Perth Hills: the Darling Range region 25 to 55km east of Perth, covering Lesmurdie and Serpentine Falls, Kalamunda and John Forrest National Parks, and small-town Kalamunda and Mundaring. Realistic waterfall expectations, getting there without relying on trains, and what locals know about timing a visit.
The Perth Mint: a working gold refinery and mint since 1899 in East Perth, with live gold pour demonstrations and the chance to handle real bullion. Pricing, hours, and how to combine it with nearby CBD attractions.
RAC Arena Perth: the WA’s biggest indoor venue (around 15,500 seats), home to Perth Wildcats basketball and major touring concerts. History, getting there without a car, and what locals know about ticketing and event nights.
Perth Zoo: 17 hectares and 160-plus species in South Perth, reachable by a genuinely pleasant Transperth ferry crossing from Barrack Street Jetty. Tickets, keeper talks, best times to visit, and what locals do differently.
St Mary’s Cathedral Perth: a free Gothic Revival cathedral in Victoria Square built across three eras, from 1865 to a $32.9 million rebuild completed in 2009. History, mass times, and how to combine it with the nearby WA Museum and State Buildings.
Scarborough Beach Perth: surf, the heated beachside pool, where to eat, the free Surf CAT bus, parking truths and the best time to visit.
Adventure World, Bibra Lake: Perth’s only combined theme park and water park, home to the Abyss roller coaster and the Kraken funnel water slide. Season dates, pricing, height restrictions, and what locals know about avoiding the queues.
Your local guide to things to do in Swan Valley Perth: Caversham wildlife, 40 wineries, Australia’s only distillery trail, food trail and how to plan the day.