See Perth Like a Local: Your Best-of Guide to WA‘s Evocative Capital

Gone are the days when anyone would dream of describing Perth as a hub for WA’s mining industry. No, the capital has long held its own as an alluring destination for sun-seekers, wine lovers, adventure enthusiasts and foodies who crave experiences that are near impossible to enjoy in most other places, let alone all around the one city. Bar-hopping through the city’s boltholes; beachside camping in Jurien Bay; wine tastings in the Swan Valley; skydiving over the Indian Ocean; getting off-grid on an island paradise; swimming; surfing; arts and cultural events – this is just a snapshot of Perth’s many spoils.

Perth is ‘livable’, yes, but it’s also alive. Exciting and uncomplicated and full of good times. As a long-time beneficiary of Perth’s good life; I’m here, only slightly smug, to share more of what makes this city one of the greats, and to help you make those sunny days count on your next visit. Let your Perth adventure begin.

City skyline view, Kings Park

Things to do in Perth

There's no time to twiddle your thumbs when visiting Perth. High on your list should be a city tour where you’ll hear the capital’s history and culture firsthand from a passionate local guide that knows it well. There’s a bunch of great Perth city tours to choose from including Oh Hey WA – a ride aboard the Perth Explorer's double-decker bus, a zip through Kings Park on a Segway, or even a trundle through Elizabeth Quay and beyond on a rickshaw . I’d also recommend a visit to WA Museum Boola Bardip for an inspiring storyboard of the state’s history, culture, and people. Now you’ve got your bearings, let’s get into more of my favourite must-dos.

Doing Time at Fremantle Prison

The port city of Fremantle is worthy of exploring in its own right, but before you check out the Fremantle Markets, street art or cafe scene: head to jail. Spine tingles are guaranteed here as you're escorted through convict chronicles at Fremantle Prison. There are five theatrical tours available and I've done and loved them all. Braver souls should book the spooky Torchlight Tour or the Tunnels Tour.

High Time at Matagarup Zip+Climb

Psych yourself up for Perth's only bridge climb and zipline. The Matagarup Zip+Climb is your chance to see the city and Optus Stadium from a not at all intimidating 72 metres high. After the SkyView, descend the 314 steps on foot or zip high over the river and back to base, travelling at up to 75km/hr. Are you up for it?

Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island

Island Time at Rottnest and Penguin Island

Perth is blessed with two idyllic islands, Rottnest Island and Penguin Island. Wadjemup, aka Rottnest Island or ‘Rotto’ to Perthites, glistens in the Indian Ocean. Just 19 kilometres off Fremantle’s coastline, Perth’s island playground feels like it's a million miles away – and has the unique native wildlife and aquamarine bays to match. I recommend a full day exploring here, even an overnight glamping stay if you can swing it. Cycle over to Little Salmon Bay, meet the adorable quokkas, grab some doughnuts from Rottnest Bakery, go for a dip, take one of the walking trails or turn it up a notch with a tandem skydive. I also had a blast searching for whales aboard the Rottnest Express's Adventure Boat.

Your second option for some sought-after island time is a day trip to Penguin Island near Rockingham, 53 kilometres south of Perth. Very different to Rotto, this tiny conservation park hosts around 30 species of seabirds, including (you guessed it) little penguins. The island lies right in the heart of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which boasts more incredible wildlife including sea lions, stingrays and dolphins.

The five-minute ferry ride over to Penguin Island from Shoalwater is operated by Perth Wildlife Encounters, the same group who offer the incredible Swim with wild dolphins tour from Rockingham, as well as tons of other wildlife tours in the area. You don’t have to be an amazing swimmer to enjoy this day out, either: just float on the surface with your masked face in the water to see bottlenose dolphins frolicking and dancing beneath you. Wildlife excursions are among the best things to do in Perth, and swimming with dolphins in their natural environment is absolutely one to add to the list.

