20 Summer Things To Do In Perth

Make the most of the blue skies and endless summer nights.

20 Summer Things To Do In Perth

Make the most of the blue skies and endless summer nights.
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Your guide to the best summer things to do in Perth.

As Perth’s temperature soars to an all-time high and with only one month left till the end of summer, it’s time to get in the groove and make the most of WA’s perfect hot climate, natural wonders and amazing recreational facilities.

Luckily for Perth residents and travellers, there are plenty of exciting and affordable activities to tick off your summer bucket list, whether you’re craving a relaxing beachside escape or ready to get that heart pumping with an extreme outdoor adventure.

By @livelovelaughexplore_

Feeling absolutely famished? Pay a visit to our fav summer markets and open-air kiosks in the heart of CBD for some yummy international cuisine, salty vibes, and signature cocktails to quench your thirst.

Need a change in scenery? Embark on a family-friendly kayak tour through Penguin and Seal Islands, or test your fear of heights as you tandem skydive over WA’s majestic coastline.

To discover all your options, here is our list of the 20 best summer experiences in Perth. The question is, how many can you tick off by the end of this month?


Skydive over WA’s majestic coast

While jumping out of a plane may not sound amazing in theory, Skydiving is perhaps one of the greatest and most satisfying extreme sports out there, especially when mixed with WA’s scenic landscape and bright blue skies.

Test your courage while the sun is still out and tandem skydive over Perth’s pristine turquoise coasts, including Jurien Bay, Rottnest Island and Rockingham Beach from 8,000 to 15,000 feet up in the air.

Leave your troubles on the ground (literally) and enjoy the panoramic birds-eye view of Perth’s white sandy shores during 30 to 60 seconds of free-fall.


Caversham Wildlife Park

By @Caversham Wildlife Park

Located just 20-minute drive northeast of Perth CBD, interact with some of Australia’s most unique and native animals at Caversham Wildlife Park this summer with the family – from feeding the little joeys and penguins to cuddling the koalas and wombats.

When they ask for volunteers at the farm show, raise your hand if you want to milk a cow, bottle feed a lamb, crack a whip, watch sheep shearing, swing a billy and more.

The park operates from 9.30 to 4pm every day of the year (except Christmas) and provides a number of great facilities including a small kiosk, public toilets, ATM machines and a splendid souvenir shop.


Rooftop Movies

By @rooftop movies

Nothing beats watching a charming blockbuster under the stars with friends, family or that special someone on a warm summer night.

Brought to you by the creative team behind FRINGE WORLD, Rooftop Movies is a fabulous open-air cinema located atop a six-storey car park in the heart of Northbridge.

The venue’s all-embracing view of the city, killer movie list, gorgeous fairy lights and colourful bean bags makes it an ideal setting for a romantic date night or a fun outing with your BFFs.

Moonlight Cinema

Bring your mossy repellent, picnic set, and some good company to properly enjoy your favourite blockbusters under the stars at Perth’s most iconic and panoramic botanical garden.

Located at May Drive Parkland in Kings Park, Perth residents can now watch their fav cult-classics and mainstream releases while basking in the sunshine and admiring the native flora and fauna surrounding Moonlight Cinema.

Haven’t eaten? Their on-site food vendor offers a selection of drool-worthy cuisines, alcoholic bevs and soft drinks, including pizzas, hot dogs, churros, and their signature Tia Maria espresso martini.


Attend a show at Fringe World Festival

By @fringeworldperth

Prepare to be dazzled as Perth’s largest and most popular annual arts event returns for another season of breathtaking live performances and interactive experiences.

Book several shows in one night for a reasonable price and see for yourself the range of entertainment Fringe Festival has to offer; from stand-up comedy and live theatre to musicals and drag shows. 

If you get a kick out of dangerous stunts, scandalous humour and mind-boggling illusions, look no further than the award-winning 18+ “Adults Only Magic Show” showcased at Girl’s School.

Or perhaps you would get a thrill out of FLIGHT – a spine-chilling, sensory flight simulation built into a 44ft shipping container in Russel Square, Northbridge.


Matagarup Bridge Zipline

Whether you’re craving a rush of adrenaline, or searching for the next-level viewpoint to watch Perth’s epic sunset, the Matagarup Bridge zip+climb adventure is bound to tick all your boxes.

Experience an enchanting view of the Swan River as you trek up 314 steps on a 45 degree angle to reach the Sky View – an open-air viewing platform 72 metres above the river.

Once you’ve climbed and slid past the bridge beams, you can either walk down or go the extra mile and zip back to home base travelling at 75km per hour.


Day Trip to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)

By @aleksmutated

Are you really an Aussie if you haven’t spent a single day at Rottnest Island? Now is the perfect time to book an early-morning ferry to WA’s favourite summer destination and embark on a series of underwater and land-based activities.

