Melinda’s guidebook GREAT Places to go and things to o around Perth, Wester
Sightseeing
Many of Perth’s best destinations are held all or partly outdoors during summer because our weather is so predictable and perfect. You may wish to pack factor 50+ sun protection, hats and mosquito repellant though.
There is a lot you can do using public transport. I always keep this app on by phone, and it lets you plan your transport route, time etc. https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ They also now have an app for your phone that lets you track where your bus or train is while you wait. However there are a few destinations that really are better to reach by car, so you might like to rent a car for a few days for those trips.
I have loved living in and exploring Perth, and I hope you will too. Here are recommendations for what we have done and really enjoyed.
From South Perth, catch a bus, or a public transport ferry (Mends Street Jetty), or just walk over the bridge to the city.
It might be well worth booking a three day pass on the double decker tourist Bus, which takes you to all of the major destinations around Perth. You can get off at any time and catch the next scheduled but to the next destination, or back to Perth. Then you can plan other trips to the places this tourist bus does not take you. It is actually quite an efficient way to begin exploring Kings Park, Perth Mint, Bell tower (?) and other international tourist destinations. (Reasonable charges apply).
River Cruises up and down the Swan River can be booked at Elizabeth Quay, near the Bell Tower. I have done these many times in all directions, and in my opinion, the Fremantle to Perth run is the best option. The water is chrystal clear because it is over a sandy riverbed. The tour shows you all of the riverside mansions. One mansion has a “bat cave” below it, where the seemingly unobtrusive door in the limestone cliff opens to let the owner of the house drive their boat out in to the river. I don’t think it has a firemans pole to slide down, but I still laugh when I go past it. From Perth to the Swan valley the river stops being Chrystal clear because it enters the muddy clay soils of the Swan Valley wine region and the landscape is not particularly remarkable. If you purchase a ticket with food provided, either on the boat or at a winery, the food is so boring you will probably fall asleep while eating it.
Kings Park is must do, even at night as you can see all of the river and city lights from there. No entry charge, one of the best places to have a picnic, attend free summer festivals, and watch New Years Eve Fire Works, although South Perth river foreshore is too, and much easier to get home from in your case). Two really good playgrounds there for children, both with toilets and cafes. Indigenous Art Gallery, Nature walks, free open air concerts, outdoor evening theatres for a small cost each summer. Some paid outdoor theatre events at night. BYO picnic. I even booked a Snake identification and handling course there once, just for fun, with my very young daughter (reasonable cover charge involved for these Government run courses).
The Bell Tower (best way is to take a public transport ferry to Perth) get out right near the Bell tower on Elizabeth Quay. Reasonable cover charges apply, and you can pay a bit extra to book a bell ringing lesson. Then you can walk around the new Perth City Foreshore area.
If you are hungry but do not want to waste $$, you can walk 50 m further in the same tourist village, and line up outside AnaLakshmi (Indian vegetarian restaurant, cheapest good food in town. They open at 12:00pm and 6:00pm each day and you only pay what ever you can afford (I normally pay around $5 for whole family on the way out). Also, most of their food is gluten free, possibly vegan, and really healthy and tasty. This is a top story restaurant next to/above the Ferry terminals with river views and indoor or outdoor eating. Get there 10 -20 mins early if you want to get a riverside table.
Walk up to Perth City along Barrack Street. Special gardens and Kangaroo sculptures are on your left. Turn left in to the Hay street Mall in the Center for Perth.
Museum & Art Gallery (free or gold coin donation). Not amazing in the past, except for one or two good local artists.
Along William Street, and some of the side streets in Perth City are lots of really good Asian Restaurants. I call it China Town. I can highly recommend most of them for Dim Sim Brunches, starting around 11 am. Please get there early as the lines are very long, this is a very strong and lovely Asian tradition.
The Re Store – The best Italian Delicatessens in town. Try their Deli rolls, the tastiest in town and made just the way you like it. Kakulas Brothers on William Street, the best Greek Delicatessen in town, specializing in European and Australian cheeses and whole foods. Also most Italian sell really great icecream there, and so does Perth Train station.
Friday night Perth City Street Food Markets – I have not been there, but I have heard that they are really good.
Scitech (Interactive science discovery center) – really great in my opinion, for all ages. – opposite the City West train station (air-conditioned, so great on hot or rainy days), and hours of fascinating activities for 1+ year olds, fun for adults too. Free parking for customers. Get there early for an under cover parking spot (BYO food, as café is too small to cope). (Cover charge involved – google Scitech Perth). (if you are a Zoo member there may be a discount).
New Years Eve Fireworks Perth City foreshore – actually you can just walk to South Perth foreshore from this apartment and have a picnic while you wait until dark (around 8:30pm). Parking and even driving there is a nightmare
Free Christmas Concerts in the City (Opposite Perth train station, in the city square with the green cactus sculpture).
Free Christmas Parade (catch a public transport ferry from South Perth
Free Annual Concert hosted by the Perth Symphony Orchestra and/or Perth City Council. This usually involves famous artists (Marina Prior etc).
