Best Places to Visit in Perth: Top 10 Attractions and Nearby Hotels

Clock Icon 8 minutes read
Update Icon Aug 22, 2023

In this sun-soaked city, there’s much to see and experience! Start with our list of the best places to visit in Perth and find excellent stays within a stone’s throw away from them.

Scarborough is considered one of the best places to visit in Perth due to its unique landscape that combines grassy hills with clear seas. (Photo Credit: Alvin Balemesa)

Wandering “Westralia

Sydney and Melbourne’s own set of attractions often hog the limelight, but Western Australia has a charm that can rival the country’s metropolitan destinations. The best places to visit in Perth seamlessly merge the energy of urban life with relaxed coastal vibes and verdant landscapes. 

But perhaps, the most significant appeal of Perth as a travel destination is its climate. Did you know Perth is considered one of Australia’s sunniest capital cities and the world? It boasts an average of 8.8 sunshine hours daily, making it perfect for outdoor explorations or beachside staycations.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit in Perth, from the historic to the futuristic. We’ll also recommend the best districts to stay in so you can stay close to these attractions. 


10 Best Places to Visit in Perth, Australia

Perth’s allure goes beyond the ordinary. Selecting just the 10 best places to visit in Perth feels like merely scratching the surface. 

Still, this list is a vibrant showcase of what the city offers in terms of history, culture, technology, and nature:

1. KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN 

Fraser Avenue, West Perth, Western Australia 

Get ready to be captivated by Kings Park and Botanic Garden’s tranquil beauty. Overlooking the Swan River and the sweeping Darling Range, this urban oasis invites you for delightful walks among vibrant green spaces. Experience the exhilaration of walking atop the eucalyptus trees through the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, capturing Perth’s cityscape in a refreshing light.

2. SWAN RIVER 

Swan River, Perth, Western Australia 

Embark on a calming cruise down the Swan River, melding nature’s charm with city elegance. Glide by the lavish riverside homes, with either the quaint port of Fremantle or the verdant Swan Valley, showcasing Western Australia’s vintage vineyards, as your endpoint.

From its waters to the footpaths along its banks, Swan River is the perfect place to jog, bike, or kayak in Perth, Western Australia. (Photo Credit: Joshua Leong)

3. PERTH’S BEACHES 

Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia 

The breathtaking coastline of Perth presents a myriad of idyllic beaches. From the bustling Cottesloe with its pristine waters and thriving café scene to the family-centric Hillarys Boat Harbour, beach aficionados will find their personal paradise among the best places to visit in Perth.

4. ELIZABETH QUAY 

Elizabeth Quay, Perth, Western Australia 

Located in Perth’s vibrant CBD, Elizabeth Quay is a thriving riverside location brimming with entertainment avenues. Ranging from exquisite dining experiences to engaging art pieces, this modern enclave assures unforgettable evenings in Perth.

Elizabeth Quay is considered one of the best places to visit in Perth because of its ambitious architecture and seamless merging with the natural aquatic landscape. (Photo Credit: M.Fildza Fadzil)

5. THE PERTH MINT 

310 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia 

Dive into Western Australia’s gleaming history at The Perth Mint. Witness live gold pouring demonstrations, marvel at diverse gold displays, and get a playful estimate of how much your weight would be in gold!

6. HILLARYS BOAT HARBOUR 

86 Southside Drive, Hillarys, Western Australia 

To the northwest of Perth’s core lies Hillarys Boat Harbour, a vast marina packed with family attractions and cozy holiday homes and apartments. Its crown jewel: The Aquarium of Western Australia, which houses over 200 diverse marine species.

An aerial view of Hillarys in Western Australia, with a boat leaving a wake in the gem-blue water. (Photo Credit:
Mitch)

7. SCITECH 

City West Center, Corner of Sutherland Street & Railway Street, West Perth, Western Australia

Among the best places to visit in Perth, Scitech stands out as the perfect place for families with young children. This institution’s hands-on experiences spark wonder in STEM subjects among kids and adults alike. Enjoy the myriad of shows, exhibits, and demonstrations around hydraulics, electricity, and magnetism.