Hire a bike, take the shuttle bus or walk on foot as you explore the island’s 63 pristine white-sandy beaches, spectacular flora, unique marine life, abandoned shipwrecks, and historic landmarks.

Make sure to take countless selfies with the adorable smiley Quokkas (just no touchie), and explore several historical landmarks situated on the island, specifically the Aboriginal Burial Ground and Wadjemup Lighthouse.

See Also: Discover Another Side Of Rottnest This Summer With New Experiences


Set an early alarm for Cold Nips

By @Cold Nips

Who knew that a casual sunrise dip between two Fremantle locals would transform into a nationwide community movement luring thousands of people out of their beds at the crack of dawn?

In an effort to promote mental wellbeing and human connection, Cold Nips invites you to meet the crew every Wednesday morning at 5:45 at one of Perth’s famous beaches and indulge in the ice-breaking, morning dip with hundreds of other tired yet enthused Perth locals.

After a rejuvenating swim, end the morning with a little social interaction and much-needed caffeine hit at the nearest kiosk. Stay tuned for the next dip location by following the Cold Nips website and Instagram page.


Scarborough Sunset Markets

By @Scarborough Sunset Markets

Get into the summer spirit at Scarborough’s iconic beachside market held every Thursday at 5pm, home to more than 100 food and retail vendors selling drool-worthy international cuisines and artisan delights to satisfy your soul.

Delve into the curated pop-up stores selling hand-crafted trinkets, such as hand-poured candles, jewellery, dreamcatchers, vintage clothes and gourmet dog treats to feed your beloved pooch (who is also welcome at the beach).

Wrap up the evening by settling into the beautiful amphitheatre and feast your eyes on Perth’s epic golden sunset to the sound of crashing waves and live music.


Friday Night at Twilight Hawkers Market

By @twilighthawkersmarket

Tickle your taste buds with tasty authentic dishes from across the globe at Perth’s largest international food market held every Friday at Forest Chase from 4.30 to 9.30 pm.

Our fav menu items? The juicy Argentinian beef ribs, glazed Greek doughnuts, and sweet French crepes packed with Nutella and strawberries certainly hold a special place in our hearts (and stomach).

Topped off with live music, beautiful city lights and the opportunity go late-night shopping, a trip down to the Twilight Hawkers Market is arguably the perfect way to end the busy week.

Summer X Salt Markets

By @summerxsalt

Summer X Salt is an award-wining surf and surfy lifestyle market overflowing with bohemian vibes, live acoustic music, food and drink vendors, and hand-crafted local goods.

What better way to spend your Saturday morning than a cheeky dip in the Indian Ocean, attending free wellness workshops and sharing therapeutic ice baths with the locals? You will also find plenty of captivating market stalls selling artisan products such as ocean and art illustrations, dried floral displays, crystals, and homewares.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Trigg Beach is teaming up with the Coastal Cleanup Crew this February to host a community beach clean-up. So bring a friend, family member or your beloved pooch to Clarko Reserve this Saturday at 9am and experience the extravagant markets yourself.


Yoga at Hyde Park

If your New Year’s Resolution was to improve your fitness and to get out of the house more, then we have the perfect remedy for you. Blooming Happy Yoga offers beginner-friendly, pay-as-you-feel, open-air yoga classes at the beautiful Hyde Park – led by wonderful fitness instructor Zahra Kassem.

This summer, explore and challenge your strength, balance and flexibility through Vinyasa Yoga against the backdrop of luscious green lawns, glistening lakes, and an overload of positive vibes.

There’s no need to pre-book. Just show up with a yoga mat and water bottle and make sure to reward yourself with a delicious takeaway coffee and twice-baked croissant from the irresistible Chu Bakery across the road.


Snorkel around Perth’s famous Shipwrecks

By @the.brow.nook

Luckily for history and shipwreck enthusiasts, Perth is home to a range of fascinating underwater shipwrecks just offshore and accessible to the public.

If you’re a beginner snorkeler, we recommend starting at Omeo Shipwreck in North Coogee which came adrift from Fremantle Port in 1905 where it remains submerged in just 2-7 meters of water. Jam-packed with a superb underwater gallery, artificial reef and an abundance of sea life, Omeo Wreck is by far one of our fav snorkel and dive spots in Perth.

But it doesn’t end here. Take a scenic 30-minute ferry ride to Rotto where you can survey the famous Rottnest Wreck heritage trail, featuring more than thirteen large wrecks dispersed around the island, including Lady Elizabeth, Mira Flores, and Uribes to name a few.


Celebrate Happy Hour at The Avery

By @The Aviery

Take a breather at this relaxed, open-air rooftop bar located above Perth Underground Station, teaming with a gorgeous view of the city skyline, timber decking, lush trees and plants, cooling mist machines and weekend live music.

