Perth is a pocket rocket of adventure and relaxation for locals and tourists alike.

Perth isn’t usually known for its raging social calendar and world class attractions; especially in comparison to Melbourne and Sydney. But the capital city of Western Australia still boasts a dynamic range of experience and activities – you just have to look a little harder. Renowned for its ample amounts of sunshine, relaxed beach lifestyle, tasty wine regions and isolation (which can be a good thing for many people); Perth certainly has its benefits.

From some of the world’s best beaches to explore, secluded picnic spots and adrenalin pumping activities, Perth is a pocket rocket of adventure and relaxation for locals and tourists alike. And with summer now here, this little slice of paradise has some great activities to indulge in. Here’s a few of our top picks to check out – free and paid!

1. Picnic in Kings Park

Kings Park is a popular hot-spot for picnics, walks, play time with the kids and stunning city and river views. As one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, there’s a good 400+ hectares of natural bushland and gardens to explore or relax in. Lose yourself in some history with war memorials and statues, take in the city sky line over a picnic, do the tree-top Federation walk, explore the botanic gardens or climb the spiral staircase of the DNA tower for the brilliant view. Bring the whole family along for the iconic Synergy Parkland (a great place to picnic while kids have hours of fun) or the Lotterywest family area.

2. Take the Skydiving Plunge on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a key attraction with its beaches and scenic adventures; but adding skydiving to the mix makes it ridiculously awesome. Take the plunge these summer holidays and add tandem skydiving to your bucket list, perfect for the adrenalin junkie! The skydiving experience is WA’s only island skydive and comes complete with a 60 second free-fall at 200km/h from 14,000 feet before you get to take in the stunning birds eye view.

Landing on the sandy Rottnest beach, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the island (or the pub if you’re needing a drink). For an extra adrenalin-fuelled visit to Rotto, secure an accommodated stay for the weekend so you can enjoy activities the island has on offer.

3. Walk the Swan View Tunnel (and Ghost Hunt!)

Have a thirst for adventure and something different? Then the Swan View tunnel is a must to experience! Located in the John Forrest National Park (which is great on its own for picnics, wildlife and waterfalls) the railway tunnel is an impressive walk of history, heritage and some ghost hunting – if you’re up for it of course.

The 340m engineering marvel can be walked through during the day or at night time, if you dare. Regardless of the time though you’ll need a torch, especially if you’re bringing the kids. Great for keen adventurer at any age, you’ll be able to learn about the train crashes, deaths and hard labour that makes WA’s oldest railway tunnel a very fascinating experience.

4. Go Wine Tasting in the Swan Valley

One of the greatest things about Perth is its access to some of best wineries. Only 40minutes from Perth city is the Swan Valley – home to more than 150 wineries, lively breweries, fine restaurants and bustling cafes. Plus, the drive is pretty nice too. You can explore the region yourself at your own pace and try some of Australia’s tastiest drops, or book in for a guided tour for the full experience.

The Swan Valley has some of the best food to complement the wines so make sure you stop off for vineyard lunch or late breakfast. You can also head to the Perth hills for more selections of tasty drops or if you’re keen to venture further out, Margaret River also has some wine, food, chocolate and cheese hot-spots to keep you satisfied.

See Also: Swan Valley Deals and Experiences

5. Snorkel at Penguin Island

If you’re an underwater baby like myself, then Penguin Island (part of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just off Rockingham shore). Explore the reefs and ship wrecks, watch the wildlife from the shore or experience the penguin feeding in the interactive centre. The marine park is less than an hour’s drive from Perth and reveals multiple islands to discover, including the famous Seal Island. Paddle out on a kayak to encounter bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and other marine life.

6. Indulge in Live Music, Food and Drinks

Eat and drink yourself silly whilst indulging in local and international bands at Perth’s top spots. Get the full summer vibe by checking out the beach bars (Scarborough and Fremantle in particular) which tend to host a lot more live music during the warmer months.

Beaufort Street and Subiaco are popular hot-spots for bars, restaurants and live music away from the beach scene or get lost down Shafto Lane in the city. Perth city and Northbridge are full of great bars with tasty cuisines, cocktails and drinks or check out the hottest live music venues in the area.

7. Visit Perth’s Best Beaches

Perth may be an isolated city but it’s worldwide incomparable beaches definitely make up for it. Pair that with the beautiful warm weather and you have yourself a sun-drenched oasis. Whether you’re planning a sunny escape or you’re a local Perthian, it’s hard to go wrong with Perth beaches. Coasts lined with blue water, white sand and a dazzling sunset over the Indian Ocean. Kinda hard to beat…

Whilst there really are so many beach options, the best places to get to are City Beach, Scarborough, Cottesloe, Freo’s South Beach, Trigg Beach, Hillarys and Rottnest Island’s Basin. Here you’ll also fine bustling bars and cafes with ocean views to enjoy if you don’t want to get your toes wet. If you’re looking for the hidden gems to get away from the crowd, check out Bathers Beach (short walk downtown from Fremantle), Baily Beach (near Mettams Pool) and Sandtrax Beach (north of Fremantle).

8. Movies Under the Stars

Moonlighting at the outdoor cinema with a bottle of wine and snacks is the way to go this summer. There’s something about the big screen in the warm open air, curled up on a picnic rug or camper chair and sipping on vino that’s soothing… and must be experienced! Kings Park has a run of outdoor movies in summer, as does the Camelot cinema in Mosman Park, Northbridge Piazza or the rooftop movies across the road. If you do want to sit in the comfort of your car, try the Galaxy drive-in theatre in Kingsley.