Things to do in Perth: The best attractions, wineries, and day trips for travellers from Singapore

Here are all the top things to do in Perth, from quokka selfies on Rottnest Island to the wineries of Margaret River.

If you’re after a relaxing, picturesque vacation, there are plenty of things to do in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. It’s the easiest Australian capital to visit from Singapore, with a direct flight of about five hours landing you in a mix of bustling cityscapes, beautiful coastlines, wildlife parks, and scenic wineries – all of which you can cover in a few days. I’ve been to Perth multiple times over the years, exploring different parts beyond the city each time, and it never fails to impress with its line-up of attractions, museums, parks, and cafes. Planning a trip soon? I’ve got you covered!

Things to do in Perth: Details at a glance

• How to get there: The flight time from Singapore to Perth is about 5 hours, and multiple airlines fly direct between both destinations.
• How long to spend in Perth: 5 to 7 days is the perfect length for city and winery exploration, plus a day trip or two.
• Don’t miss: Outdoor adventures on Rottnest Island, exploring the historic waterfront Fremantle area, enjoying the city view from Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Swan Valley wineries, and a day trip to Margaret River.
• Best day trips: Rottnest Island, Swan Valley, Fremantle, and Margaret River.
• When to go: Spring (September to November) offers mild weather, floral blooms and off-peak crowds;
  Autumn (March to May) features warm daytime temperatures and low tourist traffic;
  Summer (December to February) is the hottest time with the most tourists;
  Winter (June to August) is cold and wet but typically more budget-friendly.

Top things to do in Perth

1. Fremantle Markets

Save your weekends for the lively bustle at Fremantle Markets. It’s an absolute delight to stroll through stalls hawking handcrafted trinkets, fresh fruits and veggies, amazing bites, and fantastic home and beauty products. I highly recommend making a stop at Michele’s Crepe Suzette for freshly made sweet or savoury crepes! Add merry buskers to the mix, and you’ve got a winning formula for good vibes.

While you’re in the area, pop by quirky boutiques and vintage shops, and visit attractions like the Fremantle Prison. If you’re a fan of museums, the free-to-enter WA Shipwrecks Museum offers fascinating nuggets of information about shipwrecks along the coast of Western Australia. Next door, the WA Maritime Museum features historical exhibits and a display of towering vessels. P.S. it’s neighbours with Gage Roads, a huge brewery-restaurant with outdoor dining, a play area, and sunset views.

End off with a classic meal of fish and chips by the waterfront at the breezy, no-frills Cicerello’s, or head next door to Little Creatures Brewery for a casual dinner with picturesque views.

Best for: Weekend shopping and dining with the family
Good to know: Fremantle Markets can get crowded, so arrive early
Getting there: 30-minute drive from Perth city
Address: Fremantle Markets, 74 South Terrace, Fremantle, WA 6160

2. Elizabeth Quay

I’m a sucker for an unforgettable riverside experience, and Elizabeth Quay certainly delivers that. This recently refreshed waterfront attraction features restaurants with a view, luxury hotels, and pop-up festivals. Best of all, it’s a short walk from the city centre, which means you can head over after your retail therapy session.

Hop on board the Swan River dinner cruise if the idea of sailing across the water with live music and good food appeals to you. But don’t forget to snap pics of the sleek Elizabeth Quay Bridge. Plus, try a water bike experience, enjoy carousel rides and climb The Bell Tower before you fuel up at places like Milky Lane, Little Creatures, Quay House, and The Island at Elizabeth Quay.

Note: the restaurants here are a tad touristy (it is a tourist destination, after all), but I’d say the area is still worth a visit, especially if you love walking along the waterfront and admiring the views.

Best for: An evening stroll by the waterfront
Good to know: Keep tabs on the schedule to see if there are weekend markets or festivals to check out
Getting there: A short 5 to 10 minute walk from the Perth CBD
Address: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth, WA 6000

3. Kings Park and Botanic Garden

For an incredible panoramic view of the city and the Swan River from up high, make your way to Kings Park and Botanic Garden. It’s just a 15-minute bus ride or short drive from the city centre. As one of the world’s largest inner city parks, the green hangout is notably popular with locals and visitors for picnics, leisurely strolls and summertime events.

