25 Best Outdoor Activities in Perth, Western Australia

Perth offers some of the best outdoor activities in the world! With beautiful scenic routes, mountain roads, some of the best fishing destinations in WA, and more—you and your family will love getting back outdoors. If you are thinking of where to go on your next vacation, whether with your family or friends, we have created a list of activities you can do in Perth, Western Australia.

Outdoor activities are commonly overlooked these days. So if you’re keen to enjoy the great outdoors and what Western Australia has to offer, you are in the right place.

In Perth, you can expect to come across tons of different activities that all family members and friends can enjoy. You can get up close and personal with koalas, visit national parks, botanical gardens, go hiking, and even learn how to drift a car!

Do you want to learn more about these destinations and what to expect when you arrive? With this list of the 25 best outdoor activities, you can plan your itinerary and have enough time to enjoy various activities.

Make sure you check out these exciting activities and plan your next visit to Perth. There’s plenty to add to your Western Australia road trip itinerary or next family vacation!

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What are the Best Outdoor Activities in Perth?

1. Go Drifting at a Drift School

To start this list, we want to introduce an entirely new outdoor experience for most people. If you haven’t experienced drifting or only had the pleasure of seeing drifting happen in movies, now is your chance to learn and experience it yourself.

The Wanneroo Raceway is located in Perth, and you can get different drifting packages from Drift School WA. Whether you want to experience drifting a car yourself or just want to sit in a car being drifted by top-notch professionals, Drift School WA has the right package for you.

If you like to pump up the adrenaline, you can get a taste of drift joyrides in a safe and controlled environment. Drift School WA has world-class drift instructors and packages for beginners and intermediate drifters—even if you don’t have your own drift car.

2. Hit The Slides at Outback Splash Entry and Koala Park

This next activity is something your kids will definitely enjoy. As a word of warning, though, your kids might not want to leave because this place is so much fun! Honestly, even adults will have a good time hitting this three-story six slide playground.

Aside from the fun memories you and your family can create at Outback Splash, you can also get up close and personal with one of the world’s cutest animals—the koala!

The package includes entry to Perth’s Outback Splash, an epic adventure waiting for the entire family. It has something for everyone to enjoy.

Adults and kids can enjoy the epic water slides and delight in plummeting down one of the six slides. This massive 3-story playground with more activities, such as mini-golf with nine holes, and Octopus Bay, is perfect for kids and toddlers.

3. Enjoy a Guided Hiking Tour of Araluen Botanic Park

Suppose you are not that into drifting or doing any water sports and want to experience something calmer with just the right amount of adventure. In that case, you can head over to Araluen Botanic Park and enjoy a guided hiking tour. You can get exclusive access behind the park’s fences, reel in an exotic view of various fauna, and more.

The entire trail is around 4.5km, manageable for the whole family, even if you have kids. Just bring your most comfortable shoes to avoid discomfort. The breathtaking view is everything. If you are searching for an all-around nature adventure, here is what is in store for you when you visit.

You can stroll along stoned pathways across terraces with high-arching stone pillars and pergolas during this activity. You can even uncover various plant species set against nature’s backdrop. It is truly a fantastic experience for you and the entire family.

A ticket includes a two-hour guided hiking tour, a tour guide with excellent insights, and all-day access to Araluen Botanic Park.

4. Get Lost on the Pinnacles Desert and New Norcia Culture Combo Tour

This activity is a unique experience. If you are visiting Perth for only a few days, getting lost in the Pinnacles Desert and exploring New Norcia and experiencing their culture is a must-have in your itinerary.

The town of New Norcia is home to some of the most unique and picturesque landscapes in Australia. It might be the perfect place for sightseeing, but there is more to this tour than just that. You can experience the culture and learn about the history of the mystical Pinnacles Desert.

And if that is not enough, you get to experience all of this as pure luxury. The package will include a full day at the town of New Norcia and the wildflowers and pinnacles desert tour sitting in a luxury air-conditioned coach. It may look hot in the desert, but you won’t feel that hot because you will be riding with the AC on.

It also includes lunch, an expert tour guide, and entry fees for most of the attractions you will be entering. Imagine a desert tour across the valley with expert commentary from a knowledgeable tour guide.

5. Go to Lancelin for a 4WD and Sandboarding Adventure

This activity is another blood-pumping experience for all the adrenaline junkies out there. If you enjoyed your drifting experience at the Wanneroo Raceway, you can also keep the blood pumping and go to Lancelin for a 4WD and sandboarding adventure.

You can explore the sand dunes on a 4WD and experience driving on challenging terrain. You can also experience sandboarding, which is an entirely different experience than surfing and skateboarding. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding but with a pretty different feel!

But aside from these sports activities, you can also do some sightseeing in Lancelin. You can view the crystal clear waters of the vast Indian Ocean! To top it off, Lancelin is one of the best places to go beach camping in WA.

