Best Things To Do in Perth

Perth is a lively city, where luxury merges with the everyday. Most of the activities available are ideal for the whole family. In every area you'll find something different, such as the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory which offers attractions related to astronomy and interesting discoveries. On the other hand, the best tours of the city can take you to discover the city's landmarks on guided tours, either by sightseeing bus or on foot, as well as the hot spots, ideal for taking advantage of the nightlife.

You'll also have the chance to see the city from different perspectives by skydiving and get enviable views of the most iconic beaches. Plus, don't miss out on must-see stops such as the Console Museum, the local bell tower, Optus Stadium and the aquarium. Finally, if you prefer something different, go dolphin spotting off the coast of Western Australia - there are plenty of options!

Perth's streets are over 190 years old, of course some are preserved and others have been transformed into modern suburbs.

Regardless, it's a city with personality that's worth exploring in detail. The best tours of Perth insert you into customisable experiences, where you can take in the hidden alleyways and most visited points of interest.

Perth is known as the most isolated city, as it is far away from other civilisations. For example, the nearest Australian city is about three hours away by plane. However, you will fall in love with its variety of outdoor activities, seaside entertainment, dreamy streets and Mediterranean climate. You will find guided experiences from 37 euros that will take you to know:

• Kings Park: it is the lungs of the city, as big as Central Park. It offers the best views of the city and the Swan River.
• Swan River: it's an ideal location to take advantage of Perth's best cruises, which dive into food, wine, nature watching or simply unwinding experiences.
• Perth Mint: local coins throughout history are housed in the main centre of local production. The Mint is a fun stop, ideal for family learning.

Awaken your musical ear at Perth's Belfry or The Bell Tower, a busy landmark built in 1999. Its main attraction is the 12 bells brought from St Martha's Church in London, which generate an enchanting melody. It is a hands-on experience as it allows you to ring the bells and enjoy the interactive history of this monument.

Its location is taken as a landmark, as its distinctive shape stands out and can be seen from a number of different locations. At the top you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the city, as well as of the ocean as it is located in front of the seaport.

Inside, it has a gallery of temporary and permanent exhibitions, and at the bottom, you can find the "padlocks of love", a place where lovers express their feelings. To get to this destination, you can take advantage of the centre's bus, which is completely free, and venture out on guided experiences from 13 euros.

Perth's nightlife has promising secrets that I invite you to explore. You can have a great time getting to know the city under the stars and checking out the hot spots. I suggest you join me on an unforgettable plan, a tour in search of the most fun pubs on the beaches and in the upmarket areas. Some of the most popular nightspots are:

• The Royal Perth: The Royal Perth is a hotel with one of the most prestigious bars in the city, suitable for spending time with friends. There is a dance floor, pool table and karaoke room.
• Universal Bar: one of the most popular bars in the Wellington area, offering live music and a charming atmosphere from Wednesday to Sunday.
• The Aviary Perth: This bar offers a special selection of local beers and live music from different eras. It is located on a terrace, so you will enjoy panoramic views of the city. Be prepared for some lively nights out, especially in high season.

These types of experiences are ideal if you're looking for things to do in Perth at night, as they tend to be concentrated on Hay Street - the city's main thoroughfare. Australian bars have a particular charm, with a full calendar of events. It's the perfect excuse to get drunk on the local beer, or sample the best wines. Perth also has no shortage of speakeasies hidden behind hidden passageways. In the summer, themed parties are held late into the night.

The most convenient way to see the sights of the city is on board Perth's hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, ideal for passing Kings Park, Northbridge and Optus Stadium. It's a mode of transport that allows you to explore at your own pace, as you hop on and off at designated stops. After the first use, you have around 24 hours to take advantage of each stop, which are usually accompanied by an audio guide in several languages.

Another option is to take the full tour, which lasts approximately two hours. The bus has an air-conditioned floor, as well as an open-top area offering panoramic views. If you're looking for things to do in Perth with kids, take advantage of the children's channel which is included in this transport pass. The experience costs approximately 28 euros.

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is an exciting and different approach to learning about astronomy and the mysteries of space. This learning centre features a collection of Aboriginal art and displays of Einstein's discoveries.

It has day and night activities, so you can visit at any time of day or night. Its interactive exhibits and presentations for all ages are ideal for organising things to do in Perth with children. It's located in Gingi, about an hour's drive from the city, and can be reached by train, bus 490 or taxi. Tickets start at 16 euros and include access to all areas.

What to do at Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory by day

During daylight hours the galleries and observatory tend to be very busy, due to guided tours for tourists and schools. However, it's worth it because certain activities only take place during daylight hours.

• Stroll through the Wildflower Exhibition: this educational building is surrounded by a virgin forest, considered an international heritage of flora and fauna. All year round there is a variety of wild flowers, especially beautiful in spring. The exhibition has more than 12,000 species, where the different types of orchids stand out. There are also cultural galleries focused on exhibiting rare animals and plants, some of which are endangered.
• Explore the Leaning Tower of Gingin: one of the most important attractions of the centre, it is inspired by the Tower of Pisa and Galileo's experiments. It measures around 45 metres, to reach the top you need to climb around 222 steps. From the top you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the outskirts of Perth.
• See the Trilobus Skull, an ancient gem dating back over 50,000 years. It is believed to belong to the marsupials, a type of mammal that takes a short time in the mother's womb and finishes forming in the marsupial pouch. The best known are the Australian kangaroos, which are abundant in the region.
• Take a look at the models of the Solar System, you can see the location of the planets in relation to the sun, as well as take advantage of the information panels to learn more about each one.
• Don't miss the Cosmo Gallery: it's a fascinating corridor, where you'll find the first gravitational wave detector. There is also a section where you will learn how the Universe was created and its development on the timeline.

