Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
A deep dive into the unique things to do in Perth reveals an array of amazing experiences, from whale watching to stargazing in the desert to snorkelling at shipwrecks. Known for being one of the most isolated cities in the world, Perth is blessed with a range of wonderful activities and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Having spent a week in the city, we made a point to visit as many places as possible and enjoy as many different activities and tours throughout our stay. We’ve curated this list of the most unique things to do in Perth to help you make the most of your visit to Western Australia’s capital city.
Where to stay in Perth
Mid-Range
New York on King
New York on King offers trendy yet affordable apartments in the heart of Perth CBD. The great location means it’s near a number of attractions including Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay.
Apartments at New York on King are air-conditioned and styled with chic interiors, reminiscent of New York lofts.
Click here to book a stay at the lovely New York on King on the Booking.com website!
Treat Yourself!
QT Perth
If you’re looking for luxury, look no further than the brilliant QT Perth hotel. Located in the heart of Perth CBD, the hotel boasts spacious and luxurious rooms with a range of high quality amenities and facilities.
The hotel’s central location mean it’s close to an array of restaurants and bars, as well as a number of the city’s attractions.
Click here to book your stay at the lavish QT Hotel on Booking.com!
Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!
Unique things to do in Perth
Rottnest Island
When it comes to unique things to do in Perth, it’s hard to top a trip to Rottnest Island. The island is famous for its cute resident quokkas, which are native to Australia and outside of the island are only found in very small numbers.
Quokkas are small marsupials, known for being friendly and inquisitive towards humans. This means you can have some close encounters with these adorable animals – and of course get a customary quokka selfie! Please avoid touching or feeding the quokkas though, as it can be harmful to both the animals and yourself.
It’s not just the quokkas that make a day trip to Rottnest Island one of the best things to do in Perth. The island has some beautiful beaches and incredible snorkelling spots, so there’s plenty to enjoy! Check out our guide to the best places to snorkel at Rottnest Island to see how great the snorkelling there is!
If you’re feeling active then you can also rent a bike and cycle around the island. Alternatively, there is a hop on hop off bus for easier transport around the island.
Ferries to Rottnest Island run several times a day from Fremantle, with return trips available for as little as $79 AUD. Click here to book a return ferry trip to Rottnest Island on the Get Your Guide website!
Alternatively, you can book return ferry tickets with bike rental included for just $114 AUD. Click here to book a return ferry trip with bike rental on Get Your Guide!
For more detailed information on getting there, make sure to read our guide of how to get to Rottnest Island from Perth and Fremantle.
Omeo Wreck
It’s not every day you can snorkel at a shipwreck near a major city, but in Perth that’s possible at the impressive Omeo Wreck. Located around a 30-minute drive from the CBD, the wreck is found just offshore from Coogee Beach – one of the best beaches in Perth.
The Omeo Wreck is just 25 metres from the beach, and there is a variety of interesting marine life to discover around the wreckage. Species commonly seen at the wreck include Western Smooth Boxfish, Shaw’s Cowfish, Australian Herring, and Old Wife.
With some luck it’s also possible to see a number of other species such as octopuses, manta rays, seahorses, Port Jackson sharks, and more!
Snorkelling at the wreck is certainly one of the most unique and free things to do in Perth, and you can even follow the Coogee Maritime Trail. This underwater snorkelling trail starts at the Omeo Wreck and leads further out to sea, passing underwater sculptures and an artificial reef.
If you are looking for more great places to go snorkelling near the city then make sure to read our guide to the best places to snorkel in Perth!
Heirisson Island
Seeing a kangaroo is a bucket list item for most visitors to Australia, but you won’t find them near the city centre of Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane. In Perth though, it is possible to see kangaroos almost right by the CBD – at Heirisson Island.
This small island acts as a kangaroo sanctuary, giving them a safe place to roam freely – with fencing to protect them from the road. Wander around the walking trails on the south side of the island and you should hopefully encounter a kangaroo or two.
