Perth Walking Tour: 15 Places To Visit in Perth, Australia

We only had one day in Perth, Australia – and we wanted to make the most of it! On our quick stop – while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Mauritius – we packed our Perth itinerary with the city’s top sights. Using a list of the best places to visit in Perth, we created an easy-to-follow Self-Guided Perth Walking Tour.

The Perth tourist attractions included in our list are clustered near the Central Business District (CBD). Because of their close proximity, you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Our Self-Guided Walking Tour is one of the best free things to do in Perth, Australia!

 

Perth Walking Tour

We made our Perth Sightseeing guide completely user-friendly. In addition to sight information, we have included turn-by-turn directions to easily route your way through Perth. Also, below, you will find a link to a Perth map of sights to help in your navigation. At the end of the article, we include more information about other Perth activities and highly-rated Perth day trips!

 

What You Will Need for Walks in Perth, Australia

Don’t forget to pack these essential items on your walking tour of places to see in Perth!

 

Travel Shoes for our Perth Walking Tour

Our Perth City Walking Tour sticks mostly to sidewalks – but the route is 5 miles long. Wearing comfortable city walking shoes – like these by Columbia (for women) and these by Merrell (for men) – is necessary!

 

Water Bottle and Day Pack

The tap water in Perth is safe to drink, so use a refillable bottle, like this collapsible water bottle, which is perfect for travelers. Also, whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want to be sure to have a great day bag to organize all your everyday travel essentials.

 

Travel Camera for Perth Photography

Make sure to bring a camera with you for your Perth sightseeing tour! We use this DSLR Camera, which we love, for all our photos. Some travelers may prefer a slim and lightweight Canon Powershot, which takes great pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera.

 

Sunscreen and Umbrella

Be prepared for those elements Down Under! Wear sunscreen and/or a wide-brimmed travel hat. And, if there is rain in the forecast, carry a travel umbrella or brolly, as they call it in Australia!

 

Perth City Map

When sightseeing Perth, it’s a good idea to carry an actual guidebook. While we do provide links to online maps, free Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable and phone batteries can die – so it’s good to have a back-up. Alternatively, a portable phone charger and a Global WiFi device works, too!

 

Travel Planning Printables

As you plan your trip to Australia, keeping track of the details is essential. Stay organized with our simple Printable Travel Planner. It contains 26 pages of trip organization! 

 

Travel Insurance for Australia

Sometimes travel doesn’t go to plan. Bags get lost, flights cancel and travelers get sick. Trip insurance may be able to help. Check rates and coverage for your trip to Australia on World Nomads.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Perth Travel Guide for your vacation to Australia!

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Self-Guided Walk To 15 Places To Visit in Perth, Australia

Our free walking tour of Perth includes top highlights, history and landmarks. Start your Perth walking tour in the heart of the city at Elizabeth Quay.

 

#1 Elizabeth Quay, Perth

A hub of activity on the shore of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is the perfect place to begin your Perth sightseeing tour. Named to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II, the waterfront district boasts numerous restaurants, bars, artworks and a few top Perth sights. 

Walk to the east side of Elizabeth Quay to find the modern Bell Tower.

 

#2 The Bell Tower: Swan Bells, Perth

The iconic Swans Bells Tower is one of the Perth landmarks at Elizabeth Quay. The 18 bells are housed in a 270-foot-tall glass tower on the riverbank. Twelve of the bells were cast in the 14^th century and were previously used at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London.

 

Bell Tower Experience Tour

Visitors can tour the inside of the tower to learn about the history of the bells, take in the sweeping views of the river and even try ringing the bells for themselves! Find out more and buy your ticket in advance.

From Swan Bells, walk southeast to the Swan River riverside path.

 

#3 Swan River Walk

The Swan River meanders past the city, flowing southwest toward Freemantle and the Indian Ocean. Both banks are lined with paved trails, which is perfect for a River Walk. Visitors and locals enjoy watching boats (and of course swans) on the water and looking back toward the city for the skyline views. Spending time strolling along the paths is a must-do in Perth!

Walk on the riverside path to Victoria Avenue. Cross and walk diagonally (northeast) through Langley Park.

 

#4 Langley Park, Perth

Langley Park is a large, rectangular green space along the Swan River. Flat and grassy, the lawn is used for informal recreational sports – and even as an airfield for small aircraft. Festive events – like NYE fireworks and Australia Day celebrations – are often held in Langley Park. 