Free Gay Pride Parade in City of Perth (CLOSED 2020 due to risk of Covid infections). This is actually very much a family and social event in Perth, not lewd, just lots of lovely colourful and often humorous displays, floats and hilarious and clever narration. I went last year and I found it to be a very inclusive and respectful family event, with a comedian hosting/narrating the parade. Free to attend, public transport is best.
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City of Perth
Many of Perth’s best destinations are held all or partly outdoors during summer because our weather is so predictable and perfect. You may wish to pack factor 50+ sun protection, hats and mosquito repellant though.
There is a lot you can do using public transport. I always keep this app on by phone, and it lets you plan your transport route, time etc. https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/ They also now have an app for your phone that lets you track where your bus or train is while you wait. However there are a few destinations that really are better to reach by car, so you might like to rent a car for a few days for those trips.
I have loved living in and exploring Perth, and I hope you will too. Here are recommendations for what we have done and really enjoyed.
From South Perth, catch a bus, or a public transport ferry (Mends Street Jetty), or just walk over the bridge to the city.
It might be well worth booking a three day pass on the double decker tourist Bus, which takes you to all of the major destinations around Perth. You can get off at any time and catch the next scheduled but to the next destination, or back to Perth. Then you can plan other trips to the places this tourist bus does not take you. It is actually quite an efficient way to begin exploring Kings Park, Perth Mint, Bell tower (?) and other international tourist destinations. (Reasonable charges apply).
River Cruises up and down the Swan River can be booked at Elizabeth Quay, near the Bell Tower. I have done these many times in all directions, and in my opinion, the Fremantle to Perth run is the best option. The water is chrystal clear because it is over a sandy riverbed. The tour shows you all of the riverside mansions. One mansion has a “bat cave” below it, where the seemingly unobtrusive door in the limestone cliff opens to let the owner of the house drive their boat out in to the river. I don’t think it has a firemans pole to slide down, but I still laugh when I go past it. From Perth to the Swan valley the river stops being Chrystal clear because it enters the muddy clay soils of the Swan Valley wine region and the landscape is not particularly remarkable. If you purchase a ticket with food provided, either on the boat or at a winery, the food is so boring you will probably fall asleep while eating it.
Kings Park is must do, even at night as you can see all of the river and city lights from there. No entry charge, one of the best places to have a picnic, attend free summer festivals, and watch New Years Eve Fire Works, although South Perth river foreshore is too, and much easier to get home from in your case). Two really good playgrounds there for children, both with toilets and cafes. Indigenous Art Gallery, Nature walks, free open air concerts, outdoor evening theatres for a small cost each summer. Some paid outdoor theatre events at night. BYO picnic. I even booked a Snake identification and handling course there once, just for fun, with my very young daughter (reasonable cover charge involved for these Government run courses).
The Bell Tower (best way is to take a public transport ferry to Perth) get out right near the Bell tower on Elizabeth Quay. Reasonable cover charges apply, and you can pay a bit extra to book a bell ringing lesson. Then you can walk around the new Perth City Foreshore area.
If you are hungry but do not want to waste $$, you can walk 50 m further in the same tourist village, and line up outside AnaLakshmi (Indian vegetarian restaurant, cheapest good food in town. They open at 12:00pm and 6:00pm each day and you only pay what ever you can afford (I normally pay around $5 for whole family on the way out). Also, most of their food is gluten free, possibly vegan, and really healthy and tasty. This is a top story restaurant next to/above the Ferry terminals with river views and indoor or outdoor eating. Get there 10 -20 mins early if you want to get a riverside table.
Walk up to Perth City along Barrack Street. Special gardens and Kangaroo sculptures are on your left. Turn left in to the Hay street Mall in the Center for Perth.
Museum & Art Gallery (free or gold coin donation). Not amazing in the past, except for one or two good local artists.
Along William Street, and some of the side streets in Perth City are lots of really good Asian Restaurants. I call it China Town. I can highly recommend most of them for Dim Sim Brunches, starting around 11 am. Please get there early as the lines are very long, this is a very strong and lovely Asian tradition.
The Re Store – The best Italian Delicatessens in town. Try their Deli rolls, the tastiest in town and made just the way you like it. Kakulas Brothers on William Street, the best Greek Delicatessen in town, specializing in European and Australian cheeses and whole foods. Also most Italian sell really great icecream there, and so does Perth Train station.
Friday night Perth City Street Food Markets – I have not been there, but I have heard that they are really good.
Scitech (Interactive science discovery center) – really great in my opinion, for all ages. – opposite the City West train station (air-conditioned, so great on hot or rainy days), and hours of fascinating activities for 1+ year olds, fun for adults too. Free parking for customers. Get there early for an under cover parking spot (BYO food, as café is too small to cope). (Cover charge involved – google Scitech Perth). (if you are a Zoo member there may be a discount).