6. Spend the Night Stargazing

Perth is one of the world’s most isolated cities, and one of the perks of visiting is that you have front-row seats to magical night skies. If you enjoy looking at the stars, Perth is one of the most beautiful settings for stargazing, whether with your family, kids, or someone special.

Some more urban cities are too polluted to view clear night skies, but Perth is not one of them. You don’t have to leave the city to go stargazing. If you are in the city, you can get a fantastic view of the night sky from almost anywhere. You can even explore some of Perth’s best camping spots for a unique stargazing experience.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t take it up a notch and go for a stroll to the best hills to get the best views. Why not head to the Perth Observatory in Bickley and try out their high-tech telescopes to get a telescopic view of the stars and constellations.

Going stargazing is one of the most romantic activities you can enjoy with a special someone, but we won’t blame you if you go alone, as it can be a cool soul-searching activity too.

7. Enjoy Some Water Based Sports

If there is one activity Western Australia is known for, that would be the great ocean activities. Since Perth and the greater area is home to many beaches, you and your family would not regret trying some exciting experiences on the water.

Standing up and surfing waves is a fun and unique experience, and it makes you one with mother nature—making it something you should add to your bucket list. You can get pitted and catch waves at Scarborough Beach. If you don’t have any surfing experience, they offer lessons, board rentals, and more.

Suppose surfing isn’t something you want to do. In that case, there are tons of other water-based sports in Perth, such as kayaking, kitesurfing, white water rafting, and other guided kayak tours that allow you to explore the great bodies of water that surround the area.

You can even try Jetpacking in Rockingham Beach. Doing this activity is something you can brag about when you get home from your action-packed Western Australian adventure.

8. Snorkelling and Diving

While we’re on the subject of water activities, you also don’t want to miss out on snorkelling and diving activities when visiting Perth. There are many underwater activities and destinations to see while in Perth, such as the aquarium at Hilary’s Boat Harbour. This place offers a ton of underwater activities all in one place.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can also try visiting Perth’s best dive sites, such as:

Rottnest Island
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
West Coast Dive Park

Marmion Marine Park
Coogee Maritime Trail

There are tons of safer water tours and activities if you just want to relax, such as water tours, cruising, whale watching, ocean and river fishing, and more.

If fishing is more up your alley, in terms of water based activities in Perth, be sure to check out Perth’s fishing seasons and time your trip for the fish you want to catch.

9. Spot Some Sea Life on a Whale Watching Tour

If you’re not into water sports or just want to do something less risky, going on a whale watching tour is excellent. You can tour around Perth Canyon and catch a glimpse of the elusive Blue Whale and other sea life.

If that doesn’t get you excited, you must know that the Blue Whale is one of the rarest sea creatures ever to be seen or photographed. Lucky for you, you can get a chance to see it with your own eyes, which is a priceless experience you don’t want to miss for the world—especially if you are really into sea life.

10. Hit a 4WD Track

If you want to experience something that the locals enjoy, you may want to hit a 4WD track. It is an exciting activity that you can enjoy alongside fellow tourists and locals.

This activity is for people craving some action and want their blood pumping with adrenaline. If you are the adventurous type, you can visit one of the 4WD tracks along the Mundaring Powerline, east of Perth.

There are many spots where you can bring your 4WD or rent one, allowing you to drive on different terrain. You can even drive by the beach, which is a unique experience you’ll remember about your Western Australia visit. To extend this experience, you can even take your 4WD camping. Camping with a 4WD has so many perks, you won’t be disappointed.

You don’t even have to go far to drive by these terrains. Just explore the Julimar State Forest or go out to Wilbinga to enjoy driving your 4WD across a vast terrain.

11. Discover (or Rediscover) the City Centre

Without leaving the city and going on outdoor adventures, exploring Perth and walking around is simply one of the best experiences when you visit. Seeing the sights and sounds of the city is already one of the best memories you can create with your family, friends, or even by yourself.

If you love street photography and appreciate street art and murals, you can go on a 2-hour street art walking tour on Fremantle Street. This street is a long stretch of fantastic artwork, both legal and illegal graffiti.

You have two choices; you can either walk or go on a bike ride. Walking will allow you to chat with shop owners and artists along the way. On the other hand, biking isn’t so bad either. You get to go on a 2-hour bike ride with a friendly guide that has most of the answers to your questions and two free beers along the way.

12. Rediscover Nature by Hiking a Trail

In this digital age, not many people have the chance to be one with nature. So if you plan on going to Perth for vacation, maybe now is your chance to reconnect with nature. You can experience looking at beautiful views, get to see kangaroos, and most of all—you get to exercise and feel good about it.

Whether you are on this trip alone or with your family and friends, hiking a trail is simply one of the best outdoor activities in Perth—thanks to the fantastic views the destination offers.

13. Get Close to Nature on a Mountain Biking Trail

If walking or hiking is too dull for you, you can always explore the mountains on a mountain bike. However, going down a mountain on a bicycle can be dangerous if you don’t have the experience. So make sure you are up for the task and have the right gear to protect yourself as you descend some of the most challenging trails.