What to do at the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory at night

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory offers activities to do at night in Perth. Please note that from Tuesday to Thursday it is open until 4:00 pm, while from Friday to Sunday it is open until 8:00 pm. However, the centre is still active with guided tours until midnight.

• Explore the universe: the most special area of the centre is the observatory, which I recommend visiting at night to observe stars and constellations. You'll usually enjoy the company of professional astronomers, who will talk to you about the cosmos and its phenomena under Perth's clear skies.
• Experience a night of Aboriginal astronomy: this centre and observatory is the only place in Perth where you can see the Aboriginal constellations. This is done through a special laser, in May and October the sky is usually clear and there is a better chance of spotting celestial bodies.

The colours of Perth from above are breathtaking, so you need to try new experiences to get the best panoramic views. A skydive is an ideal activity, which offers an adrenaline rush worthy of an adventurer's itinerary. Specifically, I recommend tandem skydiving, a variation of traditional skydiving where you will receive brief training.

The main advantage is that you don't need any previous experience, as the jump is done with a professional. You'll be 4,000 metres above sea level, doing a 60 second freefall over Rockingham Beach. Take the time to catch a glimpse of Perth' s penguin island. The experience is worth around 250 euros and takes you on a tour:

• Penguin Island: Western Australia has a large penguin colony, which hides on this beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. The sandy beaches are the most recommended for the little ones, so it is ideal to share activitieswith children in Perth. It is also possible to spot dolphins and sea lions.
• Garden Island: it is a narrow path over the water, surrounded by sunken ships and old military bases.
• Cockburn Sound: a connection of the Swan River to the Indian Ocean, from here you will feel like you are touching the sunset with your fingertips.

Perth's Optus Stadium is an impressive building, where mostly the Australian Football League plays. It is also the venue for large concerts, thanks to its large capacity, and is considered the third largest stadium in the city. On holiday you can spend some quality time exploring the inside of the stadium in a private experience away from the crowds.

You can learn about the history of the stadium, as well as the achievements of teams such as the West Coast Eagles and the Perth Scorchers. The best part of this experience is that there are areas closed to the public, such as the Hall of Achievement, the dugout, the playing field and the players' locker rooms, which you can learn about on a guided tour. Such tours often include a look at the highest point of the stadium, from where you can see the whole city. For this particular attraction, guided tours are available from 16 euros.

Perth's coastline is popular with a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, seals, penguins and the restless dolphins. You can see them dancing all year round, but there are certain areas where this spectacle of nature dominates, such as Hillarys Boat Harbour. Although there are months where you're more likely to see them, such as July, September and November, this season also sees humpback and blue whales.

The best Perth cruises take you on a professionally monitored whale watching tour in the north of the city, usually aboard a boat in the Indian Ocean. On such tours, it's possible to see blue whales on their feeding grounds, witness the humpback whale migration from September to December, and enjoy a natural dolphin show. You can book a whale watching experience from 40 euros.

Perth's marine wildlife is interesting and diverse, so a cursory glance is not enough. The best place to learn is the AQWA Western Australian Aquarium, tucked away in the depths of Hillarys Boat Harbor. It's a space with ecosystem emulations, such as an underwater tunnel and coral reefs. The whole family will spend quality time learning about hundreds of species and getting involved in their care and preservation.

At the aquarium you can get up close and personal with venomous jellyfish under the guidance of professional guides. A guided tour usually costs around 20 euros and you can enjoy reproductions of the main Australian habitats:

• Perth: in this section you will find octopus, lobsters and fish.
• Far North: where crocodiles and mangroves hide.
• Shipwreck Coast: home to sharks and rays.
• Great Southern: home to a very curious animal known as the Pineapple Fish.
• Danger Zone: of course, here you will find poisonous marine species that are preserved by the keepers.
• Turtle Rescue Pool: the outside world is becoming increasingly difficult for certain species, which is why the aquarium has a turtle rescue area.

The Video Game Console Museum or Nostalgia Box is an attraction that will trigger your nostalgia as it showcases screens and computers from eras gone by. From the classic Nintendo console, to relics such as the 1972 Magnavox Odyssey. There are also games for the little ones on more modern consoles, such as the Xbox 360.

At this iconic museum you'll find interactive games open to the public, as well as tours of the building that take you on an exploration of the fascinating history of consoles. In fact, you'll find Mario Kart tracks and over 100 different exhibits. Admission starts from €13, making it an economical choice for your holiday, and its location in the heart of Northbridge is extremely convenient. You can take advantage of Perth' s free stopping tour bus to visit.

Additionally, don't miss the free amateur quiz nights and free pizza is a frequent activity that includes prizes. Access to these activities is not included in the museum ticket, which is an additional cost of approximately 22 Euros.