Travel Perth (My Second Home): All of the Best Sites and Adventures Near and Around

Perth is truly like a second home to me. We’ve spent long stretches there (between 2010-2016), even living near the beach for a time, which gave me the chance to fall in love with its beaches, neighborhoods, and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. The summers are hot—sometimes extremely so —but that’s part of the charm. The winter is cool and sometimes rainy. The crystal-clear waters and golden sand beaches make braving the heat completely worth it. On especially scorching days, even I, who rarely swim, can’t resist a dip in the ocean. My favorite way to experience Perth is by driving along the coast, soaking in the turquoise sea views, and avoiding the freeways whenever possible. The ocean views are memorable and parking is easier than other places in Australia.

Perth Adventures and City Sights

Kings Park – Offers sweeping views of Perth’s skyline, river, and beyond. It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the city with native plants and walking paths.
ANZAC Day at Kings Park – I attended the dawn service once, and the sunrise over the city was unforgettable. The solemn atmosphere and golden light made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain & DNA Tower – Both within Kings Park. The DNA Tower provides a gentle climb to panoramic city views, while the fountain is a serene photo spot.
Lake Monger – Famous for its black swans. You can watch the birds glide across the water or enjoy a stroll around the lake.
London Court – A charming, Tudor-style shopping arcade hidden in the city center.
Forrest Chase & Wellington Street – Perfect for casual city shopping and people-watching.
Bell Tower – A beautiful landmark on the waterfront that also marks the heart of Perth.
Swan Valley Wineries – A short drive out of the city, this region offers amazing wine tastings and farm-to-table experiences.
Perth LDS Temple – A peaceful visit for those interested in architecture and spiritual sites.
St Patrick’s, Fremantle – A historic church set in a charming coastal city.
Hillarys Boat Harbour – A lively area with shops, restaurants, and a family-friendly beach. Perfect for grabbing an ice cream and strolling along the marina.
Swan River – We rented a catamaran here, and sailing on the water with the city as a backdrop was a highlight of our trip.
Fremantle Markets & Fremantle Prison – The markets offered local crafts, street food, and live music. The prison’s “Doing Time” tour gave fascinating insight into Western Australia’s convict history.

Beaches I Loved Most

Perth’s coastline is scattered with stunning beaches, each with its unique charm:

Mullaloo Beach – Family-friendly with soft sand and gentle waves. Great for relaxing without big crowds.
Scarborough Beach – A lively spot with cafes, surf vibes, and a beautiful esplanade.
Cottesloe Beach – Iconic and perfect for sunsets. Its clear waters and white sand epitomize Perth’s beach culture.

Rottnest Island Adventure

Our trips to Rottnest Island were some of the most memorable:

Winter Stay – We spent a few days in cozy cottages, bringing bikes to explore the island. The hilly terrain wasn’t easy, but it was quiet and peaceful. I even fell asleep on the beach for the first time! The downside? Sand fly bites when walking through bushy areas near the sand—50 per foot!
Summer Day Trip – The water shimmered in stunning shades of blue and turquoise. We used the hop-on, hop-off island bus, lounged on the sand, and enjoyed the bustling summer energy. No bites this time!
Oliver Hill Lookout – Offers sweeping views of the island and surrounding ocean.
Quokkas – These friendly, smiling marsupials are everywhere and are as adorable as their reputation suggests.

Wildlife and Natural Escapes

Caversham Wildlife Park – A dream for animal lovers. Feeding kangaroos by hand is the best part. Koalas are available for viewing and photos, and I even rode a camel here! It’s family-friendly and interactive.
Yanchep National Park – We visited to see koalas, though there weren’t many visible. The park is peaceful but probably skippable if you’re short on time.
The Pinnacles – This otherworldly desert landscape is full of limestone spires. Even though it rained during our visit, it was an incredible sight.
Penguin Island & Seal Colony – A short ferry ride away, this spot lets you watch wild penguins and seals in their natural habitat.

Favorite Food and Treats

Nando’s – We often stopped here for quick meals. Their peri peri fries are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect snack after a beach day. The chicken, marinated in spicy peri peri sauce, became a must-have for lunches.
Tim Tams & Cadbury – I never leave Perth without boxes of Tim Tams and various Cadbury chocolates. They’re staples for friends and family back home who always make requests. My personal favorite is the original Tim Tam—you can even try the “Tim Tam Slam” with hot chocolate or coffee!
Australian Candy – I wasn’t a candy person until Perth. Their Starburst flavors taste fruitier than what I was used to. Allens lollies, especially snakes and frogs, were perfect for road trips, and Naturals gummies felt like a slightly healthier treat.

Shopping and Local Favorites

Claremont Quarter – My ultimate favorite mall with a mix of designer boutiques and local shops. I often spent hours browsing through fashion, gifts, and cozy cafes.
Whitford and Karrinyup – Great for bigger shopping trips. Karrinyup, in particular, has an excellent variety of stores, and I loved checking out home decor shops here.
Kookai – This is where I discovered some of my favorite wardrobe pieces.
Maurice & Meade – My go-to salon in Perth. I quickly learned my American hair straightener and curling iron didn’t survive the higher Australian voltage, even with a power converter. After they died, I switched to locally bought tools, which worked perfectly.

In addition to lazy days on the sand, we enjoyed seasonal events like the Australia Day fireworks over the city skyline, attending the Hopman Cup tennis tournament, and exploring local balls and car shows—there’s always something happening in Perth.

Perth blends relaxed beach life, vibrant wildlife, and modern city comforts in a way that always makes me feel at home. Whether eating chocolate in Swan Valley, biking through Rottnest, or sampling Tim Tams in the sun, every trip deepens my love for this city by the sea.