New Years Eve Fireworks Perth City foreshore – actually you can just walk to South Perth foreshore from this apartment and have a picnic while you wait until dark (around 8:30pm). Parking and even driving there is a nightmare
Free Christmas Concerts in the City (Opposite Perth train station, in the city square with the green cactus sculpture).
Free Christmas Parade (catch a public transport ferry from South Perth
Free Annual Concert hosted by the Perth Symphony Orchestra and/or Perth City Council. This usually involves famous artists (Marina Prior etc).
Free Gay Pride Parade in City of Perth (CLOSED 2020 due to risk of Covid infections). This is actually very much a family and social event in Perth, not lewd, just lots of lovely colourful and often humorous displays, floats and hilarious and clever narration. I went last year and I found it to be a very inclusive and respectful family event, with a comedian hosting/narrating the parade. Free to attend, public transport is best.
Worth going to but it does cost a lot. If you can stay overnight, and get up early in the morning when the Quokkas are out and hungry so you can feed and pat them, they usually let you pat them then this is great. Getting a room there is very difficult. So it may be best to get the earliest possible ferry over there and make it a long and exhausting day trip. Bus tours are a great idea and well worth doing. Again you can get on and off at any point and catch the next bus. Food is awful!!! And ridiculously expensive as they have a captive audience, so take some with you or go to the bakery early as Aristos sea food is no longer run by a Greek restaurateur, probably not even chefs. Food is awful, over cooked and costs$$$$$$$$$$$ The ferry ride there and back is also really lovely, or you can fly there or back https://www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au/rotto-transfers/return-flights/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2af-BRDzARIsAIVQUOdty1j3j-x-9JfgkqR7IFaHIwPxumbXKmtMhXfUqm0cgpsOUwG8g_8aAoqiEALw_wcB. The only bad thing about this trip is the food and how much it costs. Everything else is fantastic. The sharks agree, so swimming can be risky in summer, after October.
https://rottnestexpress.com.au/ferry-bookings/?gclid=CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2Ikqo2CPuVkiLIcg_L22X6EUz_KwfwSqJgN4jTAplK6b3d48B0HDRodBoCHqcQAvD_BwE
https://rottnestisland.com/information/contact-us
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Rottnest Island
Worth going to but it does cost a lot. If you can stay overnight, and get up early in the morning when the Quokkas are out and hungry so you can feed and pat them, they usually let you pat them then this is great. Getting a room there is very difficult. So it may be best to get the earliest possible ferry over there and make it a long and exhausting day trip. Bus tours are a great idea and well worth doing. Again you can get on and off at any point and catch the next bus. Food is awful!!! And ridiculously expensive as they have a captive audience, so take some with you or go to the bakery early as Aristos sea food is no longer run by a Greek restaurateur, probably not even chefs. Food is awful, over cooked and costs$$$$$$$$$$$ The ferry ride there and back is also really lovely, or you can fly there or back https://www.rottnestairtaxi.com.au/rotto-transfers/return-flights/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2af-BRDzARIsAIVQUOdty1j3j-x-9JfgkqR7IFaHIwPxumbXKmtMhXfUqm0cgpsOUwG8g_8aAoqiEALw_wcB. The only bad thing about this trip is the food and how much it costs. Everything else is fantastic. The sharks agree, so swimming can be risky in summer, after October.
https://rottnestexpress.com.au/ferry-bookings/?gclid=CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2Ikqo2CPuVkiLIcg_L22X6EUz_KwfwSqJgN4jTAplK6b3d48B0HDRodBoCHqcQAvD_BwE
https://rottnestisland.com/information/contact-us
Several tours, including a scary night time tour and one under the prison in boats. I took my children so they could see how awful prison was... I hope they learned something.
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Fremantle Prison
1 The TerraceSeveral tours, including a scary night time tour and one under the prison in boats. I took my children so they could see how awful prison was... I hope they learned something.
There is a beautiful little beach underneath where you can swim safely too. Fremantle is a GREAT place to walk around. FREE Aboriginal art teaching (usually only on Saturdays, and in Aboriginal or Indigenous Art Galleries in Perth and Fremantle and in the Swan Valley). There is no cover charge and some of the art is very affordable. Best kind of mementos.
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The Roundhouse
15 Captains LnThere is a beautiful little beach underneath where you can swim safely too. Fremantle is a GREAT place to walk around. FREE Aboriginal art teaching (usually only on Saturdays, and in Aboriginal or Indigenous Art Galleries in Perth and Fremantle and in the Swan Valley). There is no cover charge and some of the art is very affordable. Best kind of mementos.
Walk as far across the Swan River as you can (for free) from Point Walter Reserve. Just make sure you get back before the tide rises and every now and then a tourist gets stuck and drownings have been known to occur.
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Point Walter Jetty
Honour AvenueWalk as far across the Swan River as you can (for free) from Point Walter Reserve. Just make sure you get back before the tide rises and every now and then a tourist gets stuck and drownings have been known to occur.
