Winter is back in town, and there's so much to see and do in Perth!
We're lucky to live in a city with mild weather even in the colder months, so put away your PJs and enjoy the best Perth has to offer year-round. Click here to see some great holiday offers available now and read on for our favourite things to do to make the most of Perth in winter!
Enjoy a winter city stay-cation
While you're staying in the city, revisit some of your favourite attractions. Enjoy the open spaces and stunning native flora of Kings Park (the kids will love the many play and discovery areas now open), enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, find out how to harvest a pearl at Willie Creek Pearls, or if you're craving some arts and culture, see what's on at the Art Gallery of WA.
Go wild in Perth
Winter is a great time of year to visit a wildlife park, zoo or aquarium with cooler weather making it pleasant to explore.
Perth Zoo is a Western Australian icon filled with lush gardens and naturalistic exhibits, and home to over 1500 animals from across the globe. Go on safari through the African Savannah, get to know your local wildlife in the Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands and explore the Asian Rainforest - it's a whole world only minutes from the heart of the city. Keeper talks and encounters are not running but you can listen online while viewing the animals in real life and you may even bump into a zooologist during your visit! Tickets must be pre-purchased, so don't forget to book online before visiting.
Head underwater and discover the spectacular and diverse marine life of Western Australia at AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia. Explore Australia's largest underwater tunnel, encounter unusual creatures, enjoy the wonders of the oceans and with the premises being almost entirely inside, it's even perfect for a rainy day. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Connect with an array of native wildlife at Ranger Red's Zoo & Conservation Park - a must for all Aussie animal lovers. While animal encounter experiences are not possible at the moment, you can still adventure through the walk-through bird aviary, petting areas and even join an amazing nocturnal tour to meet the critters who only come out at night!
Within Whiteman Park in the Swan Valley, you'll find one of the largest collections of native fauna in WA at Caversham Wildlife Park including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and a wide range of bird life. Also in the Swan Valley, at the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm young children will love meeting the cutest farm animals from fluffy bunnies to inquisitive goats! If you love snakes, lizards and crocodiles, a visit to the Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre will allow you to see native reptiles, birds and marsupials in their natural environments.
#wanderoutyonder - from coast to country
Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? You're in luck! There's so many gorgeous places to escape to only a short distance from Perth, and with travel restrictions lifted within the Destination Perth region (full details here) it's a great time to explore the best of our region.
Fancy a coastal escape? Spend a day or a few nights in the Mandurah and Peel Region, with so much to see and do it's well worth a visit! Reconnect with family and friends in style on Mandurah Cruises' new interactive Dolphin & Scenic Marine Cruise through Mandurah's calm, inland waterways. Spot playful wild dolphins, watch your tour guide fish for blue swimmer crab and western rock lobsters and relax as you take in the sights. If you're staying overnight check out Mandurah Houseboats and Mandurah Ocean Marina Chalets for a family vacation or enjoy waterfront accommodation at Seashells Mandurah and The Sebel Mandurah.
If a peaceful, relaxing getaway is what you had in mind, take a trip to the Avon Valley. A 10-minute drive south of York on the banks of the Avon River you'll find Lavendale Farmstay and Cottages offering themed self-contained cottages, some with enclosed wood fires (perfect for the colder colder months), and plenty for families to do from feeding animals and collecting eggs to enjoying clear-sky stargazing.
Also in the Avon Valley, Australia's only monastic town, New Norcia is rich in heritage, with stunning architecture and warm hospitality. The monastery is still active today, with Benedictine monks moving quietly amongst historical buildings on their way to pray together seven times daily. Browse the beautiful Museum & Art Gallery, discover the fascinating range of gifts and tasty treats at the Gift Shop and bakery, and soak up the peacefulness of this tranquil community. The guesthouse and retreats have now reopened for bookings.
For a relaxing B&B stay only an hour out of Perth City, Alan & Eve's Eden B&B is a great choice! Located in scenic Lower Chittering, just past the Swan Valley, the B&B is nestled in 5 acres of bushland and surrounded by tall jarrah and marri trees for total seclusion. Spend your day listening to the beautiful birds and watch the kangaroos lazing and playing with their joeys; enjoying a romantic dinner by the fire, explore local wineries, or have a picnic in the bush - it's country living at its best.
Outdoor Adventure
With the natural beauty of Perth at your doorstep, outdoors explorers are in luck this winter! Our mild winters make Perth the perfect place for nature and adventure lovers year-round. Check out our 7 Places to Explore Outdoors with Family article for some great ideas - from the gorgeous walking trails to cycle trails and every adventure in between.
We've also got some great local in-the-know companies offering guided tours of the great outdoors in Perth and surrounds, giving you the opportunity to boost your physical and mental health while discovering new places and making more friends. GoGo Active Tours provide safe and organised guided bike and kayak tours to some of Perth's well known highlights; Off the Beaten Track run hiking and outdoor experiences with a twist in the Perth Hills; The Hike Collective offer family-friendly hiking experiences and GPS Adventure Tours will take you to some of Perth's best stargazing hotpots. You can also relax under the milky way at Gravity Discovery Centre and Perth Observatory.
If your idea of adventure takes place on the water, enjoy a sailing trip with Charter 1 along Perth's stunning coastline, go fishing or give an exciting watersport a go. Natural thrill-seekers may want to try paintballing, skydiving or hot air ballooning!
Rediscover Perth's wine and produce
Perth's amazing wine and produce is just waiting to be rediscovered! From the vines of the Swan Valley to the orchards of the Perth Hills, you'll find an amazing foodie experience within driving distance from Perth, or join a tour and let someone else do the driving. Up Close and Local Tours and d'Vine Wine Tours will take you to the best of Perth's boutique wineries and cideries. If you're going out on your own, check out these great Perth Food and Wine Trails.
Escape to Rottnest Island
Perth's iconic island playground, Rottnest Island has re-opened, and they're happy as a quokka to be welcoming you! Rottnest is renowned as a summer destination, but it's also fantastic for a wintertime adventure with family and friends alike: enjoy the peace and quiet, relaxed vibe, and stunning wildlife and natural beauty. 'Tis the season for the perfect quokka selfie! Take the ferry with Rottnest Express, Rottnest Fast Ferries or Sealink Rottnest Island from Perth City, Fremantle or Hillarys, and check out the latest on what's on and things to do at RottnestIsland.com. Why not escape for longer and spend a night or two with great deals available on two and three bedroom accommodation through the Rottnest Island Authority.
Fremantle is open for business
Perth's beloved unique and eclectic bohemian destination Fremantle is open for business! With world-class attractions old and new, delicious coffee and craft brews, exceptional seafood and boutique shopping, there's so much in "Freo" for everyone - and wintertime is no exception. It's an easy 30 minutes from Perth City, making it perfect for day-trips, but with so many attractions to enjoy (and delish meals to eat!), consider staying at one of the many unique accommodation options like the Hougoumont Hotel, Be. Fremantle, Seashells Fremantle or The National Hotel to really devote time to your Fremantle adventure.
With more time to explore, step inside and do time at Fremantle Prison, WA Maritime Museum, tour of the WA Shipwrecks Gallery, see a collection of works from new and emerging WA aboriginal artists at the Fremantle Arts Centre or join a fascinating tour to find out more about Fremantle.
Inspired to get out there and make the most of your winter? We hope so!
