Perth Sightseeing

Many of the attractions of interest to visitors in the greater Perth area include historical structures from early European settlement including the Belltower, Deanery and the Mint. The picturesque harbour town of Fremantle draws tourists with its restaurants, shopping, views and charming pubs.

Barracks Arch
The arch is the only feature still standing from the area’s first military barracks. Built in the early 1860s, the barracks building was originally the headquarters for solider settlers at that time. Unfortunately, the bulk of the barracks were demolished so that the Mitchell Freeway could run in front of Parliament House. Located at the north end of Perth city, the arch can be seen on the way to well-known King’s Park.

Bell Tower
Also known as the Swan Bells, the 250ft tower is situated near the Swan River, at the bottom of Barrack street. The location is just a short walk from the centre, in a complex known as Barrack square that comprises attractions of interest, cafés and shops. The Swan Bells Project was undertaken to celebrate the millennium in Western Australia and is now one of the largest musical instruments in the world. There’s a viewing platform from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the city and the river.

Deanery
One of the few remaining houses from the mid-19th century, the Deanery is located at the corner of St George’s terrace and Pier street. Built in the 1850s as the residence for Perth’s first dean, the building is now utilised for administrative offices of the Anglican Church. The original roof, made from timber shingles, is still intact.

Fremantle
The city of Fremantle is situated next door to Perth, and is typically on every visitor’s itinerary, particularly at weekends when the Fremantle Market is held. The Roundhouse is a major attraction, located high atop a hill overlooking the busy and picturesque harbour. It is the oldest public building in Western Australia, dating from 1831. The building’s first use was as a prison, and visitors can still see some of the original cells. Outside the Roundhouse, the grounds are suitable for a relaxing picnic and taking in the views across the water to Rottnest. The Fremantle Prison is another interesting attraction where you can enjoy a beer tasting tour. There are a number of pubs housed here, and some of the best home-brewed beer around on offer.

His Majesty's Theatre
The theatre, located at the intersection of Hay and King streets, has been in operation and entertaining theatre-goers since 1904. It is the only Edwardian theatre in Australia that has remained active, and is frequently on the itineraries of major global touring companies. The theatre is also home to the West Australian Ballet and the West Australian Opera.

Moore's Building
This historic commercial building at 46 Henry street in Fremantle’s west end, an important heritage sector, is a popular stop off on the tourist trail. From 1869 to 1900, it was the site of William Dalgety Moore’s general merchandising business. Recently, the building was restored and it’s now a popular exhibition and performing arts centre.

Perth Mint
The Perth Mint was established in 1899, and continues to operate from its original premises. Originally a branch of London's Royal Mint, its purpose was to refine gold from the gold fields of Western Australia and to mint sovereign coins for the British Empire. Visitors today can see a demonstration of gold being poured in the original Melthouse and take part in interactive exhibits that are educational and a lot of fun. You can see what your weight in gold looks like and engrave your own medallion. There’s a collection here of more than 150 natural gold nuggets and also an extensive collection of spectacular gold jewellery.

Appreciate the flora in springtime. From August through November, much of Western Australia comes alive with the blooms of thousands of varieties of wild flowers. The flowers are considered one of the premier attractions of the state at this time of year. Visitors marvel at the heathland as it bursts into colour with blooming banksia, grevillia, kangaroo paws and orchids. This is appreciated best on foot, but there are also buses that take passengers on tours covering more extensive territory. For those who’d rather stay in the city, the West Australia Wild Flower Show at King’s Park is well worth seeing.

Get up close to penguins. Penguin Island is located just 45 minutes from Perth in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Popular for the diversity of its wildlife and magnificent coastal scenery, the island is home to the west coast’s largest penguin colony as well as over 30 bird species.

Go dolphin viewing. The warm ocean waters off Perth are home to scores of curious bottlenose dolphins. While boating or fishing, you’re likely to see these creatures in the waters around Rockingham, offshore from Perth’s northern suburbs. If you’d like to try swimming with dolphins, there’s a cruise operator that specialises in trips out to the calm waters of one of Rockingham’s bays.

Take a relaxing boat trips. There are several interesting islands to visit offshore from Fremantle. A popular choice is Carnac Island, a short 15 minute ride by ferry from Fremantle harbour. Carnac is a nature preserve that features wildlife such as Australian sea lions, marine birds and bottlenose dolphins in the waters offshore. Rottnest Island is another destination of interest that can be reached by ferry. It boasts a population of unique quokkas and some great beaches. If you’d like to explore inland, you can opt for a river cruise that adds wine tasting to this sightseeing tour.

Try your luck gambling. The well-known Burswood Casino, located at the Burswood Resort, is open round the clock and is the place to go to try your luck at a game of chance. If you enjoy horseracing, there are opportunities to place a bet at the horseracing and greyhound tracks.

Take a thrilling helicopter tours. These tours provide great views of Perth, Fremantle, the hills, lush green fields and the coast from a unique perspective. Helicopter tours depart from Jandakot Airport in Perth city, but pick ups can be arranged at other points around Perth and Fremantle.