Perth Attractions
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Perth has a range of attractions and activities to enjoy from sight-seeing, wildlife up close, Aboriginal culture and dance, to aquatic fun and adventure. The following activities are sure to provide something for everyone during your stay in sunny Perth.
Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is made up of over 400 hectares of parkland and gardens and is one of the city's most popular attractions for Perth locals and tourists alike. Located just outside the city centre, the park is set high on Mt Eliza with breathtaking views of the city and Swan River. A large portion of the park is made up of native bushland with hundreds of native plant species and around 80 species of birds. Kings Park also has a number of open parkland areas, lookout points, the State War Memorial and statues, and is a great destination for sight-seeing, picnics, walking, cycling and taking in the magnificent views of the city. During the summer months, the park also hosts a number of events including outdoor concerts, outdoor moonlight cinema, as well as the Kings Park Wildflower festival each spring.
Only 5 minutes from the city centre, Perth Zoo offers the opportunity to see wildlife up close, in natural habitat settings. Perth Zoo exhibits include the Australian Walkabout which houses Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, Dingoes, Reptiles, Wetland and Rainforest animals; The African Savanna; The Asian rainforest; as well as the Nocturnal House and World of Birds. Open from 9am to 5pm each day, there is a lot to see so pick up a map at the ticket counter when you enter, and allow yourself plenty of time. For lunch you can cook yourself a barbeque meal on the facilities available, have a picnic, or stop by at the Zoo Café for a meal or snack. Special events are also held over the summer months, such as evening concerts on the main lawn. Free parking for the zoo is available on the corner of Labouchere Road and Richardson Street.
The Swan Bell Tower was opened in Perth in December 2000 and has since been a popular attraction for Perth visitors. It comprises a green glass spire surrounded by copper 'sails', and is home to 18 bells making this the largest change ringing instrument in the world. The bells came from the Parish of St Martin in the Field of London, and were given to the City of Perth as a gift to celebrate the Australian Bicentennial.
Originally the archway to the Enrolled Pensioner Guards Barracks, which were built in 1863, and contained 2 wings of 120 rooms. The Barracks were used for housing Enrolled Pensioner Guards and their families who protected the public against the convicts in the mid to late 1800s. By the late 1880s, the Pensioner Forces were disbanded in favour of a police force, although the barracks continued to be used for various purposes. This freestanding arch is all that is left of the building after demolition commenced in the 1960s to make way for the freeway, and public protest at the time was enough to save this small remnant of the barracks from demolition to provide a reminder of what was at the site in early settler times.
The Perth Mint was established in 1899 making it Australia's oldest mint still in operation. Its original purpose was to make gold sovereigns for the British Empire, however these days the mint produces precious metal coins for collectors and coin investors, which are highly regarded worldwide. A visit to the mint offers the chance to see the largest collection in Australia of natural gold nuggets, including the Golden Beauty nugget, as well as precious coins being pressed, and molten gold being poured to make a gold bar in the original melt house. Take part in a guided or self guided history tour, you can even create your own personalised medallion from gold or silver. The Perth mint also offers a range of coins and unique gold jewellery at the Perth Mint shop. Open from 9am each day.
Built in 1835, the Old Mill in Perth is one of the city's oldest historic landmarks. Quietly nestled between the freeway and the Swan River, you could easily pass by without even noticing, however once you pass through the gates, you get a strange feeling of being transported to another era when Perth was just emerging as a colony. This historic treasure was almost lost in 1955 when the first plans for the Perth freeway went right through the mill, however the Western Australia Historical Society and Perth citizens united to save this lovely building and it is now under the protection of the National Trust. A visit to the Old Mill offers the opportunity to learn more about its fascinating and troubled history, from economic troubles to raids by local Aborigines, as well as the threats from surrounding urban development. Take a visit the Old Mill and take a step back in time.
Burswood Park is only 5 minutes from the city centre, and has had an amazing transformation over the last 20 years, which is due to the dedicated efforts of the park board and staff. This picturesque park now offers a great location for recreational activities and is ideal for picnics, barbeques, jogging, cycling or just relaxing under the sun on the Perth foreshore. Some of the park's highlights include the Swan Fountain, a range of natural bird life, the Swan Shell, barbeque facilities, and the heritage trail detailing history by way of bronze sculptures along the way. Free guided tours are also available at 11.30am daily from the visitor information centre, and playground facilities are available for the kids.
Set amongst modern sky scrapers in the heart of Perth City is Perth's London Court. Built in 1937, this small pedestrian "street" is located between the Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace, and has a very similar feel to the Tudor style buildings of England. As you walk through London Court you will experience a charming atmosphere of small shops and cafés along the way. There are also two clocks at London Court, one at each end of the lane. If you pay close attention you will notice the clock at the Hay Street entrance has four knights above it, which circle around when the clocks strikes every 15 minutes. At the St Georges Terrace end you will find St George battling a dragon above the clock, and both clocks are replicas of France's Great Clock of Rouen. London Court also has many fine details which you need to look for or else you may miss them, including statues of Sir Walter Raleigh and Dick Whittington, moldings, wind vanes and stairways which take you to the windows overlooking the court.
The Perth City Centre also offers tourists a wealth of great shopping opportunities. Whether it is souvenirs, Aboriginal Art and crafts, fashion, swimming and beach wear, jewellery, cameras and high tech items, the vast array of shops available offer an extensive range of choices, from shopping malls and department stores, to cafés, restaurants and food halls. Some of the most popular shopping areas to visit include the The Hay St Mall, Murray St Mall, Raine Square, Forest Chase, Barrack St and Kings Street, however there are many other malls to visit as well.
Spend a sunny day exploring the river by walking or cycling your way along the foreshore on one of the many cycle and walking tracks provided, or take part in waterfun sports and scenic flights.
The Swan River also provides an excellent scenic backdrop to enjoy while dining in Perth, and many restaurants have excellent river views where you can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the surrounding landscape.
The area around the city also had significant historical meaning to the Aborigines of the region, and according to Aboriginal folklore the Swan River was created by a large mythical snake known as the Waggyl, which slithered its way through the area creating the bends and gullies which shaped the river. In winter came the rains which filled the empty channel with water, and the river we know today as "The Swan" came to be.
Perth’s attractions are endless with so many things to do and see you will wonder if you are going to be able to fit it all in. Call us today to discuss the attractions, accommodation, entertainment, dining and shopping options that will be open to you when you holiday in Perth.
