front view of the fallen soldiers memorial in Kings park
Perth is a confident and bold urban statement on Australia’s far western shores. As the capital city of Western Australia, it is one of the world’s most remote state capital, facing the eastern Indian Ocean alone. The CBD area of Perth stretches along the Swan River where skyscrapers dominate the picture. It is just like any CBD area of the modern city. You may have one moment of doubting whether you are in Singapore or Hong Kong. But behind the edifices, you will get the true taste of this city – the 19th-century buildings and facades mixed with the patches of greenery. Here are the top 10 places we think you shall never miss in Perth.
morning view of Perth skyline
aerial view of Perth city
Kings Park & Botanic Garden
The floral clock in full bloom in Kings Park
Federation Walkway in Kings Park
Kings Park is one of the largest and most beautiful inner city parks you can find in Australia. It sits on the western edge of the central business district of Perth, where you can have a great overlook of the whole city: the silken blue Swan River, the city’s skyline and the Darling Ranges.Two-thirds of the 400-hectare Kings Park is covered with bushland which makes it a real haven for wild habitats.The rest are cultivated gardens where are perfect for picnics, weddings and family parties.
Kings Park is also the home to the Western Australia Botanic Garden. The 17-hectare garden holds more than 2000 species of unique Australian flora.If you are a plantsman, the dynamic, living research center inside the Botanic Garden is a good place to discover the famed state’s flora.
Kings Park is famous for its walk tours, among which the 620 m-long Lotterywest Federation Walkway is the most beloved one. The highlight of this walk is a 222 m-long glass-and-steel bridge where you can have a panoramic view of the treetops and stunning riverbank. A big surprise at the end of the trail is a 750-year-old specimen of the mighty boab tree from the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
- Address: Perth WA 6005, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Swan River
View from across the Swan River.
Elizabeth Quay – where the Swan River meets the southwest coast.
The name of Swan River comes from the famous black swans once inhabited besides the river. Back to the early days, Swan River once played an important role in connecting Fremantle, Perth and Guildford for business and trade. Nowadays, it becomes the perfect place to experience Perth’s cozy style life where you can picnic in the riverside parks or cast a fishing line. If you want to enjoy outdoor fun, Swan River offers you the best place to swim, sail and kayak.
- Address: Swan River, West Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Bell Tower
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. This 82.5-meter tall tower sits at the Barrack Square on the south edge of the city. This glass spire shaped tower contains the royal bells of London’s St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, the oldest of which dates to 1550.They were given to West Australia by the British government in 1988.The observation deck at the top of the tower provide 360-degree views of the Swan River and Perth CBD.
Aquarium of West Australia
Aquarium of West Australia Entrance
Happy family at the Aquarium of West Australia
The Aquarium of West Australia is the aquarium that you don’t want to miss. It is featured with a 98-m underwater tunnel showcasing more the 200 species of marine animals, such as stingrays, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, fish and sharks. The living coral reefs are another feature.You could discover the whole West Australia coastline in just one day, explore the five distinct themed zones, Far North, Coral Coast, Shipwreck Coast, Perth and Great Southern.If you can’t make your trip to great coral reef in Australia, at least you should mark this aquarium. And if you are daring enough, a snorkel or dive with the sharks with aquarium’s dive master adventure will be a lifelong memory.
Address: 91 Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025, Australia
Contact: +61 8 9447 7500
Opening Hours: 10AM to 5PM
Official Website: http://www.aqwa.com.au/
Perth Zoo
A keeper plays with an Asian elephant during a show for visitors at Perth Zoo in 2013. The elephant, which is 23 years old, is one of three at the Perth Zoo.
Cute Koala in Perth Zoo
After disembarking the ferry at the Mends St. Jetty, you are just 5-minute walk distance from the country’s unique wildlife in the region – Perth Zoo. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, they are star animals you must see. Besides these local residences, you will also get a chance to meet the visitors from overall the worlds at this far far away continent. African Savannah, Sumatran orangutans, elephant, just to name a few. You will spend an inspiring day enjoying the walk & talk tours and having a great lesson on how to protect wildlife from zoo keepers.
