Exciting news. We’re pleased to welcome BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park to our network! This gives you a great excuse to check out the vibrant WA capital, and this handy guide will quickly acquaint you.

With a positioning on the shores of the Swan River, Perth oozes instant appeal. And it just gets better and better.

The state capital is loaded with alluring attractions for all. There’s easy access to brilliant beaches, expansive gardens, majestic islands, alluring wineries, and history-rich precincts among so much more.

And this lively city is backed by abundant sunshine.

Tempted? Well, read on for your complete guide to the best of Perth.

A great starting point

The sprawling grounds of Kings Park and Botanic Garden gift glorious CBD and river views from their elevated position. This attraction is easily one of the best free things to do in Perth.

Highlights include the Federation Walkway, which features an arched bridge overlooking a sea of eucalypts; and Western Australian Botanic Garden where floral delights abound, including seasonal wildflowers.

Other key features are the State War Memorial, walking trails, and various kids’ attractions led by the action-packed Naturescape precinct.

Sunny-day essentials

Among the top of the list for fun activities in Perth is a river cruise. There are ample options that glide along the Swan River and showcase sparkling scenery.

Or if you’re feeling energetic, tackle the 10km-long Swan River Loop. This popular walking-cycling path delivers endless riverside vistas and has various entry and exit points.

Best beaches in Perth

Perth has plenty of enticing beaches, and these are among the standouts:

• Cottesloe Beach: A popular long strip of sand with a vibrant, grassy foreshore and dedicated walking path. Plenty of eateries at hand.
• City Beach: Sparkling. Excellent location, grassy parklands, backed by various cafés and restaurants.
• Scarborough: Beautiful waters and bustling amenities. Crowd magnet.
• Trigg Beach: A fav with surfers. Best suited to strong swimmers.
• Bathers Beach: Central within Fremantle. Generous stretch of white sand. Ideal for swimming and sunset watching.

Island hopping

Majestic Rottnest Island has long been a popular playground for locals, and it’s clear why.

Beautiful beaches abound – 60 plus, in fact – and are a hit for swimming and snorkelling. Biking is also popular here, and Rottnest has a fascinating past to unearth.

Yet possibly the biggest drawcard for new players are the super cute and friendly quokkas. They are simply adorable!

Rottnest is easily accessed from Fremantle, Perth city, and Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Indulge in the Swan Valley

Conveniently planted outside of Perth’s front gate – and even closer to BIG4 Perth Midland – is WA’s oldest wine region. The picturesque Swan Valley explodes with tastebud-tempting goodies.

Cellar doors, microbreweries, cideries, and distilleries are clustered alongside chocolatiers and boutiques offering all manner of sweet and savoury treats. Buzzing markets and cafés and restaurants will help to satisfy an appetite, too.

It can all be burned off on a walking or cycling track. There are even dedicated heritage trails that combine scenic landscapes with interesting historical finds.

Without doubt, a visit here is one of the most fun things to do in Perth.

Venture to Fremantle

The port city of Fremantle is another must-visit Perth attraction, and it typifies the diversity of the WA capital and its surrounds.

While just 30min from Perth city, Freo ‘feels’ so much different. Its historical vibe is rapidly evident through its striking old structures and its buzzing, yet laidback ambience is immediately gripping.

A stop at World Heritage Fremantle Prison is essential. Unearth a riveting past and explore its network of tunnels.

Elsewhere, sip coffee along the ‘Cappuccino Strip’, visit microbreweries, wander along the harbour, or view impressive street art in South Fremantle.

There are a few key museums to discover here also – more on them below.

Rainy-day activities

Perth has several interesting indoor attractions that will brighten up a gloomy day. Try this trio for starters:

• Art Gallery of WA: Located within the Perth Cultural Centre. An impressive indigenous art collection is among its standouts.
• WA Maritime Museum: Fremantle based. A seriously comprehensive assortment that includes the winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II.
• WA Shipwreck Museum: Absolutely fascinating Freo find. Delve into histories that are deserving of much more attention.

