Ah, Perth—the most isolated capital city in the world, with so much to see and do!
If you're coming from interstate, promise us you won’t let the travel time put you off. Even if you’ve only got three to four days to spare, you can pack a whole lot of Perth into a long weekend.
Image Credit: Kings Park and Botanic Garden - Tourism Western Australia
We’ve got 20 suggestions of the best things to see and do, along with top-notch caravan parks to stay near the city, so read on for our tips to spend the ultimate long weekend in Perth.
Catch the ferry to Rottnest Island
There’s a reason people talk about Rottnest Island (a.k.a. 'Rotto') with reverence. This island makes the perfect day trip. Cycle or drive around the island at your own pace, stopping to admire the white, sandy beaches and bright blue waves (while keeping an eye out for quokkas, of course). Ferries leave from Fremantle every day, and the ride there typically only takes about 30 minutes.
Stroll Kings Park and the WA Botanic Garden
Image Credit: Kings Park and Botanic Garden - Tourism Western Australia
Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) is one the world’s largest inner-city parks, clocking in at more than four square kilometres. Within, you’ll find the WA Botanic Garden, bushland walking trails, cafés, cultural tours, and a beautiful view over the Swan River and cityscape. The suspension bridge is a favourite lookout point to snap a photograph.
Spend the perfect day in Fremantle
Image Credit: Fremantle Markets - Tourism Australia
There’s so much to see and do in Fremantle, starting with exploring the famous Fremantle Markets for delicious food and cool souvenirs (Eggspot is a crowd favourite at lunchtime). Take a ride on the tourist wheel in Esplanade Park, book a tour or experience at Fremantle Prison, or learn about the area’s seafaring past at the WA Maritime Museum or WA Shipwrecks Museum.
Enjoy a day at the beach
Image Credit: Cottesloe Beach - Tourism Western Australia
Perth has well and truly earned its reputation for outstanding beaches, from the surf breaks at Scarborough Beach to the trendy Cottesloe Beach and everything in between. There are 19 beaches to host your perfect day by the shoreline, including Coogee Beach, City Beach, and Leighton Beach.
Explore Elizabeth Quay
Image Credit: Elizabeth Quay, Perth - Tourism Western Australia
When you think of Perth, the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge is often the first image that comes to mind. Go for a waterfront walk by the Swan River, take a spin on the historic Elizabeth Quay Carousel, or grab dinner (and an ice cream) from the eateries and rooftop bars. Hot tip: right next to Elizabeth Quay, check out The Bell Tower, where you can step behind the scenes, view historic bells, and maybe even ring them yourself!
Savour the Swan Valley Wine Region
Image Credit: Sandalford Wines - Tourism Australia
Less than half an hour from the CBD, the Swan Valley Wine Region brings the tastes and tranquillity of a classic wine region to Perth’s doorstep. It’s the oldest wine region in Western Australia, with more than 40 wineries, plus a handful of distilleries, breweries, and cideries. Indulge in long lunches (making the most of bountiful local produce), wine tastings, food and drink masterclasses, river cruises, and delightful picnic spots.
Travel south to Penguin Island
Image Credit: Penguin Island - Tourism Western Australia
Rotto’s quokkas may steal the limelight in WA, but Penguin Island is also home to incredible wildlife encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. Less than an hour south of the city and a five-minute ferry trip away, once you’re on Penguin Island, you'll find guided experiences including walks, snorkelling, kayaking, wildlife watching, and even wild dolphin swims.
Go fish!
Image Credit: Fishing on Rottnest Island - Rottnest Island Authority
There are a multitude of spots to cast a line near Perth, where you might reel in species like bream, tailor, flathead, mulloway, herring, or whiting—depending on the day, location, and your own luck! Pack your fishing rod and head to tried-and-tested fishing areas like the Swan River, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Rottnest Island, or the Mandurah Estuary.
Cheer on the local team at Optus Stadium or RAC Arena
Perth is sports mad, so travellers won’t have any trouble catching a game when in town. Optus Stadium is the home of the state’s two AFL teams, the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers, and has an electric atmosphere on game day. If you’re more about court sports, RAC Arena hosts the Perth Wildcats basketball team and West Coast Fever netball team throughout the year, along with events and concerts.
