Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Western Australia
Lancelin Sand Dunes
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Margaret River
- The Margaret River wine region is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- Choose between a full-day or multi-day tour through the region.
- Day trips to Margaret River from Perth can last upwards of 13 hours.
Sun Pictures Cinema
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Supreme Court Gardens
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Perth Cruise Port
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London Court
Built in 1937 for residential and commercial purposes, the Elizabethan arcade was constructed to look like an English street in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A series of ‘small houses’ with window boxes, the structure of London Court is not the only element of the arcade hearkening to times past.
Ornate entrances with wrought iron gates and giant clocks mark both ends of the arcade at Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace. The Hay Street Mall clock shows four mechanised knights jousting as the clock chimes every quarter hour. The clock at the St George’s Terrace entrance depicts a miniature scene of St George battling the dragon. Gargoyles, shields, wrought iron brackets, masks, gabled roofs and even weather cocks complete the Elizabethan theme.
A number of boutique retail stores occupy London Court. Aboriginal Art and Pigeonhole, selling art and homewares; Sweets of London, specializing in British confectionery and groceries; and the ‘olde worlde’ Antiques and Heirlooms are just some of the eclectic mix of businesses that occupy the building.
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Karijini National Park
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Horizontal Falls
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Perth Bell Tower
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Perth Cultural Center
Clustered under one roof are a handful of different exhibition spaces and Western Australia’s key cultural institutions. Explore history, nature and anthropology at the Western Australian Museum, from dinosaurs to butterflies and humans.
Browse one of the best collections of Aboriginal and early European artworks at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Watch cutting-edge video installations, sculpture and performance art at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Finally, browse books at the State Library of Western Australia.
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The complex is spread over several city streets between Aberdeen Street, Francis Street, James Street Mall and Roe Street. William and Beaufort streets border the complex to west and east.
Stirling Range National Park
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Mammoth Cave
- Mammoth Cave is ideal for fans of fossils and all things cave, and for families with children.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light sweater—it can get cool inside the cave.
- The cave’s first chamber is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
Rottnest Island
Fringed with rocky coves, white sandy beaches, and sun-soaked shores, Rottnest Island’s natural pleasures are numerous—whale-watching, snorkeling, hiking and wildlife spotting along the coast, and taking in the ocean sunsets. At less than an hour from Perth, Rottnest Island, or “Rotto,” makes for an idyllic retreat from the city.
The Basics
The car-free shores of Rottnest Island lend themselves well to a guided island tour, and it’s possible to check off the highlights on a day trip from Perth. Pedal your way around the shores on a bike tour, stopping at attractions such as Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill, and Cathedral Rocks; or set sail around the island on a snorkeling or whale-watching cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no public transport on the island, and the only way to get around is by tour bus or rental bike.
- Cell phone coverage can vary throughout Rottnest Island, but free Wi-Fi hotspots are dotted around the island.
- Kayak, paddleboard, and bike hire is available at the Rottnest Island Visitor Centre.
- Most boat cruises, accommodation options, and ferries on the island are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm in advance.
How to Get There
Rottnest Island is located off the coast of Western Australia, 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Perth in the Indian Ocean. Ferries run from Hillarys Boat Harbour north of Perth (around a 45-minute journey), from Fremantle to the south (25 minutes), or from the Barrack Street Jetty in the city center (90 minutes). The closest airport is Perth, which offers regular flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities.
When to Get There
Blessed with a Mediterranean-style climate, Rottnest Island has sunshine and warm waters year-round. The most popular time to visit is during Australia’s summer (December-February), when tours, ferries, and accommodation can be more expensive and advance bookings are advised. Alternatively, a winter (June-November) visit can save money and avoid crowds; it’s also the best time to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
Wildlife Watching on Rottnest Island
Look out for Rottnest’s famous quokkas on a guided wildlife-watching tour, spot humpback and southern right whales during their annual migration, or look out for wedge-tailed shearwaters and ospreys along the West End boardwalk. Other common sightings include New Zealand fur seals, white-striped freetail bats, marbled geckos, green turtles, and numerous exotic birds, including banded stilts, crested terns, and red-capped plovers.
Perth Mint
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The Perth Mint is on Hay Street in the city center. You can catch the free red CAT bus, or take an easy stroll from the city’s central shopping malls.
Penguin Island
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Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
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Kalbarri National Park
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Valley of the Giants
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St George's Cathedral
Named after St George’s Cathedral, the terrace was initially home to a number of the cathedral’s staff. These days, St George’s Terrace is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city – both in its own right, and for the number of other attractions that line it.
Marked in the west by Barracks Arch, the terrace runs parallel to the Swan River. Historic buildings including the Old Treasury Buildings hint at the history of the streetscape. St George’s Square, London Court, His Majesty’s Theatre, Stirling Garden, Government House, St George’s Cathedral, and the Perth Concert Hall are just some of the key attractions that sit upon the terrace.
At just under 2km long, St George’s Terrace is easily navigable on foot. The Eastern end of the terrace continues on to become Adelaide Terrace, or walk down to the Esplanade and the water of the Swan River to take in the rest of what the area has to offer.