14. Go on a Bike Tour Around the City

Walking is overrated. If you want to tour around Perth in style, biking is the best way! You can rent a bike and discover the sights and sounds this city offers. You can even go around the Sunset Coast and explore different beaches along the way.

You can grab a bike rental from Hillarys Boat Harbour and embark on this independent journey. You can explore a 14km stretch of picturesque beach landscapes and stop to watch the sunset.

15. Catch Some Rays at the Beach

If you are not into watersports or surfing, sometimes chilling by the beach is the best way to relax and enjoy your vacation.

One of the most popular beaches in Perth is Cottesloe Beach. If you happen to drop by during the summer or when the weather is perfect, this beach is an excellent place to spend your free time. It is easy to reach by train from Perth using the Fremantle Line to Grant Street Station or Cottesloe Station.

If you want to turn this into an overnight activity, there are plenty of beach camping spots in Perth. Just be sure to follow the rules about beach camping in Australia.

16. Join an Outdoor Yoga Class

We know this activity can be done anywhere, but experiencing it in Perth, WA, is quite different. Because when you are on vacation, and you have a long day ahead, doing some stretching to start your day is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Plus, you can attend yoga classes by the beach, which is a unique experience. If you ever visit Trigg Beach, there is a yoga class that costs only $15. In addition, most beaches in WA offer yoga classes in the morning, as long as the weather is nice.

17. Pack a Lunch and Have a Picnic

Chilling by the beach is enjoyable by itself. But if you want to take it up a notch, why not make it into a picnic. One of the best spots to enjoy a meal outdoors is by the view of South Perth Foreshore.

The best time is to go there late in the afternoon. The sun will not be as bright, and the breeze will be cooler. Plus, you get to see the entire Perth cityscape. You can stay there until nighttime to better view the city lights.

18. Explore Some of Your Local Parks

One of the most budget-friendly ways to explore and experience something new in Perth is visiting the local parks.

Caversham Wildlife Park is popular among tourists because it will allow you to see and have close encounters with native Australian animals. King’s Park is another fantastic destination. It offers an amazing view of the Perth CBD you cannot find anywhere else.

The best time to visit King’s Park is in the evening before the sun sets, but make sure you come a little earlier to get the best spot, as tourists often crowd this area.

19. Join a Social Sports Team

If you are a bit competitive and want to play team sports with locals and tourists while on vacation, you can play at Donnie Taco. It has a half-court for basketball and costs around $30 to play for an hour.

You can team up with locals and other tourists and enjoy a friendly basketball game to pass the time. Sometimes, Campus Perth residents arrange 3 on 3 games that will surely bring out your competitive side.

20. Catch a Workout Abseiling

Abseiling in Mountain Quarry is an excellent way to get your daily adrenaline fix. Many tour operators offer activities like this for team building and cater to small groups with services that fit their needs. If you are in Perth for business or a team-building event, this activity is an excellent way to bond with your colleagues.

21. Have a Treetop Climbing Adventure

Climb, swing, zip, leap and explore the forest in the most unique way possible. The park offers several challenging obstacle courses for all skill levels. If you and your family are up for a challenge, you will probably enjoy this Treetop Climbing Adventure.

This activity is an excellent choice for thrill-seekers and people who want to get out of their comfort zone and try something new.

22. Find Out What Coasteering Is

If you are not familiar with coasteering, now is your chance to find out and experience something new. Coasteering means getting into the water and exploring the Indian Ocean up close. It is quite the challenge, but it is safe enough to enjoy.

This activity combines rock-hopping, swell riding, rock jumping, shore scrambling, and more—making it quite the ocean adventure.

23. Jump out of a Plane

If you are a thrill-seeker, jumping out of a plane might be as thrilling as it can get. Whether you have experience skydiving or not, it is an activity that you want to experience for the first time in Perth.

Experience jumping from 15,000 feet and free fall up to 60 seconds, going at a whopping speed of over 200 kilometres per hour. Skydiving is the best way to see Perth like never before

24. Explore the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon Flight

Flying is one of the best ways to see Perth in a different light. If you want to explore the city and enjoy a breath of fresh air at high altitudes, getting in a hot air balloon is an excellent way to do it.

Enjoy exhilarating heights and take in the best view over the Avon Valley as the sun rises. The package also includes a delicious breakfast after your adventure, so make sure you don’t fill up before embarking on this exciting journey.

25. Go on a Horse Riding Adventure

If you haven’t had the chance to do horseback riding ever in your lifetime, now is the best chance to do it. If you find yourself in Perth looking for exciting outdoor activities, do yourself a favour and go on a horse ride.

You can go on a group trail ride and take in the views from the picturesque hills. You also get to see wildlife and pass through farms to see farm animals. You can also navigate through Bald Hill over Perth and the ocean and experience horseback riding like never before.