Perth, a city full of adventure and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. There are plenty of attractions in Perth to keep even the most difficult to please people happy, and don’t forget that there is a free bus zone in the city, so let’s get a top list of things to do in Perth based on tips from local students.
Kings Park
Starting with something free, and perfect for if you are looking to embrace the different sides of Perth, its Kings Park. Measuring in at a whopping 400.6-hectare, the park one of the popular Perth attractions. With a mixture of grassed parkland, botanical gardens and natural bushland on Mount Eliza, two-thirds of the grounds are conserved as native bushland. Whether you grab a map and take on one of the walks, or fancy taking a tour, make sure you head down to the blue boat house for that Instagram shot!
Northbridge
Looking for a foodie and cultural fix, then heading to the Northbridge inner suburb of Perth is a brilliant idea. Nicknamed by locals as the cultural centre, the area is bursting full of modern art galleries, boutiques and Asian eateries. Head of William Street if you are looking for a stylish cocktail lounge, or head to Russell Square for parkland sculptures. If it’s summertime, then paying this area a visit during the Fringe World Festival is a must.
Scarborough Beach
A hop, skip and jump away from the centre of Perth, Scarborough Beach is 11km away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Everything you would expect from an Australian beach, with white sandy stretches and crystal blue waters – and known for it’s all year round surfing. Even if you don’t fancy jumping between the waves, you can head to the outdoor pool on the modern seafront, then take a moment to relax in one of the nearby cafes for a bite to eat.
Cottesloe Beach
If tradition is your thing then Cottesloe Beach is where you should head. Popular amongst locals, the popular beach of over 100 years is known for its distinctive floating bell just offshore. Whilst it might not be super warm season, during the month of March there is the fabulous Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, so worth bracing the cooler temperatures.
Rottnest Island
Okay, so if the golden sands and clear waters of Scarborugh and Cottesloe Beach haven’t been enough, Rottnest Island will not disappoint! Nicknamed a slice of heaven on earth, this is the ideal place to head for a day escape from city life. With bike trails and coastal walks, you will need to come prepared for an adventure as you take in all the sights, and sounds, that Rottnest Island has to offer. One for the memory book, and of course ideal for an amazing social media update, this island has a lot to offer.
Perth Zoo
One for those who appreciate our furry friends from across the world, Perth Zoo is located a short distance from Perth CBD and in just half a day you can travel around the world, discovering the bright and wonderful creatures that live there. You can nab a concession ticket for $25, or there are also guided talks for an additional cost that will give you plenty of detail on the animals, if that’s your thing. If you were looking for a different experience, they host elephant afternoon teas, or you can get involved in their volunteering programs.
Don’t know about you but just sharing those top Perth attractions selected by local students is exhausting work – so much to choose from! What’s clear is that Perth is a perfect city for someone who likes to escape to the great outdoors but have the home comforts of a city on their doorstep. If you are considering studying in Perth, or already have it planned, why not check-out some Perth student accommodation?