Thanks to Chris Hemsworth, visiting the harbour town of Perth really became a necessity.
Getting a selfie with a Quokka on Rottnest Island ignited a snowball effect for visitors to the region. And aside from worshipping adorable marsupials, visitors to the capital of Western Australia lavish in eight hours of sunshine a day – more than any other Aussie city.
Rottnest Island
Close up of a Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest Island. © Tourism Western Australia
So, it’s no wonder getting a ferry to Rottnest Island is a common adventure for a day trip. Ferries depart regularly from Fremantle for the thousands of tourists waiting to catch a perfectly timed selfie with a Quokka. Quokkas primarily inhabit Rottnest Island and are one of the smallest wallabies. The tree climbing marsupials also live in small groups on the mainland in WA and Bald Island. Despite the adorable quokka’s, Rottnest Island also boasts 62 beaches and 20 bays for exploring a diverse and charismatic display of marine life. Tropical fish, dolphins and even seals swim in the area.
Cottesloe Beach
Accessible by train, Cottesloe Beach is fuelled with cultural significance for Perth. Offshore reefs and silky white sands mean it is a perfect location for snorkelling. Other water sports are a welcomed add on with surfers and swimmers uniting to enjoy the charming Perth attraction. Towards the mainland, the liveliness of cafes and bars are hidden against a wall of tall Norfolk Pines. It’s the best of both worlds combined: entertainment and relaxation.
The Leederville
If grunge, attitude, and enthusiasm are what you look for on a night out then the Leederville precinct is the place to be. Constant live music rings throughout the streets amongst a sea of great food and drink. Perth’s inner north-west is the place to be for a good time.
There are cellar doors, edgy entertainment in the form of cabaret and comedy, beer gardens and breakfast eateries. Electric Lane was inspired by Melbourne’s Guildford Lane and is rich in history. The very first establishment in the area resides in the laneway. The Leederville Hotel was first built in 1896 and has served locals and travellers ever since.
Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium
Aerial View of Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, Burswood. © Tourism Western Australia
Newly introduced in 2021, a climb and zipline (soon to be completed) from Perth’s bridge which crosses the Swan River is a daring way to see the city skyline. Whether by night or day, ascending 72 metres above the river will provide a vantage point unlike any other. Participants will have to squeeze through tight spaces and manoeuver the infrastructure until reaching the final SkyView destination where you will then be able to zipline to the bank of the river.
Similarly, the Optus Stadium in Perth is a well-known landmark that has hosted many sporting events in the city over the years. Learn about the stadium’s construction and how it runs on game day. Sit in seats 42 metres above the ground and if you’re game, let go of the rail and lean over the edge for an epic photo.
Eye level view of Optus Stadium, Burswood. © Tourism Western Australia
Whale watch
As a harbour city, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the ocean is a life source for the economy of many who live in the city. It’s also one of the major reasons why visitors venture to the world’s most isolated capital city. Regularly departing from Fremantle during September to the end of November, whale watching cruises gently wait in the water to spot humpback southern right and rare pygmy blue whales on their migratory paths.
Choosing your own adventure starts with choosing Rex airlines. Check out their website and the route map below for more details.
If you loved this articles about adventures around Perth, click here to check out the best picnic spots in Perth for a relaxing day in the city.