Neighbourhoods
South Perth
Perth Zoo – YOU can walk there from this apartment. Free entry to Zoo members. Reasonable charges. Cafes available. Hire a pull cart that fits two children in, or book a Zebra van ahead of time if you are only going once. All very neat and clean, you can pat the kangaroos if they come up to you, but they have a strict hands off policy. Meer cats and monkeys are adorable as usual. If you want to go and pat lots of animals, native and farm animals, I have some really great suggestions for you.
Explore River reserve along South Perth, Perth City day or night. This a signposted 10 km walk along the South Perth and City river foreshore parklands, paths, otherwise known as “around the bridges” and you can just keep walking or riding all the way to Nedlands and beyond if you like. In summer Dolphins often swim along the riverside, usually following the schools of fish around the Yacht clubs, at Matilda Bay and Claremont river beaches. Bicycle hire is available on the Perth side during the day.
Heritage Windmill in South Perth. I believe it is a small donation and is run by volunteers at certain times many days.
Pizza and Pasta well worth waiting for, near the zoo, CIAO Italia. Many restaurants in Perth Metropolitan region open early (around 5pm), especially for the children or anyone who likes to eat early.
Next to South Perth, on Albany Highway you can catch a bus or drive to Victoria Park. It is a Restaurant strip, with great Turkish, Asian food. One Korean restaurant had a playground inside so parents could relax and eat while the children play. The shopping Center has Coles, Kmart, Aldi much further up the road. Personally I try to zip in and out of the shopping center as it is a mixed crowd, and stick to the cafes and restaurants and Asian Grocer along Albany highway.
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South Perth
South Perth
Perth Zoo – YOU can walk there from this apartment. Free entry to Zoo members. Reasonable charges. Cafes available. Hire a pull cart that fits two children in, or book a Zebra van ahead of time if you are only going once. All very neat and clean, you can pat the kangaroos if they come up to you, but they have a strict hands off policy. Meer cats and monkeys are adorable as usual. If you want to go and pat lots of animals, native and farm animals, I have some really great suggestions for you.
Explore River reserve along South Perth, Perth City day or night. This a signposted 10 km walk along the South Perth and City river foreshore parklands, paths, otherwise known as “around the bridges” and you can just keep walking or riding all the way to Nedlands and beyond if you like. In summer Dolphins often swim along the riverside, usually following the schools of fish around the Yacht clubs, at Matilda Bay and Claremont river beaches. Bicycle hire is available on the Perth side during the day.
Heritage Windmill in South Perth. I believe it is a small donation and is run by volunteers at certain times many days.
Pizza and Pasta well worth waiting for, near the zoo, CIAO Italia. Many restaurants in Perth Metropolitan region open early (around 5pm), especially for the children or anyone who likes to eat early.
Next to South Perth, on Albany Highway you can catch a bus or drive to Victoria Park. It is a Restaurant strip, with great Turkish, Asian food. One Korean restaurant had a playground inside so parents could relax and eat while the children play. The shopping Center has Coles, Kmart, Aldi much further up the road. Personally I try to zip in and out of the shopping center as it is a mixed crowd, and stick to the cafes and restaurants and Asian Grocer along Albany highway.
Swim with the Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery centers (Rockingham is only 40 mins from Perth, or Bunbury) – a car is best. Government run educational facility, so charges are modest (if you are a Zoo member there may be a discount, or free entry, please ask them). If you go, please go early before the Dolphins become tired of people, best at feeding times. I have missed them each time, but if you call a few days ahead and ask to speak to one of the experienced staff members, they ill tell you what is happening this year, whether the dolphins have actually turned up, and at what times, and in what weather conditions.
Visit the Penguins at the Penguin Discovery center. Is a bit expensive, but well worth the cost. You take a ferry over to the island, possibly past Seal Rock, and get out for a lecture and if the penguins choose to come towards you, then you are allowed to pat them. And they do if you are quiet and sill and calm. Absolutely no food available so BYO lunch and snacks and water. Toilets on the Island, but no on the ferry, and not during the educational talk and time to meet the penguins.
Rockingham also has a lovely big beachside playground, and I am sure it is the Fish and Chip Capital of Perth, so you wont miss out.
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Rockingham
Swim with the Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery centers (Rockingham is only 40 mins from Perth, or Bunbury) – a car is best. Government run educational facility, so charges are modest (if you are a Zoo member there may be a discount, or free entry, please ask them). If you go, please go early before the Dolphins become tired of people, best at feeding times. I have missed them each time, but if you call a few days ahead and ask to speak to one of the experienced staff members, they ill tell you what is happening this year, whether the dolphins have actually turned up, and at what times, and in what weather conditions.
Visit the Penguins at the Penguin Discovery center. Is a bit expensive, but well worth the cost. You take a ferry over to the island, possibly past Seal Rock, and get out for a lecture and if the penguins choose to come towards you, then you are allowed to pat them. And they do if you are quiet and sill and calm. Absolutely no food available so BYO lunch and snacks and water. Toilets on the Island, but no on the ferry, and not during the educational talk and time to meet the penguins.
