Perth City Tours

Perth is a jewel of Western Australia, which I suggest you discover on an expertly planned and guided experience. Some of the best tours include segway tours, wine tastings, visits to the local stadium and more.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Perth City Tours

Perth | Pedro Szekely

Perth is such a diverse city that it certainly deserves to be explored in depth, either through leisurely walks through its streets or visiting its many attractions. This city enchants all its visitors, as it offers many unforgettable experiences exploring its corners on foot or moving around in vehicles such as the segway. For those who want to cool off, there are local beers and wines waiting in the most popular pubs.

Also, wine cellars offer tours of their vineyards and production plants. On the other hand, if you are a sports fan, add a guided tour of the Optus stadium where games, concerts and traditional events take place to the plan of a refreshing beer. Personally, I recommend you make the most of these experiences, and even consider the best excursions from Perth that take you further afield to explore the surrounding area.

1. Take a tour of Perth's Optus Stadium

Optus Stadium| ©photobom
Optus Stadium| ©photobom

Perth's Optus Stadium is an imposing facade, hosting music concerts, cultural events and matches of different sports such as soccer, cricket, rugby and more. It seats over 60,000 spectators, but during a guided tour its aisles and areas will be virtually empty. This will give you the opportunity to enter areas such as the locker rooms, an emblematic site closed to the public during game hours.

You will also be able to walk through a hallway where the main achievements of the local sports teams are exhibited. Undoubtedly, a highly sought-after experience that takes place in the heart of the city. If you want to take dream pictures and enjoy the panoramic views, you have to go up to the terrace at the top of the stadium. Also, you can enjoy out-of-the-ordinary experiences such as:

  • Vertigo: it is a risky adventure for those over 10 years old, in which you will be in a rotating structure that is located on the edge of the stadium feeling the adrenaline pulsing in your body. For this experience you should wear comfortable sneakers, cool clothes and sunscreen.
  • Aboriginal Culture: The construction of this stadium would not have been possible without the help of an aboriginal community known as the Whadjuk Working Group. The purpose of this activity is to take you to learn about the history behind the construction and the traces of this culture impregnated in the stadium's façade. You will also learn more about the Nyoogar people and their traditional ceremony. It is an ideal activity if you are planning things to do in Perth with kids.
  • HALO: is a tour of the highest part of the stadium, ideal to get views from another perspective. Specifically, you will be on level 5 behind the scenes of the organization of games and other events.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 16 € per person.
  • Duration: about an hour and a half.
  • Means of transportation: usually does not include a guide so you must get to the stadium on your own.
  • Advantages of this option: it is usually a personalized experience for about 25 people.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is necessary to be in good physical condition.

Book a guided tour of Optus Stadium

2. Sign up for a guided tour of the city

Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography
Kings Park| ©Chris Hare Photography

Perth is a city that will never cease to amaze you, due to its exotic charm. In fact, it is easy to get lost when walking through its streets aimlessly, as a variety of attractions await you that could leave you confused. The best way to appreciate its entertainment offer is to make an organized itinerary. You can put it together on your own, adding the most relevant sites of the old town and the modern district.

However, if it is your first time in the city I advise you to sign up for a guided experience. These adventures take you through all of Perth's back alleys and reveal their stories. For example, you may not know that it is the most isolated city on the planet, as it is located at an impressive distance from other major Australian cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, which makes it a unique urban oasis in the middle of vast natural landscapes.

Keep in mind that this kind of tours are designed for around 12 people, so you can get a practically personalized tour. Some of the sites you will see are:

  • Perth Mint: the mint is a historical heritage of the city, so you can't miss this visit. Here you will find exhibits of the most important gold mining in the country.
  • Swan River: the best cruises of the city sail along this river of crystal clear and smooth waters, and many marine species come close to it.
  • Kings Park: it is a park whose green areas are completely worthwhile, it has a botanical garden, recreational events for children and even includes the Perth Zoo.
  • Fremantle: is a neighboring town whose seaport has a very interesting history. This can be seen in its colonial buildings.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 37 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: you must get to the meeting point on your own, as the tour is usually done on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to know the most important points of the city and you will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you want about the local atmosphere.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it tends to sell out quickly, especially in high season.

