Perth might not have the scale of Melbourne or Sydney, but don’t let that fool you — our sunny city by the sea has a way of surprising people — even locals who think they’ve seen it all.
From dreamy coastal walks and rooftop cocktails to underground bars, hidden bookshops and pop-up saunas, there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. You just have to know where to look.
So, whether you’re planning a long weekend, hosting out-of-towners, or simply want to experience your own city with fresh eyes, here’s your ultimate hit list of Perth’s best things to do, eat, sip and see in 2025.
No tourist traps, just the good stuff.
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Chilly Dips + Steamy Saunas
There’s something oddly addictive about jumping into cold water then sweating it out in a beachside sauna. Perth’s wild swimming scene is blowing up — and places like The Neighbourhood Sauna are leading the charge with locations at South Beach, Leighton, and Hilary’s. Brave the cold, book a session, and thank me later.
Browse One-Of-A-Kind Bookstores
When the weather’s grey and your vibe is 'main character with a coffee', Perth’s indie bookstores deliver. Rabble Books & Games is a community gem packed with curated reads and inclusive titles, while Diabolik Books mixes cult classics, design picks, and a kids’ section that’s actually cool. Planet Books is your go-to for pop culture gems and offbeat treasures, and Beaufort Street Books and New Edition Bookshop both bring strong cosy corner energy with beautifully curated shelves and proper local cred.
Get Competitive Indoors
Image credit: Flight Club Darts | Facebook
Darts, bowling, escape rooms: It's giving serious fun, zero risk of freezing your butt off. Flight Club mixes modern tech with old-school darts in a cocktail bar setting, while Rosemount Bowl brings retro flair, burgers, and a very fun soundtrack. Puzzle fiends should hit Escape This or Lost Reality Escape Rooms, where immersive adventures range from cursed manors to chaotic heists. Whether you’re bonding with mates or beefing over who forgot the clue, it’s peak winter night energy.
Soak & Steam At A City Spa
Treat yourself to some solid R&R with Perth’s best spots for winter wellness. Bodhi J delivers luxe facials, hot stone massages and infrared sauna sessions in a serene spa setting. Over at Ember Bath House, it's all about global bathing traditions: steam rooms, onsen-style showers, hot mineral baths — the full works. If your nervous system’s been on high alert, you’ll find your reset button here.
Catch Something Big At Optus Stadium
Whether you're screaming from the stands or belting out lyrics at a sold-out show, Optus Stadium brings a big game. Footy season is in full swing, so rug up, grab the hot chips, and get amongst it. No game? No worries. Book the HALO rooftop tour for sky-high views and an adrenaline kick, or check what’s on — there’s always something.
Tuck Into A Hearty Sunday Roast
Low light, full plates, gravy on everything… This is what winter Sundays were made for. St Brigid Bar brings elevated comfort and a cracking wine list, while The Iluka and South Beach Hotel serve classic roasts done right. Want something a little different? Fallow and Bertie offer weekly rotating proteins that keep things interesting.
Cosy Up Next To The Fire At These Iconic Perth Pubs
Image credit: Mrs Brown Bar | Facebook
Fireplace season is here, and these spots are turning up the heat. Snuggle up with a shiraz at Mrs Brown Bar, grab a pint by the hearth at Percy Flint or The Balmoral, or settle in at The Windsor or The Queens for toasty vibes and hearty feeds.
Looking for something a little different? Head to The Cabin, where the hunting lodge fit and roaring fireplace make it feel like a wintery retreat. Or the Rose and Crown, where heritage vibes and cosy sofas create the ultimate fireside spot. Want an excuse for a Swan Valley detour? The Henley Brook has a double-sided indoor fireplace that’ll have you ordering another round just to stay a little longer.
Test Your Knowledge at a Trivia Night
Perth’s trivia scene is thriving — and it’s way more fun than you remember. Go big at The Camfield, get clever at Bark, or lean into the chaos at Leederville Hotel. The Carine, Inglewood Hotel and Federal Hotel all bring the midweek laughs and drink specials. Whether you're in for the glory or the parmis, there’s a quiz night with your name on it.
Linger Too Long at One of Perth’s Cosiest Wine Bars
Cold outside? Red wine inside. Bar Vino, Vincent Wine, and Mummucc’ serve moody lighting and local drops on repeat. Powell’s and Bar Rogue bring cheese pairings and date-night charm, while Le Rebelle and The Heritage Wine Bar deliver Parisian indulgence without the expensive flight. Keen to dodge the crowds? Volare in Maylands is your moody, romantic, criminally underrated go-to.