Zipline down Matagarup Bridge
Image Credit: Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb, Burswood - Tourism Western Australia and @aeroture_au
Feel the rush of ziplining over the Swan River right beside Optus Stadium, with views of Perth in every direction. There are two options for your experience at Matagarup Zip+Climb. On the Zip+Climb, walk up and over the bridge, past a viewing platform, then descend via the 400m zipline. Alternately, opt for the Express Zip, where you simply climb up to the zipline launch platform at the back of the bridge and set off. It’s also possible to do the Bridge Climb by itself.
See wildlife at Perth Zoo, Caversham Wildlife Park, and AQWA
It’s easy to get your animal fix around here. Perth Zoo is just five minutes from the city, with a wide range of animals including lions, tigers, orangutans, meerkats, and more! Then, near Swan Valley, Caversham Wildlife Park has a special focus on Australian wildlife, with most experiences (like meeting a koala and hand-feeding kangaroos) included in your admission. As for the sea, AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia – isn't just a great acronym; it's home to incredible marine life, plus experiences like a Glass Bottom Boat and Diving with Sharks.
Check out Perth’s Museums, Theatres, and Galleries
Image Credit: WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth - Tourism Western Australia
If you love digging into a destination’s art, culture, and world-class entertainment, Perth makes it easy. Perth Cultural Centre puts six venues in one convenient city precinct, featuring WA Museum Boola Bardip, Art Gallery of WA, State Theatre Centre of WA, State Library of WA, PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts), and The Blue Room Theatre.
Hike through national parks and trails
Image Credit: Lions Lookout, Korung National Park - Tourism Western Australia and @naturebynathan
There are so many places in Perth to go for a good, long walk. Bold Park is an inner-city favourite, located next to City Beach, where you can expect to find more than 15 kilometres of bushland trails with some ocean views. East of the city, Korung National Park is home to the popular Lions Lookout Walk, which is a difficult trail with tricky climbs and descents, but a great payoff at the lookout point. Head north for 45 minutes to Yanchep National Park, and you can go bushwalking and wildlife watching alongside golf and a high ropes course!
Watch waterfalls and cascades
Keen to combine your hikes or sightseeing with spotting Perth’s best waterfalls? Lesmurdie Falls is the highest cascade in Perth, and flows all year round. It’s a five-minute walk from the carpark, or you can enjoy the surrounding walking trails in Mundy Regional Park. Serpentine Falls makes a great location for summertime swimming. For something a bit different, don’t forget Bells Rapids in Brigadoon for a beautiful view of white water.
Get your fair share of thrills
Image Credit: Adventure World
Did you know that Perth has two theme parks? Perth’s Outback Splash is a sunny day destination, full of waterslides, pools, mazes, and mini golf, while Adventure World brings the excitement of rollercoasters, rides, and slides. The only catch is that they are both open seasonally, typically from September to April, so make sure you time your trip right. For another thrilling experience, check out Jet Ski Tours Perth.
Browse local markets
Image Credit: Night Markets - Tourism Western Australia
Though the Fremantle Markets get most of the glory, there are plenty of local markets around Perth’s city and surroundings. The Subi Farmers Market is a treat, held at the local primary school on Saturday mornings, or you can wait until the evening for the Subi Night Market (held on Saturday nights from September to April). The Scarborough Sunset Markets are another hit by the beach, while there are a range of markets held in Kalamunda in the Perth Hills.
Take a whale or dolphin watching cruise
Image Credit: Humpback Whale - Tourism Western Australia
Thanks to the city’s spot on the Indian Ocean coast, throughout the year, you can join a whale watching tour to see blue whales (April to May) or southern humpback whales (August to December). Whale watching cruises leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour, or you can head south to Mandurah, which is famous for its dolphin tours.
Join a Small Bar and Street Art Tour
Image Credit: Wolf Lane - Tourism Western Australia
Keen to see the city from the locals’ point of view? Oh Hey WA run awesome walking tours, and a favourite offering is their Perth Small Bar and Street Art Tour, which takes you through some of the city's best bars and colourful laneways. If you love spotting silo art on country roads, this is your metropolitan equivalent.
