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Perth, often referred to as the world’s most isolated city, is a gem waiting to be discovered. For families charting out their journey, the popular attractions might catch the eye, but the true magic of Perth lies in its lesser-known places.
As you piece together your itinerary of top things to do with kids in Perth, we invite you to venture beyond the familiar. Dive deeper, explore off the beaten tracks, and let Perth reveal its hidden gems that make your family holiday truly unforgettable.
Picture a city where the azure waves of the Indian Ocean lap against golden shores, while just a stone’s throw away, the rugged beauty of the Australian outback stretches as far as the eye can see. This is Perth, a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and raw natural beauty.
From pristine beaches that rival the best in the world to the unique native wildlife that calls Perth home, this city is a canvas of diverse experiences waiting to be painted by families eager to explore.
Whether it’s the allure of sun-soaked sands, the call of the wild, or the charm of its bustling urban centres, Perth offers an array of free and unique things to do that promise to enrich your travel itineraries.
So, come along with our family as we navigate the streets and sands of this remarkable city. We’re here to share with you the best-kept secrets, the must-visit spots, and uncover what makes this corner of the Earth not just scenic, but truly unique.
To help you easily find the activities and attractions that interest your family, we’ve organised this comprehensive list of top things to do in Perth into categories on separate pages.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PERTH HERE 🧳
The Top Things To Do in Perth City Centre
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Swan River, Perth’s City Centre is the beating heart of Western Australia.
It’s a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Here, historic lanes intertwine with modern boulevards, bustling markets brim with local treasures, and architectural marvels stand tall, narrating tales of the city’s past while embracing its future.
Getting Around Perth City
On Foot: Perth City is relatively small and compact to explore on foot. The few main attractions are conveniently close, making it easy to wander from one landmark to the next.
CAT Bus: There is also a free CAT bus that circles the CBD, including Kings Park and Botanic Garden, making city exploration simple and stress-free.
Hop On Hop Off Bus: For those wanting a broader sweep of the city without the legwork, the Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a good option. Step aboard, enjoy a guided journey through Perth’s top attractions and let the city unfold before you. This service offers a relaxed way to see the city’s sights without the usual transport hassles.
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Perched majestically overlooking the city, Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and undoubtedly a highlight among the top things to do in Perth.
This expansive green space is a sanctuary of diverse flora, offering panoramic views that capture the essence of the city and the meandering Swan River.
If you’re travelling with kids or elderly, we recommend allocating at least half a day to fully appreciate Kings Park. This allows everyone to take their time and enjoy the various points of interest on offer at a leisurely pace.
Adjacent to Kings Park, the Botanic Garden is a vibrant display of Western Australia’s botanical richness. It’s a verdant paradise in the midst of the city with a collection that boasts more than 2,000 indigenous plant species.
One of the most iconic attractions within Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the Giant Boab Tree, known as ‘Gija Jumulu’. Aged over 750 years, this tree was transported more than 3,200 kilometres from the Kimberley region to Kings Park in 2008. While the Giant Boab Tree steals the spotlight, there’s another Boab tree, slightly younger and smaller, that’s also worth capturing in a photo.
As you venture a little further, the Lotterywest Federation Walkway is a walkway that provides visitors with a unique vantage point. Elevated amidst the treetops, you’re treated to panoramic views of the gardens, city skyline, and the distant Darling Range.
And if you’re seeking an idyllic spot for a family picnic, Pioneer Women’s Memorial is the perfect place to pause and relax. The fountain at the heart of the memorial often surprises with sudden bursts of water, showering a cool mist all around. Kids absolutely love these unexpected sprays, finding joy and a moment to cool off as they explore the area.
If you love panoramic views and don’t mind a little exercise, a climb to the top of the DNA Tower rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. The tower’s double helix design is inspired by the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule, making it not just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of life’s complexity.
We’ve only covered a few of the highlights in Kings Park and Botanic Garden here. So if you’re visiting Perth for the first time, this is a must-do for any families compiling their list of things to do in Perth.