At Hill Street, walk north to The Mint.

 

#5 Perth Mint

A Western Australia historic landmark, the Perth Mint opened in 1899 as a branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – and continues to be used today for the production of coins. The mint building and operations are a fascinating part of Perth history.

 

The Heritage Perth Mint Tour

Guests are invited to take an informative and entertaining tour of the Perth Mint. The guided 1-hour tour includes activities like gazing at the world’s largest pure gold coin and watching gold being poured into bars. Read rave reviews and buy your tickets in advance!

From the Mint, walk west on Goderich Street to Victoria Square and St. Mary’s Cathedral.

 

#6 St. Mary’s Cathedral, Perth

The history of St. Mary’s Cathedral dates to 1863, when the first stone was laid. Formally called the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church was completed in 1865. Since then, the cathedral has been renovated and expanded twice. Visitors are welcome to step inside for a moment of solitude and quiet reflection.

From the church, walk half a block west to the Old Fire Station.

 

#7 Old Perth Fire Station and Museum

Used from 1901 until 1979 by the Perth Fire Brigade, the Old Fire Station was the first purpose-built fire station in the city. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style by Cavanagh (who is responsible for several other historic buildings in Perth), the heritage-listed building now houses the Fire Safety Education Center and Museum. The museum is one of the free places to go in Perth, but it is only open three days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – from 10am to 3pm.

From the Fire Station, walk west to Irwin Street. Turn left (south) and walk to St. George’s Terrace. Cross St. George’s Terrace to the south side of the street; turn left (east) and walk to the Perth Concert Hall.

 

#8 Perth Concert Hall

A marvel at the time of completion in the 1970s, the Brutalist mid-century classical Perth Concert Hall was the first concert hall built after World War II. The interior features a winding staircase, a 3,000-pipe organ and seating for more than 1,700 people. Performances range from classical to contemporary.

Retrace your steps, walking west on St. George’s Terrace half a block to Government House.

 

#9 Perth Government House

The two-story mansion west of the Concert Hall is the Perth Government House. It serves as the official residence of the Governor of Western Australia – as it has since it was built in 1864.The building’s design incorporates stone and brick and features square windows, decorative gables and turrets.

Since Swan River Colony was established in 1829, the site of the Government House has been used as housing and offices for staff. Other nearby buildings include the City of Perth Council House, the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the Old Court House (the oldest building in the city).

Walk west on St. George’s Terrace past the Council House to the corner park, Stirling Gardens.

 

#10 Stirling Gardens, Perth

At the corner of St. Georges Terrace and Barrack Street is Stirling Gardens. Opened as a botanical garden in 1845, it’s the oldest park in the city. Statues (including kangaroos), artwork and water features are found throughout the small space.

Cross to the north side of the street and walk east to take a peek inside the St. George’s Cathedral.

 

#11 St. George’s Anglican Cathedral

Built in the late 1800s, the St. George’s Cathedral is listed on the State Heritage Register. For us, the church is one of the most awe-inspiring and peaceful Perth places to visit. From the outside, the red-brick building is beautiful…but inside it is simply stunning. Sunlight playfully filters through the stained-glass windows and dances on the brick and wooden interior.

Retrace your steps, walking west on St. George’s Terrace to Barrack St. Turn right (north) and walk to Hay Street; on the corner is Town Hall.

 

#12 Perth Town Hall

When the Town Hall was built in 1870, the classic clock tower made it the tallest building in the city. Today, the historic district sits in the shadow of nearby skyscrapers. The brick, Gothic-style Town Hall, which was built by convicts, has undergone major renovations over the years. Visitors are free to view the interior, which is open to the public from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday.  

From Town Hall, walk west on the pedestrian-only Hay Street. Walk about 100m, keeping an eye out for the clock and entrance to London Court.

 

#13 London Court

The open-air shopping arcade, London Court, was designed in 1937 and is listed on the National Trust of Australia. The old-world, cobblestoned lane is lined with boutique shops and chic cafes. The street connects Hay Street to St. George’s Terrace. Both entrances are ornately decorated and adorned with clocks on the outside and statues on the inside.

Your Perth city walk could end here, but we recommend hopping on a free Green Cat bus and riding uphill to Kings Park. Note: It is possible to walk to the park, too! 