Rockingham also has a lovely big beachside playground, and I am sure it is the Fish and Chip Capital of Perth, so you wont miss out.
Fun things to do
Adventure World – better than most of the worlds in QLD. Totally amazing and well worth the cost!!!!! Water playgrounds, gentle and fast rides, last time I went, the cover charge is only required for those going on rides (not spectators) and it includes lots of rides, and the use of poolside chairs and umbrellas if you can find a spare spot. Cheapest way is to go mid-late afternoon, BYO food, then pay small re-visit fee on the way out. Arm bands show attendants who has paid and is allowed on the rides. Zoned in to 0 – 6 and 7 – 12 year old paddle pools and rides, and grown up/tall people sections. Usually takes atleast two visits to try out most rides. Some rides have long waiting lines. Be prepared to come home sunburnt and exhausted (definitely too tired to cook).
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Adventure World, Perth
351 Progress DrAdventure World – better than most of the worlds in QLD. Totally amazing and well worth the cost!!!!! Water playgrounds, gentle and fast rides, last time I went, the cover charge is only required for those going on rides (not spectators) and it includes lots of rides, and the use of poolside chairs and umbrellas if you can find a spare spot. Cheapest way is to go mid-late afternoon, BYO food, then pay small re-visit fee on the way out. Arm bands show attendants who has paid and is allowed on the rides. Zoned in to 0 – 6 and 7 – 12 year old paddle pools and rides, and grown up/tall people sections. Usually takes atleast two visits to try out most rides. Some rides have long waiting lines. Be prepared to come home sunburnt and exhausted (definitely too tired to cook).
AQUA – another Government run aquarium, reasonable cover charge involved. Well worth the visit, but take a change of clothes for the kids as they can reach in to the shallow touch pool and pat baby stingrays, sharks etc. ALSO !!! You may still be able to pool individual tank swims for 18+ people, and the rest of the family can stand outide the fish tank, watch and take photos. A nice calm 5 minute swim with beautiful reef fish (If I did this again I would pay for a double session as it was too short, but only cost $20/person at the time). Also, for the more daring people, you can book a swim in the shark pool (This is done with zoo keepers/fish handlers, so it may be a bit more expensive). But both are the cheapest and easiest way to have a swimming in the reef experience. BYO food if you like, and a gift store on the way out, and the café is actually well run and reasonably priced, so no need to take food if you do not want to. Aqua takes atleast 2-5m hours to get around, with indoor and outdoor areas, and seal shows (if they have seals – usually rescued animals that are often re-released in to the environment). You might want to drive to this one (and also to the Swan Vally
Next door to AQUA is a beautiful beach to swim on, and also Mindari Keys, which is a nice tourist destination too, with restaurants, clothing shops etc.
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AQWA Το Ενυδρείο της Δυτικής Αυστραλίας
91 Southside DrAQUA – another Government run aquarium, reasonable cover charge involved. Well worth the visit, but take a change of clothes for the kids as they can reach in to the shallow touch pool and pat baby stingrays, sharks etc. ALSO !!! You may still be able to pool individual tank swims for 18+ people, and the rest of the family can stand outide the fish tank, watch and take photos. A nice calm 5 minute swim with beautiful reef fish (If I did this again I would pay for a double session as it was too short, but only cost $20/person at the time). Also, for the more daring people, you can book a swim in the shark pool (This is done with zoo keepers/fish handlers, so it may be a bit more expensive). But both are the cheapest and easiest way to have a swimming in the reef experience. BYO food if you like, and a gift store on the way out, and the café is actually well run and reasonably priced, so no need to take food if you do not want to. Aqua takes atleast 2-5m hours to get around, with indoor and outdoor areas, and seal shows (if they have seals – usually rescued animals that are often re-released in to the environment). You might want to drive to this one (and also to the Swan Vally
Next door to AQUA is a beautiful beach to swim on, and also Mindari Keys, which is a nice tourist destination too, with restaurants, clothing shops etc.
Wineries generally do not open until 10 am or later, but….at the far end (or a bit beyond the Swan Valley), is Caversham Wildlife Park where you can pat and feed the wildlife Kangaroos, albino peacocks, soooo many animals. Almost no food there, and the best time to go is early in the morning while the animals are hungry and not fed up with being patted. Lots of Joeys in pouches etc. sheep rounding up demonstrations, see different wool types,, kids can sit in guineapig and rabbit cages and pat them. Camel Rides, ponies and deer, Lamas and baby goats to pat and feed. One hilarious donkey actually loves catching food pellets in his mouth and all the attention he gets, you can almost see him laughing. Totally worth while, and reasonable entry charges lots of toilets and hand washing facilities, just almost no food so you may want to eat before you go.