Koala eating eucalyptus leaves; Kangaroo are lying in the sun just a foot distance (Pic from Haopeng)
Address: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia
Contact: +61 8 9474 0444
Opening Hours: 9AM to 5PM
Official Website: https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/
Perth Mint
Opened in 1899, the Perth Mint is the official bullion mint of Australia. It is owned by the government of Western Australia.
World’s largest gold coin produced by the Perth Mint and weighing in at 1000kg
Perth Mint is Australia’s official bullion mint that entirely owned by the Government of Western Australia since 1899. Pert Mint shows you the history of gold using the latest innovation in exhibition design and audio visual technology. The highlight of the exhibition is the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, which is the largest coin the world as recognized by the Guinness World Record. This monumental centerpiece, valued at more than $50million, is showcased in all its golden glory on a revolving platform. In addition, you could mint your own coin and watch the gold pours after the gold discovery journey.
Address: 310 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004, Australia
Contact: +61 8 9421 7222
Opening Hours: 9AM to 5PM
Official Website: http://www.perthmint.com.au/
Perth Cultural Center
The Western Australian Museum in Perth, now closed, will reopen in 2020 as the New Museum for Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Center.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a public art gallery located in the Perth Cultural Center.
Perth Culture Center consists of the Western Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Library and Information Service of Western Australia. The component members of the cultural center have different purposes but are all contributors to the arts and culture scene of Perth.
The Western Australian Museum unveils the Western Australia’s natural and social history with an extensive collection of Aboriginal artifacts.The Art Gallery of WA housed both international and Australian’s preeminent art collections from 1829 to the present day.After wandering through an exhibition, you could step into the State Library, read a book or enjoy a film. There’s always something for everyone in the library.
Address: Bordered by Roe Street, Beaufort Street, Francis Street and, William St, Northbridge WA 6003
Contact: +61 8 6557 0700
Official Website: perthculturalcentre.com.au/
Swan Valley
Swan Valley, Perth
Lines of Chardonnay vines in the Swan Valley
Swan is the best place to head out for a day with the family. You can either take a ferry from Perth City from the Swan River to the Swan Valley or take a 25-min drive from Perth CBD. There is a 32-km long food and wine loop trail where hosts more than 150 wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, cafes and art galleries. You can customize your stay by using regions map provided by the visitor center. The best choice is to stay overnight, wander around Guildford’s historic shopping precincts at twilight, wake up by birds singing, breathe fresh country air and start to explore for another day. To fully explore the valley, a car is essential. Alternatively, guided tours are available.
Address: Swan Valley Visitors Centre, Corner of Meadow and Swan Streets, Guildford, WA 6055
Official Website: http://www.swanvalley.com.au/
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle and has been a favorite destination for a seaside holiday for Perth locals during the past 100 years. It is located near to the city center. The pine-fringed beach claims to be the safest swimming city beach. Crystal clear waters and consistent waves make it a popular spot for swimmers, body boarders and surfers. For families, Cottesloe Beach is great spot to chill out and picnics under shady Norfolk Pines and watch the fantastic sunset across the ocean.
Address: Marine Parade, Cottesloe, WA 6011
Aviation Heritage Museum
Even for those who are not interested in aircraft will be surprised by the impressive collections at the Aviation Heritage Museum. It exhibits more than 30 full-size aircraft as well as thousands of smaller flight-related exhibits. All the aircraft are maintained in remarkably good condition, trace the evolution of aircraft from two-winged war planes to present day passenger jets.This museum was built in 1979 with a combined effort of sponsorship, donation and volunteer work. It contains the expansive and extraordinary documentation of aviation history for those who are fans of airplanes.
Address: Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek Dr, Bull Creek, WA 6149
Contact: +61 8 9311 4470
Website: http://www.raafawa.org.au/museum/
Opening Hours: 10AM to 4PM
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Perth Skyline from Kings Park
Kangaroos at Heirisson Island in Perth. Thanks for reading this article. We hope you’ll have a wonderful time at Perth, Australia!