Outdoor Activities in Perth to Do Today

Looking for outdoor activities in Perth because you’re new to the city or you’re fed up of doing the same old thing day in, day out? This is for you.

Scavenger hunts like these are perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to put their detective hat on and explore the hidden gems of Perth. Delve deeper into the city’s quirks by solving clues and cracking codes, all sent straight to your phone.

Team up, stop off at some great pubs and cafes, soak up the sunshine and finish the game smarter than you started it!

There are tons of things in Perth that I feel are underrated, but near the top of the list is Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Not only is it one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, the botanic garden is easily one of the most relaxing, beautiful and calming spots to be found in the city. And it’s free!

As for what there is to do there, you can explore native flora, stroll through landscaped gardens, take the treetop walk for breathtaking views, or walk all the way up to Mount Eliza Lookout to snag that perfect panoramic selfie!

Tired of being suggested the same old tourist attractions? Discover the secret corners of Perth with immersive exploration games like these. 

Obviously, there are some icons in the city you just can’t hide, so don’t worry if you’re new to Perth and you’re still trying to get your bearings (you still get to see all of that stuff). 

But for locals who feel like they’ve seen it all before, this isn’t your average sightseeing tour — you’ll be challenged to solve clues, navigate urban puzzles, and uncover stories that even locals never hear about.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Perth that get you nearer the sand, sea and surf, good news: there are heaps of options out there for you.

The battle of who has the best beaches in Australia is an ongoing dispute (*cough*, parking is way cheaper over here in WA, just saying), but let’s be honest, it’s a bit like choosing your favourite chocolate bar or kid: you love ‘em for different reasons.

Anyway, I’ll be that annoying person that says “depending on what you want from a beach depends on where you should go”. I stand by that advice, so here’s where I’d recommend based on what you can do where:

• 🏖️Cottesloe Beach: The postcard pic of Perth and the one you probably visited first. It’s gorgeous, but it does get windy here.
  
• 🏖️Scarborough Beach: Great if you’re a surfer, terrifying if you’re not an able swimmer. There’s nice restaurants and bars and things nearby, grassy areas and public barbecue facilities so you can make a whole day of it out here.
  
• 🏖️Leighton Beach: A great beach if you plan on spending all day here, but it’s often chockers with locals. It’s popular with families with kids because the swell tends to be smaller here and it’s patrolled.

You’ve probably seen at least a few Quokka selfies floating around on the internet, and yes, these little cuties are a huge draw for tourists–but they’re not the only reason you should visit. 

Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a natural paradise brimming with wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and cycle-friendly roads. 

Picturesque as it is, for the Whadjuk Noongar people, Rottnest (or, to give it its Indigenous name, Wadjemup) has a deeply troubled history involving unjust incarcerations, and long before that, it was believed to be the resting place of the spirits. 

Bear this in mind while you visit; there are places like the Koora-Yeye-Boordawan-Kalyakoorl (Past-Present-Future-Forever) sculpture where you can learn more about the disturbing history of Rottnest from an Aboriginal perspective.

Looking for outdoor activities in Perth that don’t cost a cent? This is for you. 

With plenty of grassy spots to relax, the chance to spot local wildlife like black swans and even dolphins, Matilda Bay Reserve is one of Perth’s top riverside gems.

You can get some pretty incredible views of the Swan River and the Perth city skyline from here, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a picnic (or make use of the free barbecue facilities).

If you’re after an epic hiking experience, the Bibbulmun Track should be on your list. 

Stretching 1,000 km from Perth to Albany, you can explore sections of it for a day hike. With varied landscapes, from coastal vistas to towering forests, this trail offers something for every level of hiker. 

Usual warnings about sunscreen, water, never hiking alone, and making sure you pick a part of the trail that suits your fitness and abilities apply.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Perth that give you a unique view of the city, take my advice and take to the water.

Kayaking tours like these are awesome if you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, and really great fun if you’ve got a couple of your mates on board too. Glide past picturesque parklands and cityscapes, keep an eye out for incredible wildlife, and burn some energy off! 

PSST: If you’re feeling fancy, combine your paddle with a wine-and-dine experience for the ultimate relaxation on the river.