Admire the flora and fauna, climb 101 steps up the DNA Tower, learn about its Aboriginal culture and European history, and lounge the afternoon away at one of the casual cafes.

Best for: Picnics and slow strolls amidst nature
Good to know: If you visit during major events like New Year’s Eve, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views of the fireworks display
Getting there: 5-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride from Perth city centre
Price: Free entry
Address: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, Perth, WA 6005

4. WA Museum Boola Bardip

As an avid museum-goer, I’ve visited WA Museum Boola Bardip countless times over the years, and it’s never disappointed. It officially opened at the end of 2020 and sits right in the heart of Perth Cultural Centre, home to permanent exhibitions that fascinate and enthral.

Listen to insightful tales from Aboriginal traditions, journey through Western Australia’s wildlife and nature ecosystems, and set your eyes on the state’s treasures like the blue whale skeleton. Kids will love the Wild Life exhibition, which features the inhabitants of deserts, forests, seas, and wetlands, as well as a 16m sauropod dinosaur model.

Best for: A glimpse of Western Australian species, inventions, and communities
Good to know: Keep an eye out for cool special exhibitions throughout the year
Getting there: 5-minute walk from Perth city centre
Price: AUD15 for standard general admission
Address: WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth / Boorloo, WA 6000

5. Fruit picking in Perth

Perth is perfect for fruit picking adventures, though the type of fruit depends on when you visit. You’ll find peaches, plums, cherries and mangoes during summer; apples, pears, and persimmons in autumn; mandarins, oranges and other citrus fruits in winter; and strawberries during spring.

Willow Springs Orchard is my fave for persimmon picking, as it’s free-to-enter and you pay by weight for the fruits you pick. Tip: book your slots in advance, as they sell out quickly. There’s also a farm shop with fresh produce and a little food truck serving drinks and pastries on its grounds. Other places to highlight include The Fruit Corner for ripe, juicy apples and Kien’s Strawberry Farm for sweet strawberries.

Best for: Unique fruit-picking sessions for first-timers
Good to know: Ripe fruits depend on the season, so check before you go

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6. Swan Valley

Just a 25-minute drive from Perth, Swan Valley is one of the top places to visit in Perth for scenic vineyards, rolling hills and relaxed countryside vibes. It’s perfect for sightseeing, with world-class wineries, incredible restaurants and beautiful art galleries waiting to be explored.

To make a day out of it, start at Caversham Wildlife Park, where you’ll roam around with kangaroos, mingle with wombats, and watch a farm animal presentation. For lunch, I’d recommend Sandalford Wines or Mandoon Estate for impeccable food and lovely wines. If beer is more your thing, try Bailey Brewing Co, Swan Valley Brewery, or Funk Brewshed.

End off your day with a sweet treat at The Margaret River Chocolate Company (the shop offers free tastings!) or Whistler’s Chocolate Company, before you stock up on jars of honey and honey by-products at The House of Honey, and watch live roasting demos at Yahava KoffeeWorks.

Best for: An afternoon of wine tastings and family fun
Good to know: If you swing by on weekends, some wineries or breweries offer live music performances
Getting there: 25-minute drive from Perth city
Price: Varies by place
Address: Swan Valley, Western Australia

7. Rottnest Island

When you spot those cuddly quokkas at Rottnest Island, you won’t be able to resist making heart eyes at them. Touted as the happiest creatures on the planet, these furry marsupials look like they’re perpetually having the best day because of their eternal smiles. The adorable animals are native to Rottnest Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. They’re natural pros at selfies, so snap away, but don’t feed or touch them.

Explore the area on foot, by bicycle or a hop-on-hop-off bus, and traipse across beautiful beaches and magnificent coves. You can also go snorkelling, whale-watching (from September to November) and kayaking. Make it a day trip or stay the night at a beachfront hotel, glamping tent, or charming cottage.

Tip: I’d suggest taking the ferry from Fremantle instead of the Perth CBD, which takes 90 minutes, or Hillarys Boat Harbour, which is a 45-minute boat ride. The ferry can fill up fast during peak season, so arrive early to get a seat on board.