Book a guided tour of Perth

3. Tour the streets of Perth on a segway tour.

Segway| ©Purple Wyrm
Segway| ©Purple Wyrm

Perth has many stories to tell, but sometimes it is difficult to decipher the most important points on the map. Travelers who are short on time can relax and leave their itinerary in the hands of professionals. This type of experience usually includes training to learn how to use the Segway before starting the tour, as well as the company of a local guide. For communication, you will have a radio that will provide you with useful information about the sites in front of you.

It is one of the best things to do in the city during your visit, as it is suitable for any season of the year. Note that the route through Perth will depend on the experience you choose, however the most popular itinerary will give you a brief tour of the local points of interest and then dive into the attractions of Kings Park.

It's no secret that this park is the local lungs, where you'll be able to see the city's bell tower, Elizabeth Quay and Perth Zoo. You will also have time to discover Australian Aboriginal history and the influence of European communities. The open-air exhibition of the native peoples is very interesting and educational. At the end of the walk climb the DNA Tower and admire the surrounding buildings, streets and bustle.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 78 euros per person.
  • Duration: about one hour and a half.
  • Means of transport: usually does not include transfers around Perth, so you must move to the segway rental store. Afterwards, you will be able to tour the city aboard this fun transportation.
  • Advantages of this option: it is usually a tour aimed at small groups, so you will enjoy a personalized experience.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility problems, for safety reasons.

Book a segway tour of Perth

4. Explore Perth's nightlife on a pub crawl tour

Perth pub crawl| ©sobolevnrm
Perth pub crawl| ©sobolevnrm

Without a doubt, this city has something to offer everyone, including fascinating suggestions for things to do at night in Perth. If late night plans are your thing, you'll have a great time in the bold streets of Perth. The trendy places liven up the atmosphere and offer comfortable spaces to dance, sip drinks and explore the suburbs until dawn.

These types of experiences will allow you to discover what nightlife is like in the city, the best thing is that they are mostly concentrated in Hay Street: the main and most popular thoroughfare. In this district you will find interesting pubs and fun themed parties. Before leaving the region, I recommend you experience this tour where there are often complimentary drinks, as well as tastings of snacks and local beers.

Perth is a safe city at night, however certain precautions should be taken. Some red light areas should be avoided and it is best to sign up for an adventure with a professional guide. In case you still want to try the nightlife on your own, I recommend Northbridge, Mount Lawley, Subiaco and Leederville which are prestigious and safe locations.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 42 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: usually does not include return transfers, so the experience is carried out on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: it is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include entrance fees to bars or nightclubs. It is an experience only for adults, so you can not do it if you are traveling with children.

Book a pub crawl in Perth

5. Take a tour on the Perth sightseeing bus

Bus through the streets| ©Eren A
Bus through the streets| ©Eren A

The Perth sightseeing bus tour is an ideal way to get to know the city at your own pace. It is a self-guided experience, where you can hop on and off wherever you want, as there are usually several stops and an audio guide that will provide you with valuable information about monuments, places of interest, local activities and more.

It is an interactive tour whose only route is complete and ideal for short itineraries. You will be able to enjoy the best things to do in Perth and see the most important attractions. Please note that the bus runs daily from 9:15 am to 5:00 pm. It has 11 stops, being the most relevant:

  • Kings Park: considered one of the largest parks in the world, where you will find exhibitions of Australian fauna and flora, as well as mystical experiences related to the native peoples.
  • Northbridge: is a lively neighborhood, where you will find galleries, restaurants and outdoor cultural events. Mostly, I suggest you take advantage of visiting the museums and theaters in the area.
  • Optus Stadium: it is a very important event in Perth, where a variety of sporting events and concerts are held. There are guided tours of its facilities, where you can visit the boxes, press rooms and climb to the heights of its facade in the popular attraction Vertigo.
  • Perth Mint: in this emblematic building the first local coins were manufactured, it is also the best place to discover the history of gold in the region that surrounds the largest piece of gold in the world.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 29 euros per person.
  • Duration: the ticket is valid for approximately twenty-four hours, although you can complete the entire tour in about two hours.
  • Means of transport: generally, the entire tour is done on board a double-decker sightseeing bus with panoramic views. You can get on and off at any of the official stops.
  • Advantages of this option: it usually includes an audio guide in different languages, as well as a children's channel ideal if you are planning things to do in Perth with children.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the price is per ticket, so the total cost for a family can be high.

