Perth DIY Travel | Top 10 Must-Visit City Sights
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, boasts lovely weather, great transport, stunning scenery, and fantastic dining. It has always been one of Australia's premier destinations, welcoming legions of independent travelers every year.
So, what are the absolute best things to see and do?
Today, I'm sharing the top 10 recommended attractions in central Perth—spanning premier shopping malls, heritage landmarks, local wildlife, and iconic photography spots—helping you easily craft your itinerary and uncover your favorite Perth adventures!
1. Kings Park
When it comes to central Perth sights, Kings Park is an absolute must-visit for any itinerary. From here, you can take in panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline and the Swan River, dine at park cafés and restaurants, or head down to the famous photo spot, the Blue Boat House (Crawley Edge Boatshed). It is cherished by locals and tourists alike—and if you visit in September, you can catch Australia's largest wild flower festival!
◎ Address: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, Perth WA
◎ Transit: Take Bus 935 to "Fraser Av Kings Park" and walk, or take the Green CAT Bus to "Havelock Street" and walk (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Recommended Tours: Perth & Fremantle Half-Day Tour | Swan River Scenic Cruise | Segway Tour
◎ Official Website: Kings Park
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
(Kings Park is immense, and exploring every corner takes considerable time. If your schedule is tight, head straight to the State War Memorial area for the very best vantage point overlooking the Perth skyline.)
2. Hay Street Mall & Murray Street Mall
If you fancy shopping in the heart of Perth, Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall are hands-down the top commercial precincts. Running parallel right beside each other, these pedestrian streets are home to department stores like Myer and David Jones, duty-free shops, souvenir boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. It's the ultimate spot to pick up Australian souvenirs and local treats. Thanks to fantastic public transport connections, it's also a top lodging base—truly unmissable!
◎ Address: Hay Street Mall, Perth, WA; Murray Street Mall, Perth, WA
◎ Transit: Take the Red or Blue CAT Bus to "Perth Underground" and walk (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: Hay Street Mall | Murray Street Mall
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
(During the summer months from October to April, the Friday evening Twilight Food Market takes over here. If you visit then, don't miss this seasonal night food fair!)
3. Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a modern waterfront development in central Perth. Beyond soaking in broad views of the downtown skyline and the Swan River, you'll find plenty of waterside cafés and restaurants. It is also the gateway for ferries departing to destinations like Rottnest Island and Perth Zoo. Simply taking a stroll along the promenade is pure relaxation!
◎ Address: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth, WA
◎ Transit: Take the Blue CAT Bus to "Barrack Square" and walk about 2 minutes (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Recommended Activity: Segway Tour
◎ Official Website: Elizabeth Quay
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
(At the center of Elizabeth Quay stands the ripple-like sculpture 'Spanda', creating a stunning composition alongside the modern skyline.)
4. London Court
London Court is a charming arcade connected directly to Hay Street. While nestled amid contemporary commercial high-rises, stepping inside feels like entering an old English streetscape, lined with Tudor-style architecture housing antique shops, souvenir boutiques, cafés, and eateries. At the entrance, you can admire a Big Ben-style clock face. If you're craving classic British heritage atmosphere, this is the place to go!
◎ Address: London Court, Hay Street, Perth WA
◎ Transit: Take the Red or Blue CAT Bus to "Perth Underground" and walk about 2 minutes (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: London Court
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
5. The Perth Mint
The Perth Mint is an operational mint steeped in over a century of history. Since older facilities in Sydney and Melbourne have long ceased production, this remains Australia's oldest operating mint.
Beyond purchasing unique souvenirs and fine jewelry, the guided heritage exhibition tour is thoroughly recommended. You will see the world's largest, heaviest, and most valuable pure gold coin, watch a live gold-pouring demonstration, and even engrave your own custom coin for a memorable souvenir!