We saw several kangaroos on each of our visits to Heirisson Island, and enjoyed the rare opportunity to see these native animals so close to a city centre.
There is a free car park on Heirisson Island if you want to drive yourself, or alternatively you can catch a bus and then walk the last stretch onto the island. It’s also possible to walk to the island from the CBD.
Whale watching tours from Perth
One of the most amazing and unique things to do in Perth is to see migrating humpback whales along the city’s coastline. Whale watching season runs from late August/September through to November, and daily whale watching tours run from Hillarys Boat Harbour – just to the north of Perth city centre.
Sightings of humpback whales are extremely common on these tours, to the extent that you can join another tour for free if there are no whale sightings on your trip! It’s pretty much as close as you can get to a guaranteed sighting of a humpback whale – which is an unforgettable experience!
A marine biologist will provide live commentary throughout your trip, helping you to learn about these majestic animals. Enjoy whale sightings from the large open air deck, or the air-conditioned comfort inside the boat.
Unfortunately it wasn’t whale watching season when we visited Perth, so we weren’t able to do this tour ourselves. We have however seen humpback whales in Iceland, and blue whales in Mirissa in Sri Lanka – and we can safely say seeing whales in the wild is simply incredible!
Tours are extremely good value, with prices starting at just $68 AUD per person. We strongly recommend booking in advance, as tours are likely to sell out if you leave it too late!
Click here to book a wonderful whale watching trip on the Get Your Guide website!
Swim with wild dolphins
Of all the unique things to do in Perth, swimming with wild dolphins is up there as one of the best! These incredible tours depart from the suburb of Rockingham, around a 45-minute drive south from the CBD area.
Over 200 dolphins live in the waters around Rockingham’s sheltered bays and islands, making for an amazing snorkelling opportunity.
Swimming with wild dolphins really is an unforgettable experience, and will without doubt be a highlight of your time in Perth. Tours start from $299 AUD per person to swim with the dolphins, but if you would prefer to just watch the dolphins from the boat it costs just $150 AUD per person.
Click here to book this incredible wild dolphin experience on the Get Your Guide website!
Fremantle Markets
Visiting the Fremantle Markets is one of the best things to do in Perth, thanks to the variety of stalls at this bustling marketplace. Open from 9am to 6pm from Friday to Sunday, the market has a diverse mix of stalls, eateries, and shops to discover.
Built in 1897, this historic marketplace is located on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street. Whether you’re looking for some delicious food, unique clothes, or the perfect souvenir, there’s bound to be something of interest at the Fremantle Markets.
Fremantle is actually a city in its own right, but is just a 20-minute drive from Perth CBD. It’s also accessible via public transport if you don’t have your own vehicle, but make sure to visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday so that the market is actually open!
Pinnacles desert and stargazing tour
A visit to the Pinnacles Desert on a sunset and stargazing tour is one of the most captivating and unique things to do in Perth. This 9-hour tour includes a variety of amazing attractions and activities, making it great value for money!
Throughout the day the tour will include sandboarding on giant sand dunes, the chance to spot wild emus and kangaroos, a barbecue dinner whilst you watch sunset over the ocean, a visit to the unique limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert, an incredible stargazing experience, and more!
Use a powerful telescope or astro-binoculars to see the stunning milky way, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter’s moons, and more!
A knowledgeable guide will lead your tour, and will provide you with a wealth of information throughout the day. Tours start from $175 AUD per person, and often sell out in advance – so it’s worth booking ahead via Get Your Guide to secure your slot!
Click here to book an amazing Pinnacles Desert and Stargazing Tour on Get Your Guide!
London Court
London Court is one of the most unique attractions in Perth, transporting you instantly to the cobbled streets of England. With architecture inspired by Tudor England, this heritage listed shopping arcade is located in the heart of Perth CBD.
The entrance is particularly impressive thanks to the Tudor-style facade, which makes for a great photo. In the arcade itself you will find a collection of cute cafes and boutique shops, ideal for a coffee break or some shopping!
