7 Reasons to Put Visiting Perth on Your Bucket List

By Irene Seah of Perth Tourist Centre—

Each one of us has their own bucket list, which mainly consists of the destinations that we want to visit. You have climbed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, travelled to Chichen Itza, took photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa…What’s next? Well, let us help you decide what should be the next thing to put on your bucket list.

Perth, Western Australia

Known as Australia’s rising star, Perth has been recognised as the seventh most liveable and the second friendliest city in the world. Over the past decades, Perth has become a vibrant city with a great combination of the beautiful nature and cosmopolitan perks. For those who did not go further than Sydney when visiting the Land Down Under, we have compiled the list of reasons why Perth, the capital of Western Australia, attracts more than 3 million visitors yearly. 

#1 Perth City and Kings Park

Throughout the history, Perth has always been the administrative and cultural centre of Western Australia. When travelling to a new place, the first thing you start with is learning about the city and people who live there. Perth is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the region, as it has a rich history that dates back to the Aboriginal times. Take a walking tour or visit the main Perth attractions on your own by jumping one of the free public busses. 

The city’s highlight is Kings Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Take a stroll, hop on a bicycle or organise a picnic with your family, Kings Park has a little bit for everyone. During the spring, you will be lucky to observe the colourful and delicate wildflowers blooming. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Perth’s city skyline over the Swan River. 

#2 Swan Valley

You might have heard of the Margaret River wine region in the south-west of Australia. But truth is, you do not have to travel for hours to reach the destination in order to experience something similar. Swan Valley is only a 30-minute drive from Perth and has it all, starting from the premium-class wineries to local farmers’ produce and artisan hand-made markets.

If wine is not your passion, don’t worry, there are plenty of other activities to choose from. Take a cruise along the Swan River, join a chocolate and cheese tasting tour, wander through local vineyards, or encounter native Australia animals at the Caversham Wildlife Park.

#3 Perth beaches 

Even if you grew up by the beach, you should not miss the opportunity to check out at least one of the Perth beaches. Many people’s favourite is Cottesloe, which is the best place to end your day while watching the incredible sunset over the Indian Ocean. During the summer, come here to enjoy the yearly art exhibition called the Sculptures by the Sea. 

The best spot to surf is the Trigg beach. If you are travelling with kids, better stick to the safer Hillarys Boat Harbour or Port beach. Nevertheless, all of the beaches are equally beautiful.

#4 Fremantle

Fremantle, a lovely port town just next to Perth, is one of the favourite weekend spots for both tourists and locals. Walk along the famous Cappuccino Strip, visit the amazing Little Creatures Brewery, visit several crafts stores and art galleries, and your day will be complete. Make sure to visit the Fremantle markets, where you can find anything, from the freshest local produce to unique vintage treasures. 

#5 Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, a place that can take your breath away, is a must-see when visiting Perth. It would only take 90 minutes from Perth for you to enter a completely different world with the astonishing nature and slow-pace island life. You can choose from 63 beaches and 20 bays if you want to go swimming or snorkelling.

Diving, fishing, wildlife watching, even golfing…all these activities can be found on the Rottnest Island. Grab a bicycle or a trendy Segway, and explore the charming island’s trails and hidden spots. On your way, you will probably meet quakkas, cute marsupials that dwell only in a few places in the world, and the Rottnest Island happened to be one of them!

#6 Pinnacles Desert

Have you ever wondered what is it like to be on another planet? To experience this, head to the Pinnacles Desert and feel the mysterious spirit of the place. The lunar-like rock formations and sand dunes are also a great spot to take photos! If you still have some energy and time, drive further to Lancelin and try out sand boarding. Stop along your way to see the wildflowers blooming if you are visiting Perth in spring.

#7 Perth Hills

Some of the best trails of Western Australia are located in the Perth Hills. If you are a fan of walking and cycling, this is the place to go! There are plenty of trails of different lengths and the levels of difficulty. The nearby city of Kalamunda with its galleries and museums is a great place to learn more about the history of the region. Finish your trip with a drive down the Zig Zag Road, which offers spectacular views of the Perth skyline and the surrounding area.

Conclusion

The list of things to do in Perth is endless and keeps growing with each year. You will be pleasantly surprised by the laid-back lifestyle in Perth and all the amazing experiences you can have here. 

By this time, you have probably figured out your life and what city you want to live in. But trust us, after visiting Perth in Western Australia, you might want to change your mind!