The best free things to do in Perth

Finding free things to do in Perth is an absolute walk in the park – and you can bet a leisurely stroll is how our list is gonna start. The verdant greenery of Kings Park — one of the world’s largest and most beautiful central parks covering 400 hectares – is a pretty city escape, boasting mesmerising panoramic vistas of the Swan River and city skyline. You’ll be in good company as you venture down one of the many bush walking trails or rest on the immaculate lawns, as Kings Park is one of WA’s most visited tourist destinations and home to 3,000 species of unique flora. You can even join one of the free guided walks, hosted by volunteers every day at 10am and 1pm. 

Where: Starts at the Visitor Information Centre, Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Time Out tip: You don't need to book the free tour, so can just turn up on a whim.  

Sure, Sydney and the Gold Coast may hog the limelight when it comes to famous beaches, but here in Perth, the scorching summer temps, azure waters and pearly-white sands make our shores a natural wonder in a class of their own. Hit up any of Perth’s 19 city beaches for a swim, snorkel or surf, and it’s fair to say you won’t be disappointed. Cottesloe, City and Leighton Beaches are all crowd-pleasers, but you’ll also lap up Mettam’s and Hamersley Pools. Every day is beach weather, so be sure to add an Indian Ocean sunset and an impromptu seaside picnic to your bucket list. 

Where: Around Perth

Time Out tip: You can check out our ultimate guide to the best beaches in and around Perth here.

What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping city views over the Swan River? Running through the centre of town, the riverbank is a favourite spot for both tourists and locals alike. Keep your eye out for the black swans, which the river is named after.

Where: Matilda Bay Reserve, Swan River

Time Out tip: For a peaceful Swan River picnic with city views, we recommend the grassy Matilda Bay Reserve. You can even pack your swimmers for a dip in the calm waters. 

If you were lucky enough to embark on a hot girl European summer in your mid-20s, chances are you tagged along on a free walking tour. Yet, Aussies tend to forget about them when exploring their own country. Strap on your shoes and stretch your legs with a free guided tour where you’ll learn about Perth’s interesting history while discovering our city’s top arts and cultural gems. Departing from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk, these 90-minute history and art tours are completely free. 

Where: Starts at iCity Visitor Kiosk, Murray Street Mall

Time Out tip: Got any questions about Perth or after some insider recs? The visitor kiosk has you covered with tips, tricks and local gems.

There’s always something happening by the seaside in ‘Freo’, a cultural hub where the Swan River kisses the Indian Ocean. Stroll along the foreshore to South Fremantle, cool down in the free museums (WA Shipwreck Museum or Fremantle Arts Centre), potter the Fremantle Markets (one of only two surviving market buildings in WA) and enjoy a swim at the beautiful Bathers Beach. It’s worth mentioning that Bathers is WA’s first licensed beach area, so bring a few bevvies and settle in for a sunset session with BYO treats. 

Where: Fremantle is 30 minutes by car or train from Perth City

Time Out tip: Fremantle has its own five-kilometre Discovery Trail, which is a great way to tick off all the hotspots. It takes around two hours, but you'll want to leave extra time to stop and take in the scenes along the way.

Sitting pretty in the heart of Perth’s cultural hub, the AGWA is a glorious spot where many a woozy weekend can be lost in the throes of art appreciation. Housing the official state collection, accrued since the establishment first opened its doors way back in 1895, there are ridiculous wonders on offer. That includes Balancing Act - a space devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art – alongside works from around Australia and the world. The Brutalist building also hosts a huge rooftop terrace complete with an open-air sculpture walk, rooftop bar and stunning views of Perth’s city skyline.

Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Cnr Roe and Beaufort St, Perth

Time Out tip: Time your visit, so you can watch the sunset from AGWA’s groovy rooftop bar – open every Friday and Saturday evening during the spring and summer months.

Set sail for a free day of exploration at the new waterside development, Elizabeth Quay. Smack bang in the centre of town, the popular eating and drinking hub is also home to The Bell Tower, one of the world’s largest musical instruments. Fun fact: the tower was custom-built to house the historically significant bells of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church — the parish church of Buckingham Palace in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Where: The Esplanade, Perth

Time Out tip: Elizabeth Key is a stop on Perth's free CAT bus network with three routes to choose from: the Blue CAT(Perth Busport and Kings Park), Green CAT (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and Leederville Station) or Purple CAT (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and QEII Medical Centre).

Get buzzed on wine, coffee and chocolate – it’s all in a day’s work in Swan Valley. Just 30 minutes by car from Perth CBD, WA’s oldest wine region is perfect for hopping between stately wineries, beer breweries and historic towns. There are lots of free things that are well worth tucking into, including complimentary tastings at the Margaret River Chocolate Company, House of Honey, Mondo Nougat and Twin Hill Winery.

Where: The Swan Valley is a 25-minute drive from Perth City

Time Out tip: Don't have a car? You can also get to the Swan Valley by catching the Midland line train from Perth CBD and departing at Guildford Station. 

Located in Mundy Regional Park, the scenic two-kilometre Lesmurdie Falls loop is just a quick 30-minute drive from Perth's CBD. The dramatic waterfall steals the show, with its magical, almost New Zealand-like appearance and lush vegetation that grows from where the brook hits the base. The climb back to the car park is short but steep, so pack a picnic to enjoy when you arrive back at the car.

Where: Starts at Lesmurdie Falls car park off Falls Rd, Mundy Regional Park

Time Out tip: Hike after it's rained (typically between May and September) for the best waterfall flow.