Swan River cruise
Discover a different side of Perth as you take in the city’s sights from a scenic cruise along the Swan River. Enjoy some lovely views as you cruise past attractions including the Perth Bell Tower, Kings Park, and the restored Swan Brewery.
Soak in the views from the comfort of an air-conditioned seating area, or alternatively take a stroll on the open decks during your trip. Cruises last for 75 minutes and include commentary from the captain throughout. Keep an eye out for any wildlife along the way, as dolphins are sometimes spotted in the Swan River – and we were fortunate enough to see one during our trip!
Departures are available from Perth to Fremantle or from Fremantle to Perth depending on what suits you best. Unlimited tea and coffee is provided throughout the cruise, and there is an on board bar available if you wish to purchase additional drinks.
Cruises can be booked through Get Your Guide, with prices starting at $43 AUD for a one-way cruise or $55 AUD for a return trip. Some departures from Fremantle even include complimentary wine tastings!
Click here to book a wonderful Swan River cruise on the Get Your Guide website!
Yanchep Lagoon and National Park
Journey 60 kilometres north of Perth to discover the pristine beauty of Yanchep Lagoon, and the nearby Yanchep National Park. The lagoon is sheltered by a large reef with a variety of marine life, making it a wonderful place to go snorkelling.
A variety of species can be seen around Yanchep Lagoon, including cuttlefish, octopuses, and the endemic Western blue devil. It’s best to visit the lagoon during low tide if possible, and ideally before the afternoon sea breeze sets in.
After you have discovered the wonderful underwater of the lagoon, head over to the nearby Yanchep National Park. The park is home to some wonderful native wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos and is more of a non-touristy thing to do in Perth.
One of the highlights of the national park is the Koala Boardwalk, where you can hopefully get some amazing views of koalas in the wild.
Ideally you will need a car to visit Yanchep Lagoon and the national park, as it makes getting to and from the area much easier! If you haven’t already got a car, then we recommend looking on the Discover Cars website as they compare between several operators to get you the best price! Click here to get a quote in seconds on the Discover Cars website!
Dolphin watching
If swimming with dolphins is our of your budget, then head down to Mandurah for an unforgettable dolphin watching cruise. Costing just $37 AUD per person, the cruises provide the chance to see playful dolphins in the canals and waterways of Mandurah near Perth.
Cruises last for 60-75 minutes, and during this time you are likely to spot a number of dolphins in the water near the boat.
Live commentary is provided throughout the trip, and the crew are on hand to help throughout your tour. Booking in advance via Get Your Guide is recommended for this unique dolphin watching trip near Perth!
Click here to book a wonderful dolphin watching trip on the Get Your Guide website!
Fremantle Prison
Discover one of Western Australia’s most unique historical landmarks with a visit to Fremantle Prison. The prison was built by convict labour between 1852 and 1859, and remained in use until 1991.
Also known as Fremantle Gaol, the prison is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a range of interesting tours available, including tours of underground tunnels built by prisoners, eerie nighttimes tours, and behind bars tours to give you an idea of how it felt to do time in the prison.
Tours start from as little as $22 AUD per person, and are certainly some of the more unique things to do and book in Perth and Fremantle!
Watch an AFL game from the Optus Stadium Rooftop
Enjoy one of Perth’s most unique activities by watching an AFL game from the Optus Stadium rooftop. It’s a rare chance to watch a sports game from the roof of a stadium, with exclusive seats giving you a view like no other!
The 90-minute AFL game day rooftop experience allows you to watch either the first or third quarter of a Fremantle Dockers AFL game from seats on the stadium roof. This amazing experience costs $149 AUD per person, and can be booked on the Ozone website.
If there isn’t an AFL game at the stadium during your time in Perth then you can always opt for a thrilling rooftop walk at the stadium. This option starts from just $89 AUD per person, and provides brilliant views of Perth CBD and the Swan River from the stadium’s highest vantage point.
Click here to book a wonderful rooftop walk at the Optus Stadium on the Get Your Guide website!
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