5 Fun Things To Do On Your Next Trip To Perth, Australia

Blair Vina
Nov 18, 2018
4 min read

Sightseeing Activities and Things To Do in Perth, Australia

1. Explore Perth’s Central Business District, such as Elizabeth Quay.

If you want to have an awesome view of the Central Business District (CBD), take a walk through Elizabeth Quay. You can easily spend a half a day walking through CBD. Check out a few souvenir shops and restaurants around the Barrack Jetty area. The Barrack Jetty area is the main hub to hop on a ferry boat ride (Rottnest Express to Rottnest Island or Captain Cook Cruise along the Swan River) from the dock.

For more picturesque spots, go for a walk, run, or bike ride along the 20-meter high pedestrian bridge for stunning views of the city, CBD, and Swan River. Or, hang out at the Spanda, the 29-meter high iconic white curved lined sculpture.

Can’t beat the view of the CBD from the pedestrian bridge in Perth, Australia

Plus, there are many opportunities to take photos such as at the unique Swan Bell Tower (Swan Bells) with the love locks along the entrance way. Although we didn’t have a chance to go up the tower, it looks fun to participate in the interactive bell chiming demonstration.

Swan Bell Tower

Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth

Opening Times: Daily at 10am

General Admission Fee: Adults $9 AUD, Children (Ages 5-14) $7, Children Under 4 is free, Family $25

Bell Tower Admission Fee: Adults $18, Children (Ages 5-14) $9, Children under 4 is free, Family $44

We loved visiting the London Court which is a few blocks away from Elizabeth Quay. The unique facades in the spirit of London and clocks is a nice change from the contemporary CBD. Check out the local cafes, clothing and jewelry, and souvenir shops. If you are a postcard sender, this is the spot to purchase postcards. It’s a unique place for a stroll.

London Court

Address: Between Hay St Mall & St Georges Terrace, Perth

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 5am – 9pm; Sunday 11am – 9pm

2. Walk, bike, or run along Swan River.

The Swan River is a peaceful place to relax and take a break. Along the river is a paved pedestrian road which is perfect for a walk, bike ride, or run. Cars are not allowed. Consider these running paths if you need some inspiration.

3. Visit the Blue Boat House and the Eliza Sculpture.

Have you seen the hundreds of photos of the famous Blue Boat House (also known as the Crawley Edge Boatshed) on Instagram? It’s a famous landmark in the Swan River and great for photos. We stopped by the Blue Boat House after visiting King’s Park.

Blue Boat House/Crawley Edge Boatshed

Address: In the Swan River at the intersection of Mounts Bay Road and Kings Park Avenue

Not far from the Blue Boat House is the Eliza Sculpture. It’s a five-minute walk from the Blue Boat House and located in the Swan River. Visitors and locals often swim in the Swan River and dress up Eliza in various outfits.

4. Eat delicious food in Northbridge Area

Northbridge area has a variety of foods to satisfy any food cravings. Choose from a variety of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Italian, burgers, pizza, and so much more. Prices are reasonable too. It’s easy to go to Northridge via the CAT buses.

One of the places that we went to Is Donburi. Restaurant has cheap and delicious Japanese food. We enjoyed the Chirashi and Unagi Omurice.

Is Donburi

Address: Shop 10, 189 William Street, Northbridge, Perth

On the edge of Northridge is Perth’s Chinatown. You’ve reached the destination when you see the two white lion statues in front of the Chinatown entrance. The mornings and afternoons in this area is dead silent. The area comes alive when restaurants open at 5pm until closing at 4am.

Chinatown

Address: Roe Street and between William Street and Lake Street

5. Spend the day in Fremantle.

Fremantle is a cute port city that is a 30 minute train ride or a 1 hour bus ride (if the trains are not functioning) from Perth. You can take the train from Perth Railway Station to Fremantle. Once you arrive in the city, take advantage of Fremantle’s free CAT buses (red or blue lines) courtesy of Transperth.

Visit the famous Fremantle Market for your dose of shopping and cheap eats. If you eat at the restaurants in the Fremantle Market, many of the shops are cash only and may have a wait during peak hours.

Fremantle Market

Address: Corner South Terrace & Henderson Street, Fremantle

Opening Hours: Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 6pm

(Yard open from 8am)

The beaches and sunset are also amazing in South Fremantle.

Simply breathtaking. The sunset is a great time to spend with the family!

Consider taking fascinating tour(s) at the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, to learn about how convicts arrived in Australia. It’s surreal how the prison closed recently in 1991 due to the living conditions. The Convict Tour and the Behind the Bar Tour are highly recommended. Each tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes and the tour guides are enthusiastic about sharing the prison’s history. The underground Tunnels Tour sounds interesting too where you take the ladder down and explore passageways.

General prices are: