Perth City Tours

Perth is a jewel of Western Australia, which I suggest you discover on an expertly planned and guided experience. Some of the best tours include segway tours, wine tastings, visits to the local stadium and more.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Perth City Tours

Perth | Pedro Szekely

Perth is such a diverse city that it certainly deserves to be explored in depth, whether it's a leisurely stroll through its streets or a visit to its many attractions. The city enchants all visitors, offering many unforgettable experiences exploring the city on foot or on vehicles such as segways. For those who want to cool off, there are local beers and wines waiting in the most popular pubs.

Wine cellars also offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities. If you're a sports fan, add a guided tour of the Optus stadium where matches, concerts and traditional events take place to your refreshing beer plan. Personally, I recommend you make the most of these experiences and even consider the best excursions from Perth that take you further afield to explore the surrounding area.

1. Take advantage of a guided tour of Perth's Optus Stadium

Optus Stadium| ©photobom
Optus Stadium| ©photobom

Perth's Optus Stadium is an imposing facade, hosting music concerts, cultural events and matches of various sports such as football, cricket, rugby and more. It seats over 60,000 spectators, but during a guided tour its concourses and areas will be virtually empty. This will give you the opportunity to enter areas such as the changing rooms, an emblematic place closed to the public during match time.

You will also be able to walk through a corridor where the main achievements of the local sports teams are exhibited. It's a highly sought-after experience in the heart of the city. If you want to take dreamy pictures and enjoy the panoramic views, you have to go up to the terrace at the top of the stadium. You can also enjoy unusual experiences such as:

  • Vertigo: this is a risky adventure for those over 10 years old, where you will be on a rotating structure that is located on the edge of the stadium feeling the adrenaline pulsing in your body. For this experience you should wear comfortable trainers, cool clothes and sunscreen.
  • Aboriginal Culture: The construction of this stadium would not have been possible without the help of a community of Aboriginal people known as the Whadjuk Working Group. This activity is intended to take you on a tour of the history behind the construction and the traces of this culture imprinted on the stadium's façade. You will also learn more about the Nyoogar people and their traditional ceremony. It's an ideal activity if you're planning things to do in Perth with kids.
  • HALO: This is a tour of the highest part of the stadium, ideal for getting views from another perspective. Specifically, you'll be on level 5 behind the scenes of the staging of games and other events.

Details of interest

  • Price: from €16 per person.
  • Duration: about an hour and a half.
  • Means of transport: usually does not include a guide so you have to get to the stadium on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: it is usually a personalised experience for around 25 people.
  • Disadvantages of this option: a certain level of fitness is required.

Book a guided tour of Optus Stadium

2. Sign up for a guided tour of the city

Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography
Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography

Perth is a city that will never cease to amaze you, due to its exotic charm. In fact, it's easy to get lost as you wander aimlessly through its streets, as a variety of attractions await you that could leave you confused. The best way to appreciate the entertainment on offer is to put together an organised itinerary. You can put it together on your own, adding the most relevant sites in the old town and the modern district.

However, if it's your first time in the city, I advise you to sign up for a guided experience. These adventures take you down every alleyway in Perth and reveal their stories. For example, you may not know that it's the most isolated city on the planet, as it's an impressive distance from other major Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, making it a unique urban oasis in the midst of vast natural landscapes.

Keep in mind that these tours are designed for around 12 people, so you can get a virtually personalised tour. Some of the sites you will see are:

  • Perth Mint: The Perth Mint is a heritage site, so you can't miss it. Here you will find exhibits of the most important gold mining in the country.
  • Swan River: the best cruise ships in the city sail along this river with its crystal clear and smooth waters, and many marine species come close to it.
  • Kings Park: it is a park whose green areas are completely worthwhile, it has a botanical garden, recreational events for children and even includes the Perth Zoo.
  • Fremantle: is a neighbouring town, whose seaport has a very interesting history. This can be seen in its colonial buildings.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 37 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: you must get to the meeting point on your own, as the tour is generally on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will see the most important sights of the city and have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like about the local atmosphere.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it tends to sell out quickly, especially in high season.

