Local guides to Perth, written by Alex

Find something good to do in Perth this weekend.

Honest, first-hand guides to Perth's beaches, parks, food and days out. Sorted by who you're going with, with the practical bits up front: cost, parking and how long to allow.

Photo: Cottesloe Beach by Marek Ĺšlusarczyk (Tupungato), CC BY 3.0

Fresh from the blog

Latest guides

The newest places I've been, written up while they're still fresh.

The lake at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre

A 5 km lap of the rowing lakes, then a picnic and a play

Leighton Beach and the coast at North Fremantle, seen from a hill in Mosman Park

A swim, a long beachside lunch and a beer at an old Freo pub

Lesmurdie Falls in Lesmurdie Falls National Park, Perth Hills

A short bush walk to a waterfall with the whole city at your feet

Shops and restaurants along Scarborough Beach Road in Mount Hawthorn

Mount Hawthorn’s best restaurants for a night out without the Leederville crowds

A table of yum cha dim sum baskets and small plates

Where I go in Morley for yum cha, dumplings and a proper Chinese banquet

Market gardens in Wanneroo, north of Perth

A weekend morning at the markets and gardens up north

For Kids

Things to do in Perth for kids

Beaches, parks, zoos and rainy-day saves, tested with actual kids.

A little penguin on Penguin Island near Rockingham

Penguin Island and Rockingham: A family beach day guide

Hillarys Boat Harbour marina and boardwalk in Perth's northern suburbs

Hillarys Boat Harbour with kids: Your complete family guide

Giraffes in their enclosure at Perth Zoo

Summer school holidays in Perth: 15 ideas to keep the kids busy

For Adults

Things to do in Perth for adults

River cruises, island escapes and nights out without the little ones.

Wide view of Scarborough Beach and the Indian Ocean in Perth

Things to do in Scarborough this summer

Heritage-listed Camelot building in Mosman Park, home to an outdoor cinema

Perth’s best outdoor cinemas this summer

View west to the Perth city skyline from the Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Gooseberry Hill

Kalamunda and the Perth Hills: Zig Zag Scenic Drive and lookouts

For Food

Things to do in Perth for food

Burgers, brunch and the restaurants I keep going back to.

Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, looking south-west

Mount Lawley’s Beaufort Street: A food lover’s guide

Shops and cafes along Oxford Street, Leederville

Leederville’s Oxford Street: Where to eat and drink

Fish and chips eaten on the beach

The best fish and chips by the water in Perth

For Free

Free things to do in Perth

Great days out that don't cost a cent.

Cottesloe Beach in the early evening light

Free things to do in Cottesloe

Water play fountains at the Elizabeth Quay water park in Perth

Perth’s best free water playgrounds and splash pads

Christmas light displays in the Perth CBD in December 2025

Christmas lights in Perth 2026: The best displays and light trails

Close to home

Explore by suburb

Looking for something near you, or planning a day in a new part of town? Pick a suburb to see everything nearby.

Alex Hamilton, author of Things To Do In Perth

About

Hi, I'm Alex.

I'm a Perth local, a motorbike rider and a big fan of a good beer. I come from a big family too, so between my sisters, brothers and parents there's always someone up for a day out. This site is where I write up the places I go, so you don't have to guess.

How I write these guides

  • I've actually been. Every guide comes from a real visit, not a press release.
  • The practical stuff first. What it costs, where to park, and how long to allow.
  • A straight verdict. Who it suits, who should skip it, and the best time to go.
  • Local tips. The cafĂ©, the quiet entrance, the time the queue starts.