Last Updated on 28 May 2024 by Ariana Svenson
The temperatures may be mild, but there are still so many exciting things to do in Perth winter! Winter is actually a great time to visit Perth! Visit fast-flowing waterfalls that look even prettier in winter or try a new sport like indoor rock climbing.
You can still explore the Perth beaches on brisk walks (sometimes the wind can be fierce), and many of the main attractions are indoors. You can even see the main sights from the comfort of a hop-on-hop-off bus.
In this comprehensive post, we cover the BEST things to do in Perth during winter, plus plenty of tips and hidden gems.
As Perth is so incredibly hot in Summer, winter makes an appealing break for you to spend time doing short hikes, and enjoying the outdoors. (As long as its not raining tooooooo much!) I love winter in Perth!
The Winter Season in Perth
Perth’s winter lasts from June to August, with temperatures ranging from 8 – 19°C. The weather feels cool and wet, and there are downpours of rain and occasional thunderstorms. But usually you only get a few rainy days and then the sun comes out, because of Perth’s a nice Mediterranean climate. I say that you’ll usually get 1 in 5 sunny days during the winter months! The trick is to be flexible with your plans -if the forecast shows a very rainy day, plan an indoor activity. If you are patient, you will be rewarded with a crisp, sunny winter day that is perfect for outdoor adventuring.
If you’re keen to try out some indoor activities in Perth and visit while there are fewer tourists and accommodation is cheaper, winter is a great time to visit.
Perth has a nice Mediterranean climate and even some sunny days during the winter months!
As Perth is not especially cold in the winter, you should pack a jacket, but also scarves, hat and gloves for chilly evenings and mornings. And – definitely pack a rainjacket, poncho, or umbrella as it will likely rain at some point while you are in Perth.
Fun Things to Do in Perth in Winter
Whether you’re seeking the best indoor activities in Perth or looking for rainy day activities in Perth, this is the most comprehensive guide out there.
1. Listen to Live Music at Fremantle Markets
Location: South Terrace &, Henderson Street, Fremantle
Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday (9:00-18:00)
Fremantle Markets are a must-visit attraction, especially during the winter months! They are entirely enclosed, making them the perfect thing to do in Perth on a rainy day.
The markets are ideal for morning visits and feature a range of stalls run by local businesses. You can pick up vintage items, indigenous art, and fresh local produce. There’s also lots of entertainment, from music to magic shows.If you’re planning to visit Fremantle, make sure you read our guide to the best attractions and things to do in Fremantle with kids.
2. Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Location: Roe Street, Beaufort Street, Francis Street &, William Street, Northbridge
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Tuesday (10:00-17:00)
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a must-visit destination. The gallery is located in Perth’s Cultural Centre and boasts an extensive Australian and international art collection, ranging from historical treasures to modern masterpieces.
The AGWA is home to several permanent exhibits that mainly showcase Australian art, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous works from the 1820s to the present. The gallery also displays art from around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the rooftop for breathtaking city views and an amazing sculpture park. Be sure to stop by the gallery’s design store to discover a variety of unique gifts, books, and artworks.
Next door, is Boola Bardip, the WA Museum that was recently reopened and offering unique – and interactive – insight into Western Australia’s history.
3. Try Out Indoor Rock Climbing and Bouldering
If you’re looking for things to do In Perth when it’s raining, trying out a new sport for the day could be just what you’re looking for.
Indoor rock climbing is a popular activity in Perth, and there are many indoor rock climbing centres across the city.
Once you arrive, you will get a safety induction that covers safe climbing and equipment use.
Here are some popular indoor rock-climbing venues in Perth:
- Adrenaline Vault: Enjoy bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing in a large facility with a gym that caters to all skill levels. Passes are available for a casual visit, and family tickets are also available. You can hire gear like climbing shoes for an extra cost.
- The Rockface: This centre features 100+ climbs and 26+ ropes. Visitors are welcome for a casual climbing session, and some ticket options include equipment hire.
- The Boulder Hub: Perth’s first dedicated bouldering and training facility. It caters to all experience levels and hosts regular events. Day pass visitors are welcome.
- Urban Jungle Indoor Rock Climbing: Enjoy speed climbing, top rope and bouldering. The centre has a variety of courses and is perfect for a fun day out.
4. The Pottery Playroom
Location: 4/19 Mercer Lane, Joondalup
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (10:00-16:00)
Visiting the pottery playroom is one of the most unique things to do in Perth with kids. Kids can choose from a huge range of pottery pieces to paint, glazed and fired for a professional finish.
The child-friendly studio offers baby things, such as hand and footprint keepsakes. The Pottery Playroom has a soft play area with a slide and ball pool.
Relax with a coffee from the in-house cafe. There are also things like milkshakes, toasties, and cake available.
Bookings are advisable at weekends and during school holidays.NOTE: The pottery playroom is open Friday-Sunday from 24th April to 2nd June.