Come down for Happy Hour from 4.30pm to 5.30pm every day of the week to receive $10 cocktails and 50% discount off drool-worthy gourmet meals! Our fav picks include the crispy Haloumi with fresh tomato salsa and Ramen fried chicken with Miso Mayo.

If your weekday schedule won’t allow it, pop by on a Saturday or Sunday morning for Bottomless Bubbles & Brunch priced at $59 per person. This wonderful package guarantees two hours of free-flowing sparkling, mimosas and brunch items from 10.30 am till 12.30 pm.


Dine with an ocean view at COAST Port Beach

COAST Port Beach is arguably one North Fremantle’s best seaside bars and restaurants, serving-up spectacular ocean views with open-air alfresco dining and a seafood-focused summer menu.

After a rejuvenating swim at Port Beach, knock back a cold summer brew and pub-style delicacy including our fav juicy Pulled Pork sliders, faux fish and chips or the seafood platter for two.

This spacious modern venue has a capacity of up to 1000 people and famously caters for any occasion, including weddings, social functions, birthday parties, festivals or a casual dinner by the turquoise Indian Ocean.


Henry Summer

By @Henry Summer

It’s always summer at this delightful urban cocktail and wine garden located in the heart of Northbridge on Aberdeen Street.

Either wind-down or party hard at this open-air venue riffed with a tranquil outdoor garden, modern chic decor, yummy global delicacies, and a killer-list of wines, beers and signature cocktails to cleanse your palette.

Dress-up and boogie to 70s style bangers on their Stripe Disco nights, or show off your inner artist at their regular Paint and Sip workshops. Whatever the occasion, you will be left wanting more (just be prepared to face the weekend crowd).


Get a little tipsy on a Swan Valley Wine Tour

Looking for a lavish escape this summer? Book a luxurious wine-tasting day-trip at Swan Valley, WA’s oldest wine-growing region just northeast of Perth.

Here, visitors can indulge their love for quality wine and gourmet food by visiting world-class wineries, breweries and small boutique vineyards with friends, family, or a group of complete strangers.

Sample yummy gourmet delights throughout the day including cheese, honey, olives, nougat, preserves and chocolate from Swan River’s famous local factories. Better yet, enjoy the city skyline and picturesque landscape of upper Swan Valley by travelling with the Swan River Cruise departing from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.


Stargaze at Perth Observatory

By @perthobservatory

Experience a magical summer night whilst stargazing at WA’s oldest observatory which famously co-discovered Uranus’ ring system and 35 minor planets between 1970 and 1999.

Located 35km east of Perth in Bickley, the observatory offers exclusive Night Sky Tours where visitors can get up-close to dying stars, nebulas, the moon and other planets in our solar system through their wide-range telescopes.

For day-time visitors, book a guided-day tour of the heritage site led by a group of passionate volunteers, and explore the fascinating astrology museum jam-packed with historical artefacts such as their intricate meteorite exhibit and astro-photgraphs.


Kayak Tour of Penguin and Seal Island

Why travel to Antarctica when we have our very own colony of penguins living just 5 minutes south of Rockingham? Embark on a fantastic eco-adventure tour and explore Penguin and Seal Island’s unique marine life and stunning coastal scenery.

Take a guided walk around the islands, snorkel past the limestone reefs, and hop on a kayak to get up close with Australian sea lions, little penguins, colonies of pelicans, and the occasional bottlenose dolphin.

The tour is led by a qualified friendly instructor who will give you insight into the natural history of the area, and the program is suitable for both beginners and advanced paddlers.

See Also: The Coast With The Most: Beach Better In Rockingham


Picnic in the Park

If you’re on a tight budget or simply enjoy basking in nature, nothing beats a gorgeous little picnic at one of Perth’s many picturesque public parks with family and friends.

Tucked away on Mounts Bay Road just below Kings Park, CCP John Oldham Park a highly underrated scenic treasure where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or romantic stroll against the backdrop of a cascading waterfall, luscious gardens, antique-style bridge and plenty of aquatic birds.

By @danniexdough

Set up your picnic station on one of Kings Park’s luscious green lawns while facing a top-tier view of Perth city Skyline. Make sure to schedule a walk through the botanical trails featuring native fauna and flora, and keep an eye-out for the cute Rainbow Lorikeets and Pink Galahs hiding in the tree trunks.

Hyde Park is a massively underrated, inner-city park featuring plenty of natural wonders and facilities including two giant lakes, aquatic birds, soft green lawns, playgrounds, picnic benches, coffee trucks and more. Bring your friend beloved pooch and walk past the school of newborn fluffy chicks waddling by the side of the lake.

Get more summer in Perth – So Perth Summer Guide.