There are many opportunities for relaxation within easy reach of the city. For some ideas on where to go and what to see, below are a few of Perth’s most popular spots.
Kings Park and the Western Australian Botanic Garden
Kings Park and the Western Australian Botanic Garden are located just 1.5 km from Perth's central business district (CBD) and adjacent to the Swan River. The park is made up of around 1 000 acres of unique bushland, with sweeping views of the city and the river, and great picnic facilities. Nearly two-thirds of the park is natural bushland and popular park attractions include the Lotterywest Federation Walkway (suspended among the treetops), the State War Memorial and the Lotterywest family area.
Kings Park is open every day of the year with August to October being popular for viewing the wildflowers in the park. The other popular attraction is the night-time lighting of the trees in Fraser Avenue during special occasions during the year.
Visit the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority website for more information.
Fremantle
The historic port city of Fremantle is less than 30 minutes south west of the Perth CBD. Fremantle was once the western gateway for passenger ships to Australia. Millions of migrants arrived here by ship and many made the area their home.
Air travel changed Fremantle’s prominence as a destination but the port city is regarded as a vibrant city with a strong café culture. The streets feature Victorian era buildings, funky boutiques and lively pubs. Many visits begin mid-morning with a coffee on South Terrace – sometimes called the cappuccino strip for its outdoor, café atmosphere. A stroll through the Fremantle Markets, also on South Terrace, will provide a showcase of food, clothing and artefacts.
Although relatively small in area, Fremantle has many interesting things to do and see. For example, visit the Maritime Museum, the Round House, the Fremantle Prison and much more.
For more information, visit the City of Fremantle website.
Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is only 20 minutes from the centre of Perth and is WA’s oldest wine growing region. In the Swan Valley you will experience a colourful blend of history, people, art, world-class wine, gourmet goodies and fresh produce. It is the perfect spot to awaken the senses, tantalise the tastebuds, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are around 30 wineries in the valley. Most have cellar door sales and many also serve food. You can have fun tasting and choosing a wine and ordering a meal at the same time. Alternatively you can buy a bottle of wine to take to one of the excellent local restaurants.
Visit the Swan Valley website for more information on Swan Valley attractions.
Perth Zoo
Situated in South Perth and just minutes from the city, a visit to the 19 hectare zoological gardens is always a holiday highlight. Some people make a visit to the zoo a day trip and enjoy a ferry ride across the Swan River from the Barrack Street Jetty and a short walk through South Perth’s main shopping precinct before they arrive at the zoo.
Perth’s zoo is home to around 1 500 native and exotic animals, as well as world famous breeding programs for critically endangered species such as the Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tiger, Western swamp tortoise and white-cheeked gibbon. You can see these amazing animals in exhibits that closely replicate their natural environment, including the Australian Walkabout, African Savannah and Asian Rainforest.
For more information, visit the Perth Zoo website.
Beaches
Experience the magnificent Western Australian coastline at one of Perth’s
19 sensational white sand beaches. Pack a picnic lunch or buy it there after you have cooled off in the clear blue water.
Grab the goggles, jump in the car and take a drive along West Coast Highway to Mettams Pool. Located between Trigg and Hillarys Marina, it is approximately
20 minutes from the centre of Perth. This sheltered ocean rock pool is a favourite family beach and an ideal spot for the snorkelling novice. It’s also great for swimming, and dry and wet reef exploration. You will find a popular cycle track here that connects to Sorrento Beach (further north) and Trigg Island (just south). So borrow or hire a bike and take in the spectacular ocean views as you journey to your next seaside destination.
Other popular spots include Cottesloe, Scarborough and Port beaches.
Rottnest
Rottnest Island is a special place for Western Australians and a popular destination for visitors. It is located approximately 32 kilometres west of Perth.
The island is a 30 minute ferry trip from Fremantle, 60 minutes from Perth city or just 45 minutes from Hillarys. You can get there even quicker by air from Jandakot Airport.
To find out more about transport to Rottnest, contact:
Rottnest Express
Rottnest Fast Ferries.
For more information on Rottnest Island, visit the Rottnest Island website.
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park is located 20 km, or approximately a 25 minute drive north-east of Perth in the Swan Valley. It lies in bushland that covers an area of more than
4 200 hectares (over 10 000 acres).
Within the park is Caversham Wildlife Park – a great place for your family to see Australia’s wildlife in a natural setting. You will find Australian wildlife on display, including emus, kangaroos, cassowaries, wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies and dingoes at Caversham. There are nearly 200 varieties of native fauna and a large variety of birds at the park as well as barbeque and picnic areas for you to use.
For more information, visit the Whiteman Park website.