Get Amongst It At The Scarborough Sunset Markets: Winter Edition
From 10 May to 25 October, Scarborough Beach gets dolled up with fairy lights, fire pits, and sizzling street eats. It’s cosy chaos in the best way. BYO puffer and snack your way from bao buns to bratwurst while live DJs keep the energy high. There’s mulled wine, artisan stalls, marshmallow toasting, and just enough sea breeze to remind you it’s winter.
Cosy Up At A Jazz Club
Image credit: Jazz Cellar | Facebook
For winter nights with a little more soul, Perth’s jazz scene has you covered. Head to the Jazz Cellar for pizza, BYO vino, and intimate live music in a literal basement (entry via red phone booth, naturally). Ellington Jazz Club in Northbridge and Duke of George in Freo also deliver the goods with killer cocktails and that warm, fuzzy feeling only live tunes can bring.
Quick Getaways
Rottnest Island
Rotto’s the kind of place that makes you forget the city’s just a ferry ride away. In winter, it dials down the chaos and turns up the charm — think quiet beaches, crisp sea air, and quokkas still posing like it’s their job. Pack a jacket, hire a bike, and explore the island at your own pace. No crowds. No sunburn. Just good vibes and salt in your hair.
Fremantle
Image credit: Fremantle Markets | Facebook
There’s something about Freo that always tempts you to stay longer, and honestly, why fight it? Start your day wandering the Fremantle Markets, detour to the Arts Centre for a little culture, then settle in for lunch and craft brews at Calamity Rod or Gage Roads. Sticking around into the evening? Head to Nieuw Ruin or Urban Winery for natural wines and smart snacks, crush peanuts and cocktails at Darling Darling, then dance it out at Honky Tonk till your feet (or your friends) give up on you.
Guildford
Guildford feels like it was made for slow strolls and long lunches. With heritage pubs, antique stores and more federation charm than you can poke a pressed-tin ceiling at, it’s pure old-school WA. Grab coffee at Guildford Town Bakery, snoop through vintage treasures, then settle in for a fireside feed at The Guildford Hotel. Leave your to-do list at home. This one’s about taking it slow.
Mundaring Weir
Tall trees, big skies, and one very aesthetic dam — Mundaring Weir is the quickie nature fix you didn’t know you needed. Walk the dam, keep an eye out for black cockatoos, then reward yourself with a parmi and pint at the Mundaring Weir Hotel. It’s equal parts wholesome and rugged, and only an hour from the city.
Swan Valley
Image credit: Nikola Estate | Facebook
Swan Valley is having a bit of a moment, and we’re so here for it. Just 25 minutes from the CBD, the valley delivers wineries, breweries, distilleries and more baked goods than your road trip crew can handle in one go. Sip fortifieds at Talijancich, graze your way through lunch at Sandalford or Nikola Estate, hit Funk or Bailey Brewing Co for beers, and swing by Old Young’s for award-winning gin. Got a sweet tooth? Whistler’s Chocolate Co. and The House of Honey have you covered. And don’t skip the cheesy goodness at The Cheese Barrel. Yes, your esky will be full. No, you won’t regret it.
York
If you’re into vintage shops, heritage buildings and country town charm, York is calling. This historic gem serves up character in spades, from dust-covered jammed with bric-a-brac to the historic motor museum to Barclay Books, tucked inside an old fire station. Wander up main street, snap a photo on the swinging bridge, then settle in for lunch. Settler’s House keeps it classic, while The Imperial brings a little extra polish.
Lesmurdie Falls
When the group chat is all “we should do something outdoorsy” and no one wants to commit to a hike-hike, Lesmurdie Falls is the move. It’s a low-effort, high-reward bushwalk with waterfall views that absolutely pop after rain. Pack a thermos, wear decent shoes, and prepare for that rosy post-hike glow, even if you're back in the city by lunchtime.
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Snorkel The Coogee Maritime Trail & Omeo Shipwreck
Yep, Perth really does have a shipwreck just 25 metres from shore. The Omeo Wreck is beginner-friendly, buzzing with marine life, and surrounded by an underwater sculpture trail that’s surprisingly magical. Bring a snorkel, bring a mate, bring your GoPro — this is the kind of adventure you’ll want to brag about later.
