Take On Perth: Adventures in Western Australia - Perth, Australia
Perth, Australia
What’s your idea of a great adventure? Is it scaling rock walls or diving into the depths? Relaxing in open parks surrounded by rich green fields and blooming flora? Or is it market shopping around and finding the perfect little trinkets to remember all of your holiday memories by? No matter what, Perth is a place that houses all those great to-do’s, and even a couple of rainy day back-ups for when the beach and the outdoors fail you.
Rottnest Island
If meshing with the wildlife is on your list of must-do’s Rottnest is a great place to do it and it all comes down to one word: snorkel. For the hardcore divers, it’s also a great place to take a SCUBA dip, but if you’re trying to keep it simple (or you aren’t certified) then you’re not missing anything if you just plop on a mask and get to exploring the reefs. Rottnest Island Pedal & Flipper is a great place to grab your gear, and also where you can get a bicycle to take your own tour around the island. Also, if you’re in the mood, one of their wildlife expeditions is a definite must, especially if you can’t get enough of the adorable quokkas!
Cohuna Koala Park
Forget what you heard about those grumpy little boogers; koalas are definitely a must-see if you’re making a trip to Australia, and the Cohuna Koala Park is the best way to get up close and personal with the furry little devils. Not only can you cuddle with the koalas (how cool is that?) but you can also help feed the other wildlife in the sanctuary, including the wallabies and kangaroos, and get friendly with the local emus, owls, wallabies, dingos, and more. For friends and families that have a certain penchant for taking photos of everything they see around them, this is a great stop because the wildlife and natural fauna is incredibly scenic and picturesque.
Fremantle Markets
No list to Perth is complete with at least a mention of the Bohemian neighborhood of Fremantle, and certainly the Fremantle Markets is a must-stop for all tourists. Full of locally designed wares, homemade arts and crafts, and tasty treats for you to sample taste your way around, the Fremantle hotspot built in the 19th century is exactly the perfect place to spend a day. If you’ve got kids there are plenty of children’s activities, including live animals and face painting, and delicious treats for you as well.
Wine Tours in Swan Valley
True this is a fairly grownup suggestion, but who doesn’t love a good break with a great glass of wine? You can do daily tours with Swan Valley Tours, and pick a package that ranges from an afternoon down the river with the Afternoon Delight (a great little mix of wine, cheeseboards, and a visit to a microbrewery). Or take a chance on the Out & About Wine Tours, featuring Margaret River, with a full day of touring the wine region and lunch included. And it’s not all wine either—the foodie tours are equally as wonderful, and don’t forget that chocolate and beer lovers will find something to love about Swan Valley as well!
King’s Park
This green space is one of the largest urban parks in the world, and certainly fans of Central Park in NYC will appreciate its refreshing flora and fauna accent to the bustling metropolis of Perth. While going for a picnic may sound cliche, it really is a great break if you’re vacation has been non-stop tours all day long, or even if it hasn’t, it’s the perfect place to catch a sprawling panorama and an epic sunset that doesn’t include getting sand in your shoes. Wander through the botanical garden, take a walk among the trees with the Federation Walk, or take a break at the Stickybeaks for a snack while you’re travelling.
Perth Zoo
The Jungle Book and The Lion King don’t have anything on the Perth Zoo, or at the very least, the zoo has all of those characters and more. To visit the wallabies, lions, tigers, bears, reptiles, dingoes, birds and more, you can just travel a short 5-minute journey outside of the city center to meet with the beasts of the wild kingdom. One of the great things to do, that may seem a little outlandish to visitors, is a picnic area where you can bbq your own lunch so if you don’t have time for a picnic in Kings Park, there’s plenty of opportunity elsewhere! Also check out the schedule at the ticket information counter for after hours specials and seasonal events, such as concerts and extended visiting hours.
Bell Tower
If you’re already in the Fremantle area, then it would be a sin not to take your tour to the Bell Tower. Located in Barrack Square along the waterfront, the Bell Tower is an architectural wonder, but also a great place to grab a great skyline shot. Stay to hear the 18 bells peal in unison—a present for Australia’s bicentennial—or take in a couple of shots of the green glass behemoth and then wander around the adjoining square.
Shop on King’s Street
If luxury be the name of your game, take a walk down the glittering windows of King Street for your own dose of all things Chanel, Dior, Longchamp, and more. This fashionista boulevard is a perfect place to take a window shop, or if you really feel so inclined, grab the latest Tiffany’s bauble. But more than just a great place for a stroll, there’s plenty of perfect places to stop in for a quick cuppa, and No 44 King Street is my favorite place for great coffee, a gourmet bite, or even a swig of wine if I’m in the mood.
Whether you’re down for a day or down for a week, there’s millions of things to explore in Perth, and this list of wildlife and wine, parks and purses, is just the very beginning of all the tourist favorites that you can partake in while you’re Down Under. So don’t be afraid to take your map with you and branch off from any of these locations; there’s more than enough adventure to go around!