildlife encounters at Rottnest Island and AQWA, adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the Perth Hills, and relaxed dining and pamper experiences across the city, there’s something for everyone.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Perth by category, so however you like to spend a day out, you’ll find it.

Best Things to Do in Perth

If you’re after a shortlist of the top 10 things to do in Perth, start here. These are the experiences that consistently rank as Perth’s top tourist attractions and best-sellers on RedBalloon.

– Guided Tour of Optus Stadium – go behind the scenes of Australia’s most state of the art sporting venue, or take it up a notch with the VERTIGO Twilight Rooftop Tour for panoramic sunset views.

– AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia – one of Perth’s most popular tourist attractions, home to hundreds of WA marine species. Brave hearts can Snorkel with Sharks.

– Rottnest Island Return Ferry – a short trip from Fremantle to white-sand beaches, snorkelling and the famously photogenic quokka.

– Fremantle Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine – watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, glass in hand.

– Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Avon Valley – regularly named among the best things to do in Perth for a reason: rolling hills, sunrise colours and a champagne breakfast to finish.

Fun Things to Do in Perth for Adults

Perth’s adult and young-adult crowd have plenty of fun things to do in Perth beyond the usual bar crawl. Popular picks include:

– Perth Axe Throwing Experience – a private lane, full coaching, and a great way to release the week’s stress.

– Real Life Game Show Experience at Quiz Room Perth – lights, buzzers and trivia chaos with your mates.

– Virtual Reality Escape Game Adventure, Fremantle – race the clock in a full immersive VR world.

– Gin Making Masterclass with Tastings at Sin Gin Distillery – craft your own bottle to take home.

– Perth Riverside Guided Segway Tour – cruise Elizabeth Quay and the CBD from a fresh angle.

– V8 Race Car Drive at Barbagallo Raceway or Lancelin 4WD and Sandboarding Adventure for the thrill-seekers.

Things to Do in Perth with Kids & Families

Travelling with the family? These are some of the most-loved things to do in Perth with kids, and a great starting point for school holiday activities Perth-wide:

– Dolphin, Penguin Island and Sea Lion Cruise – spot wild dolphins, seals and pelicans on a family-friendly glass-bottom boat cruise.

– Snorkel with Sharks at AQWA – an unforgettable underwater encounter for older kids and teens.

– Treetop Ropes and Ziplining Adventure, Lane Poole Reserve – flying foxes, bridges and an aerial skateboard for active families.

– All Inclusive Mystery Picnic Experience – solve clues together before settling in for a picnic.

For the full kids’ range, browse Kids Activities and Family Getaways – both are regularly refreshed with new school holiday activities Perth families can book in minutes.

Indoor Things to Do in Perth

Perth’s weather is famously good, but on the rare rainy day (or during the midday heat), there are still plenty of indoor activities Perth Locals swear by. AQWA, escape rooms, the Quiz Room, and float tank therapy are all things to do inside in Perth that work rain or shine – try the Float Tank Therapy Session in Wembley for a truly switch-off afternoon.

Perth Experiences & Gift Ideas

If you’re shopping for a gift rather than a day out for yourself, RedBalloon specialises in experiences Perth locals actually want. Popular categories include:

– Dining Experiences in Perth – excellent dining options include the Swan River Dinner Cruise and the Swan Valley Winery and Food Tour with Lunch.

– Couple Experiences – an Overnight South Perth Riverview Escape with Breakfast & Wine makes a genuinely unique birthday or anniversary gift.

– Animal Experiences – including a Jarrahdale Horse Trail Ride that takes you to the summit of Bald Hill with views of Greater Perth.

– Day Spa Packages – the Massage and Steam Package with Bubbles in Scarborough is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

– Can’t decide? A RedBalloon Gift Voucher lets the recipient pick their own Perth experience gift – no wrong answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in Perth at night?

After dark, head to the Swan River foreshore for a dinner cruise, book a small-bar and laneway food tour, or take in the city lights from a guided night tour with dessert and drinks on the South Perth foreshore. Perth’s nightlife scene is centred around Northbridge, the CBD laneways and Elizabeth Quay, all within easy reach of a dinner cruise departure point.

What are the best kid-friendly things to do in Perth?

AQWA (The Aquarium of Western Australia), a dolphin and sea lion spotting cruise, Rottnest Island’s beaches (and its resident quokkas), and treetop rope courses in the Perth Hills are consistently rated among the best kid-friendly things to do in Perth.

What are the must-do activities for families visiting Perth?

A day trip to Rottnest Island, a visit to AQWA, a Swan River cruise, and time at one of Perth’s free family beaches (Cottesloe or City Beach) cover most bases for a family itinerary, whether you’re visiting for a day or a week.

Where can you experience Perth nightlife?

Northbridge is Perth’s main nightlife precinct for bars and live music, while the CBD laneways and Elizabeth Quay offer a more relaxed dining scene. Dinner cruises on the Swan River are a popular alternative to a traditional night out.

What are the top attractions in Perth?

Optus Stadium, AQWA, Rottnest Island, Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens, and the Swan River foreshore (including Elizabeth Quay) are widely considered Perth’s top tourist attractions.

Are there any free things to do in Perth?

Yes, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Cottesloe Beach, Elizabeth Quay, and the Perth Cultural Centre are all free to visit and are among the city’s most popular attractions.

Which beaches are best to visit in Perth?

Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach are the most popular city beaches, City Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour are great for families, and Rottnest Island’s Pinky Beach is considered one of WA’s best.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Perth?

Sandboarding and 4WD tours at Lancelin, hot air ballooning over the Avon Valley, treetop ziplining at Lane Poole Reserve, and snorkelling or wildlife cruises around the Shoalwater Islands are among Perth’s top outdoor adventures.

What cultural experiences can you find in Perth?

Perth’s cultural scene spans the Perth Cultural Centre precinct, Fremantle’s historic port town, Aboriginal-guided wildlife and heritage tours, and a growing food and wine culture in the Swan Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.

When is the best time to visit Perth?

Spring (September – November) and autumn (March – May) offer warm, dry days that suit almost any outdoor activity. Summer (December – February) is hot and very dry, great for beaches and cruises, less ideal for midday adventures. Winter (June – August) is mild and slightly wetter, and better suited to indoor experiences.

What family-friendly activities are available in Perth?

Beyond AQWA and Rottnest Island, family-friendly options include Optus Stadium tours, glass-bottom boat and dolphin cruises, treetop ropes courses, and mystery picnic experiences.

Exploring Beyond Perth: Western Australia

Once you’ve ticked off Perth, Western Australia has plenty more to offer within easy reach. Extend your trip with:

– Rottnest Island – a 30 minute ferry from Fremantle, famous for its quokkas, snorkelling and white sand bays.

– Margaret River & the South West – world-class wineries, cellar doors, caves and surf beaches, roughly three hours south of Perth.

– Broome – pristine Kimberley beaches, pearling history and outback scenery, further north.

– All of Western Australia – including regional WA, from Esperance in the south to the Kimberley in the north.

However long you’re in town, RedBalloon has a Perth experience to match. Browse the full range above, or buy a gift voucher and let someone else choose their own adventure.