Best for: A family-friendly day trip filled with outdoor adventures
Good to know: The hop-on-hop-off bus is the easiest way to explore the entire island, especially if you’ve got family members who can’t hike or cycle long distances
Getting there: A ferry from Perth, depending on which departure location you choose
Price: Varies by departure point
Address: Rottnest Island, Western Australia

8. Beaches in Perth

Wondering what to do in Perth during your summer trip? A beach day is always a good idea! Summer is often considered the best time to visit Perth, when the clear blue waters and white sandy stretches are at their most inviting, so grab your towel and picnic basket to soak up sunny rays.

An iconic hangout, Cottesloe Beach is postcard-perfect for family time, sunset drinks and striking views. Another must-see? Scarborough Beach, a pocket of paradise filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. For a nearby haunt, head to City Beach to unwind during the golden hour.

Best for: Summer beach fun
Good to know: Check for food truck festivals and pop-ups to make the most of your visit
Getting there: Varies depending on location
Price: Free entry
Address: Cottesloe Beach, along Marine Parade, Cottesloe, WA 6011; Scarborough Beach, The Esplanade, Scarborough, WA 6019; City Beach, Oceanic Drive, City Beach, WA 6015

9. Mini golf

Fancy a game of mini golf when you’re in Perth with the little ones? Unleash your inner kid and hit a hole-in-one at these spots. Glowing Rooms offers a trippy glow-in-the-dark and 3D experience, while Holey Moley takes you down pop culture memory lane.

The open-air Wembley Mini Golf is for those who are serious about their swings. But Wanneroo Botanic Golf boasts the largest outdoor course in the country, with 36 holes and even the option to play at night with LED golf balls.

Best for: Lively mini golf games with the family
Good to know: Check the weather before you head over to the outdoor mini golf courses!

10. Perth’s best cafes

Get your daily brekkie, brunch, caffeine fix or pastry pick-me-up at cafes in Perth. Grab perfect bagels and sammies at Bagel-Os, chill out at Local & Aesthetic with West Aussie-style food, or sink your teeth into irresistible baked treats at Mary Street Bakery.

The hunt for pastries continues at Chu Bakery, while Micrology Coffee Roasters serves up a mean cuppa. For a chill Sunday brunch, make your way to Hylin for avo toast and burgers.

Best for: Sumptuous brunch grub and fantastic coffees
Good to know: Many cafes in Perth close after lunch, so plan to visit earlier in the day

11. Bars in Perth

Cool cocktail bars. Hidden underground watering holes. Stunning wine hangouts. Imbibers are spoilt for choice in Perth. Grab a table at The Standard, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar or 18 Knots to appreciate the view.

Or cosy up to your date at the lush Terrarium Bar. Perhaps Neon Palms is up your alley if you’re in the mood for a little trip to Miami! But if you love your booze with a side of arcade games, swing by Palace Arcade or Planet Royale for a touch of nostalgia.

Best for: Drinks with a view or a side of smashing fun and games
Good to know: Most of the bars are located in the Perth CBD or the adjacent cultural hub of Northbridge, which makes it easy for bar-hoppers

12. Margaret River

A charming town south of Perth, Margaret River is a must-visit for its jaw-dropping array of craft breweries, majestic vineyards and natural wonders. It’s a three-hour drive from the city, but you can stop at places like Bunbury (check out its massive farmers’ market!) on the way over.

Don’t miss out on top wineries like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Domaine Naturaliste and Voyager Estate. Plus, breweries such as Brewhouse Margaret River and Eagle Bay Brewing Co. Other adventures include forest obstacle courses, surfing, and exploring the underground world at Jewel Cave and Lake Cave.

Best for: A weekend getaway filled with outdoor adventures and wine tastings
Good to know: Families will love the selection of Airbnbs and apartments that offer spacious rooms and come equipped with all your kitchen needs
Getting there: About a 3-hour and 15-minute drive from Perth city centre

Bookmark this bucket list of things to do for your next holiday in Perth!

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• Gold Coast, Australia guide

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