The 5 Best Sights, Activities, and Adventures in Perth, Western Australia

Are you planning a trip to Western Australia's exciting capital? While Perth certainly isn't the most conveniently located city in Australia, it offers a fantastic mix of exciting activities, great weather, and stunningly pretty natural attractions. A manageable plane trip from other Australian cities, the population centre of the country's west coast is one of several must-see locations in Australia.

Accessing Perth is fairly simple – the city is connected to other Australian centres by road. Given that there's a not-so-simple fifteen-hour drive to manage from the nearest major city, it's best that visitors travel to Perth by air. Flights depart from major East Coast cities several times daily, and from as far abroad as Dubai and Bangkok on a daily basis.

In search of things to do? These five activities will keep you busy as you spend a day, weekend, or even a whole week in Australia's exciting western capital. Pack a spare suitcase, a set of adventure clothes, and your favourite swimsuit – no matter what your interests, Perth has something to keep you occupied, interested, and completely immersed in Western Australia.

1. Go shopping or catch a movie in Central Perth.

Perth's CBD may not have the height of Melbourne's or the sprawl of Sydney's, but it still offers a lot to visitors in need of a rapid shopping session. Take to the central city and keep your credit card handy, as Perth certainly isn't short on boutique shops. From luxury brands to niche goods, you're unlikely to have trouble finding a unique gift, funky souvenir, or interesting home addition here.

2. Visit Perth Zoo.

While Australian visitors probably won't see that much at Perth Zoo, international visitors will get the chance to see native kangaroos, koalas, and other animals in an open habitat. Various snakes – some of which are the most poisonous in the world – and other Australian animals also feature at the zoo, which is located within Perth's city area, and is accessible by taxi or public bus.

3. Surf, swim, and sunbathe at Scarborough Beach.

While Perth's beaches aren't quite as pristine as those found in Queensland, the city offers a great mix or urban beach land an unique swimming opportunities. Scarborough beach is the city's most convenient swimming spot, and is accessible using Perth's public train system. Other beaches are located further from the city, and may require a vehicle to be access during the daytime.

4. Visit Freemantle and shop at the market.

Freemantle is a port town located just outside of Perth – it's so convenient and close, in fact, that travellers often mistake it for part of the city. A variety of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants are found within the town itself, while a sizeable market can be found just outside the centre. An interesting mix of goods are on display, including native Australian handicrafts and souvenirs.

5. Taste some Swan Valley wines.

Western Australia is famous for its wines, and Perth is located within comfortable driving distance of several major wineries. If the thought of spending the day in the city doesn't appeal to you, take a ride out to the Swan Valley and sample wine from the many award-winning vineyards in the area. It doesn't quite compare to South Australia's famous wine valleys, but is still worth exploring.