Book a guided tour of Perth

3. Tour the streets of Perth on a Segway tour.

Segway| ©Purple Wyrm
Segway| ©Purple Wyrm

Perth's hidden corners have many stories to tell, but sometimes it's hard to decipher the most important points on the map. Time-poor travellers can relax and leave their itinerary in the hands of professionals. These types of experiences often include training to learn how to use the Segway before the tour begins, as well as the company of a local guide. For communication, you'll have a radio to provide you with useful information about the sites in front of you.

It is one of the best things to do in the city during your visit, as it is suitable for any season of the year. Note that the route through Perth will depend on the experience you choose, however the most popular itinerary will give you a brief tour of local points of interest and then dive into the attractions of Kings Park.

It's no secret that this park is the local lungs, where you'll be able to see the city's bell tower, Elizabeth Quay and Perth Zoo. You'll also have time to discover Australia's Aboriginal history and the influence of European communities. The open-air exhibition of Aboriginal people is very interesting and educational. At the end of the tour, climb the DNA Tower and admire the buildings, streets and bustle of the surrounding area.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 78 euros per person.
  • Duration: about one and a half hours.
  • Means of transport: Transfers around Perth are not usually included, so you must travel to the Segway rental shop. Afterwards, you will be able to tour the city aboard this fun transport.
  • Advantages of this option: It's usually a small group tour, so you'll enjoy a personalised experience.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility problems, for safety reasons.

Book a Perth Segway Tour

4. Explore Perth's nightlife on a pub crawl

Perth pub crawl| ©sobolevnrm
Perth pub crawl| ©sobolevnrm

There's no doubt that this city has something to offer everyone, including some fascinating suggestions of things to do at night in Perth. If nightlife is your thing, you'll have a great time on the bold streets of Perth. Trendy venues liven up the atmosphere and offer comfortable spaces to dance, sip drinks and explore the suburbs until dawn.

These types of experiences allow you to discover what nightlife is like in the city, and the best part is that they're mostly concentrated on Hay Street - the main and most popular thoroughfare. This district is home to interesting pubs and fun themed parties. Before you leave the region, I recommend you experience this tour where there are often complimentary drinks as well as tastings of snacks and local beers.

Perth is a safe city at night, however certain precautions should be taken. Some red light areas should be avoided and it's best to sign up for an adventure with a professional guide. In case you still want to sample the nightlife on your own, I recommend Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Subiaco and Leederville which are prestigious and safe locations.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 42 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: Usually does not include return transfers, so the experience is conducted on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: it is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include entrance fees to bars or nightclubs. It is an adult-only experience, so you cannot do it if you are travelling with children.

Book a pub crawl in Perth

5. Take a tour on the Perth Sightseeing Bus

Bus through the streets| ©Eren A
Bus through the streets| ©Eren A

The Perth Sightseeing Bus Tour is a great way to see the city at your own pace. It's a self-drive experience, where you can hop on and off wherever you like, as there are usually several stops and an audio guide will provide you with valuable information on sights, attractions, local activities and more.

It's an interactive tour with a single route that is complete and ideal for short itineraries. You'll be able to enjoy the best things to do in Perth and see all the major attractions. Please note that the bus runs daily from 9:15am to 5:00pm. It has 11 stops, the most relevant ones being:

  • Kings Park: considered one of the largest parks in the world, where you will find exhibitions of Australian fauna and flora, as well as mystical experiences related to the native peoples.
  • Northbridge: it is a lively neighbourhood, where you will find galleries, restaurants and outdoor cultural events. Mostly, I suggest you take advantage of visiting the museums and theatres in the area.
  • Optus Stadium: it is a very important event in Perth, where a variety of sporting events and concerts are held. There are guided tours of its facilities, where you can see the boxes, press rooms and climb to the heights of its facade in the popular attraction Vertigo.
  • Perth Mint: This iconic building is where the first local coins were made and is also the best place to discover the history of the region's gold that surrounds the world's largest piece of gold.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 29 euros per person.
  • Duration: the ticket is valid for approximately 24 hours, although you can complete the entire tour in around two hours.
  • Means of transport: Generally, the entire tour takes place aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus with panoramic views. You can get on and off at any of the official stops.
  • Advantages of this option: It usually includes an audio guide in different languages, as well as a children's channel, ideal if you're planning things to do in Perth with kids.
  • Disadvantages of this option: The price is per ticket, so the total cost for a family can be high.

