The best things to do in Perth

What is it? The chance to see part of the 8,000-strong Terracotta Warrior army in an exclusive exhibition at Perth’s WA Museum Boola Bardip.

Why go? Running until February 22, 2026, Terracotta Warriors: Legacy of the First Empire is set to make history as the largest museum exhibition Western Australia has ever seen. It will feature a rare delegation of eight Terracotta Army figures – including a general, an armoured infantryman, a charioteer officer and a kneeling archer – plus a whopping 225-odd treasures from ancient China, the majority of which have never been seen in Australia before. 

Time Out tip: For the first time ever, the museum is offering season passes, allowing visitors to return as often as they like throughout the entire exhibition run. 

Address: WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth Cultural Centre, Cnr Francis and Beaufort St

Price: $30 for adults, $15 for kids aged five to 15

What is it? A blockbuster Banky exhibition that has already wowed more than 350,000 people across the nation with its impressive collection of works by the famously anonymous king/queen of street art. It's on now until late September.

Why go? The Art of Banksy: Without Limits Perth edition features more than 200 of the artist’s works, including certified originals – like ‘Flower Thrower’, ‘Rude Copper’ and, of course, ‘Girl with Balloon’ – along with murals, sculptures, photos and mapping shows (in plain speak: images or animations projected onto irregularly shaped surfaces). 

Time Out tip: You’ll have the chance to join the spirit of Banksy’s activism and spray paint your very own T-shirt by donation. 

Where: Northbridge Centre, 30 Beaufort Street, Perth

Price: From $37

What is it? Perth’s most beautiful, white-sand beach, perfect for sunset dips and romantic strolls.

Why go? When it comes to beaches in Perth, we are definitely spoiled for choice. But for the most photogenic seaside destinations in WA, Cottesloe Beach is easily among the top hot spots. With its shady Norfolk pines, pristine sand and abundance of watering holes, there’s just something about Cott that makes it the ideal spot for any occasion. Swimming, snorkelling, surfing or sipping the evening away, this picturesque beach is a WA icon.

Time Out tip: The main beach gets busy in summer, so consider strolling over to North Cottesloe for a more relaxed day out. 

Address: Marine Pde, Cottesloe

Price: Free

What is it? One of the largest inner-city parks in the world.

Why go? Boasting uninterrupted views of Perth City and showcasing a collection of native WA flora and fauna, it’s pretty easy to get lost in the moment at Kings Park. But there’s more to this 400-plus hectare park than meets the eye. With cultivated gardens, untamed bushland, various walking trails and plenty of lush green grass to throw down a picnic rug, it’s no surprise this popular tourist spot is visited by millions of people each year. 

Time Out tip: In the summer, there’s even more reason to visit Kings Park with pop-up movies by Moonlight Cinema.

Address: Enter via Fraser Ave, Saw Ave or Poole Ave

Price: Free

What is it? This October, Perth’s most luxe hotel turns ten – and instead of cake, it’s celebrating with a month-long program of exclusive events.

Why go? Tucked inside Perth’s most beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, COMO The Treasury is the kind of hotel that makes you want to check in and never check out. But you don’t need to splurge on a stay to experience the magic. Every Wednesday throughout October, the State Buildings will host Our Great State – a series of thought-provoking panels and performances spanning everything from art and design to film and storytelling. The rest of the line-up is just as delicious: a week-long takeover of Cape Arid Rooms’ high tea by viral French pâtissier Cédric Grolet, a special one-off performance by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, a Beer Corner Degustation, Long Chim Night Markets and rare behind-the-scenes visits to Philippa Nikulinsky’s home studio.

Time Out tip: That’s just a taster of COMO’ The Treasury’s tenth anniversary program, which you can explore here.

Where: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth

Price: Varies per event

What is it? After impressing more than 57 million curious minds around the world, the jaw-dropping exhibition Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness is making its Aussie West Coast debut.

Why go? Pull our leg, why don’t you? Created by Dr Gunther von Hagens – the inventor of plastination – this fascinating showcase features real human specimens preserved through his groundbreaking process, offering a rare, science-backed look at how our emotions leave visible traces on the body and impact our long-term health. Exhibition highlights include the interactive Anatomical Mirror, which shows exactly where vital organs sit inside your own body; the Save Your Spine installation, reminding you to sit a little straighter; and an eye-opening side-by-side comparison of healthy versus diseased organs. Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness will be on show at Northbridge Centre from November 7.

Time Out tip: It's safer to grab your tickets online first here.

Where: Northbridge Centre, 30 Beaufort St, Perth

Price: From $32 for adults and $18 for children

What is it? Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience is a brand new exhibition in Perth featuring more than 80 life-size and hyper-realistic dinosaurs – we’re talking velociraptors, pterodactyls and, of course, the mighty T-rex. It's on from July 4 to late November.

