Parks and the outdoors in Perth

Parks and the outdoors in Perth

1. DoThe Suburbs

   Adventure World

   This fun park features five waterslides, various rides for the adventurous, and a special 'Kids Cove' for children. Picnicking is encouraged or you can buy food on site (no alcohol is permitted). Contains only 1 little kiddy coaster, so it is definitely not for the serious thrillseeker. Best of all, unlimited rides are included in Adventure World's entry fee. Over summer, Adventure World also hosts several "Adults Only Pool Parties," which are held on either a Friday or Saturday night. The park is closed to children, and becomes a fully licensed venue, serving alcohol as well as hosting bands after dark. The easiest mode of transport is the car. You can also arrive via a short bus ride (#520 from either Cockburn Central train/bus station or Fremantle train station - frequencies range from half-hourly weekdays, hourly Saturdays and two-hourly on Sundays and public holidays - zone 3 fare).

2. SeeSwan Valley

   All Saints Anglican Church

   Western Australia's oldest church, set on reasonably large grounds with a historic cemetery attached. Part of the Parish of Swan, church services are still held each week. The Swan River can be accessed on foot from the church. Entry is free but donations are requested.

3. EatCity

   C Restaurant Lounge

   Has amazing views of the entire city including Kings Park. The food is good but the view is most definitely the defining feature.

4. SeeCity

   Claisebrook Cove

   A major urban redevelopment area on the Swan River, on the fringe of the city centre. Spend an hour or so wandering about the brightly coloured, modern and strikingly unusual architecture before you wind down with a meal and a hot or cold bevy. Views of the city centre from the footbridge that runs above the cove are particularly stunning at night. (Take the yellow CAT to the Haig Park Circle stop during daylight hours or take the Midland, Armadale or Thornlie line to Claisebrook transfer station which is located within the Free Transit Zone).

5. DoThe Coast

   Cottesloe Beach

   One of Perth's most famous beaches, and a favourite among locals and tourists alike. A quiet beach with a pleasant footpath along Marine Parade with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Watch the sunset whilst sitting on one of many benches and the scores of surfers who are still there in winter months trying to catch waves. There is a shady grassed area as well as sand, and the beach is patrolled. From Fremantle, head about 10 minutes north by car via the Stirling Highway. Or take the train to Cottesloe and catch the "Cott Cat" free shuttle bus, running every 15 minutes each weekend and public holiday throughout summer. The Cott Cat runs in a loop between Cottesloe Train Station and Cottesloe Beach, stopping at North Cottesloe (outside the Ocean Beach Hotel) and Cottesloe Beach (outside Il Lido Cafe). From Cottesloe station, you can head west down Forrest Street for about ten minutes to reach the beach. Another option is to take bus 102 from Williams street or Esplanade station and it has a stop right by Cottesloe beach.

6. SeeCity

   Heirisson Island

   Five to six wild kangaroos roam around this island in the Swan River. They are usually hiding in the bushes, but can come out so have your cameras ready. You can even get close and pet them! Take Red Cat bus to Queen's Gardens and walk to the Causeway bridge. Cross the bridge, then turn right for the kangaroos.

   Free.

7. DoThe Coast

   Hillarys Boat Harbour

   A marina area with restaurants, shopping, live entertainment, and a sheltered beach area when you can swim in the ocean (be warned that the water is full of seaweed).

8. SeeThe Hills

   John Forrest National Park

   Named after an influential Western Australian Premier (the first, in fact), in 1947. Before its naming, government dole workers during the Great Depression constructed fountains, benches, etc. which are typical of national parks today. The park is situated in the beautiful area on either side of Jane Brook as it passes through the Darling Range to the Scarp. The park is made up of thick bush and is home to many small forest creatures.

   Some roads in the Park are closed before sundown

9. DrinkFremantle

   Jungle Bird

   Relaxed, fun, Caribbean style beach bar in the heart of Fremantle's west end. If you're in for a rum, you're in the right place here.