In summer, if you get really hot and sweat, you can walk next door in to the rest of Whiteman Park (where you would have parked your car for free), and cool off in a free public swimming pool, with play grounds, picnic tables and change rooms. There is also the Historical villiage, which we visited once, at great expense, but we always went to Caversham Wildlife Park several times each year.
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Caversham Wildlife Park
233B Drumpellier DrWineries generally do not open until 10 am or later, but….at the far end (or a bit beyond the Swan Valley), is Caversham Wildlife Park where you can pat and feed the wildlife Kangaroos, albino peacocks, soooo many animals. Almost no food there, and the best time to go is early in the morning while the animals are hungry and not fed up with being patted. Lots of Joeys in pouches etc. sheep rounding up demonstrations, see different wool types,, kids can sit in guineapig and rabbit cages and pat them. Camel Rides, ponies and deer, Lamas and baby goats to pat and feed. One hilarious donkey actually loves catching food pellets in his mouth and all the attention he gets, you can almost see him laughing. Totally worth while, and reasonable entry charges lots of toilets and hand washing facilities, just almost no food so you may want to eat before you go.
In summer, if you get really hot and sweat, you can walk next door in to the rest of Whiteman Park (where you would have parked your car for free), and cool off in a free public swimming pool, with play grounds, picnic tables and change rooms. There is also the Historical villiage, which we visited once, at great expense, but we always went to Caversham Wildlife Park several times each year.
Sculptures by the Sea (Cottesloe Beach, November?) Catch a bus or train and walk down to the beach, or get there early for a car park. Free event. Cafes, public toilets and cold showers and a good gellateria/icecreamery behind the Lifesavers store room and along the street opposite. Great and safe swimming. Next cove over (200m away) is a marine fish reserve. You can paddle quietly or snorkel for free. Snorkel early though as each day, usually after midday the “Fremantle Doctor” winds begin and make too many waves, so it is hard to see or snorkel.
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Cottesloe Beach Hotel
104 Marine ParadeSculptures by the Sea (Cottesloe Beach, November?) Catch a bus or train and walk down to the beach, or get there early for a car park. Free event. Cafes, public toilets and cold showers and a good gellateria/icecreamery behind the Lifesavers store room and along the street opposite. Great and safe swimming. Next cove over (200m away) is a marine fish reserve. You can paddle quietly or snorkel for free. Snorkel early though as each day, usually after midday the “Fremantle Doctor” winds begin and make too many waves, so it is hard to see or snorkel.
Free swimming pool in summer, right next to Caversham Wildlife Center
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Whiteman Park
99 Lord StreetFree swimming pool in summer, right next to Caversham Wildlife Center
Horse riding “Day Camps” in Claremont where you drop your children or adults (6+ years old) off in the morning with a drink bottle and packed lunch and pick them up at the end of the day. I used to have horses and I can thoroughly recommend it. They are taught most aspects of horse management, brushing, feeding, riding, unsaddling them at the end of the day and leading them to rest out in their paddock or in their stable if they have one. http://www.showgroundsequestrian.com.au/
Anyone with a disability can do a short session in Claremont Disabled riding school, usually an hour or so. This gets boring very fast for anyone with out a disability, but is a really safe place for disabled people to really connect with animals and feel great. https://claremonttherapeuticridingcentre.org.au/about/
Showgrounds Equestrian Centre
434 Graylands RdHorse riding “Day Camps” in Claremont where you drop your children or adults (6+ years old) off in the morning with a drink bottle and packed lunch and pick them up at the end of the day. I used to have horses and I can thoroughly recommend it. They are taught most aspects of horse management, brushing, feeding, riding, unsaddling them at the end of the day and leading them to rest out in their paddock or in their stable if they have one. http://www.showgroundsequestrian.com.au/
Anyone with a disability can do a short session in Claremont Disabled riding school, usually an hour or so. This gets boring very fast for anyone with out a disability, but is a really safe place for disabled people to really connect with animals and feel great. https://claremonttherapeuticridingcentre.org.au/about/
Fremantle Markets Friday afternoon evenings and all weekend and public holidays. Catch a bus, or walk from Fremantle Station –parking is difficult. No cover charge, but food is wonderful but expensive, and you can also buy fresh food there like Victoria Markets. Try the Donut store, the pastry is really amazing, two can easily share 1 donut. Sushi Stand next to the donut shop was not good recently, but it probably depends on who is preparing the sushi that day. Emu Designs Art Gallery knocked my socks off. Incredibly brilliant and humorous Australian Art, with their childrens books being the cheapest way to purchase this art. Friday nights in summer are really fun at the Markets, as this is a restaurant district, and there is usually free street entertainers. They have to audition before Fremantle Council will give them a permit, so yes coin/small not donations are deserved and usually well earned. Magic, juggling, fire and sword swallowing shows, music etc right outside the Fremantle Markets. Cafes on Market Street are really good, with one exception. Capri was absolutely awful when I went there, but that was many years ago, and now it gets really good ratings, so It might be worth trying. Also Kakulas Sisters, an off shoot of the Greek family (Kakulas Brothers in Williams Street Perth City) and now I just notices a Little Sister shop open up next door. They have the best cheese range in town. And, Melbourne/Italian/Greek style, you can ask to sample the cheeses before you buy them. They also have whole food, great oils. Probably our best remaining family owned European Delicatessens in Perth. Good prices too. Youmight want to couple this trip with a Fremantle to Perth Ferry ride home. The cheapest ones are the best value.
