The 10 adventures every first-timer to Perth must experience
Every so often, a WA fact or image will come out that will make you consider booking a trip to Perth immediately.
It might be that the city enjoys over eight hours of sunshine each day, or it could be the sight of those Greek Islands-esque beaches.
Whatever the reason, the next time you feel the call, say yes to your urges and then book the following 10 adventures immediately for the ultimate west coast holiday.
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Perth has so many things on offer for visitors. iStock
Explore Kings Park
Not just any old park, Perth's gargantuan Kings Park eclipses NYC's Central Park in both scale and wonder, stretching across 400 hectares of protected bushland home to over 3,000 varieties of flora and fauna.
Pack a picnic blanket (don't worry, there are plenty of on-site dining options for those who don't wish to self-cater), tackle the park's walking trails or take a free guided walk courtesy of Kings Park Volunteer Guides, climb all 101 steps of the spiral DNA Tower for spectacular views over Swan River, or check out the events guide for upcoming concerts.
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Take a prison tour
Nothing spooks quite like a torchlight tour of a haunted prison and Fremantle Prison is one of the best. Originally built as a convict barracks in the 19th century, the prison was the site of many hangings, floggings and riots - events that seem to hang over the site like a cloud.
Although there are plenty of tour options on the table, the 90-minute Torchlight Tours are the highlight. Just a word of warning: they're not for the faint of heart.
Visit Fremantle Markets
You can't visit Fremantle (and sign up for the prison's torchlight tour) without making a pitstop at Fremantle Markets, a must-visit destination for anyone heading to Perth.
Established in 1897, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are all about checking out the wealth of traders selling everything from charcoal barbeque and banh mi to jewellery, clothing and homeware. Check out trader profiles online before you arrive so you have a plan and say goodbye to your savings.
Snorkel Omeo Wreck
No need for a lengthy, sea sickness-inducing boat trip; Perth's most famous shipwreck is located a mere 25 metres from shore, Coogee's Omeo Wreck delighting snorkelers by pairing it with an underwater art trail and artificial reef. While the trail starts at shallow water, most of it sits in depths of between 2.5 metres to 5 metres so you can choose to either snorkel or dive.
Perth's most famous shipwreck is the Omeo Wreck. Reddit
Take a day trip to Rottnest Island
If you don't go and see the quokkas, did you even go to Perth? While the happy-looking creatures might appear to be the star of the show, Rottnest Island - an A-Class Reserve located just 19 kilometres from Fremantle's coastline - has something for everyone.
Explore more than 60 pristine beaches and bays, snorkel or swim with more than 400 species of fish, dolphins, fur seals and whales, enjoy the 22 kilometres of cycle trails, or tackle the Wadjemup Bidi, a series of trails that take in coastal headlands, inland lakes and much of the island's attractions. The 45 kilometre trail is made up of five sections so you can easily break it up into small walks.
Hit the beach
Not only is Perth blessed with its fair share of spectacular beaches, it also has beach-perfect weather for much of the year, Make the most of it by earmarking some of its most scenic sandy destinations - Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, City Beach and Mettams Pool (for a start) and settling in to enjoy those perfect WA sunsets.
The beautiful Scarborough Beach in Perth. Adobe Stock
Do Swan River your way
Perhaps you'd like to enjoy Swan River with a water bike, or maybe you'd rather a Nauti boat? How about a kayak tour, a SUP experience, Aboriginal cultural tour or even an old fireworks barge transformed into a floating bar? When it comes to seeing the best of Swan River, a wealth of activity options await you, every single one of them bucket list-worthy.
Hike Kitty's Gorge Trail
Take the 50-minute journey into the Perth Hills and be rewarded with the 17.5 kilometre return trail that is Kitty's Gorge Trail. Considered one of the best half-day trails in and around Perth, the trail - carved into the granite hills by Jarrahdale - follows the Serpentine River, two water courses and high rainfall working together to make the trail exceptionally lush.
Need to cool down? Serpentine Falls makes for a nice swimspot and features gas barbeques for a lunchtime rest, but it's important to note that the trail has lots of uneven ground, loose sections and steps so a moderate level of fitness is required.
Kitty's Gorge is considered one of the best half-day trails in Perth. Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Enjoy a tipple at Swan Valley
Some 25 minutes down the road, a magical world filled with wineries, chocolate shops, breweries and restaurants await. Home to over 30 wineries, Swan Valley is serviced by a ridiculous number of tours from Perth (eliminating the concern about driving). Our top tip? Consider a wine cruise, or book in for an overnight stay with a reservation at the likes of Riverbank Estate or Mandoon Estate.
Say yes to a city tour
If it's your first time to Perth, there's no better way to get a handle on the city and what it has to offer than by booking a city tour. Options include a Perth Segway Tour and a Perth Food Tour.
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