   Mon-Fri 4 pm-late, Sat 2 pm-late, Sun 2 pm-10 pm

10. SeeThe Hills

    Kalamunda Zig Zag Trail

    A popular scenic drive with great views over Perth. Also walkable, since traffic is slow moving, as long as you are careful. The route is a converted rail line.

11. SeeCity

    Kings Park & Botanic Gardens

    Ranged along the ridge of Mount Moira, this large and lush park is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy a panorama of the Swan River and surrounds. Multiple paths wind through gardens showcasing flora from different regions of WA including a boab tree brought down on the back of a truck from the Kimberly. The striking War Memorial and Flame of Remembrance are also here. It's a hot, uphill, 2-km walk from downtown, but its northern boundary at Kings Park Rd is within the Free Transit Zone. The handiest bus is the Green CAT, M-F only, to Stop 16. The Red CAT (7 days) also runs nearby, use Stop 19 on Ord Street.

    Open now · open 24 hours·Free

12. BuyThe Suburbs

    Le Botanist

    Homewares, succulent bowls, outdoor and indoor houseplants and a range of pots, planters and garden accessories.

    10AM-5PM

13. DrinkCity

    Lucky Shag Bar

    Bar and restaurant with a focus on breakfast. Located right on the river with great views. Also has live music and a great beer selection.

    M 11AM-8PM Tu-Th 11AM-10:30PM Sa 7:30AM-10:30PM Su 7:30AM-9PM

14. SeeThe Hills

    Mundaring Weir

    A scenic reservoir surrounded by hills and forests. Good for a picnic, and there are hiking trails nearby. The weir (a large dam) was completed in 1903. Visitors may walk over or around the Weir, and the surroundings have picnic areas featuring public barbecues. There is also a museum nearby which documents the history of the Weir and the Pipeline project. The Mundaring Weir Hotel is also a historic landmark and offers good food, accommodation and often live (usually classical) music.

15. SeeNorthbridge

    Perth Cultural Centre

    Adjacent to the Perth Train Station on the Northbridge side, this is the hub of cultural activity in Perth. Including the Art gallery, Museum, State Library and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) (See listings below). In addition, the amphitheatre (under the video screen screening ongoing visual confectionery) is an excellent vantage point for watching people flow between Perth's railway station and places of work and play around Northbridge. A 2-min walk from the Perth Train Station. Blue CAT Stops 7 and 15 both service the Cultural Centre, as well as Yellow 24 and Red 31.

16. SeeCity

    Perth Mint

    The nation's oldest operating mint and one of the oldest mints in the world. Even today it still produces coins and gold bullion from its original premises, albeit now restricted to producing non-circulating coins (which are still legal tender, but worth more than their face value in market value). You can buy and sell gold, jewellery and souvenirs, see the mint in operation and watch molten gold being poured to create gold bars. (Walk from City Centre along Hay Street east or catch the red CAT)

    $19

17. SeeThe Suburbs

    Perth Zoo

    Open since 1898 and has an excellent reputation with both tourists and locals alike. Free guided tours are provided at 11AM and 1:30PM daily. Thirty-six animal fact files, featuring some of Perth Zoo's most popular species, are available for you to download free before your visit. Buses 30, 31 and 34 provide a quick and easy means by which to get to the zoo. But if you feel like a short walk, take the Transperth ferry from Elizabeth Quay. Once at Mends St Jetty, head up the hill along Mends St to the first major road (Mill Point Rd), cross at the traffic lights, turn left and then quickly right through the park to reach the zoo entrance.

    Children (4-15 yr) $12.50, adults $24.50

18. DoThe Coast

    Scarborough Beach

    An easy beach to get to by public transport. Catch the Joondalup Line from Platform 1 at either Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations and get off at Glendalough Station, then catch the 990 bus. Alternatively, you can catch the 990 from the Perth Busport, outside Perth Station - look on the screens to find the bus.

