Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Western Australia
The Kimberley
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Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo is a leader in conservation and research, with natural, spacious exhibits and an important breeding-for-release program for threatened native species. You'll see more native species here than at most other zoos in Australia.
Highlights include the nocturnal animal enclosure, allowing visitors to see normally sleepy critters up and about, and the Australian bushwalk sight and sound experience through eucalyptus and other native flora.
Asian elephants also star at Perth Zoo, along with crocodiles, little penguins, the rainforest retreat, Sumatran orangutans and cute sun bears.
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Perth Zoo is located directly opposite the high-rise buildings of the city center in South Perth, over the stretch of the Swan River known as Perth Water.
Getting here is part of the fun, involving a river crossing by ferry from Barrack Street Jetty. You can also catch a bus.
Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery
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Whiteman Park
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York
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Shipwreck Galleries
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Swan River
Fed by the Avon, Canning and Helena Rivers, the Swan River itself is only around 60km long. Over 130 species of fish inhabit the Swan River, including bull sharks, catfish, rays and bream. Bottlenose dolphins are also regularly seen in the estuary.
One of the easiest ways to appreciate the beauty of the Swan River is simply to take a walk along its banks. Cycling and walking paths line the foreshore, and parklands along the water’s edge keep things interesting. Circuiting the river by the Narrows Bridge and the Causeway is a casual 10km walk well worth undertaking.
Cruises along the Swan River are also popular, often lasting a few hours – or simply take the ferry across the harbour for a cheaper option. Jet boating and parasailing are activities less suited to appreciating the quiet beauty of the river, but guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Windsurfing is another popular option for getting on the water, but hiring a canoe will allow visitors to see more of the river itself.
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Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is a long, wide strip of sand along the coastal town of Scarborough north of Perth. The wide expanse of sand is perfect for the hundreds of people that descend on the beach come summertime for picnics, sun bathing, beach volleyball and more, whilst the immense length of the beach ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone.
The water off the beach deepens slowly and on a calm day has very little surf, making it perfect for families and those who prefer to frolic without huge waves. When it’s windy however the surf comes alive, drawing surfers and kiteboarders alike to take advantage of the waves. Do be aware that strong currents can run down the beach, so pay attention to where the flags are placed – this is usually the safest area of the beach.
Behind the beach lies a grassed area, freshwater showers and the Esplanade streetscape. Head here after you’ve washed off the day’s sand to have dinner in one of the restaurants or bars that look back towards the ocean. A number of cafés provide a fantastic brunch spot if you fancy starting your day that way.
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Wave Rock
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Tunnel Creek
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The Nostalgia Box Museum
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Crown Perth (Burswood Entertainment Complex)
- A smart dress code is required for entrance to some of the restaurants, nightclubs, and the Burswood Casino.
- The Crown Perth complex is fully wheelchair accessible.
Swan Valley
- The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all Swan Valley wine tastings.
- Most Swan Valley wineries don’t have a dress code, but smart-casual dress is required at the region’s more upmarket restaurants.
- Phone and internet coverage vary throughout Swan Valley, but the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford offers free Wi-Fi.
- Sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes are a must if you plan on walking through the vineyards.
- Many Swan Valley wineries are wheelchair accessible, although tours of the vineyards are not always possible, and it’s best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Northbridge
Northbridge is the ideal starting point for visitors to Perth. The area contains many fantastic restaurants and bars as well as including the city's main nightlife district. Northbridge has a large cultural influence, with many Mediterranean, Greek, Italian and Asian cuisines featuring in the restaurants of the area.
Northbridge has a large cafe culture. Sitting outside a cafe and watching the world go by is a large part of the attraction of the area. The suburb is a cultural precinct, housing the Art Gallery of Western Australia "“ which holds exhibitions both celebrating local art and in conjunction with the New York Museum of Modern Art; Cinema Paradiso; the Perth Institute for Contemporary Arts; and The Bakery ARTRAGE Complex.
Accommodation for all budgets is available in Northbridge, though there's a slight weighting towards backpacker establishments. Before World War I, Northbridge was home to Perth's elite. In the 1950s however, post war European migration contributed the diverse ethnic mix evident in the area today, and introduced the cafe culture and al-fresco lifestyle the area is now known for.
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Yanchep National Park
- There is a fee (per vehicle) to enter the park.
- Dining options in the park include the Yanchep Inn, the Chocolate Drop Tearooms, and a variety of picnic areas.
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and plenty of water.
- The boardwalk and many of the park’s walking trails are wheelchair accessible.