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Αγορές Fremantle
Henderson StreetFremantle Markets Friday afternoon evenings and all weekend and public holidays. Catch a bus, or walk from Fremantle Station –parking is difficult. No cover charge, but food is wonderful but expensive, and you can also buy fresh food there like Victoria Markets. Try the Donut store, the pastry is really amazing, two can easily share 1 donut. Sushi Stand next to the donut shop was not good recently, but it probably depends on who is preparing the sushi that day. Emu Designs Art Gallery knocked my socks off. Incredibly brilliant and humorous Australian Art, with their childrens books being the cheapest way to purchase this art. Friday nights in summer are really fun at the Markets, as this is a restaurant district, and there is usually free street entertainers. They have to audition before Fremantle Council will give them a permit, so yes coin/small not donations are deserved and usually well earned. Magic, juggling, fire and sword swallowing shows, music etc right outside the Fremantle Markets. Cafes on Market Street are really good, with one exception. Capri was absolutely awful when I went there, but that was many years ago, and now it gets really good ratings, so It might be worth trying. Also Kakulas Sisters, an off shoot of the Greek family (Kakulas Brothers in Williams Street Perth City) and now I just notices a Little Sister shop open up next door. They have the best cheese range in town. And, Melbourne/Italian/Greek style, you can ask to sample the cheeses before you buy them. They also have whole food, great oils. Probably our best remaining family owned European Delicatessens in Perth. Good prices too. Youmight want to couple this trip with a Fremantle to Perth Ferry ride home. The cheapest ones are the best value.
Scitech (Interactive science discovery center) – really great in my opinion, for all ages. – opposite the City West train station (air-conditioned, so great on hot or rainy days), and hours of fascinating
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Scitech
Sutherland StreetScitech (Interactive science discovery center) – really great in my opinion, for all ages. – opposite the City West train station (air-conditioned, so great on hot or rainy days), and hours of fascinating
At the End of Westralia Drive, Nedlands you can walk through the Sea Scouts land to the river foreshore. See the city lights at night. Walk next door to the Bird Reserve and see Black swans and all types of birds. At low tides you can walk out in to the middle of the Swan River and an adult would only be waist high in water. If you walk further along you can hire stand on paddle boards. If you are a Scout member, you can even camp there over night. Best camping ever, as it is quiet, yet you can walk to the local shops to get Turkish or Asian food, any groceries, and you have access to the Scout hall toilets, kitchen and out door fire place (as long as it is not a total fire ban).
Pelican Point Reserve
At the End of Westralia Drive, Nedlands you can walk through the Sea Scouts land to the river foreshore. See the city lights at night. Walk next door to the Bird Reserve and see Black swans and all types of birds. At low tides you can walk out in to the middle of the Swan River and an adult would only be waist high in water. If you walk further along you can hire stand on paddle boards. If you are a Scout member, you can even camp there over night. Best camping ever, as it is quiet, yet you can walk to the local shops to get Turkish or Asian food, any groceries, and you have access to the Scout hall toilets, kitchen and out door fire place (as long as it is not a total fire ban).
Fremantle Arts Centre Press
25 Quarry StWine Tasting
Swan Valley is the wine region 30mins drive from Perth, which specializes in white, light Reds and many fortified wines because the warmer weather is best for these gapes also some restaurants, breweries and lots of art galleries (all of which seem good) and petting farms/zoos. It contains lots of wineries, but only a few are remarkable, so I will save you time here by summing up our own findings (after living on the edge of the wine region and wine tasting monthly for years). Definitely best done in a car, as winery tours charge you to go to the highest paying wineries, not necessarily the best, as these great wineries naturally attract enough customers because their wine or a wine is remarkable.
https://www.swanvalley.com.au/Plan-Your-Trip/Download-Maps-and-Brochures
Two great breweries, that also serve amazing German food are the Duckstein and Elmars, (you will need to book ahead, possibly 2+ weeks ahead for the Duckstein). I usually choose Elmars though, for a few reasons, it has a fenced off playground out the back for children or picknickers can sit and listen to live bands, a bigger restaurant with that is easier to get in to, a wider selection of beers. Elmars is Perth’ best known German butcher/delicatessen, so it also has a small shop that sells it products to take home on the way out. Elmars also processes WA’s Venison meat, for Salami’s and smoked venison Jerky – guilt/almost fat free salami (get the shaved one), so you do not have to travel 4+ hours down to Margaret River to get these.