 

#14 Kings Park, Perth

The lush, expansive Kings Park is a nature retreat near the heart of the city. In fact, the park is one of the best places to walk in Perth! Walking trails wind through the park to war memorials, planned gardens and scenic viewpoints.

You can spend hours wandering the paths, admiring the views and enjoying the fresh air. One of the best cheap things to do in Perth is to grab food from the grocery store and find a picnic spot in Kings Park.

 

WA State War Memorial

Located on Mount Eliza, the monument overlooks the city and river below. In addition to the Flame of Remembrance and Pool of Reflection, names of soldiers who died at war are etched into the monument.

 

Perth Botanic Garden

The Western Australian Botanic Garden features an astounding array of native Australian plants. Make sure to seek out the iconic Boab Tree and the Pioneer Woman’s Fountain.

 

DNA Tower

The viewpoint DNA Tower sits on the highest point in the park. There are 101 steps to the top of the structure that resembles a double helix.

 

Perth Walking Trails

The two most popular walking trails in Perth Kings Park are Law Walk (a 1.5-mile loop) and Kokoda Track. Visitors can obtain more information about the Perth trails at the park’s information center or online. 

 

Kings Park Perth Walking Tours

Volunteers lead nature walks in Perth Kings Park three times daily. The guided walking tours are free and feature the highlights of the park, as well as information about the history of the land.

 

PERTH FREE BUS: It’s fairly easy to walk around Perth, but when your feet get tired, you can hop on a Free Perth Bus! The Perth CAT Bus (Central Area Transit) has four lines – Red, Blue, Yellow and Green – that make getting around the CBD free and easy! Get more information here.

If want to keep exploring Perth, we recommend catching another free ride on a CAT bus north of the CBD to the Northbridge district.

 

#15 Northbridge, Perth

Northbridge is a multicultural enclave that features modern art museums and international eateries, which makes visiting the neighborhood another one of the fun things to do in Perth. However, we went to Northbridge in search of craft beer.

Specifically, we went to check out Northbridge Brewing Company (oh, how we love the Craft Beer in Australia!) The Northbridge Brewing Co. is responsible for the award-winning Beerland brews and they have a fantastic food menu as well, with the pizzas getting high marks. Read reviews!

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Perth City Map

Find our Map of Perth Sights on Google. For a link to the walking route (not including Kings Park and Northbridge), use this Map.

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Perth Tours

We were only in Perth for one day, so we didn’t have time to take any excursions. However, those with more time and are looking for more things to do and places to go in Perth might want to check out these popular activities!

 

Perth Beaches

The Perth CBD may sit along the river, but the long Western Australia coastline is just a 20-minute drive away…and that’s where the best beaches in Perth are! Visitors who want to put their feet in the sand or swim in the sea just need to head west. The region’s top beaches are Cottesloe Beach, Bathers Beach and Brighton Beach. Or, go further south to Rockingham on a tour to swim with the dolphins!

 

Hiking Perth Hills

What to see in Perth, Australia is not limited to city sights and beaches. Perth Hills – the tree-covered hills to the east of the city – is an ideal escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can use the network of trails for Perth Hills walks and hikes. There are tracks that lead to beautiful waterfalls and scenic picnic spots.

 

Rottnest Island Day Trip

Join one of the Perth guided tours to Rottnest Island. Top sights include the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, the Cathedral Rocks lookout and military tunnels at Oliver Hill Battery. Admission, fees and lunch are included. Get the specific details and reserve your spot!

Rather enjoy the natural sights of the island? Travel by speed boat from Perth and enjoy a day of adventure on Rottnest Island. Find out more and Read Reviews!

 

Perth River Cruise and Wine Tasting Tour

Join one of the highly-rated Perth day tours and set sail on a Swan River Cruise that includes on-board wine tasting, a stop at a local winery and a 2-course lunch. Read the Rave Reviews and Reserve your Spot!

 

Cider, Wine and Whiskey Tour from Perth

Venture beyond the city limits and into the Bickley Valley to visit the region’s wineries, cider mills and distilleries. This tour includes lunch, too. Check prices and availability!

 

Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Visiting Other Top Destinations In Australia? Good on ya! We’ve got you covered with our detailed guides to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast!

Also get our top tips on Diving The Great Barrier Reef, coastal walks from Bondi to Coogee, Visiting the Blue Mountains and how to experience the Great Ocean Road on a budget!

 

 

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