The Quay to happiness

Contrastingly, Elizabeth Quay is a great place to be on a pleasant day or evening. The humming waterfront precinct enjoys a beautiful city backdrop and features lively bars and restaurants, eye-catching artworks, promenades, and more.

It’s also a great space for families thanks to the addition of a water park and a playground.

Another popular Perth precinct is Yagan Square. Centrally located, it features various eateries, more enchanting art, and various green spaces and gardens.

The home of craft beer

Fremantle is regarded by many as the ‘birthplace of Australian craft beer’, so it would remiss not to mention some of the many outstanding microbreweries to be found in various pockets of Perth.

In Freo, Little Creatures is a craft-beer stalwart with a super setup, and nearby The Monk dishes up top-notch beers. A bit further out, Otherside Brewing has quickly emerged as a crowd favourite.

Blasta Brewing at Burswood is seriously impressive in all ways, and the Swan Valley is home to ever-popular Feral as well as Mash Brewing among several others.

Things to do in Perth with kids

Alongside the various kids’ attractions within Kings Park and at Elizabeth Quay, the Aquarium Of Western Australia (AQWA) is a sure-fire winner for families.

Captivating marine activity abounds in WA, and here you can witness so many examples of it with the greatest of ease.

View sharks, turtles, rays, coral, and much more with superb viewing opportunities within the lengthy walk-through aquarium tunnel. The chance to dive with sharks is a standout experience.

AQWA is located at Hillarys Boat Harbour, which buzzes with its shops, cafés, bars, seasonal sideshow amusements, and much more.

Hottest ticket in town

Opened only in January 2018, Optus Stadium is Perth’s shiny new multi-purpose stadium. This striking building is the home ground of WA’s two AFL teams – West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers – and hosts several other major sports and entertainment events.

While the atmosphere within the 60,000-seat stadium is electric at match time, guided tours are available outside of event days.

Something different

When looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, try the following:

• The Bell Tower: Funky building with a great observation deck. Makes for a fine photo subject, too.
• Perth Mint: Witness a gold-pouring demonstration and view the world's largest coin alongside other activities.
• Tractor Museum of WA: Machinery madness all for a small entry fee.

Perth budget tip

Looking for free activities in Perth? Then stop and smell the roses at a grand garden!

Kings Park might be the biggest magnet, but Perth has many more open spaces that are perfect for a picnic or a relaxing arvo. This trio warrants particular mention:

• Queens Gardens: Delightful East Perth park complete with water lily-covered lakes.
• Harold Boas Gardens: Shady inner-west park centred around a shimmering lake and featuring a rock cascade.
• Mardalup Park: Riverside setting once home to a gas works site. Artworks dotted around reflect this past.

Alternatively, John Forrest National Park offers a treasure-chest of natural delights, and all just 15min from BIG4 Perth Midland.

WA’s oldest national park, it features wildlife, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more that is all best viewed on a series of walking tracks.

For wildlife lovers

Caversham Wildlife Park houses a vast selection of Australian wildlife – including koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats – within a park setting. This attraction includes up-close encounters and hands-on shows as well as keeper talks.

Elsewhere, Perth Zoo is home to fascinating creatures from around the world and delivers a hefty collection of behind-the-scenes experiences.

Day trips from Perth

Looking for more things to do? These excellent spots are all a 90min drive or less from BIG4 Perth Midland.

• Serpentine National Park: Variable landscapes create plenty of interest. Serpentine Falls are a key feature; best to arrive early to view.
• Rockingham: Pretty coastal city well-suited to water sports. Dolphin swims are a highlight.
• York: Charm-filled heritage township dominated by beautifully preserved buildings.
• Yanchep National Park: Scenic surrounds home to koalas, caves, and kangaroos.
• New Norcia: Australia’s only monastic town. Unique offering filled with outstanding architecture and plenty of fascinating finds.

Check out BIG4 Perth Midland

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