The sun-soaked capital of West Australia is one of the most isolated cities in the world. Located on the banks of the winding Swan River, this idyllic city has several popular attractions waiting to be explored with family. From a string of pearl-white beaches to a range of outdoor adventures, the city oozes excitement.
Perth ranks high up on the list of the best cities in Australia. And despite boasting a slew of skyscrapers, noisy traffic, and a wayward lifestyle, the residents are surprisingly chilled out. The city is trendy among tourists who arrive from every corner of the world to relax on the beach and explore WA’s natural beauty.
TOP 12 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN PERTH
Explore the best of WA’s capital with our list of top attractions in Perth.
CRUISE ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL SWAN RIVER
The Swan River offers the perfect setting for enjoying a stunning sunset aboard a river cruise. Take a ride past some of the city’s poshest residential areas as you slowly sail towards the port of Fremantle. Another popular route is the upriver cruise to Swan Valley. The fertile shores of the region are home to Western Australia’s oldest vineyards.
Foodies must sample scrumptious artisan foods prepared from local ingredients at one of the local restaurants. You could also turn the excursion into a day trip by planning a picnic at a riverside park. Other popular attractions include fishing, hiking or biking along the trails, swimming, or kayaking on the calm waters.
EXPLORE THE GREENERY AT KINGS PARK AND BOTANIC GARDEN
Situated along the Swan River, Kings Park and Botanic Garden offer some of the best views of Perth’s skyline. The park is one of the largest of its kind in the world and has several paths winding through its entirety.
The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is surrounded by a canopy of eucalyptus trees and offers some of the best views of the greenery. The walkway stretches 620 meters and extends into the botanic garden.
Other trails meander through the park, taking hikers to picturesque ponds, panoramic viewpoints, and massive playgrounds. Mount Eliza is one of the significant attractions as it offers stunning views of the cityscape.
The Western Australia Botanic Garden has some of the most elusive plants from Western Australia and other Mediterranean regions. The star exhibits include the acacia garden, a recreation of the Darling Range Creek, and the Place of Reflection.
GET A TAN ON THE BEACH
There are several fascinating beaches in and around Perth. The pine-fringed Cottesloe is a mere 15-minutes from the city centre. City Beach and Port Beach are quite popular with teenagers, while families prefer to hang around Como Crawley, Rockingham Beach, and Point Walter.
Ready to catch a wave? Scarborough and Trigg Point are the two most popular beaches to ride the swell. While the shores of Penguin Island and Rottnest are ideal for snorkelling or spending a quiet day with family on the beach.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE PERTH MINT
The Perth Mint offers an exciting insight into the history of Australia’s affair with gold. The Gold Exhibition has the world’s largest coin on display, apart from bullion and gold nuggets. Watch pure gold being melted and poured into solid bars at the melting house or be mesmerised by the sight of the most extensive collection of gold nuggets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of discovering gold in WA and the creation of the Perth Mint. You can even calculate your worth in gold or take a virtual tour of the property. If you’re tired from learning all the history, take a break at the café and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir.
TAKE A STROLL AROUND ELIZABETH QUAY
If you’re in Perth’s CBD, Elizabeth Quay is a must-visit! Located next to the Swan River, this waterfront pedestrian precinct is a hotspot for Perthians. The area resembles a carnival with several restaurants and food stalls serving delicious fare. While live music accentuates the vibe.
If you’re travelling with kids, visit the antique carousel. Drop by after dark to enjoy the vibrant fountains of the BHP Water Park as you devour tasty gelato by the waterfront. Kids can climb, jump, or walk the plank at the aqua park nearby.
The Public Art Walk along Elizabeth Quay is ideal for romantic walks. Check out the rocket-shaped Bell Tower overlooking the cityscape as ferry boats plough through the tranquil waters of the Swan River.
If you’re visiting Perth for a few days, Elizabeth Quay is the perfect base. You’ll find several hotels around the area, and its central location makes it convenient to explore the city in any direction you please.