Why go? Buckle up, because it’s time to live out all your Jurassic Park fantasies (minus all the chompy parts, obvs). In addition to life-size dinosaurs and moving animatronics, there's also a virtual aquarium (where you can get up close with some truly terrifying monsters of the deep), VR technology, incredible installations and even an interactive area where kids can pretend to be paleontologists in search of dino bones.

Time Out tip: You should allow at least 75 minutes to wander through and properly soak up the excitement of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Address: Northbridge Centre, 30 Beaufort Street, Perth

Price: From $28.90 for adults and $19.90 for children aged three to 12

What is it? A buzzing market on Fremantle’s South Terrace that has been operating for over a century. It's open every Friday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Why go? With more than 150 stalls, the Fremantle Markets are a weekend must-visit for locals and tourists in Perth. Whether you’re a regular market-goer or a first-timer, there is something to eat and marvel at for just about everyone. Wander the aisles filled with weird, wacky and wonderful products, then make your way to the yard where you’ll be seriously overwhelmed with the food options on offer. After you’ve eaten your body weight in fried chicken, banh mi, souvlaki and eggy brioche sambos, grab some fresh local produce and a Levi’s hot doughnut for the road.

Time Out tip: It's always a good idea to bring cash, just in case any of the stallholders don't accept card payments.

Address: South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle 

Price: Free

What is it? A 90-minute after-dark guided tour of Fremantle Prison – the notorious convict jail that opened in the 1850s.

Why go? A Torchlight Tour about the grounds, which finally closed in 1991 after housing some of WA’s most notorious criminals, is like a Halloween-inspired Groundhog Day. The tour is scary but compelling and pretty much does what it says on the can: “The prison walls echo with stories of loneliness, pain and suffering, of executions gone wrong, of the innocent unjustly punished and the guilty punished.”

Time Out tip: If you or one of your group turns peckish on your visit, a café also operates on-site, and it promises to be a far cry from prison food.  

Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle 

Price: $30 for adults, $20 for children aged four to 15

What is it? A charming Cottesloe bakery famous for its mega-sized cinnamon scrolls.

Why go? We’ve been told many times that North Street Store’s cinny scrolls are the best in the country – and we dare you to find out for yourself. Warm and flaky, they’re drizzled with just the right amount of icing that you won’t feel sick eating one or two for brekkie. If you’re more of a savoury slinger, you can instead fill up on French-style filled baguettes, stone-baked pizzas and classic savoury pastries.

Time Out tip: Keep in mind, it’s takeaway only. Luckily, you’re just a short stroll from Cottesloe Beach, where you can enjoy your buttery goodness with a view.

Address: 16 North St, Cottesloe

Price: $6.50 for a cinnamon scroll

What is it? An A-class nature reserve boasting 63 white-as-snow beaches perfect for snorkelling, diving, surfing off the back breaks and snapping selfies with quokkas.

Why go? It’s just an hour’s ferry ride from the mainland to Rotto, where you can spend a day lapping up the sun and meeting the island’s cutest inhabitants: quokkas. The marsupials are native to Rottnest and are heavily protected, yet love to investigate and mingle with new visitors, especially those who have visited Rottnest Bakery – be warned, your cinny scroll will not be safe. They are the main patrons of Hotel Rottnest’s beer garden and the extra luxe Samphire Rottnest, so if you are lucky, expect to get up close and personal with the furry critters. Remember to always approach with caution when leaning in for a selfie.

Time Out tip: You can check out more of our top recommendations for a day trip or long weekend on Rottnest Island here.

Address: Rottnest Island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle or 90 minutes from Perth's Barrack Street Jetty

Price: One-way ferry from $38 departing Fremantle or $61 departing Perth

What is it? A top-tier list of the best drinking holes in Perth, where epic cocktails meet even more epic skyline views.

Why go? It really doesn’t get much better than sipping on an Aperol spritz or two while gazing out across the sparkling Swan River at sunset. Or maybe you prefer the vivacious chatter of friends while perched among the bright lights of the city skyline. Find your next happy hour spot using our list of Perth’s best rooftop bars, including the tiny but mighty Mechanics Institute, Mediterranean-inspired boozer The Standard, and the newly opened Stories Rooftop.

Time Out tip: Keen for dinner after drinks? Here's our guide to the best restaurants in Perth. 

Address: Across Perth

Price: Prices vary, but expect to pay $20-$25 for a cocktail

What is it? The state’s leading art gallery with the largest rooftop bar in Perth.