8. PERTH ZOO 

20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, Western Australia 

Minutes away from the bustling city, Perth Zoo invites visitors to a thrilling rendezvous with Australia’s famed fauna. From kangaroos to Tasmanian devils, Perth Zoo offers an adventure-filled outing for all age groups. It goes without saying, of course, that this is perfect for animal lovers visiting the country!

Koalas are endemic to Australia and can be encountered safely and up close at the Perth Zoo. (Photo Credit: Luqmani Jr Omar M)

9. ART GALLERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

James Street Mall, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, Western Australia 

This esteemed gallery showcases a vast collection of both international and Australian art, particularly highlighting pieces from Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim. A tour here is bound to enhance your appreciation of Perth’s rich cultural tapestry and is a great addition to your Australian cultural tour.

10. THE BELL TOWER 

Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth, Western Australia 

Step into The Bell Tower, which hosts one of the world’s grandest and oldest musical wonders. Nestled within this architectural gem are historic bells from London’s Buckingham Palace parish church. After an auditory delight and bell-ringing demonstration, you can unwind at the sixth-floor observation deck and enjoy captivating skyline views.

Despite its contemporary architecture, the Bell Tower is one of the best places to visit in Perth for history buffs. (Photo Credit: Iain Kennedy)

Where to Stay in Perth, Australia

After immersing in the wonders of the best places to visit in Perth, you deserve a cozy retreat that amplifies the city’s vibrance. From the heart of the town to serene riversides, Perth unveils a spectrum of accommodations that resonate with every traveler’s heartbeat. 

Discover five districts that are not just doorsteps away from Perth’s prime spots but also showcase their distinctive charm:

NORTHBRIDGE

Bask in Northbridge’s cultural vibrancy, where art comes alive at places like the Art Gallery of Western Australia and The Blue Room Theatre. A culinary adventure awaits with a rich tapestry of flavors — dive into delicate Japanese creations at Bonsai Restaurant & Cafe Lounge or savor the rich notes of Vietnamese at Viet Hoa. Sync your stay with the bustling events at Perth Cultural Centre for an added touch of local magic.

FREMANTLE

Fremantle is where history waltzes with modern artistry. The iconic Fremantle Market teems with over 150 stalls of artisan crafts, fresh harvests, and distinct street eats. Embark on Swan River cruises, starting here, and let history whisper tales of yore at the UNESCO-protected Fremantle Prison.

Photo Credit: ESPLANADE HOTEL FREMANTLE BY RYDGES | HOTEL IN FREMANTLE

WEST PERTH

West Perth is a serene bubble amid urban ripples. Proximity to one of the best places to visit in Perth, like Kings Park and Botanic Garden, adds a splash of green to your stay. Delight in coffee whispers at spots like Gordon Street Garage, or let Julio’s Italian restaurant take you on a gastronomic journey. Dive into history with The Old Observatory and the majestic Perth’s Parliament House, amplifying West Perth’s allure.

SCARBOROUGH

Scarborough is your beachy escape with a hint of thrill. Famous surf spots like Trigg Point and Scarborough Beach are beckoning. Start your mornings at the vibrant Wild Fig café and, later, mingle with the spirited crowd at The Sandbar, a melting pot of laughter, stories, and melodies.

EAST PERTH

East Perth is where urban finesse meets riverside tranquility. Housing gems like The Perth Mint also serve culinary wonders from Toast East Perth to Bistro Bellavista. Breathe in the beauty of Queens Gardens or catch cricketing legends in action at the WACA Ground, making your stay both scenic and iconic.

Photo Credit: QUEST EAST PERTH | CONDO IN EAST PERTH

Make Trip-Planning Easier With Hotala

Now that you know the best places to visit in Perth, you’re one step closer to experiencing the sun-kissed magic of the Land Down Under. Planning your Australian adventure should be as easygoing as the vacation itself — and Hotala is here to help!

Hotala lists thousands of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Perth, with millions more worldwide. Be it a beach house in Scarborough or a hip loft in Fremantle, you can find your perfect stay in Perth. Your dream vacay is only a few clicks away. 

And if you’ve been there, done that, you can subscribe to The Hot List to get weekly updates on the Hottest destinations! Travel farther, experience more, and discover hot deals in hot destinations with Hotala.