Don’t worry Fremantle folks, I know you’re a city in your own right (and if you didn’t, you do now). 

That said, you’re just too close and too good to be missed by our fine friends visiting us over in Perth.

Fremantle is an absolute treasure trove of history, culture, and good food, and you can easily spend a couple of days here just basking in all the outdoor activities Fremantle offers.

I’d recommend going for a wander through Fremantle Markets for local crafts and delicious bites, then exploring the eerie Fremantle Prison for a taste of convict history. And don’t forget to visit the War Memorial for some serene views over the city. 

Visiting Perth without a car? Don’t worry. A train journey to Freo (what locals call Fremantle) is only about $4 - $6 AUD and the services are super regular.

Looking for outdoor activities in Perth that come with a heavy dose of adorable? Meet Australia’s cutest creatures at Caversham Wildlife Park. 

From kangaroos you can hand-feed to koalas you can almost cuddle (well, hold), this park is a must for animal lovers. 

Caversham Wildlife Park offers a ton of animal experiences whilst also doing amazing things for wildlife conservation, so if you want to see some Aussie heroes up close, this is one of the safest (and best) places to do it.

Especially good as an activity choice if you’re into finding hidden spots and you don’t mind crouching low, the Crystal Cave is a great place to while away a few hours. 

The tour guides are experienced and really good, it only costs around $16 AUD a ticket, and afterwards, there’s the whole National Park to explore where you can go bushwalking (and see this cute little fella!).

Ok, so this doesn’t really count as an outdoor activity in Perth as it’s two hours north of the city, but as anyone from Perth will tell you, two hours is nothing and it’s totally worth the effort.

The first time you see The Pinnacles Desert, you’ll feel like you’re stepping onto another planet. 

These towering limestone formations, located in Nambung National Park, create an eerie yet awe-inspiring landscape that’s perfect for exploring. Take a walk through the sand, or drive the designated track for a more leisurely look. 

Sunrise and sunset bring out the best colours, so don’t forget your camera!

If you’re trying to find outdoor activities in Perth that gives you a glimpse at what’s going on beneath the surface, this is for you. 

Grab your snorkel and explore the tranquil waters of Mettam’s Pool. It’s a protected reef near Trigg Beach, and because of its calm conditions, it’s perfect for beginners or families.

One of the best things about living in Perth is that for a good chunk of the year, we’re in with the chance of seeing nature’s giants drifting slowly past us.

From May to December, catch sight of majestic whales as they make their way along the coast on their annual migration. 

You might get really lucky and catch a glimpse of them at City Beach (plenty of acquaintances have told me their stories, but I’m yet to see one here😭), or join a boat tour for an up-close encounter with these gentle giants if you’re only in town for a while.

Perth’s warm evenings are made for outdoor movie trips and luckily, Rooftop Movies offers the perfect, quirky movie experience: watching a movie from a rooftop. 

With views of the city skyline and a selection of cult classics and new releases, it’s a really nice way to make the most of the (slightly) cooler evening temps and celebrate seasonal events like Halloween or Christmas.

But even if neither of those interest you, grab some popcorn, settle into a beanbag, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

If you’re longing for some time in nature and access to bushland, waterfalls, and wildlife, John Forrest National Park has it all. 

As Western Australia’s oldest national park, it’s rich in history and natural beauty–as well as plenty of things to do. 

Take one of the walking trails, explore the rocky outcrops, and search for waterfalls. And don’t forget to reward yourself for all the steps you racked up when you’re back in the city!

If you’re more comfortable on two wheels than four, good news: there’s some great cycling to be done in and around Perth.

As for cycling in the city, you’ll get mixed reviews. Unfortunately, there aren’t many designated cycle paths in Perth CBD itself, so if you want to avoid cars and pedestrians, you might be better off leaving Perth for a few hours.

The good thing about that is that just a few kilometres away is Swan Valley,one of Perth’s top wine regions. With plenty of flat, easy-to-navigate paths, you can ride past vineyards, orchards, and artisan food producers. 

Again, make sure you go with somebody and make sure you have some water to hand, it gets hot out there and safety has to come first!