Why go? A glittering gem at the heart of Perth’s Cultural Centre, this gallery is where you can spend a woozy weekend lost in the throes of art appreciation. Housing the official state collection, accrued since the establishment first opened way back in 1895, there are ridiculous wonders on offer. That includes Balancing Act – a space devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. A trip to this central gem isn’t complete without ascending to the renovated rooftop area, complete with stunning 360-degree views of Perth’s city skyline, an open-air sculpture walk and an illuminating 34-metre artwork by Christopher Pease. The rooftop is actually the largest in the land (Perth, that is), accommodating up to 400 gallery-goers, to be exact.

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.

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

Price: Free (excl. some special exhibitions and events)

What is it? Standing at 82.5 metres, Perth City’s landmark pride and joy features 18 bells, most of which are from Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London.

Why go? The 14th-century bells are impressive in their own right, but together, they form one of the largest musical instruments in the world. The Bell Tower isn’t just visually intriguing either – a tour of the structure’s innards offers up-close perspectives of the bell-ringing in action, as well as the opportunity to try your hand at some good old-fashioned tintinnabulation (bell-ringing). Not to mention divine sixth-level vistas across the mighty Swan River – it’s the whole package.

Time Out tip: You can go behind the scenes on a Bell Ringing Tour and Workshop to see what the fuss is all about.

Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth

Price: Tours from $15

What is it? A sunny, seaside bar in South Fremantle with sustainable seafood and an ever-changing wine list.

Why go? Hook, line and sinker, Madalenas is easily one of the best bars in Western Australia right now. The sun-filled boteco sources the freshest sustainably caught seafood from local suppliers at Fins Seafood and pairs it with seasonal goodness from their thriving kitchen garden. Wind down on the weekend with a chardonnay off Madalena’s white marble bar or settle in post-swim for dinner and drinks upstairs.

Time Out tip: Craving another cuisine? You can check out our guide to all the best restaurants in Perth here.

Address: 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle 

Price: Expect to pay $20-$30 for a starter and $35-$50 for a main

What is it? One of Perth’s best day walks in the beautiful Serpentine National Park.

Why go? Lace up for this impressive 17.5km return trail, just under an hour’s drive from Perth CBD. Kitty’s Gorge Trail traces the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook, with remarkable granite outcrops, blooming wildflowers and waterfall views. The trail has loose sections, short steep hills, uneven ground and steps – lots of them, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers for a refreshing dip in Serpentine Falls.

Time Out tip: We recommend hiking during wildflower season from July to November (peaking in September), when the park blooms to life with colourful orchids, banksias and kangaroo paws. 

Address: Starts at Jarrahdale Cemetery car park or the Serpentine Falls car park, Serpentine National Park

Price: Free

What is it? Located atop a multi-storey car park in Northbridge, Rooftop Movies is Perth's first rooftop cinema, screening films of all genres nightly from October to March.

Why go? Round up your mates for a movie night at the cinema with the best views in town. Rooftop Movies plays a diverse line-up of films, with everything from Oscar-winning flicks and throwbacks to blockbuster hits and new releases. Of course, there’s also a candy bar slinging buttery popcorn, local ice creams, juicy burgers and refreshing cocktails.

Time Out tip: Seating runs on a first-in, best-dressed basis, so arrive early for the best views.

Address: Level 6, CPP Roe Street Car Park, Northbridge

Price: $16-$36

What is it? A leisurely 10.5km loop, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the city on two wheels.

Why go? To cyclists, Perth may be considered the Scandinavia of the south – the city is home to hundreds of kilometres of bike paths safely tucked away from busy roads. Set aside about one hour for the popular Swan River Loop Cycle Trail that winds around the South Perth foreshore. Call into the Millpoint Caffe Bookshop for an energising coffee or juice and then continue over the Causeway Bridge, taking in views of Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary below.

Time Out tip: You can easily hire bikes from Kings Park and Point Fraser. 

Address: Start at Point Fraser, McCallum Park or Burswood Park

Price: Free

What is it? A larger-than-life outdoor exhibition featuring five enormous wooden giants.

Why go? WA’s largest regional city, Mandurah, located less than an hour south of Perth, has transformed into the ultimate outdoor playground for internationally renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo’s magical Giants of Mandurah exhibition. Bring the whole family along to play, as you collect clues to discover the final secret giant hiding in the wetlands. The free, interactive exhibition launched in November 2022, but the Giants are here to stay for at least three more years.

Time Out tip: It's a good idea to tackle this one in a car, as the giants are spread across 40 kilometres. 

Address: Mandurah's Visitor Centre is a one-hour drive from Perth CBD

Price: Free

What is it? An excuse to get all dolled up and indulge in Perth’s most refined high tea experience at the oh-so-sophisticated COMO The Treasury. Expect a seasonally evolving menu with a strong focus on native ingredients, plus unlimited tea.

