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Archaeological evidence suggests that the region we know as Perth today has been occupied by the First People for at least 45,000 years.
Colonial settlement came in around 1829, but it was 30 years later that construction of the new city really got cranking — thanks to a workforce of convicts that arrived between 1850 and 1868. Perth’s iconic Town Hall, for example, was built by convict hands.
As a result, 21st-century Perth is an engaging mix of old and new, and a detailed exploration of the city grid reveals myriad gems from yesterday sitting side-by-side with cutting edge modern architecture.
Ready to dive in? Here are ten top sights in Perth to tick off.
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Perth:
Top 10 Things to Do in PERTH, Western Australia in 2026 | Ultimate Perth Travel Guide
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1. Elizabeth Quay
Perth’s Elizabeth Quay is more than just a ferry terminal and railway station; it’s a beautiful public space with drawcards that are fast becoming symbols of the city. Just the sight of the old-fashioned carousel is likely to evoke childhood memories of happy days at the carnival, but it’s just one of the landmarks to love. There’s also the eight-storey art installation titled Spanda (‘the paperclip’, as the locals call it), and the giant silver bird sculpture called First Contact. It’s by Noongar artist Laurel Nannup.
From the bird, follow the footbridge over to the historic Florence Hummerston building. It’s now the home of The Island — a family-friendly restaurant overlooking the water with a playground and live music.
2. Swan River and Blue Boat House
The sweeping Swan River is an integral part of life in Perth and there are myriad sightseeing cruises and water-based experiences on offer. If you’re travelling down-river, keep an eye out for the much-loved Blue Boat House in Crawley. Built in the 1930s, today it’s the darling of Insta influencers.
3. The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower at Barrack Square is a landmark unique to Perth. The tower is one of the city’s most visited attractions for its collection of 12 bells that date back to the 14th century. The St Martin in the Fields bells were recast several times in London before being gifted to Western Australia in 1988 to celebrate the country’s bicentenary. The bells chime at various times each week.
4. The Perth Mint
A collective mix of history and riches awaits you at The Perth Mint. Guided tours take you through the exhibition that is full of Australia’s gold rush history, amazing facts, and, of course, plenty of gold. There’s even the world’s largest gold coin, which is 99.99% pure gold. Collectors, investors, and jewellery lovers can add to their own gold cache with a purchase from the gift shop or trading room.
5. WACA and Perth Stadium
Located on opposite sides of the Swan River at the eastern end of the city (and now linked by the Matagarup Bridge), the iconic Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) ground and the architecturally stunning Optus Stadium in Burswood, are two contrasting chapters in the ongoing story of the city’s love of sport. Do a tour of the WACA and visit the museum to soak up a century of sporting memorabilia. Tours of the state-of-the-art Perth (Optus) Stadium operate Monday to Friday.
6. Yagan Square
Yagan Square is a new(ish!) community space linking the CBD to cultural/dining hub Northbridge. It’s also a focal point and meeting place in its own right (think of it as Perth’s version of Times Square in New York). The square features a number of pieces of public art (including the striking sculpture Wirin), and has an upscale food court with communal dining tables and an abundance of ethnic eats to savour.
7. State Buildings
Perth has no shortage of glorious period architecture, but one of the finest examples has to be the State Buildings on St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. This precinct is steeped in history stretching back around 140 years. Originally government offices, the State Buildings now house the Como The Treasury hotel and a number of fabulous eateries. Wander through the complex and marvel at the grandeur. It’s mind-blowing!
8. London Court
Perth CBD’s open air shopping malls provide hours of retail therapy at ground level, but look up from time to time to take in the period architecture above the shop awnings. London Court, which runs between St Georges Terrace and the Hay Street Mall, is a Tudor-style fantasy that delights most visitors to the city.
This low-rise open top arcade was built in 1937 by wealthy mining magnate Claude de Bernales, and as you stroll through it you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to Elizabethan England! Check out the famous clock at the mall end of the arcade and the armoured knights that parade in the window above when the chimes ring.
9. His Majesty’s Theatre
Tucked away on Hay Street (beyond the pedestrian mall section), His Majesty’s Theatre is a grand Edwardian-era building that just begs you to book a ticket to see a show. Built during a boom in the early 1900s and meticulously maintained, the theatre’s ornate interior is spellbinding. Today ‘the Maj’ hosts ballet, opera, musical theatre, cabaret, and comedy.
10. Kings Park and the State War Memorial
Perthites adore Kings Park — one of the world’s largest urban green spaces — and it’s not hard to work out why! Sitting high on Mount Eliza at the western end of the CBD, the park covers 400 hectares and encompasses native and exotic plantings, walking and biking paths, playgrounds, ponds, and picnic areas. Unveiled in 1929, the emotive State War Memorial is located here, along with several other significant commemorative sites. Visitors and locals alike flock to Kings Park to make use of its recreational facilities, or to simply admire the sweeping city skyline and river views on offer from several vantage points.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the top sights in Perth? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Jennifer Morton is a freelance writer and photographer. The Canadian expat has lived all over Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. She also spent six months working on a cruise ship in Europe. When Jennifer is not writing about travel, you may find her lounging on the beach, fishing with her son, sipping coffee at a cafe, reading a book, or zooming in on a beautiful scene.
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