VISIT THE ART GALLERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Located in the Perth Cultural Centre, The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a one-minute walk from the nearest railway station. The museum houses an eclectic collection of local and international art between 1829 and the present. Check out the special exhibits from the Australian and Indian Ocean Rim.
The gallery displays the works of imminent artists like Frederick McCubbin and Hans Heysen, apart from an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional indigenous art. The gallery recently inaugurated a new rooftop event venue with an open-air sculpture walk. The venue hosts exhibitions and events with Perth’s exquisite cityscape in the backdrop.
DROP BY HILLARYS BOAT HARBOUR
Located 20 km from central Perth, Hillarys Boat Harbour is a famous marina with several waterfront restaurants, shops, and other attractions. Among the famous local attractions, the Aquarium of Western Australia stands out. The underwater glass tunnel is a significant draw and offers the best seats in the house for observing dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and manta rays.
The path along the marina has parks and sheltered beaches for families to hang out. And if you’re looking for some indoor adventure, head to Leisurezone for the best arcade gaming experience in the city.
TAKE THE KIDS OUT TO SCITECH
If you’re travelling with kids, Scitech is the perfect place to drop by. Arouse their curiosity at this sci-fi museum and let their imaginations run wild. This family-friendly science museum gives kids their first taste in engineering and technology and inspires them to fall in love with the fascinating world of mathematics.
Discoverland is ideal for kids aged between three and seven years. The exhibits include water, air, gravity, magnets, and electricity. The construction zone is perfect for budding builders, while the young visitors can dress up as marine creatures and crawl into the aquarium exhibit.
VISIT THE AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM
If you’re fascinated by aviation, don’t forget to drop by the Aviation Heritage Museum. The place has over 30 aeroplanes on display, including civilian and military aircraft. From two-winged WWI planes to modern passenger aircraft, the exhibition has it all. You can also book a private tour of a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire Mark XXII, and Dakota C-47 for an additional fee.
ESCAPE THE HUMDRUM OF CITY LIFE AT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
If you want to spend a quiet day away from Perth’s hustle and bustle, St. Mary’s Cathedral is the ideal escapade. Constructed in 1865, this neo-Gothic church has been reconstructed multiple times over the years.
The records for the site on which the cathedral stands can be found in the city’s original plan from 1838. Guided tours of the church are held every Thursday at 10.30 am. If you want to learn more about its history, join a tour. Tickets are available at the Church Office.
EXPLORE THE MAGNIFICENT BELL TOWER
The Bell Tower is a piece of modern engineering marvel. The alien spaceship-looking building is the world’s largest musical instrument. And despite its space-age appearance, the building houses some of the most ancient artefacts from around the world.
The 14th Century bells from Saint Martin in the Fields Church is the Bell Tower’s crown jewel. The tickets include an interactive tour of the ancient bells in action along with a fascinating history lesson.
The Bell Tower offers a fascinating view of the winding Swan River along with a panoramic view of Perth’s skyline. Visit the observation deck on the 6th floor for mesmerising views of the landscape.
CHECK OUT THE ANIMALS AT PERTH ZOO
Located 3 km from the city centre, Perth Zoo has been a local delight since 1898. The zoo has an intricate collection of some of the rarest species from the country. The Australian Bushwalk and Wetland exhibits are some of the most popular collections in the zoo.
Among the local exhibits, wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, koalas, and kangaroos are the highlights. International residents include giraffes, orangutans, elephants, and pygmy marmosets, among others.
READY TO EXPLORE PERTH LIKE A LOCAL?
Perth is home to several fascinating family-friendly adventures waiting to be had. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t forget to check out the top attractions listed above. But if you’re interested in an unconventional excursion, how does an escape room evening sound?
If you’ve never played an escape game before, let’s change that at Lost Reality, Perth’s #1 escape room. Pick your favourite escape game from our exquisite line-up and spend the following 60-minutes fighting crime or saving the world.
We accept group bookings for team building events, kids’ birthday parties, stag and hen’s parties, and other events. So, book your slots today!
If you enjoyed this blog and would love to read more, check out our blogs page. For any other queries, get in touch today!