5. Winter Walks on the Beach
The cooler temperatures and fewer crowds are perfect for a long, brisk walk along one of Perth’s many beaches. Many Perth beaches are dog-friendly and offer great spaces for dogs to run and play freely during winter.
If you are interested in photography, the ‘drama’ or the winter skies and rougher seas offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Make sure you visit Scarborough Beach. The rough seas are mesmerizing, and the revamped Scarborough Beachfront has nice pathways and shelters. Plenty of cafes are nearby for a hot coffee.
6. Elizabeth Quay
Location: The Esplanade, Perth
Elizabeth Quay has a more laid-back vibe in winter. This beautiful area on Perth’s waterfront is one of the best places to visit in Perth. Go on a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Perth cityscape lit up at night.
There are many waterside restaurants to warm up. Many markets and winter festivals are held at Elizabeth Quay, so check on the dates you’re going so you can take advantage of them. You can also see the Perth Bell Tower or start a Perth River Cruise from Elizabeth Quay.
Elizabeth Quay is home to various restaurants, cafes, and bars with options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. The area comes alive, particularly in the evenings, with vibrant nightlife and frequent live music events.
7. Go Whale Watching
Towards the end of August, the whale-watching season begins as Humpback and southern right Whales migrate along the coast and travel to warmer waters for breeding. August is the best time to see Southern Right Whales.
If lucky, you can glimpse the whales from vantage points along the coast or by booking a whale-watching tour (leaving from Fremantle or Hilarys Boat Harbour).
Tours are a great option because you’ll also have the chance to see dolphins and seabirds and have live commentary from whale experts.
Other good times of year for whale watching in Perth include November-December, when you can see Southern Right Wales, and March-May, when you can see Humpback Whales.
8. Learn to Make Your Favourite Cheese at The Cheesemaker
The Cheese Maker runs various courses that will equip you with all you need to know about making your favourite cheeses at home.
Courses run at various venues around Perth, so check the website to see if courses are available during your visit or near where you live.
The Cheesemaker also sells all the cultures and equipment needed to make the cheeses at home.
9. Explore the Waterfalls Near Perth
There are many beautiful waterfalls within an hour’s drive of Perth CBD. Perth receives most of its annual rainfall during winter, filling nearby streams, making nearby waterfalls even more beautiful, and transforming the landscape.
You can read our guide to the best Perth waterfalls to discover the best ones to visit during the winter months and discover some hidden gems! You can also find which waterfalls not to visit in winter. Some have good hiking options, which can be slippy and muddy during the winter, but if you pick a sunny day things should have dried out. I particularly love Lesmurdie Falls which have a spectacular flow after rain, or a day out at the John Forest National Park.
10. See Perth on the Perth Sightseeing Bus
If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Perth but still want to see the main sights, a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is a great way to get around.
You’ll be able to see the city while being nice and warm inside. You can hop on again and get off at the sights and attractions you choose. You’ll also get informative commentary about the city’s history and culture.
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours offer a sightseeing route that includes Kings Park, Northbridge, Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower, the Swan River, the Perth Museum and Art Gallery, the Town Hall, and the Perth Mint.
24-hour and 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased online or directly on the bus.
11. Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia
Location: 91 Southside Dr, Hillarys
Opening Hours: 7 days a week (9:00-16:00)
The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) is one of the best indoor activities in Perth. Here, you can explore the marine life of Western Australia’s coastline.
The staff is committed to educating visitors about the importance of marine conservation and the protection of marine biodiversity. Throughout the day, marine biologists conduct many educational talks and feeding sessions.
One of the highlights is the 98m walk through Tunnel, the perfect place to spot stingrays, turtles and sharks swimming overhead. For a more hands-on experience, you can opt for a guided snorkel and dive experience. There’s a pool for little ones where you can touch sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other marine life.
If you plan to visit the AQWA, read our in-depth Aquarium of Western Australia Perth guide.
If you are interested in further exploring the Maritime theme, the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle is huge and a very warm escape from the winter outside.
12. Go Trampolining
Location: Unit 3/7 Winton Rd, Joondalup
Head indoors for high-energy fun at one of the city’s trampoline parks when it rains in Perth. Trampolining is a great way to stay active and is one of the top indoor activities in Perth.
Flip Out is a popular trampoline park offering many activities. The main arena, foam pits, and special areas for toddlers are available. There are also after-dark sessions with disco lights!
We most recently went to Bounce Inc in Osborne Park for a full on afternoon session.
13. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island and Enjoy the Quieter off-season Vibe
A visit to Perth would not be complete without a trip to Rottnest Island—the island named for the tiny rat-like animals we know today as Quokka.
Winter is one of the best times to explore Rottnest Island (beach trips aside). The average temperature is around 19°C, and it’s usually a few degrees warmer than the temperature on the mainland.
If you think water activities are off during the winter, think again. The water temperature only drops a few degrees, and a the Leeuwin current brings warm water. Go snorkelling and explore bays like the Basin and Little Parakeet Bay.
If it’s a rainy day, don’t put off your visit. You can book a bus tour that takes you around the island while you relax inside warm. You’ll go to the most scenic and historical areas of the island.