Book a Perth Sightseeing Bus Tour

6. Taste wines from the best wineries in Perth

Tasting wine| ©Mark Pegrum
Tasting wine| ©Mark Pegrum

Perth's wineries are an interesting place worth visiting. In fact, it is one of the best things to do in the city if you want to take advantage of a wine tasting. In this kind of tours you will be able to learn about the production process, the work in the vineyards and the types of Australian wines. In addition, one of the most famous wine brands in the world is owned by an Australian family, so you may get into an exciting story.

In this wine region you can explore local delicacies including craft beer, chocolate and Australian cheeses. Additionally, this type of experience offers lunch and takes place in the Swan Valley, located thirty minutes from Perth. The local alcoholic beverages are prized for their exquisite and delicate flavor. In addition, in this type of valley experience you will see:

  • Swan Valley's finest wineries.
  • The honey and nougat production plants.
  • The winemaking areas with more than 100 years old, where you will discover the winemaking history of the region.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 60 euros per person.
  • Duration: about five hours.
  • Means of transportation: usually includes transportation in a minivan or bus equipped with air conditioning.
  • Advantages of this option: usually includes a wine tasting accompanied by a tasting of local appetizers, and even lunch.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include gratuities, although this is mandatory in Perth.

7. Taste the tastiest dishes of Perth's gastronomy

Food| ©The Big Lunch
Food| ©The Big Lunch

Perth's cuisine is varied and rich in flavorful offerings. The best excursions from Perth, as well as local tours, often include experiences that involve the local culinary scene. You can go out in search of restaurants on your own, or enjoy a guided tour. There are usually private tours and shared tours that allow you to sample traditional flavors such as Australian meat pie, dumplings, ginger beer, Thai fish cake and more. Keep in mind that the region's dishes have both Asian and European influences.

Some tours explore the gastronomic secrets with off-the-beaten-path routes, where you will enjoy little tourist crowds. Entrance fees are usually included and you can enjoy complimentary snacks. Some of the stops you will make are:

  • Museum Boola Bardip: it is an emblematic point of the city with gastronomic proposals that will fascinate you. It is little known, where you can taste the typical Australian Vegemite.
  • State Theatre Centre of Western Australia: in the surrounding area you will find the best street stalls, as well as the popular Australian-style sushi.
  • Revolutions Transport Museum: the perfect stop to try Thai fish cake.
  • The Blue Room Theatre: Kangaroo and crocodile meat is cooked in this area, but there are also vegetarian options.
  • RAC Arena: you definitely can't miss the traditional Perth sweets, made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
  • Northbridge Piazza: it is a very entertaining square, where you will find an interesting pub known as Ginger Beer. Here you will taste the most popular beer in Perth.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 160 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately three hours.
  • Means of transport: usually includes transportation and pick-up is at a central point in the city.
  • Advantages of this option: usually includes several tastings of local dishes and options suitable for vegetarians.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is an experience that sells out quickly.

A comparison of the most outstanding tour options in Perth

  • Guided tour of Optus Stadium
  • From £16 per person
  • About an hour and a half
  • Advantages: it is usually a personalized experience
  • Disadvantages: good physical condition required
  • Guided tour of the city
  • From 37 € per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: covers the most interesting points of the city
  • Disadvantages: quotas are quickly exhausted.
  • Segway tour of Perth
  • From 78 € per person
  • About four hours
  • Advantages: ideal for small groups, so it's a personalized experience
  • Disadvantages: does not include children's meals or special dietary requirements
  • Perth Pub Crawl
  • From £42 per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: suitable for wheelchair users
  • Disadvantages: does not usually include entrance fees to pubs or nightclubs.
  • Perth Wine Tour
  • From £60 per person
  • Around five hours
  • Advantages: enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by a tasting of local snacks.
  • Disadvantages: does not usually include tips.
  • Perth food tour
  • From $160 per person
  • Approximately three hours
  • Advantages: usually includes several tastings of local dishes, also offers a vegetarian menu
  • Disadvantages: this experience sells out quickly

Undoubtedly, Perth tours are multifaceted and suit all tastes or needs. From tours of the city's most iconic stadium, to wine tastings: each experience is unforgettable and leads you to experience the best things to do in Perth. Every nook and cranny is worth exploring, whether on a guided tour or on your own.