10 Must-Visit Attractions in Perth, Australia

Introducing the largest inner-city park in the world, roughly 20% larger than New York’s Central Park (4.06km² compared to 3.41). Kings Park is a verdant thousand-acre oasis in the heart of Perth, offering postcard-perfect views of the city centre and the Swan River, as well as 300-plus native West Australian plants, dozens of bird species and miles of manicured gardens and untamed bushland to explore.

The history of WA’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed building stretches way back to 1855, housing some of Britain’s meanest convicts then the state’s toughest prisoners right up to its closure in 1991. These days you can go on a tour of the historic site — including popular ghost tours — and even spend the night in a cell at the backpackers hostel that occupies the former women’s wing.

1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, +61 8 9336 9200

One look at the snow-white sand, glittering turquoise water, lush green lawns and towering Norfolk pine trees and you’ll learn exactly why Cottesloe is Perth’s most popular beach. The main strip of sand is great for swimming or grabbing a coffee in the iconic Indiana teahouse. North Cottesloe is heaven for snorkelers and South Cottesloe is a surfer’s paradise. Just keep an eye out for sharks.

Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe WA 6011

Cottesloe Beach | © Michael Spencer/Flickr

Most cities feel like they’re a world away from an island paradise — Perth’s lucky enough to have one just a half-hour ferry ride away. ‘Rotto’ only has 100-odd permanent residents but the population swells to 15,000 during summer holidays, when visitors flock for the gorgeous beaches, miles of cycling paths, pristine bushland, historic buildings and the happiest animal on earth: an impossibly photogenic marsupial called the quokka.

Rottnest Island, WA 6161

Quokka on Rottnest Island | © S Rohrlach/Flickr

Within a gorgeous heritage building lies a heavily secured vault and melting house, which serves as Australia’s official gold bullion mint. Perth Mint has been refining gold since 1899 — two years before Australia was even a country — and today walks visitors through the money-making process as well as the rich history of the site. And no, before you ask, they don’t give out free samples.

310 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004, +61 8 9421 7222

You cannot miss this modern glass sculpture that pierces the sky above the Elizabeth Quay precinct – an 82.5-metre tall tower that houses the Swan Bells, which comprise 18 bells sourced from historic churches in London. The Bell Tower is surrounded by ceramic tiles designed by school kids around WA, and contains an observation deck that enjoys peerless bird’s eye views over the Swan River and the city.

Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, +61 8 6210 0444

The Bell Tower | © Didier B/Wikimedia Commons

Visitors with kids — or visitors who themselves are still just big kids at heart — absolutely must include this not-for-profit science and technology museum on their Perth itinerary. For three decades now, Scitech has been thrilling nerds with its rotating program of interactive exhibits, live shows, lab workshops and cutting-edge planetarium.

City West Centre, Sutherland St & Railway Street, Perth WA 6005, +61 8 9215 0700

A state with 20,000 kilometres of coastline is bound to boast an incredibly diverse array of marine life, and WA’s landmark aquarium provides a home for it all. AQWA was the country’s largest aquarium when it opened in 1988 and still boasts a three-million-litre tank containing a 98-metre tunnel to give visitors an intimate view of the resident grey nurse sharks, stingrays and loggerhead turtles.

Perth’s only theme park, 20 kilometres south of the city centre at Bibra Lake, has benefitted from some serious investment in recent years. The $12 million rollercoaster Abyss, $7 million waterslide Kraken, the enchanting Dragon’s Kingdom and the adrenaline-charged Goliath have all been unveiled over the last five years, complementing the 25 rides and water slides that make up Adventure World, which recently celebrated its 35th birthday.

351 Progress Dr, Bibra Lake WA 6163, +61 8 9417 9666