Book a Perth Sightseeing Bus Tour

6. Taste wine from Perth's best wineries

Tasting wine| ©Mark Pegrum
Tasting wine| ©Mark Pegrum

Perth's wineries are an interesting place to visit. In fact, it's one of the best things to do in the city if you want to take advantage of a wine tasting. On such tours you can learn about the production process, the work in the vineyards and the types of Australian wines. Plus, one of the world's most famous wine brands is owned by an Australian family, so you might even get a glimpse of an exciting history.

In this wine region you can explore local delicacies including craft beer, chocolate and Australian cheeses. Additionally, this type of experience offers lunch and takes place in the Swan Valley, located thirty minutes from Perth. The local spirits are prized for their exquisite and delicate flavour. Plus, on this type of valley experience you'll get to see:

  • Swan Valley's finest wineries.
  • Honey and nougat production plants.
  • Winemaking areas over 100 years old, where you'll discover the region's winemaking history.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 60 euros per person.
  • Duration: around five hours.
  • Means of transport: usually includes transport in an air-conditioned minivan or bus.
  • Advantages of this option: usually includes a wine tasting accompanied by a tasting of local snacks, and even lunch.
  • Disadvantages of this option: Tipping is not usually included, although this is compulsory in Perth.

7. Try some of Perth's tastiest food

Food| ©The Big Lunch
Food| ©The Big Lunch

Perth's cuisine is varied and rich in flavours. The best excursions from Perth, as well as local tours, often include experiences that involve the local food scene. You can head out in search of restaurants on your own, or enjoy a guided tour. There are usually private and shared tours that allow you to sample traditional flavours such as Australian meat pie, dumplings, ginger beer, Thai fish pie and more. Keep in mind that the region's dishes have both Asian and European influences.

Some tours explore the gastronomic secrets with off-the-beaten-path routes, where you'll enjoy a low tourist traffic. Entrance fees are usually included and you can enjoy complimentary snacks. Some of the stops you will make are:

  • Museum Boola Bardip: it is an emblematic point of the city with gastronomic proposals that will fascinate you. It is little known, where you can taste the typical Australian Vegemite.
  • State Theatre Centre of Western Australia: in the surrounding area you will find the best street stalls, as well as the popular Australian-style sushi.
  • Revolutions Transport Museum: the perfect stop for Thai fish cake.
  • The Blue Room Theatre: Kangaroo and crocodile meat is cooked in this area, but there are also vegetarian options.
  • RAC Arena: You definitely can't miss the traditional Perth sweets, made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
  • Northbridge Piazza: this is a very entertaining square, where you will find an interesting pub known as Ginger Beer. Here you will taste Perth's most popular beer.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 160 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: usually includes transport and pick-up is from a central location in the city.
  • Advantages of this option: usually includes several tastings of local dishes and vegetarian-friendly options.
  • Disadvantages of this option: It is an experience that sells out quickly.

A comparison of Perth's top tour options

  • Optus Stadium Tour
  • From £16 per person
  • About an hour and a half
  • Advantages: usually a personalised experience
  • Disadvantages: good physical condition required
  • Guided city tour
  • From 37 € per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: covers the most interesting sights of the city
  • Disadvantages: Quotas run out quickly.
  • Perth Segway Tour
  • From €78 per person
  • Around four hours
  • Advantages: Ideal for small groups, so it's a personalised experience
  • Disadvantages: Does not include children's meals or special dietary requirements
  • Perth Pub Crawl
  • From £42 per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: Suitable for wheelchair users
  • Disadvantages: Does not usually include entrance fees to pubs or clubs.
  • Perth Wine Tour
  • From £60 per person
  • Around five hours
  • Pros: Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by a sampling of local snacks.
  • Disadvantages: Tipping is not usually included.
  • Perth Food Tour
  • From £160 per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: Usually includes several tastings of local dishes, plus vegetarian-friendly menu.
  • Disadvantages: This experience sells out quickly.

Without a doubt, Perth tours are multi-faceted and cater to all tastes and needs. From tours of the city's most iconic stadium to wine tasting, each experience is unforgettable and leads you to experience the best things to do in Perth. It's worth exploring every nook and cranny, whether on a guided tour or on your own.