Free things to do · Perth · Australia
9 free things to do in Perth
Perth without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Elizabeth Quay June 2018.jpg : Nick-D derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in Perth without paying an entry fee: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Cottesloe Beach, Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower and WA Museum Boola Bardip are all free. Use the free CAT buses and the Free Transit Zone in the CBD and Fremantle.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 9
- Low-cost extras
- 0
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–August
Free sights and experiences
Park · Kings Park
1.Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Watch sunset from the State War Memorial lookout, where the city lights come on across the river.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
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Beach · Cottesloe
2.Cottesloe Beach
Swim in the morning before the afternoon sea breeze — the 'Fremantle Doctor' — roughens the water.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Couples
- Kids
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Perth CBD
3.Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower
Climb the Bell Tower for river views, then catch the ferry across to South Perth for the skyline from the other side.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Views
- Kids
Museum · Northbridge
4.WA Museum Boola Bardip
Start in the Ngalang Koort Boodja gallery on First Nations stories before moving to the natural-history halls.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- History
Gallery · Northbridge
5.Art Gallery of Western Australia
Pair it with WA Museum Boola Bardip across the plaza for a rainy or very hot afternoon.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
Market · Fremantle
6.Fremantle Markets
Combine it with coffee on the Cappuccino Strip next door and a walk to the Fishing Boat Harbour.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- History
Historic site · Fremantle
7.Round House
Visit around 1pm, when the time ball and a cannon are traditionally fired on the hilltop.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
Architecture · East Perth
8.Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium
Walk across at sunset, or catch an AFL match at the stadium between March and September.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- After dark
- Views
Beach · Scarborough
9.Scarborough Beach
Swim between the flags; the surf can be strong and rips are common.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Active
- Outdoors
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Kings Park | Kings Park and Botanic Garden | Half a day |
| Cottesloe | Cottesloe Beach | Half a day |
| Perth CBD | Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower | 1–2 hours |
| Northbridge | WA Museum Boola Bardip and Art Gallery of Western Australia | 2–3 hours + 1.5 hours |
| Fremantle | Fremantle Markets and Round House | 1–1.5 hours + 30 minutes |
| East Perth | Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium | 1 hour |
| Scarborough | Scarborough Beach | Half a day |
More ways to save
- Use the free CAT buses and the Free Transit Zone in the CBD and Fremantle.
- Kings Park, the beaches, the WA Museum and the Art Gallery are free.
- Visit Rottnest on a weekday and pack a picnic; island food is pricey.
- Accommodation rates are usually lowest from May to August outside school holidays.
- Ferry-and-bike packages to Rottnest Island usually cost less than buying the ferry and bike hire separately.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Perth expensive to visit?
Perth is expensive for most visitors, but 9 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Perth?
Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Watch sunset from the State War Memorial lookout, where the city lights come on across the river.