It’s time to experience Perth’s coming of age with these top Perth tours and experiences.
With COVID-19 affecting our travel plans beyond Western Australia, it is time to embrace being a tourist in your own city and see Perth with fresh eyes. Who knows, there are probably places in your hometown you’ve never been to.
There’s no doubt Perth experienced a metamorphosis from being once considered a sleepy city to one that is ever-exciting and vibrant both socially and visually. We here at So Perth are west coast proud of what our city has become. The city’s cultural experiences are thriving, creativity is increasingly celebrated and engaging in unique activities is more accessible than ever before.
There are so many layers to peel back from what makes Perth ‘one of the world’s most liveable cities’. Here we are going beyond the stock standard tourist itinerary with these tour suggestions to inspire you to be an even bigger fan of your own home town.
Perth
Yagan Square
Remember when there was a time that Perth and Northbridge were divided at the railway line? Not anymore.
The architectural delight that is Yagan Square now connects the city together in a way that may make you question if you want to leave the square in the first place. Yagan Square is a bustling hub for food and drinks (Market Hall and surrounding outdoor eateries) and is the perfect spot to go for a central meet if coming from public transport with its connection to the Perth train station and bus port.
Top tip: check out Market Hall’s $10 lunch specials Monday – Thursday.
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a gem on the Perth happenings scene.
You can fill up a day just being within this precinct. Start the day with a riverside brekkie at Hearth then take part in a Go Cultural Aboriginal Tour (more on that later) or get your Venetian fix with on with a scenic ride on Gondolas on the Swan.
The second part of the day can be a relaxed affair, perched high above the quay soaking up the blissful panoramic views of Perth’s ever-changing skyline with a sunset cocktail in tow at The Ritz Carlton.
Feeling hungry? Treat yourself to the new kid on the block, Six Senses Gourmet Thai.
State Buildings
The State Buildings is a destination in itself.
The gorgeous heritage-listed building is home to six bars and restaurants, perfect for a winter’s night out without needing to go elsewhere. The new-look Petition Wine Bar & Merchant is a perfect excuse to venture to Perth’s social heart (right where postcode 6000 is measured from in fact!) and to indulge in decadent drops.
Upgrade your stay: Have Perth’s ultimate luxe staycation at The COMO Treasury, awarded Best Hotel in Australia and NZ by Travel + Leisure, 2020 World’s Best Awards.
Northbridge
Northbridge is booming with creativity, and we are digging it.
Over the years, Northbridge has come to life with independent boutiques, local designers and quirky food and beverage outlets. Let’s not forget new venues that have popped up on the William Street scene including The Rechabite across its four stories (from basement nightclub to rooftop bar) and local natural wine utopia Wines of While, heading towards Hyde Park territory.
Upgrade your stay: Treat yourself to a stay at the Alex Hotel.
Rottnest Island
Time to skip the mainland and rediscover Perth’s favourite holiday playground, Rottnest Island.
Take part in a Go Cultural or Two Feet & A Heartbeat tour around the island or treat yourself to a mouth-watering seafood cruise.
Make a true adventure of your visit by hopping on a futuristic Segway with Segway Tours WA around Rottnest, exploring it like never before.
Fremantle
Like Perth, Freo has also undergone a rapid transformation of late in becoming the ultimate trendsetter for a good time.
There is a slew of new food and beverage outlets to suit your socialite mood. Take a trip to multi-purpose venue The Old Synagogue or see Freo from a new angle at The National Hotel rooftop bar.
A short drive away, new seasonal dining mecca Coogee Common has finally opened its doors, housed in the former Old Coogee Hotel and brought to you by the folks behind Bread In Common.
For a late-night tipple, venture to new digs Republic of Fremantle, Darling Darling, Jungle Bird or catch a gig at Freo.Social.
There are, of course, the old Freo faithfuls to visit including the Fremantle Markets and taking part in a Fremantle Prison Tunnel Tour – only if game!
Upgrade your stay: Treat yourself to a unique stay at The Hougoumont Hotel.
Eco-Friendly Tours
So, we have rattled off a list of cool things to check out in the big smoke, but sometimes, you may need the help of a guide to steer you in the right direction (and we aren’t talking going in circles following Google Maps here!).