19. DoFremantle

    South Beach

    including Wilson Park with lots of shade. Besides the kiosk for food and drinks, it also has a basketball court, changing facilities and showers and large grassy picnic area with BBQ's. Try out the traditional sauna operating adjacent to the park if you need some warming up during the colder days.

20. DoThe Coast

    Swanbourne Beach

    The only beach in Perth that permits nude bathing. At other beaches, topless females will not usually get a police fine but will get stared at. The atmosphere at Swanbourne Clothing Optional Beach (about 500 m north of Swanbourne Beach) is friendly and relaxing. It is more of a sunbathing beach than a swimming beach, with a steep sandy descent into water which gets deep quickly. There are no lifeguards or red-and-yellow flags at this beach, and so it is essential to keep a close eye on children near the water. The nude beach is frequented by a variety of sun-seekers of all ages; couples, families, and groups. The easiest way to get there is by car, however there is a train station about 1km away. Alternatively, you can catch the bus 102, which is heading to Cottesloe. The bus will go through some residential areas before reaching Cottesloe coast. As soon as you can see the ocean, get off the bus and Swanbourne beach is right cross the road. Heading north down the beach, you can reach the nude beach.

21. BuyFremantle

    The Fremantle Market

    There are two connected sheds that house fruit sellers and a variety of other shops, be it souvenirs or music CDs. Resembles a rather quaint and a much much smaller version of Covent Garden in London. Take your time to look through the markets, because you never know what you'll find there.

    Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat Sun 9AM-5PM

22. DoThe Coast

    The Great Escape

    A small water park next to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Includes three water slides, mini golf and trampolines. Also has a cafe and seating area.

23. SeeThe Suburbs

    The Old Mill

    Built in 1835, the mill is the oldest surviving industrial building from Perth's colonial days. Left to ruin over the years, it has been restored along with the adjoining millhouse containing various colonial artifacts. It's a 15-min walk from the Mill Point Jetty, or take bus 34 from Wellington St Bus station.

    Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat Sun 1-4PM·Free

24. SeeCity

    The Swan Bells

    A bell tower is at the foot of Barrack Street, in front of the ferry wharf. The bells are from the church of St Martin-in-the-Field in London, and were a gift from the London to the people of Perth. The bell tower has a modern design, and is somewhat controversially regarded by locals. Inside the tower you get a view over the river and city or you can look around the outside of the tower, and hear the bells at noon.

    $11, child $7

25. SeeOuter Perth

    Walyunga National Park

    Walyunga National Park covers 1,800 hectares of the Darling Range, tucked behind the Darling Scarp, covering both sides of a steep valley.

    Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, closed weekends and public holidays

26. SeeFremantle

    Whalers' Tunnel

    The Whaling Tunnel was built to provide easy access between the original Bather's Beach port and the town of Fremantle. The tunnel has been restored, and has detailed explanations of its construction and local artifacts, making it a worthwhile self-guided tour.

27. SeeThe Suburbs

    Whiteman Park

    A unique recreation and conservation reserve in the northern outskirts of Perth. Kids can pet the kangaroos and other wildlife and the grownups can enjoy the railway, railway museum, craft shops and loads more. Perth features an abundance of similar wildlife parks which are spread around the outskirts of the metropolitan area.

    8:30AM-6PM·Free

28. EatCity Not mapped

    Croissant Express

    You can't walk too far without passing one of these stores that are a good place for a cheap lunch. Ready made salad Baguettes, wraps and bagels are usually quite fresh since they have a high turnover. Some stores have seating in store or alfresco. The one in Carillon Arcade is nice.

    Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM·Baguette $6-9

29. Do Not mapped

    Cycle

    Perth has excellent bike paths and fantastic weather almost all year round which makes it perfect for cycling. The paths that follow the Swan River are very scenic and mostly flat. You can take your own bike or hire a bicycle from one of the bike hire providers located near the Swan River.