Other indoor activities on Rottnest Island include the Wadjemup Museum and the Old Mill and Hay Store to learn about the island’s history.
14. Perth Zoo
Location: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth
Opening Hours: 7 days a week (9:00-17:00)
Visiting Perth Zoo is one of the best things to do in Perth with kids. Perth has some sunny days, even in winter, and the mild temperatures shouldn’t disappoint you.
Past reviews have stated that there’s a better chance of spotting some of the animals when they are not sheltering from the sun. Make sure you check the forecast and prepare for rain.
There are fewer visitors during the winter months, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed visit with less waiting around. We did visit in the July school holidays once, and while there was some mud on the ground, and we had to shelter a few times from showers, we had a thoroughly enjoyable visit!
If you’re planning to visit Perth Zoo, read our full Perth Zoo Review for a more in-depth picture of what it’s like to visit + tips.
15. Sci Tech and the Perth Planetarium
Location: City West Centre Corner Railway Street & Sutherland Street, West Perth
Opening Hours: 7 days a week (9:30-16:00)
This interactive science museum offers a range of exhibitions and activities that make learning about technology and the universe exciting and accessible. SCI Tech is one of the best things to do in Perth with kids when it’s raining!
All the exhibits are hands-on, designed to get you to engage, test, and figure things out for yourself. This interactive museum is aimed at kids or those big kids who love to explore their world.
The SCI Tech and Perth Planetarium are among Perth’s best places to visit. My kids say, “Scitech and the Perth Planetarium are awesome – and its definitely one of the the best thing to do in Perth with kids, in their opinion. The kids are enthralled, and there are many interesting things for adults to read about and spot.
They have frequently changing exhibits that give a new freshness to a visit – the last trip we went was exploring “Human Potential” and we had a ball.
Make sure you don’t miss our favourite part—the planetarium show. There are only three shows a day, so plan your visit around one of them!
If you’re considering visiting SCI Tech, read our full SCI Tech Planetarium Review.
16. Yanchep National Park
Located 50 kilometres from Northern Perth, Yanchep National Park is the place to go to see natural bushland and native wildlife and go walking on one of several trails. There’s plenty to explore, from woodlands to limestone caves and even koala viewings.
Highlights of Yanchep National Park include:
- Caves: Yanchep is famous for its network of caves, including the well-known Crystal Cave.
- Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of Australian wildlife and there is a dedicated enclosure along the Koala Boardwalk. Kangaroos are often spotted grazing in the parklands, especially during the cooler parts of the day. The park also supports much birdlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
- Aboriginal Experience: Yanchep National Park is also culturally significant to the local Noongar people. The park offers Aboriginal cultural tours led by indigenous guides who share the land’s rich history and cultural importance.
- Educational Programs and Events: Yanchep National Park hosts various educational programs and events throughout the year, including nature walks, environmental workshops, and special activities for children during school holidays.
17. Explore the Hidden Bars of Perth on a Small Bar Tour
Perth has seen a boom in unique, stylish bars, many tucked away in laneways, basements, or disguised behind nondescript doors.
If you want to experience some of Perth’s nightlife and discover the bar scene, the 3-hour Eat, Drink, Walk trip is for you. Visit hidden dive bars, heritage pubs, and world-class food venues.
The tour includes visiting three of Perth’s hotspots accompanied by a local guide. It also includes two drinks and grazing food, with access to any drink specials in the chosen venues.
18. Attend the Truffle Festival in Manjimup
Dates: 28th June-30th June 2024 (9:00-12:00)
The Truffle Kerfuffle showcases the black truffle, one of Western Australia’s most prized delicacies. It is known for its intense aroma and earthy flavour.
The festival features truffle hunts (truffles are harvested during winter), tastings, and masterclasses, including talks on the science behind truffle cultivation, the economics of truffle farming, and the latest research.
For a souvenir, there are plenty of market stalls where local producers sell truffle-infused products such as oils, cheeses, sauces, and fresh truffles.
Dive into the adventure of a truffle hunt in Manjimup and discover the delights of the Manjimup Truffle Kerfuffle Festival. Learn more about these unique experiences!
MAP of the Top Things to do in Perth in Winter
Final Words – Things to do in Perth in Winter
We believe we’ve created the most comprehensive guide to winter activities in Perth, which you’ll find online. From visiting top attractions like the Aquarium of Western Australia and Sci-Tech to enjoying the natural beauty of Yanchep National Park, whale watching, and discovering Perth’s stunning waterfalls, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you face particularly dreary weather, Perth offers a variety of indoor activities, including rock climbing, trampolining, and touring the city on a covered hop-on hop-off bus.
Visiting Perth with kids? Make sure you also read our guide to the best playgrounds in Perth and the amazing Kings Park Playgrounds. For more inspiration, take a look at our list of Perth family travel influencers. For family-friendly accommodation, read our guide to the best family-friendly Perth resorts.
Please leave any questions in the comments below—I’m here to help!
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