Pinky Beach and Bathurst Lighthouse, Rottnest Island

Beach Time

Perth is blessed with superb beaches and locals know to take advantage. Expect to see surfers catching waves from early morning to dusk on the transparent blue water, and watch them do their thing from the pristine white sandy shorelines. Cottesloe, Scarborough, South Fremantle or City Beach are some of Perth’s most popular beaches.

Wine Time

Enjoy a laidback day cruise (with too many tastings to count) to Perth’s own little slice of gourmet paradise, the Swan Valley. WA’s oldest wine region, wine lovers have long flocked to the Swan Valley in search of a fine drop. Beer connoisseurs also make the pilgrimage, usually heading straight to Mandoon Estate for a taste of the bold German-inspired beer at Homestead Brewery. The buzzy weekend atmosphere is as intoxicating as the ales – stay for a while and soak it all up.

If you have a little more time, cruise an easy two and a half hours’ south along the coast from Perth to another foodie haven, where the quality of the local produce is matched only by the beauty of your surroundings. I’m talking, of course, about the stunning Margaret River Region, home to more than 150 wine producers, 90 cellar doors and so many incredible things to do. Your time in WA is well spent here.

Take in Perth’s most incredible wildlife and city experiences on this long weekend adventure, which includes rickshaw rides, the Matagarup Zip+Climb, dolphin swims and more.

Eating and dringking in Perth

For years, Perth's food and drink scene was a slow burn. But 2007 welcomed the small bar licence and with it, infectious revelry for the food and beverage industry. With drinking establishments ranging from traditional Aussie pubs and classy wine bars to mammoth craft breweries and restaurants that serve the many moods and flavours of Western Australia, prepare yourself (and your waistline) for indulgence. Here are some of my go-to places for a good feed and even better drinks.

Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch

Yum Cha is a favourite pastime for Perthites, with specialty eateries dotting the city. In Fremantle, Emily Taylor does a Bottomless Yum Cha on weekends that boasts layers upon layers of seafood-bursting dumplings, fluffy bao buns, fried squid, vibrant Asian greens and free-flowing booze. Just be sure to wear your stretchy pants.

It’s no secret that us locals love a good brunch. Throw in the word ‘bottomless’ and there’s no holding us back. Perth's boozy brunches continue to thrive and they are a fantastic excuse to do some day drinking with mates. Places like Tiisch, The Stables, The Globe, and The Aviary excel at this food and drink phenomenon.

I also recently frocked up to Santini Grill, located at QT Perth for their High Tea and boy, did it deliver. Paired with tea, coffee or bubbles is a three-tier china plate of divine savouries and pastries. The pancetta tart is rich and buttery – possibly the best I've ever had.

Melbourne Hotel, Perth

Dinner and Drinks

Locals love to tipple and there is no shortage of watering holes in the city. Sheltering underground is Foxtrot Unicorn, a bar teeming with history, highly skilled bartenders, and a jaffle menu. Another basement choice is Alfred's Pizzeria for its rock ‘n' roll, booze selection, and crispy slices.

Sauma in Northbridge does contemporary Indian street food made for sharing and they do it well. Start with the wafer-thin wheat bulbs called pani puri shots. They're strangely delicious, especially with tequila.

Hiding on a quiet street in Fremantle is Nieuw Ruin, a wine bar featuring 300 local and international vinos, most by the bottle only so take a friend. The share plate menu features a gourmet seasonal pie, which is flakey, rich, and best kept for yourself.

To get a true taste of WA, make a reservation at Wildflower, the rooftop restaurant at COMO The Treasury. Famous for honouring the six seasons of the Noongar calendar, expect native flavours such as marron, truffles, saltbush, and lemon myrtle. I’d also get yourself over to Double Rainbow for unforgettable Korean dishes and trot over to No Mafia for the delicious Italian share plates (also best to keep to yourself).

Nature or cityscapes. Exhilarating ziplines or laidback river cruises. Breweries or vineyards. Street art or street markets. There’s an adventure to be had for every kind of traveller in Perth – the question is: how much time do you have?

Book your Perth adventure now.