From Hidden Gems to Local Favourites: 10 Perth Experiences Worth Travelling For

Perth isn’t just Australia’s sunniest capital – it’s where urban style meets raw natural beauty. From ancient desert landscapes to wildlife you won’t find anywhere else, this West Australian gem is bursting with adventures that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Here’s your guide to 10 unique things to do in Perth and surrounds that will leave you with stories you’ll tell for years to come.

1. Meet the Happiest Animal on Earth – the Quokka

Rottnest Island’s quokkas are found nowhere else but WA, and their cheeky grin has made them global icons. Hop on a ferry from Perth or Fremantle, cycle the car-free island, and explore turquoise bays where quokkas roam freely. For the best encounters, slow down, stay quiet, and let them approach you. This is one of the most uniquely West Australian experiences, and you’ll leave with photos (and memories) you’ll treasure forever.

2. Cruise the Swan River Like a Local

The Swan River is the sparkling heart of Perth, winding past lush parklands, yacht clubs, and grand riverside homes. A sunset cruise glides past leafy parks, riverside mansions, and yacht clubs, all framed by the golden skyline. Some tours pair the view with wine from the nearby Swan Valley, adding a delicious local touch.

3. Unlock Fremantle’s Bohemian Soul

Fremantle, or “Freo” to locals, blends rich maritime history with a free-spirited arts scene. Stroll heritage streets lined with colonial architecture, browse boutiques and bookshops, and enjoy live music spilling from cosy pubs. The UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison offers gripping tales of the past, while the bustling Fremantle Markets tempt with fresh produce, gourmet snacks, and artisanal goods. Add in craft breweries and harbour views, and you’ve got one of the most vibrant, culture-rich spots in Western Australia.

4. Sip, Savour and Stroll the Swan Valley

Just 25 minutes from Perth’s CBD, the Swan Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and a haven for food lovers. Beyond cellar doors, you’ll find chocolate factories, nougat kitchens, olive farms, and meaderies. Meet the makers, taste their creations, and soak up the laid-back country atmosphere. The compact size of the region makes it perfect for a self-drive day trip or a guided tour, with plenty of scenic spots to stop for long lunches or indulgent tastings.

5. Lose Yourself in the Pinnacles Desert

A few hours north in Nambung National Park lies the Pinnacles Desert – thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden sand like something from another planet. Best visited at sunrise or sunset, when shadows stretch and the landscape glows, it’s an otherworldly sight you’ll never forget. Spring adds vibrant wildflowers to the surrounding bushland, while clear nights make for exceptional stargazing. It’s a must for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for WA’s most striking landscapes.

6. Swim with Wild Dolphins in Rockingham

Rockingham offers one of the most magical wildlife experiences in Western Australia – swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Small group eco-tours provide snorkelling gear, wetsuits, and expert guidance to ensure the encounters are safe for both visitors and the dolphins. These intelligent, playful creatures often approach swimmers with curiosity, weaving and darting through the water. The calm, sheltered bays make this accessible for most swimmers and an unforgettable addition to any Perth itinerary.

7. Walk Among Giants at Kings Park

Larger than New York’s Central Park, Kings Park blends sweeping city views with native bushland. The Western Australian Botanic Garden showcases over 3,000 native species, while the Lotterywest Federation Walkway lets you wander through treetops and past towering eucalypts. In spring, the park becomes a living canvas of wildflowers found nowhere else. Pack a picnic, take your time, and enjoy the peace just minutes from the CBD.

Larger than New York’s Central Park, Kings Park blends sweeping city views with native bushland. Walk the Lotterywest Federation Walkway through towering eucalypts, or visit in spring for Western Australia’s largest wildflower display.

8. Snorkel with Sea Lions in Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay, two hours north of Perth, is famous for encounters with Australian sea lions – nicknamed the “puppies of the sea” for their playful nature. Guided snorkelling tours take you to protected islands where these curious animals dart, twist, and somersault around you. Operators follow strict eco-guidelines to ensure the experience is sustainable and respectful. Combine the trip with a coastal drive for a day of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and unforgettable marine wildlife.

9. Go Stargazing in the Wheatbelt

Western Australia’s Wheatbelt offers some of the clearest night skies on the planet. Far from city lights, you can see the Milky Way stretch overhead in stunning detail. Guided astronomy tours help you identify constellations, planets, and deep-sky wonders through powerful telescopes. Best enjoyed on a still, moonless night, stargazing here is a reminder of nature’s grandeur – and a unique experience that connects you to the vastness of the Australian outback.

10. Stand in Awe at Wave Rock

Near the small town of Hyden, a massive granite cliff has been naturally shaped into the form of an ocean wave frozen mid-break. At 15 metres high and 110 metres long, Wave Rock is a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making. Sacred to the Noongar people, the site is surrounded by walking trails, salt lakes, and seasonal wildflowers. The scenic drive through WA’s wheat fields makes the journey as memorable as the destination itself.

Local Secrets: Perth’s Hidden Gems

Even after you’ve seen the big attractions, Perth has a few surprises tucked away:

• Blue Boat House, Crawley – Snap Perth’s most photogenic boathouse at sunrise.

• Kings Park Wildflower Trails – Find hidden pockets of native blooms in spring.

• City Beach Amphitheatre – Watch the sun dip into the Indian Ocean from tiered steps.

• Shoalwater Islands Marine Park – Kayak to penguin colonies and see sea lions lazing on the shore.

• Lesmurdie Falls at Golden Hour – A Perth Hills waterfall glowing in the sunset.

• Northbridge Laneway Cafés – Indie espresso bars tucked between colourful street art.

Final Thoughts

Perth and its surrounds aren’t about ticking boxes – they’re about slowing down and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the West. Whether that’s a quiet moment under the gum trees of Kings Park, a laugh shared with a quokka, or the hush of the desert under a canopy of stars, you’ll find moments here that stay with you long after you’ve left.

1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au 

Images courtesy of Tourism WA.