Perth is home to many natural attractions, including bush walks, beaches and waterfalls. Here are some of the top places you can visit for free.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Source: Lonely Planet
This is one of the largest inner city parks in the world, boasting a total area of 400.6 hectares. The landscape is made up of a combination of cultivated gardens and natural bushland, featuring 319 species of native plants and approximately 80 bird species. There are a number of attractions you can enjoy at Kings Park , such as taking a guided tour to learn more about the area, or following one of the trails. The Lotterywest Federation Walkway takes visitors through the botanic gardens and up into a canopy of trees. The trail begins at ground level and then travels up into a glass and steel footbridge, with a maximum height of 16 metres. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the native flora throughout the park.
The park also features a number of places which honour Indigenous culture , such as the Aboriginal Art Gallery, the Beedawong amphitheatre and the Boodja Gnarning Walk. There are also a number of memorials and honour avenues —the most famous one is the State War Memorial Cenotaph, which attracts over 40,000 people for the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service.
Free City Walking Tours
Source: Pixabay
These walking tours are helpful for people who are new to the city and looking for an orientation, or those who would like to learn more about the history, arts and culture in Perth. The iCity Information Kiosk is located in the Murray Street Mall and the volunteers are available to provide visitors with information about events, activities and attractions. They also offer brochures for self-guided tours.
Stirling Gardens
Source: City of Perth
When the Swan River Colony had first settled, this spot was established as an acclimatisation garden, where plants were raised from seeds. This included grapes and other fruits. In 1845 it was opened as a botanical garden and some of the original trees still remain here today. It underwent reconstruction work in 1965, to add a retaining wall and shallow pools of water. It’s now the oldest public garden in Perth and features a number of artworks and sculptures.
Bells Rapids
This natural attraction is located in Brigadoon in the Swan Valley and features picnic areas and bush walking trails alongside streams and waterfalls. It’s also a prime location to watch the annual Avon Descent White Water Race, although swimming is not permitted in the area. The grey kangaroo can be spotted here at certain times of the year.
Lesmurdie Falls
Source: We Are Explorers
This waterfall is located in the Lesmurdie National Park in the Perth Hills and is considered to be one of the most spectacular features of the Darling Ranges escarpment. The trail begins at the top of the falls and can be followed down to the base, where there is lush vegetation and a picnic area. At the top of the falls there is a lookout, so you can get a perfect view of the area. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty and is approximately 2 kilometres long.
Mount Dale Walk Trail
This 2.5 kilometre trail allows hikers to walk up to Mount Dale’s peak, so they can get panoramic views of the Darling Ranges in the Perth Hills and experience the beauty of the natural jarrah forest. The circular walkway goes up through bushland to the lookout, before meeting up with the Bibbulmun Track upon descent. It is considered to be of moderate difficulty.
Visit one of Perth’s Beaches
Perth is known for its sunny weather and beautiful coastline, so why not visit one of the many beaches? There are fantastic beaches from Fremantle to Burns Beach, however the most popular are Cottesloe, Trigg, Scarborough, Leighton and City Beach.
Swan River Loop
Department of Transport
Cycle around the Swan River and take in the sights of Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Street Jetty and the South Perth Foreshore. This is a great way to see Perth city and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. The pathway is considered easy and can even be completed on foot. Remember, it’s compulsory to wear a helmet if you do cycle.
Sunset Coast Cycleway
A 14 kilometre cycleway follows Perth’s stunning coastline from Marmion to Burns Beach. This half-day cycle takes you past highlights including the Marmion Marine Park, Hillarys Marina and Mullaloo Beach. You can also walk or jog sections of the path.
