Begin your adventures by orienting yourself with the city. Download the Perth Trails App, a free resource by Perth’s city council. For an introduction to Perth’s history, the “Icons of Influence” trail highlights prominent landmarks in the city centre, while the “Boom or Bust” and “Convicts and Colonials” trails provide deeper insights into the city.

Need to know what’s happening in Perth’s arts and entertainment scene, where the hottest restaurants and bars are, and where you can get your retail fix? Visit Destination Perth for a comprehensive guide on everything the city has to offer.

For a social tour experience, join the free 90-minute iCity walking tour that runs daily, or opt for one of the themed and free weekday tours led by volunteer guides. Alternatively,  you can spend the rest of your day exploring the city with this recommended one-day itinerary. Start off with a peaceful walk at the picturesque Sir James Mitchell Park, visit the must-visit attractions such as Perth Zoo and The Old Mill, and end your day at the South Perth Foreshore, where you can enjoy a bustling nightlife filled with sophisticated dining options.

Make sure to drop by the tourist favourite in the city centre—the 82.5-metre Bell Tower. The tower houses eighteen bells, twelve of which previously belonged to the St-Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square in London. In the early 1980s, the church decided it needed new bells, and planned to melt down these existing bells to recast them. Fortunately, enterprising Perth bell ringer and businessman Laith Reynolds successfully campaigned to have them brought to Australia. 

The Bell Tower has purportedly “brought countless tourists to Perth,” but that’s not the only reason to head there. Visit the tower’s observation deck for a bird’s eye view of Swan River, King’s Park, and the city centre.

Just a short 15-minute drive from the city centre, Scarborough Beach is a veritable Perth icon. You can look forward to newly added and revamped attractions such as a whale-themed children's playground and a 3.66-metre competition-grade skate bowl.

At Scarborough Beach, you can swim, surf, and watch sporting events while enjoying the convenience of nearby cafes and restaurants that stay open late. Check out The Urban List’s Activity and Food Guide, or follow the Scarborough Beach Association for the latest updates.

Another crowd favourite is Cottesloe Beach, which Time Out magazine describes as “a vintage coastal postcard come to life.” Affectionately known as “Cott'' by locals, this scenic spot is a favourite picnic spot for families and offers the Perth beach vibe at its relaxed best.

For those who relish discovering hidden coastal gems, head to So Perth’s list of lesser-known locations for a quieter swim.

A three-hour drive from Perth, Margaret River welcomes half a million visitors each year—and it's easy to see why. As one journalist puts it: “A wine region right next to the beach—is there anything more you could possibly want from a holiday destination?”

Here, you can tour the area’s renowned wineries (Howard Park, Vasse Felix, Leewin Estate, Voyager Estate). Learn about wine with a crash course, savour a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, and then head to the beach for a breathtaking sunset.

You can also visit the Margaret River Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, indulge your inner Willy Wonka at the Margaret River Chocolate Company (free tastings available), or pick up treats at Margaret River Nuts & Cereals and the Margaret River Dairy Company for gourmet yoghurt and artisanal cheeses.

There’s even more reason to head to Margaret River—the annual Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival in June. This is the biggest regional literary event in Western Australia, which brings together thought-provoking writers from Australia and abroad to celebrate literature and the arts.

For more suggestions, refer to Urban List’s checklist of 50 Margaret River activities that should not be missed.

For an out-of-this-world experience, take the three-hour drive north from Perth to the Nambung National Park, where you can set your eyes on the alien-looking karst rock formations known as The Pinnacles. Visitors have described the place as “surreal,” and akin to a “Martian landscape.” These unique limestone structures—some are several metres high—are thought to date back at least thousands of years, and you can find out more about their geological evolution at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.

The Nambung National Park is also known for its sand dunes, scenic spots like Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay, and its stunning display of wildflowers that bloom in August and October.

If you are looking to bring home memorable Perth photos from this day trip, let these images of the Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles inspire your perfect day trip shots.

For more ways to experience Perth, read our guides at Destination Insights. For your stay, consider Pan Pacific Perth, conveniently located on Adelaide Terrace, putting you within steps from the city’s best shopping and dining attractions.