10 free things to do in Perth

Perth is a hidden gem in the lesser explored state of Western Australia. WA is an untouched beauty but the downside of its isolated location is that it can be expensive to travel to and around.

Don’t worry, as there are still plenty of things to see and do in the state’s capital city on a tight budget! We’ve compiled some of the best free activities so that you can make the most of your time in Perth.

Note: Unlike other cities in Australia, Perth is quite spread out and you may need access to a car to easily visit these free attractions. If you plan to rent a car for your time in Perth, we have a deal with Hertz for a 10% discount.

1. Beaches

Western Australia has no shortage of beautiful beaches and you’ll be spoiled for choice in Perth. Most locals will head to Cottlesloe Beach (“Cott” in Aussie lingo) for beautiful sunsets, snorkelling and surfing. Leighton Beach is a family- and dog-friendly beach with perfect wind conditions for kite surfing. City Beach is ideal for fishing and swimming. From Port Beach, you’ll have views of the famous Rottnest Island (and it’s handily located next to Fremantle—more on this below). Basically, you can’t go wrong with a beach day in Perth!

2. Fremantle

“Freo”, as the locals call it, is a must-visit during your stay in Perth. This port city can be reached by train in about 30 minutes. Fremantle is renowned worldwide for its public market and prison. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, take in the street art, or relax in a cafe along the Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace). Follow the boardwalk from the Fishing Boat Harbour to Bathers Beach, or hit up one of the free museums (read on for more info!).

3. Museums

There are seven museums in the state of WA. If you time your visit right, you can get free entry at all of them! Between the summer months of December and March, the museums of WA offer free admission (check the exact dates of participation here). For Perth, this means that the WA Museum Boola Bardip and WA Maritime Museum will waive their usual admission fee. Outside of these times, the WA Shipwrecks Museum (located in Fremantle) remains free to visit year-round.

4. Hillarys

Hillarys Boat Harbour is both a functioning marina and a tourist attraction. Here, you can enjoy beaches, a boardwalk, window shopping in the unique boutiques, waterside dining, and more. Throughout the year, you can catch seasonal events, live music and entertainment. It’s one of the best spots in Perth to watch the sunset, as well as one of the gateways to Rottnest Island (along with Fremantle and Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty).

5. Elizabeth Quay

Spend some time at the waterfront with a visit to Elizabeth Quay, which connects the city to the Swan River. There’s a promenade for a leisurely walk along the river, as well as street art to discover. Though not quite as iconic as Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge makes for some Instagrammable photos. The quay also runs plenty of events throughout the year, from salsa dancing to fireworks and drone shows.

6. Kings Park

Kings Park is home to two important cultural sites in Perth: the State War Memorial and the Western Australian Botanic Garden. Highlights include the Giant Boab tree and the treetop walk. Throughout the park, you will find panoramic views of the city and the Swan River. Twice daily, you can sign up for a free guided tour of the park.

7. Omeo Wreck

The Omeo Wreck is a shipwreck easily viewed from the shoreline at Coogee Beach. If you want to explore the wreck further, you can snorkel along the purpose-built reef, where you will also find sealife and sculptures that you can swim through. If you don’t want to hit the water, you can spot the wreck from the maritime trail along Port Coogee.

8. Swan River

Swan River is described as “Perth’s playground” and a “mecca for outdoor activities”. It’s a favourite with locals wanting to escape the city for some sailing, fishing, jogging or cycling. You can bring your own stand up paddleboard or kayak, or try one of the many watersport rentals: waterbikes, jet skis, surf catamarans, etc. If you prefer to stay on dry land, the 10 km Swan River Loop trail provides some spectacular views of the city.

9. Heirisson Island

See kangaroos living in the heart of the city on this artificial island, created as a crossing point on the Swan River. Spot the kangaroo colony, along with other native wildlife, in the enclosed wildlife reserve (the fencing system keeps animals from crossing the Causeway bridge). You’ll find 2 km of walking trails around the island, WA fauna and flora, and views of the city skyline.

10. Free walking tour

Finally, one of the best free activities in Perth is to explore the downtown area on foot. You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour group. Walking tours are a great way to learn more about the city, from its history to hidden gems, and get the best local recommendations from your guides.