Why go? Widely regarded as Western Australia’s finest hotel, COMO The Treasury offers a slice of the luxe life through its elegant Cape Arid Rooms. Tucked in the south-eastern wing of the heritage-listed State Buildings, the warm and welcoming tea room is inspired by Alex and Philippa Nikulinsky’s Cape Arid Collection – where delicate bites mirror the intricacy of their watercolour works. Each sitting features the best of the season: three savoury snacks, three bite-sized desserts and two warm scones fresh from the oven. All treats are served with unlimited Teassential tea or filter coffee, with Champagne or specialty cocktails available as add-ons. Whatever the month, rest assured that delightful, intricate fare and sips are on the horizon. 

Time Out tip: Got a sweet tooth? Here are more of the best high teas in Perth.

Address: Cape Arid Rooms, State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth

Price: $85 per person

What is it? An easy five-kilometre hiking trail in Bold Park, City Beach, located just 14 minutes from Perth’s CBD.

Why go? Get some exercise while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature on this very achievable 1.5-hour loop. The Zamia Trail is home to more than 300 species of plants and wildlife, including birds, mammals and reptiles – so keep your eyes peeled. Bring your furry friend and enjoy the lovely contrast of both city and ocean views. The Zamia Trail is sprinkled with park benches, perfect to perch and enjoy morning tea or lunch.

Time Out tip: You can check out more great walks in and around Perth here.

Address: Starts at Reabold Hill car park, Scenic Dr, City Beach

Price: Free

What is it? The new kid on the (arts precinct) block. 

Why go? While the Perth Cultural Centre may ooze charm from its red brick and old-timey buildings, the WA Museum Boola Bardip was meant to stand out with its edgy modern architecture that interconnects and wraps around its older neighbours. Opening in 2020, Boola Bardip means “many stories” in the language of the Nyoongar people native to the area. The museum houses eight galleries, each with its own distinct area to explore. While many of these are reserved for showcasing Western Australia’s rich history, incredible flora and fauna and Aboriginal Culture, the museum also plays host to a whole heap of travelling exhibitions like antiques from the Netherlands or relics from Ancient Egypt.

Time Out tip: Head to the WA Museum Boola Bardip before February 22, 2026, to see Australia's largest Terracotta Warriors exhibition.

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

Price: $15 for adults, free for kids under 16 years

What is it? Perth’s top secret speakeasy rum bar with entry via password only.

Why go? If you don’t mind a good rum, Sneaky Tony's has your name written all over it. A hop, skip or stumble down an alleyway in Chinatown and you’ll find yourself at the alluring door of Sneaky Tony’s. If you wish to enter, you’ll have to proclaim the daily password, which may or may not be found on Facebook. With shelves boasting an impressive collection of more than 300 rums from all four corners of the globe, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Or go hard on the cocktails. For those after hard liquor, the expert mixologists will pinpoint the perfect drink for you.

Time Out tip: Remember, you'll need a password to enter. Find it on Sneaky Tony's Facebook page here.

Address: 38 Roe St, Northbridge

Price: Expect to pay $25 for a cocktail

What is it? A picturesque landscape of WA’s oldest wine region with plenty to eat, drink and do.

Why go? If you like all things wine, cheese, chocolate and nature, then you’ll love the Swan Valley. In less than 30 minutes, you can drive from Perth’s CBD and into one of the Valley's many charming wineries. But if wine isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of nature to explore via foot, bike or horse – for those brave enough. If you’ve got the time, the best way to explore the Swan Valley is on one of the eight themed trails that range from wine to art, seasonal produce and even a bush tucker experience.

Time Out tip: We recommend stopping into the historic town of Guildford, which is known for its grand 19th-century architecture.

Address: The Swan Valley is a 30-minute drive from Perth CBD

Price: Free

What is it? A romantic gondola ride offering a fancy way to explore the Swan River.

Why go? Because not everyone can make it over to Italy, Gondolas on the Swan are bringing a bit of Venice to Elizabeth Quay. Sit tight in the hand-crafted wooden gondola, which was designed and built in Perth, while your gondolier gently steers you past Perth City with Italian music gently playing in the background. The cruises range from 15 minutes to half an hour and carry up to eight passengers, so you can bring your nonna along too.

Time Out tip: A romantic sunset gondola cruise would make for the perfect date night (hint, hint). 

Address: Elizabeth Quay, Perth City

Price: From $75 for adults and $50 for children under 12

What is it? From concerts and cabaret to drama and dance, His Majesty’s Theatre is one of Perth’s premier destinations for a night on the town.

Why go? This 120-year-old gem sits in good company on Perth’s bustling Hay Street, surrounded by some of the city’s finest restaurants. Before the curtains rise, share snacks and Sangria at the adjacent Spanish tapas bar, Heno and Rey. Then, sink into the plush red seats as first-class acts from near and far light up the stage.

Time Out tip: Why rush home when one of Perth’s only five-star hotels, the InterContinental, is just next door? 

Address: 827-905 Hay St, Perth

Price: Dependant on show