Perth is isolated. Everyone says it. They talk about it like it’s a bug, a geographical glitch that leaves us stranded on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Honestly? That isolation is actually our best feature. It’s why our beaches aren't choked with high-rises and why you can still find a quiet pocket of bushland ten minutes from a skyscraper.
If you’re looking for stuff to do in Perth, forget the old "dullsville" nickname from the 90s. That version of the city is dead. Today, we’re a weird, beautiful mix of high-end wine culture, ancient Noongar history, and a coastline that makes the Mediterranean look sorta dusty.
The Quokka Obsession and Beyond
Look, you’re probably going to Rottnest Island. You want the selfie with the quokka. I get it. They really do look like they’re smiling, and the "no cars" vibe on the island is genuinely peaceful. But here is what most people miss: don't just stay at Thompson Bay. Hire a bike—an e-bike if you’re not feeling the leg workout—and pedal out to Ricey Beach or Fish Hook Bay. The water there is a ridiculous shade of turquoise that feels fake, even when you're standing in it.
Back on the mainland, Kings Park is the heavy hitter. It’s bigger than Central Park in New York. While the views of the Swan River from the DNA Tower are great, try the Nyoongar Wellbeing Trail. It’s not just a walk; it's an education on how the Whadjuk people have lived on this land for 60,000 years. If you're here in September, the wildflowers are basically a neon light show of kangaroo paws and everlastings.
Fremantle: The Port City with a Soul
Fremantle (or "Freo" if you want to sound like you live here) is where the grit meets the sea. It’s got this salty, bohemian energy that the Perth CBD sometimes lacks.
- The Markets: Yes, they're touristy. Yes, they're crowded. Go anyway. Grab a bag of local citrus or some weird handmade jewelry.
- The Prison: The Torchlight Tour at Fremantle Prison is legit creepy. It’s a World Heritage site built by convicts, and walking through the gallows at night feels heavy.
- The Drinking: Skip the generic pubs and head to Madalenas Bar in South Freo. They do sustainable seafood and have a wine list that’ll make you realize Western Australia produces more than just Margaret River Chardonnay.
New for 2026: The Changing Face of the City
If you haven't been here in a year or two, things look different. The Elizabeth Quay Summer Series has turned the waterfront into a massive floating stage for music and yoga. It’s a far cry from the empty concrete it used to be.
We’ve also got some serious hotel and dining shifts. Hyde Perth is the new kid on the block in the CBD, bringing a Mediterranean poolside vibe that feels very "LA meets the Outback." And if you’re a fan of high-end dining, Gibney in Cottesloe is the current heavyweight champion. It’s a seaside brasserie where you can eat world-class steak while watching the Indian Ocean swallow the sun.
The Swan Valley Secret
Most tourists head south to Margaret River. It’s a three-hour drive. If you don’t have that kind of time, the Swan Valley is 25 minutes from the city center. It’s Australia’s second-oldest wine region.
Don't just do the big wineries. Check out the Old Young’s Distillery for some of the best gin in the country. Or, if you have kids (or just like snacks), the Margaret River Chocolate Company’s Perth outpost is basically a legal way to enter a sugar coma.
Where the Locals Actually Go
If you want to avoid the "stuff to do in Perth" brochure traps, follow the locals. We don't go to the city center on weekends. We go to Leederville or Mount Lawley.
In Leederville, the vibe is all about coffee and "not-so-traditional" banh mis at North 54. In Northbridge, skip the flashy clubs and find Astral Weeks. It’s a hi-fi listening bar. You sit, you drink a very specific Japanese whisky, and you listen to vinyl on a hand-built sound system. It’s quiet, intentional, and very un-Perth in the best way possible.
For a beach day that isn't Cottesloe (which can get a bit "see and be seen"), head to Leighton Beach. The sand is whiter, the dogs are friendlier, and the water is just as clear. Afterward, grab a coffee at Orange Box.
Important Logistics
Getting around is surprisingly easy if you stay near the rail lines. The Joondalup and Mandurah lines are fast and clean. Also, use the CAT buses in the city—they're free. Just hop on and off.
One thing to keep in mind: the sun here is aggressive. Like, actually angry. If you’re out between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM without a hat and SPF 50, you’re going to have a bad time.
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Stuff to Do in Perth: The Nightlife Shift
For a long time, Perth shut down at 9:00 PM. Not anymore. The small bar scene has exploded. Wines of While on William Street is almost always packed with people drinking "natty" (natural) wines on the sidewalk. Around the corner, Vincent Wine gives off serious Parisian courtyard energy.
If you're into something more obscure, Rojiura Curry Samurai in a CBD laneway serves Hokkaido-style soup curry that’ll change your life. It’s hidden, it’s cramped, and it’s perfect.
Final Practical Steps
- Download the Transperth App: It’s the only way to navigate the trains and buses without losing your mind.
- Book Rottnest Early: If you’re going in summer, the ferries fill up weeks in advance. Same goes for accommodation on the island.
- Check the Fringe World Schedule: If you’re here in January or February, the city transforms into a massive arts festival. It’s the third-largest Fringe in the world.
- Go to a Footy Game: Even if you don’t understand AFL, seeing a game at Optus Stadium is an experience. The stadium was voted the most beautiful in the world for a reason. The light show at halftime is worth the ticket price alone.
Perth isn't just a stopover on the way to the mines or the Ningaloo Reef. It's a place that finally knows what it is: a sun-drenched, slightly isolated, high-quality playground that doesn't feel the need to try too hard anymore.
Get your sunscreen ready. Head to the coast. Watch a sunset over the ocean—something they can't do on the East Coast—and you'll get why we all stay here.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the 2026 Perth Festival lineup for any major outdoor performances at Kings Park.
- Reserve a table at Gibney at least two weeks out if you want a sunset view.
- Check the ferry times for the "Early Bird" Rottnest departures to beat the heat and the crowds.