I always go to and end up buying wines from Garbin Estate – oldest vines in the swan valley, and ALL of their wines are really great quality, reasonably priced and Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley. They also had a really great deal with Australia Post so that we could order a case (straight or mixed) delivered to our door for $7 (that was a few years ago. The owners and wine makers serve and sell the wines so you can ask them anything. I never took any wine courses, because when I tasted something I liked I asked them which grapes they used and worked out which wines I liked. Jane Brook is just next door, but really not worth the effort.
I always go to Banara Wines too. But only for their Marsala. I used to buy 2L for $15 (years ago), it was sweet, but so lovely in masala Sauce, with chocolate or most kinds of cake, with Blue or other kinds of cheeses etc. It only takes a few minutes to pop in, taste their Marasla, if you like it buy it and go home. The other wines are really ordinary, but they did sell a half decent red in 2L bottles at bargain prices.
River Bank winery is also good across the board, and they have a restaurant, where they only serve great food. Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley.
Margaret River Chocolate company deserves a slight wave as you drive past (Nice idea, but yes some Belgian chocolate is not good at all and they and Coles and Kmart have all found it). Same with Sandalford Wines and Houghton Winery, just keep driving past.
Mondo Nougat is fantastic! But you can get it at most good shops including Delicatessens/ IGA and Farmer Jacks grocery stores, so if you have limited time, just buy it from the grocery stores..
Mann Winery – has only a few champagnes, but they are absolutely perfect and great value for $. Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley.
John Kosovich wines- formerly Westfield wines is really great too. Especially for fortified wines (see link below)
https://travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/john-kosovich-wines-swan-valley/
Lamonts Winery is also great for both wine and food. We used to buy their Pedro Navera fortified wine for Christmas gifts for the In- Laws until Garbin Winery began making great fortifieds. But these are completely different grape varieties, so very different flavours, and all are worth trying.
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Swan Valley
Swan Valley is the wine region 30mins drive from Perth, which specializes in white, light Reds and many fortified wines because the warmer weather is best for these gapes also some restaurants, breweries and lots of art galleries (all of which seem good) and petting farms/zoos. It contains lots of wineries, but only a few are remarkable, so I will save you time here by summing up our own findings (after living on the edge of the wine region and wine tasting monthly for years). Definitely best done in a car, as winery tours charge you to go to the highest paying wineries, not necessarily the best, as these great wineries naturally attract enough customers because their wine or a wine is remarkable.
https://www.swanvalley.com.au/Plan-Your-Trip/Download-Maps-and-Brochures
Two great breweries, that also serve amazing German food are the Duckstein and Elmars, (you will need to book ahead, possibly 2+ weeks ahead for the Duckstein). I usually choose Elmars though, for a few reasons, it has a fenced off playground out the back for children or picknickers can sit and listen to live bands, a bigger restaurant with that is easier to get in to, a wider selection of beers. Elmars is Perth’ best known German butcher/delicatessen, so it also has a small shop that sells it products to take home on the way out. Elmars also processes WA’s Venison meat, for Salami’s and smoked venison Jerky – guilt/almost fat free salami (get the shaved one), so you do not have to travel 4+ hours down to Margaret River to get these.
I always go to and end up buying wines from Garbin Estate – oldest vines in the swan valley, and ALL of their wines are really great quality, reasonably priced and Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley. They also had a really great deal with Australia Post so that we could order a case (straight or mixed) delivered to our door for $7 (that was a few years ago. The owners and wine makers serve and sell the wines so you can ask them anything. I never took any wine courses, because when I tasted something I liked I asked them which grapes they used and worked out which wines I liked. Jane Brook is just next door, but really not worth the effort.
I always go to Banara Wines too. But only for their Marsala. I used to buy 2L for $15 (years ago), it was sweet, but so lovely in masala Sauce, with chocolate or most kinds of cake, with Blue or other kinds of cheeses etc. It only takes a few minutes to pop in, taste their Marasla, if you like it buy it and go home. The other wines are really ordinary, but they did sell a half decent red in 2L bottles at bargain prices.
River Bank winery is also good across the board, and they have a restaurant, where they only serve great food. Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley.
Margaret River Chocolate company deserves a slight wave as you drive past (Nice idea, but yes some Belgian chocolate is not good at all and they and Coles and Kmart have all found it). Same with Sandalford Wines and Houghton Winery, just keep driving past.
Mondo Nougat is fantastic! But you can get it at most good shops including Delicatessens/ IGA and Farmer Jacks grocery stores, so if you have limited time, just buy it from the grocery stores..
Mann Winery – has only a few champagnes, but they are absolutely perfect and great value for $. Free tastings except during Spring in the Valley.
John Kosovich wines- formerly Westfield wines is really great too. Especially for fortified wines (see link below)
https://travellingcorkscrew.com.au/blog/john-kosovich-wines-swan-valley/
Lamonts Winery is also great for both wine and food. We used to buy their Pedro Navera fortified wine for Christmas gifts for the In- Laws until Garbin Winery began making great fortifieds. But these are completely different grape varieties, so very different flavours, and all are worth trying.