Rio Tinto Naturescape
Nestled in the heart of Kings Park, the Rio Tinto Naturescape is a playground like no other, truly living up to the notion that nature is the ultimate playground for children.
With play areas and treetops seamlessly blended amongst creeks, rock pools, and an array of native plants, this place is a haven for little ones to explore freely and connect with nature.
During our visit, the kids were handed a treasure hunt map to find fairies at various locations. This sparked excitement in our already-tired 6-year-old who quickly turned competitive. Teaming up with other children, they made it their mission to find all the fairies to earn a stamp at the end.
We all had a fantastic day at Rio Tinto Naturescape and recommend adding this as an early stop to your day at Kings Park when the kids have the most energy to play.
Due to uneven grounds and high play structures, we recommend keeping a close eye on the kids for safety reasons. Our daughter missed a step and fell from one of the treetops. Luckily, she hit the metal bar at a particular angle, walking away with just a bruise on the back of her head.
Note that you won’t find rubbish bins in Rio Tinto Naturescape, so it’s a good idea to bring a plastic bag and pack some snacks to enjoy the serene surroundings.
And if you’re open to the kids splashing around in the stream, a change of clothes would be a smart addition to your packing list. This way, the little adventurers can explore to their heart’s content, and you’ll be ready for a comfortable ride back home.
If you have time to spare, head to the Ivey Watson Playground situated at the northern end of Kings Park. It’s a large play area with multiple playgrounds for kids of all ages, promising hours of fun among nature. You can pack a picnic here or enjoy a refreshment at the nearby café.
Elizabeth Quay
After a day at Kings Park, if you’re heading back to Perth CBD via the CAT bus or the hop-on hop-off bus, a stop at Elizabeth Quay would be an excellent way to wrap up the rest of the day.
This bustling waterfront precinct is perfect for dining with a view. Dominating the Quay’s landscape is the iconic Elizabeth Quay Bridge, which provides panoramic vistas of the city skyline and the Swan River.
And if a leisurely evening is what you seek, a walk along the promenade will lead you to The Island playground, a favourite amongst children. It also offers a close-up view of the bridge and Perth’s cityscape.
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is one of Perth’s most distinctive landmarks and offers a panoramic view of the city and the Swan River from the top of the tower. It’s a modern architectural marvel housing 18 bells, including the historic twelve bells of St. Martin-in-the-Fields from London.
Purchase your tickets in advance to skip the line, or combine the hop-on hop-off bus tour with Bell Tower entry to make the most of your travel budget.
A few steps from the Bell Tower, Barrack Street Jetty serves as a starting point for river cruises. As you amble along the jetty, you’re treated to scenic views of the glistening river to one side and Perth’s impressive city skyline to the other.
You can also find the Blue CAT bus stop here that’ll take you to Kings Park and Botanic Garden, free of charge!
Shopping and Dining in Perth CBD
From high-end boutiques to local artisan markets, Perth City Centre offers a shopping experience for every budget.
Take a leisurely stroll through the open-air London Court, and it’s like stepping back in time with a touch of modern-day retail thrown in. As the work week wraps up, Friday evening sees Forrest Place morph into the lively Twilight Hawkers Market. This market is a melting pot of cultures with a dash of Perth’s laid-back vibe.
And when it comes to dining, the city’s multicultural influence shines through, serving up dishes from all around the world. The city’s dining scene is a cosmopolitan affair, where Italian trattorias, Indian curry houses, and Middle Eastern eateries vie for your attention alongside chic cafes and modern Australian restaurants. Chinatown is a bustling hub of authentic Asian eateries, markets and culture.
If you have the chance, making a stop at Corica Pastries is almost a rite of passage for those with a sweet tooth. This iconic bakery is famed far and wide for its apple strudel.
So whether you’re keen to dive into Perth’s rich history, indulge in some retail therapy, or simply wander its lively streets, the city centre promises a myriad of experiences that make shopping and dining one of the top things to do in Perth.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PERTH HERE 🧳
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∞ Kida