30. Drink Not mapped

    Drive Through Liquor Stores

    These are usually open until quite late. It is considered polite to park your car outside and walk through if you are intending to browse and take your time. Many Australians enjoy to drink in the comfort of their own home or backyard as much as they enjoy drinking in their favourite pub.

31. Do Not mapped

    Get out

    For a day in Fremantle; great for a walk around without a specific goal in mind or for some light shopping or why not enjoy a meal or coffee and cake whilst soaking in the atmosphere? Don't miss Fremantle Markets. Fremantle Prison, the Maritime Museum, the Round House and the statue of AC/DC's Bon Scott are popular attractions.

32. Do Not mapped

    Go wine tasting

    Wine tour transport services

    Well renowned among locals and tourists alike, the Swan Valley in the hills boasts some of the country's best wineries and micro-breweries. Although the wine is perhaps not as highly regarded by seasoned wine buffs as that produced in regions such as Margaret River, the Swan Valley features the advantage of being close to the city.

33. DoThe Hills Not mapped

    Mountain bike

    The Perth hills offer a vast range of trails, often maintained by local mountain bike groups. Check out Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park, the Lake Leschenaultia Mountain Bike Trail Network or the Kalamunda Mountain Bike Park to name a few. If you are in for an even bigger challenge, prepare to tackle the Munda Biddi Trail. Starting in Mundaring, it's a 1000 km—trail taking you via the state's South West to Albany on the east coast of Western Australia.

34. EatThe Coast Not mapped

    Peter's by the Sea

    Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Alfresco casual dining that's just across the road from Scarborough Beach. Offers cheap, greasy (but tasty) food such as burgers, kebabs and milkshakes. Also has some retro arcade games for the young (or the young at heart) to play with. Mains: $10-15.

35. Drinkst Island Not mapped

    Pinky's Beach Club

    The newest addition to the island, Pinky's Beach Club offers a more upmarket vibe.

36. EatThe Coast Not mapped

    Sandbar

    Zanders

    Wood-fired pizzas, old-school burgers, craft beers, fine wines with an atmosphere reminiscent of Perth’s 1950s beach scene.

37. SeeThe Coast Not mapped

    Sculptures by the Sea

    Annual exposition staged in Autumn on the beautiful Cottesloe Beach. The exhibition is featured from the sea wall, all the way along the sand towards North Cottesloe and on the surrounding grassed areas, creating a beautiful sculpture park. Each year, tens of thousands of locals and visitors come down to the coast to admire the works from local and international artists.

38. DoThe Coast Not mapped

    Surf

    While the Perth metropolitan area of the Western Australia coast doesn't get the same swells as the famed South West or lesser known North, surfing is still a popular pastime. From late autumn to early spring the ocean comes to life and you should be able to find a wave on Trigg Beach, in Cottesloe or even on Leighton Beach. Keep an eye on the swell maps and when the wind is easterly, go for it! For beginners, summertime waves are the go, and best hit in the morning as the afternoon onshore winds quickly make surfing impossible in summer.

39. DoThe Suburbs Not mapped

    Swan River Boat Charters

    The Magellan Boat Charters

    A fun activity to enjoy with the family or group of friends, exploring the Swan River waterways. The water is crystal clean and the views are majestic. Popular activities include drinks at dusk for a night cruise to check out the city skyline, and day trips to Rottnest Island.

40. Do Not mapped

    Watch a movie

    In addition to the multiplexes showing Hollywood blockbusters at most major shopping centres, there are also some independent or European cinemas, including Paradiso in Northbridge and The Luna cinemas in either Leederville or Fremantle. These cinemas showcase a range of local, Bollywood, French and Italian productions, international film festivals and documentaries throughout the year. If you visit in summer, check out one of the many open air cinemas, located in Kings Park, Movies by Burswood, Luna Leederville, and Mundaring. There's even a rooftop cinema in Northbridge on top of a multi-storey carpark! Perth has one remaining drive-in, located in Kingsley.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Perth (CC BY-SA 4.0).