A summer getaway in Western Australia’s much-loved capital city and is bound to be packed with sunshine, adventure, and unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
From iconic wildlife encounters to golden beaches that are the stuff of dreams, head west for six experiences that’ll have you contemplating life a sandgroper (ie. a true Perthian).
Wild Encounters on the Water
Perth Wildlife Encounters offers one of the most extraordinary ways to experience Western Australia’s marine life. Just under an hour south of the city, these guided adventures take you within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park – a sanctuary famed for its white-sanded beaches, crystal clear waters, and thriving marine ecosystems.
Stepping aboard one of their purpose-built vessels, visitors are instantly immersed in a coastal oasis that feels worlds away from the city of Perth, despite being so easily accessible.
For many families and travellers, the standout experience is the opportunity to swim alongside wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Fully equipped with wetsuits and snorkeling gear, participants enter the calm waters while dolphins swim, play, and interact nearby.
The encounters are carefully managed with a strong focus on conversation allowing the dolphins to approach freely while knowledgeable guides share insights about their behavior and the unique marine environment that they call home. On Select cruises, guests may also spot rare Australian sea lions and impressive seabirds soaring above the water.
Beyond dolphin swims, Perth Wildlife Encounters offers scenic wildlife cruises, Penguin Island experiences, snorkelling tours, and sea kayaking adventures. The area is easy to reach by public transport or via a relaxed coastal drive, making it ideal for both half-day trips and longer visits.
Visitors can spend time swimming, snorkelling, enjoying beachside picnics, or exploring nearby nature trails before heading back to the city or continuing south. Every experience is designed to celebrate and protect this remarkable stretch of coastline, leaving guests with a deeper connection and appreciation for Western Australia’s marine life and natural beauty.
Thrills, Slides & Summer Smiles at Adventure World
Adventure World is a summer favourite for families looking for a day packed with fun, laughter, and excitement. Set in beautifully landscaped botanical gardens with more than twenty-five rides and attractions to enjoy, Adventure World is Perth’s only combined theme park and water park. From heart pounding thrill rides to water slides and family zones, it’s one of the city’s favourite summer day destinations.
On hot summer days, the water attractions really steal the show. Brave the Kraken funnel water slide and Abyss roller coaster, or make a splash at the Hawaiian-themed Kahuna Fall and in the huge Lagoon water play area. For little ones, head over to Dragon’s Kingdom where there’s gentler rides and shallow splash areas.
The park sits just twenty-five minutes from Perth, and kids enter for free, making this an easy stop for a full day of summer fun. Whether you’re chasing thrills or looking to relax between rides and slides, Adventure World offers a great mix of excitement and entertainment for all ages.
Dive into Western Australia’s Underwater World
The Aquarium of Western Australia, better known as AQWA, invites families to explore the incredible marine life found along WA’s vast coastline. Located at Hillary’s Boat Harbor, AQWA takes you on an immersive journey through Western Australia’s spectacular marine environments. From the rugged Southern Ocean to tropical reefs, it can all be experienced under one roof. As Australia’s largest aquarium, it features an expansive underwater tunnel and hundreds of marine species, making it one of Perth’s most engaging indoor attractions, especially on hot summer days.
Wander through themed zones and watch sharks, rays, and schools of colourful fish glide past in the massive Shipwreck Coast aquarium. Interactive exhibits and touch pools give kids a chance to get closer to the creatures they’re learning about, while informative displays share fascinating stories about WA’s unique coastal ecosystems.
If you’re after something extra, AQWA also offers special experiences such as glass-bottom boat rides, behind-the-scenes tours, dining under the sea, and even guided shark snorkeling. Whether it’s your first visit, or you’re coming back to experience something new, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at AQWA.
Stars, Planets & Night-Time Wonder
For a magical finish to a summer day, head out to the Perth Observatory, Western Australia’s oldest observatory in the Hills of Bickley. This historic site has been a centre for astronomical discovery and public education for more than 125 years, making it the perfect place to introduce people of any age to the wonders of the sky above us.
Evening Night Sky Tours run regularly and let you peer through powerful telescopes with expert guides. On clear nights you might even be able to spot planets, star clusters, nebulae, and other cosmic highlights. Inside the on-site museum you’ll find historical instruments and fascinating displays that bring the universe to life.
It’s a calm and captivating experience that contrasts beautifully with the daytime buzz. And for families curious about space, it’s an unforgettable way to end a summer’s evening.
Action Packed Fun on the Water
If you’re craving variety and adrenaline on the water, Ultimate Watersports delivers a huge range of aquatic adventures right in Perth’s scenic waterways. From jet ski hire and guided tours to tubing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, there’s something for everyone whether you’re a first timer or an experienced water-lover.
Jump on a jet ski, solo or guided, and explore the city’s stunning river and coastal scenery. Cruise around landmarks such as Elizabeth Quay or take in the views along the Swan River. Or if you’re after something a bit more relaxed, paddleboards and kayaks let you glide across the calm waters at your own pace.
With options like tubing, wakeboarding, and even fishing jet skis, Ultimate Watersports is all about combining sunshine, action, and laughter on the water, creating summer memories that last long after the day ends.
Sun, Sand & Iconic Shorelines
Summer in Perth wouldn’t be complete without time spent by the ocean. With more than 19 kilometers of metropolitan coastline, the city is blessed with soft white sand, clear Indian Ocean waters, and consistently warm summer days, making beach time a natural part of life for locals and visitors alike.
Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most iconic stretches of sand, known for its calm swimming conditions, Norfolk pines, grassy picnic areas, and unforgettable sunsets over the ocean.
Scarborough Beach offers a more energetic atmosphere, with reliable surf breaks, a lively esplanade, skate park, playgrounds, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants overlooking the water.
Further north, Mullaloo Beach is a family favourite, offering spacious shorelines, gentle waves, shaded parklands, and safe swimming areas that are ideal for younger children.
For a true coastal escape, Rottnest Island delivers postcard-perfect beaches just a short ferry ride from the city. The island is home to more than 60 pristine bays, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, traffic-free cycling paths and its famously friendly quokkas. Whether you’re laying out a towel on the mainland or exploring the secluded island coves, Perth’s beaches capture the very essence of summer—relaxed, sun-soaked, and unforgettable.
If you like this story check out things to do in Rottnest.
Rex flies to Perth! Head to the Rex website or check out the route map below for more details.