Marvel at springtime flowers
Image Credit: Kings Park and Botanic Garden - Tourism Western Australia
Western Australia is famous for its spring wildflowers, so if you’re visiting in season, make sure you keep an eye out for these beautiful petals. For a flower-filled experience, head to Araluen Botanic Park in the Perth Hills, which is famous for its tulips that bloom from August to October each year. The springtime Tulip Festival is an unmissable delight, full of floral displays, live music, and food stalls. The Perth Wildflower Trail also has several sections to explore.
Visit the Perth Mint
Image Credit: The Perth Mint - Tourism Western Australia
The Perth Mint attracts tens of thousands of yearly visitors to its Gold Tour. This experience features a live gold pour, plus you’ll view the world’s largest gold coin and get to walk through a world-class exhibition. After your visit, you can follow their free, self-guided walking tour on the Gold Discovery Trail and see 12 historic locations around the city.
PERTH PARKS
Here at G’day Parks, we can suggest amazing holiday parks near Perth, boasting great facilities, friendly staff, spacious tent and caravan sites, and lovely cabin accommodation—whether you prefer to stay near the CBD or hang out south of the city!
Karrinyup Waters Resort
One look at that luxury heated swimming pool and spa area, and you’ll never want to leave Karrinyup Waters Resort. It’s close to the city and beach, with a gorgeous pond at its centre. As for in-park features, there’s a playground, bouncing pillow, and the on-site KW Café. Book your site or cabin beneath the trees, and get ready to slide into that resort state of mind.
Discovery Parks - Swan Valley
If the Swan Valley Wine Region is at the top of your to-do list, Discovery Parks - Swan Valley is your number one getaway pick. Along with awesome access to wining and dining, you’re within half an hour of the CBD, with a great pool and playground to entertain the whole family. Book your camping site or Deluxe Two-Bedroom Cabin and get ready for fun!
Banksia Tourist Park
Treat yourself to a stay at Banksia Tourist Park. Their family-friendly features include a pool, playground, tour desk, and activity room, with lovely spots to walk your dog (who is welcome to stay on sites and in select cabins). The park has a wide range of chalets, cabins, and powered sites—including drive-through sites. Heading into the CBD will only take you 20 minutes, and then the whole city’s yours to explore. You can bank on a great getaway here!
Discovery Parks - Perth Airport
If you’re arriving in Perth by plane and want somewhere conveniently located between the city and terminal, Discovery Parks - Perth Airport is your boarding pass to a great getaway. If you’re arriving on the road with a pet in tow, they’ve got pet-friendly cabins for your furry friend. The park is full of great features, like a swimming pool, kiosk, activity room, playground, and gym. Book your site or deluxe cabin today, and let your holiday take flight!
Fremantle Village
Can’t resist Fremantle's lively atmosphere and charm? Well then, why not stay there for your trip to Perth? Fremantle Village has large and drive-through powered sites for every kind of camping vehicle, along with chalets, motel units, and cabins. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see pops of green, and the park has all the handy caravan park facilities and amenities you need (including camp kitchen, BBQs, a kiosk, and a tour desk). For digging into this historic port city or catching the ferry to Rotto, Fremantle Village is the place to be.
Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach
With beach access to take you straight from the park to the ocean, Discovery Parks - Coogee Beach is a fantastic coastal getaway. Enjoy your favourite water activities, like swimming and fishing, or have fun in park with the tennis court and activity room. Fremantle is just 10 minutes up the road, and the city’s not much further. With paved powered sites and cabin accommodation, your holiday is sure to be a breeze.
Discovery Parks - Woodman Point
On the doorstep of the beach, only 15 minutes from Fremantle and 30 minutes from the Perth CBD, Discovery Parks - Woodman Point is a genuine hidden gem. The kids' thirst for entertainment will be fully quenched with a pool, bouncing pillow, hire equipment, playground, and activity room. If you prefer something out of the city’s hustle and bustle, book your cabin or site and get ready to explore Woodman Point. P.S. Tell your pup there’s a pet-friendly cabin with their name on it!
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
MANDURAH
Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park & Mandurah Twin Waters Caravan Park
DWELLINGUP
Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park
Image Credit: Discovery Resorts - Rottnest Island
There are so many things to see and do in Perth, where will your West Australian adventure take you?
Book your long weekend (or longer!) trip via the G'day Parks app or online today.