Be guided by the people that live and breathe our city and thrive when showcasing it by taking part in a walking tour.
Here are three walking tour companies showcasing the best of Perth – and showing you its secret spots too!
Two Feet & a Heartbeat
Perth’s original walking tour duo Ryan and Ryan at Two Feet & a Heartbeat have expanded their award-winning day and evening tours around the city.
New tours include downright cheesy moments (Fromage tour) to discovering the city’s best street art and hidden laneways (Perth Arcades & Laneways).
Check out Two Feet & a Heartbeat’s Fremantle and Rottnest tours.
Oh Hey WA
Follow the footsteps of sister tour guides Adie and Robyn to uncover Perth’s quirkier side with their lively take on Perth.
Oh Hey WA has a range of affordable walking tours to discuss Perth’s history as well as showcase the latest murals to colour the city making new friends on a small bar tour.
Check out Oh Hey WA’s range of Perth tours.
Go Cultural
Time to get a cultural awakening with Nyoognar guide Walter at Go Cultural.
Walter offers a glimpse into the world’s oldest living culture through a series of tours that focus on Dreamtime stories, traditional songs and the Nyoongar language. Connect with our ancient past walking tours available at Kings Park (Karrgatup), Elizabeth Quay (Goomup) and Yagan Square (Goologoolup).
Check out Go Cultural’s range of Perth tours including Rottnest.
Segway Tours WA
Too lazy to walk? We get you!
Hop on two wheels instead and have a bit of fun exploring Perth. Segway Tours WA offer unique journeys around the city and further afield in Fremantle and Rottnest.
Check out Segway Tours WA range of Perth tours.
GoGo Active Perth Tours
Use your great pedal or paddle power to push through a lot of sight-seeing to be had along the Perth waterways with GoGo Active Tours.
These tours not only get you fit but full with knowledge too, learning about historical locations and discovering hidden wetlands while you cycle or paddle your way around the city.
Check out GoGo Active Tours range of Perth tours including the Canning River.
The Hike Collective
There is nothing more soothing for the soul than to connect with nature, and that is precisely what The Hike Collective is all about.
Put your sturdy foot forward with a guided tour through Perth’s best hiking trails from discovering parts of the Bibbulmun Track, John Forrest National Park to uncovering the secrets of Araluen Botanic Park Garden.
Check out The Hike Collective’s range of Perth tours.
Fremantle Tours
Want to know all things Freo?
Experience the vibrant port city with Fremantle Tours, owned and operated by Fremantle locals, Michael and Lucy. Join the dynamic duo by foot or hop on a bike and weave your way through Fremantle’s history and its hidden cultural delights.
Feeling peckish? Devour the flavours of Fremantle with a culinary tour around its best dining spots.
Check out Fremantle Tours range of tours.
Nyungar Tours
See the city of Perth from another side.
Join Aboriginal elder Kerry-Ann Winmar along the South Perth Foreshore or Kings Park as she shares traditional stories of Whadjuk Country and Nyungar history. Kerry-Ann also invites you to get in touch with nature by learning about plants used for bushtucker and medicinal purposes.
Check out Nyungar Tours range of tours.
Perth Waterbike Adventures
Mix the adventures of the sea and land with a ride on a waterbike. Yes, cycling on water is made a reality with Perth Waterbike Adventures.
It’s a quirky way to experience the city with tours taking you along the sparkling waters of Matilda Bay and seeing Perth from a new perspective. Be on the lookout for the Swan River’s resident dolphins while you cycle around too as it adds extra magic to an extraordinary outing in Perth.
Waterbikes are also available for hire. Check out Perth Waterbike Adventures range of Perth tours.
We’re free to Wander Out Yonder – explore more of WA by visiting westernaustralia.com.
Further Perth & WA Travel inspiration on SoPerth.com.au.
- WA’s Top Eco-Friendly Glamping Spots
- Wonders Of WA You Must Experience
- WA Winter Holiday Destination Hotspots
- Let Australia’s South West Take You Around The World
All images featured courtesy Tourism Western Australia
This is a sponsored post for Tourism Western Australia – endorsed by So Perth. We value your feedback so please contact us with any thoughts in regards to our sponsored post.