◎ Address: The Perth Mint, Hay Street, Perth, WA
◎ Admission: Free entry to grounds and shop; Historic Mint Tour: Adult $26, Child (5–15) $16, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) $75
◎ Transit: Take the Red CAT Bus to "Mercedes College" and walk about 3 minutes (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: The Perth Mint
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
(If you skip the tour, you'll mainly see retail jewelry counters, so I strongly recommend joining the guided walkthrough to dive into the rich gold-rush history and heritage.)
6. Perth Zoo
Perth features two main well-known zoos: the outlying Caversham Wildlife Park, and the conveniently situated Perth Zoo near the city center. Here you can get up close with iconic Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, and emus. It's immensely popular with families on weekends, and any animal lover will have a wonderful time!
◎ Address: Perth Zoo, Labouchere Road, South Perth, WA
◎ Admission: Adult $39, Child (4–15) $19.50, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) $102.80, Under 4 Free
◎ Transit: Take Bus 30 to "Labouchere Rd Perth Zoo" or catch the ferry to "Mends St Jetty" and walk about 7 minutes (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Recommended Tours: Penguin Island & Perth Zoo Day Tour | Penguin Island & Perth Zoo Day Tour
◎ Official Website: Perth Zoo
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
7. Perth Cultural Centre
Much like cultural hubs in other Australian capitals, the Perth Cultural Centre brings together prominent venues such as the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Most general exhibitions offer free admission, making this a wonderful haven for arts and culture lovers!
◎ Address: Perth Cultural Centre, William Street, Northbridge, WA
◎ Transit: Take the Blue CAT Bus to "Museum" and walk about 1 minute (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: Perth Cultural Centre
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
(The WA Museum Boola Bardip is an architectural marvel. Its massive, futuristic volumes hover gracefully over 19th-century heritage brickwork—a bold juxtaposition of old and new that makes it a favorite photo spot in Perth.)
8. The Bell Tower
Formerly known as the Swan Bell Tower and now simply called The Bell Tower, this landmark is one of the few places worldwide where visitors can observe ancient change ringing bells up close and even try their hand at ringing one. The observation deck also offers lovely views of Elizabeth Quay and the riverfront, making it well worth a stop for tower enthusiasts!
◎ Address: The Bell Tower, Riverside Drive, Perth WA
◎ Admission: Adult $15, Child (5–12) $10, Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) $40
◎ Transit: Take the Blue CAT Bus to "Barrack Square" (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Recommended Activity: Segway Tour
◎ Official Website: The Bell Tower
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
9. Perth Town Hall
Completed in 1870, Perth Town Hall is famously the only convict-built Gothic-style town hall in Australia. Its striking Victorian Gothic exterior regularly draws visitors for photos. On Tuesday mornings, free community activities like musical performances and talks are often hosted inside, making it a beloved gathering point for locals as well!
◎ Address: Perth Town Hall, Perth, WA
◎ Transit: Take the Red CAT Bus to "Town Hall" and walk about 1 minute (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: Perth Town Hall
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
10. The University of Western Australia
While not strictly an official tourist site, The University of Western Australia (UWA) features breathtaking campus grounds and heritage architecture, frequently voted among Australia's most beautiful universities. It features the grand Romanesque Winthrop Hall, courtyards, historic lecture halls, gardens, and tropical greenery, all right beside the Swan River. Studying here must truly be an idyllic experience!
◎ Address: The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley
◎ Transit: Take Bus 24 to "Broadway Before Myers St" and walk about 2 minutes (Transit Guide | Rental Car Comparison)
◎ Official Website: The University of Western Australia
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia（Compare Prices｜Hotel Recommendations）
◎ Perth Tourist Map
Finally, I have compiled these top 10 recommended sights along with other surrounding suburban and island highlights into a handy Google Map. It includes essential travel notes, allows you to toggle layers easily, and is free to save and share!
Link: Perth Attractions Map
That wraps up my guide to the best attractions in central Perth! Beyond these, spots like Northbridge Chinatown, Claisebrook Cove, and Heirisson Island (where wild kangaroos roam) are also well worth visiting. Thrill-seekers might also enjoy climbing and ziplining at the Matagarup Bridge. If you have extra time in Western Australia, make sure to explore even deeper!