Although Perth may be the most isolated city in the world, it’s also the most overlooked city in Australia. I’ve done my fair share of traveling in Australia, and I have to say that Perth is, by far, my favorite city. With great weather year round, a laid-back lifestyle, and extremely friendly locals, why wouldn’t you want to visit?! If you’re planning on traveling to Perth anytime soon, be sure to check these items off your to-do list!
1. Visit the Pinnacles
Travel just two hours north of the city, and you’ll come across the mysterious limestone rock formations known as the Pinnacles. There are many theories about how the pinnacles came about, but I’ll leave the imagining up to you. The desert is home to thousands of these structures, some reaching up to 3.5 meters tall! Take your own car, or sign up for one of the many tours that visit daily. With a car path through the entire park, and plenty of stopping points to get out and take pictures, it’s the perfect trip for any age.
2. Road Trip to Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is 485km (300 miles) North of Perth’s CBD. The road trip from Perth to Kalbarri passes the Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes Rock Lobster Factory, Jurien Bay and Port Gregory’s Pink Lake. Once in the National Park, there is the Murchison River gorge, the iconic “Nature’s Window” and plenty of bushwalking and sightseeing activities. The trip can be done in 3-8 days, making it a perfect trip for a week or even just a long weekend!
3. Bike Around Rottnest Island
“Rotto”, is home to over 60 picturesque beaches and bays, and the famous “Quokkas”. These cute little macropods don’t have any natural predators on the island, making them extremely friendly to humans. Many people have snapped iconic selfies with the Quokkas cracking a smile. Since Rotto is car free, push bikes are the #1 mode of transportation on the island! You can bring your own, rent one on the ferry, or rent one on the island. Just remember to pack plenty of water, food, and sunblock, since the only town on the island is where the ferry docks!
4. Sip Your Way Through Margaret River
A trip to Perth is not complete without a weekend in the famed wine region of Margaret River. With over 180 wineries, there are plenty of places to sit back, sip a glass of red or white, and enjoy the vineyards. Spend the afternoon relaxing at a winery, or join an exciting bus tour and check out a few throughout the day!
5. Spend a Day in Fremantle
With its captivating convict and maritime history, “Freo” is the historic capital of Perth. It’s filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, markets and even world famous heritage buildings. Be sure to check out the Freo Markets, the Round House, the Shipwrecks Museum, and of course, the Fremantle Prison (the oldest prison in Australia!) With just a 30-minute drive from the city, you can easily spend an entire day exploring Freo!
6. Master Sandboarding
Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding, but without the freezing cold weather! Take a trip to Lancelin to enjoy gliding down the white sand dunes. You can rent a board when you get to the dunes, or at “Have A Chat” convenient store down the road. Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Rent ATV’s and cruise your way through the dunes!
7. Visit King’s Park
As the largest inner-city park in the southern hemisphere, King’s Park stretches almost 990 acres. It has a beautiful location overlooking the Swan River and the city skyline. Throughout the park, you can visit the State War Memorial, climb the DNA tower, walk across the glass arched bridge, or play at one of the many playgrounds. It’s also the perfect place to visit at sunset to watch the city light up at night!
8. Camp Out Under the Stars
Camping out under the stars is one of my favorite things to do here in Perth. Rent a 4×4, grab a sleeping bag, and head up North to one of the many beaches or campgrounds. Watch the sunset on the beach, and then look up for an unbelievable experience.
9. Check out Elizabeth Quay
Located where the city meets the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is a must see. With its prime waterfront location, there are always events and entertainment going on. Walk across the suspension bridge that connects the promenades and Barrack Street Jetty, to get an amazing view of the city. Since it contains everything from playgrounds to bars, it’s a perfect location for any age to visit!
10. Walk Around Hillarys Boat Harbor
Hillarys Boat Harbor is Perth’s premier recreational destination. It’s home to Costal Heli-Tours, Adventure Fishing, Diving & Whale-watching charters, The Aquarium of Western Australia, and a docking point for the Rottnest Fast Ferry. With its beachfront location, and over 30 restaurants and 20 stores, it’s easy to spend a whole day walking around Hillarys.