Catch A Sunset At Cottesloe Beach
Image credit: Cottesloe Beach Hotel | Facebook
Golden hour just hits different at Cott. Grab fish and chips (and a cheeky gelato), claim a spot on the grassy knoll, and soak up that iconic west coast glow. Still dreamy in winter — just bring a blanket and sub the gelato for a hot choccy.
Picnic At Kings Park & Climb The DNA Tower
With sweeping views and that “wait, are we still in the city?” energy, Kings Park is a no-fail pick for slow weekends. Pack snacks, hit the treetop walkway, and don’t skip a climb up DNA Tower — the panoramic payoff is totally worth the stairs.
Cruise Or Ride Along The Swan River
Whether you’re pedalling along the foreshore, cruising with a spritz in hand, or just strolling and soaking it in, the Swan River is peak Perth. Book a picnic cruise, hire a bike, or go old-school with a riverside wander. The vibes? Effortless.
Wander The Wetlands At Herdsman Lake Or Lake Monger
Need a nature fix that’s still close to home? Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger are peaceful little pockets just waiting to be explored. Expect walking trails, water views, and enough birdlife to make David Attenborough proud. Bring a podcast, wear comfy shoes, and soak up the best of the crisp cool days.
Explore The Art Gallery Of WA & WA Museum Boola Bardip
Image credit: AGWA | Facebook
Need a rainy day plan? AGWA serves up bold visuals and rotating exhibitions, while next door WA Museum Boola Bardip hits the sweet spot between culture, history and ‘woah, didn’t know that’. Both are free, beautifully curated, and an ideal Sunday pairing.
See A Show At One Of Perth’s Theatres
From theatre classics to bold new works with a lil more sparkle, His Majesty’s Theatre and the State Theatre Centre are where the magic happens. Add a glass of red and you’ve got the perfect wintery night out.
Tour Fremantle Prison
Creepy? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely. Fremantle Prison offers tours that span convict history, underground tunnels, and ghost stories you probably shouldn’t Google before bed. It’s spooky in the best way.
Discover Street Art In Northbridge And Mount Lawley
From alleyways to building sides to unexpected doorways, Perth’s street art scene is seriously underrated. Hit up Northbridge and Mount Lawley for a colourful wander and an impromptu photoshoot (you know you want to).
Browse The Freo Markets
Loud, colourful, and full of character, the Fremantle Markets always deliver. Grab a juice, dig through the vintage racks, and leave with something you didn’t plan on but absolutely needed. The chaos is part of the charm.
Coffee-Hop Some Of Perth’s Best Cafes
Image credit: Hylin | Facebook
Let’s be real. Perth’s coffee game is strong. Hit up Hylin, La Veen, Grouch & Co, Pixel, Modus, and Typika for top-tier brews, stellar brunches, and guaranteed good vibes. Order something single origin and pretend you know what it means — we won’t tell.
Chase The Sun With Rooftop Drinks In The CBD
Rooftop drinks are a year-round vibe. Try Hadiqa, Prince Lane, QT, Stories Rooftop, or AGWA’s rooftop for golden hour cocktails and city views that absolutely slap.
Visit Perth Zoo Or AQWA
Whether you’re hanging with elephants at Perth Zoo or watching sharks glide overhead at AQWA, these spots hit the sweet spot of kid-friendly and adult-approved. It’s hands-on, heartwarming, and just plain fun.
See Molten Gold Poured At The Perth Mint
Where else can you watch gold melted and poured into a bar right in front of your eyes? The Perth Mint is one of those under-the-radar attractions that ends up being way cooler than you expect.
Let The Kids Run Wild At Whiteman Park
With playgrounds, native wildlife, mini trains and a nostalgic lolly shop, Whiteman Park is full of wholesome family fun and wide open spaces. Let the kids go nuts while you enjoy the rare gift of sitting down.
Get Hands-On At Scitech
Image credit: Scitech | Facebook
Science, but make it fun. Scitech nails it with hands-on exhibits, interactive zones, and a planetarium that feels like stepping into another world. And honestly, it’s as fun for grown-ups as it is for the kids.
Be The Star Of Your Own Gameshow At Quiz Room Perth
This one’s trivia turned up to 11. Quiz Room Perth puts you centre stage with fast-paced rounds and buzzer action that’ll test friendships and egos alike. It’s game night with extra spice.
Bookmark this guide and come back anytime you need plans — we’ll keep it updated with all the Perth goodness.
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Main image credit: Cottesloe Beach | Tourism WA
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