Free Things to Do in Perth: 20 Ways to Explore the City Without Spending a Cent

Perth offers an unusually large number of free experiences. From sweeping river views and world-class art museums to wild kangaroos and stunning beaches, here are the best free things to do in Perth across every interest and neighbourhood.

Perth city skyline at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers reflected on the calm Swan River, highlighting the urban beauty of Western Australia’s capital.

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Perth is one of Australia's most rewarding cities to explore on a tight budget. The sun is free, the beaches are free, and so are many of the city's best cultural institutions. Whether you're spending a weekend or a full week, you'll find more than enough to fill your days without paying entry fees. Start withKings Park and the Cultural Centre in the Perth CBD, then fan out to Fremantleand the riverside suburbs. Perth's free CAT buses connect the CBD, Northbridge, and East Perth at no cost, and all Transperth services are free on Sundays for SmartRider and contactless-payment users, making it easy to cover ground without a car.

💡 Local tip

Transperth's CAT buses (Central Area Transit) are free within their routes and cover the CBD, Northbridge, and links to Kings Park and East Perth. All Transperth services are free on Sundays for SmartRider and contactless card users. Check current timetables at transperth.wa.gov.au before you travel.

Parks, Nature & Outdoor Spaces

A dense bed of vibrant pink and magenta wildflowers in sunlight, with blurred greenery and purple flowers in the background. — Photo A G

Perth's outdoor spaces are genuinely world-class, and every one of them is free to enter. For the full picture of what's blooming and when, thewildflower season guide is worth reading before your trip, particularly if you're visiting between July and October.

The State War Memorial and eternal flame at Kings Park, with city and river views in the background and people visiting the site.

1. Walk the Botanic Garden in Kings Park for Free

Free volunteer-led walks depart Kings Park's Botanic Garden daily at 10am and 1pm, covering WA's extraordinary native flora. During spring, the wildflower displays here rival anything in the country. No booking needed, just show up at the Fraser Ave entrance.

1. Walk the Botanic Garden in Kings Park for Free

Free volunteer-led walks depart Kings Park's Botanic Garden daily at 10am and 1pm, covering WA's extraordinary native flora. During spring, the wildflower displays here rival anything in the country. No booking needed, just show up at the Fraser Ave entrance.

The State War Memorial and eternal flame at Kings Park, with city and river views in the background and people visiting the site.

Night view of Perth city skyline through the tall lemon-scented gums lining Fraser Avenue in Kings Park, softly lit by street lamps.

2. Walk Fraser Avenue for the Classic Perth Skyline Shot

This grand avenue of lemon-scented gums, planted as a WWI living memorial, frames Perth's most photographed skyline view. It takes five minutes to walk and is spectacular at any time of day. Come at golden hour for the best light on the CBD.

2. Walk Fraser Avenue for the Classic Perth Skyline Shot

This grand avenue of lemon-scented gums, planted as a WWI living memorial, frames Perth's most photographed skyline view. It takes five minutes to walk and is spectacular at any time of day. Come at golden hour for the best light on the CBD.

Night view of Perth city skyline through the tall lemon-scented gums lining Fraser Avenue in Kings Park, softly lit by street lamps.

View from Bold Park lookout showing dense bushland, distant Perth city skyline, suburban houses, and a clear blue sky under bright sunlight.

3. Hike Through Native Bushland at Bold Park

One of the largest remnant bushland reserves in any Australian capital, Bold Park has walking trails through banksia woodland to the Reabold Hill summit with views from the Indian Ocean to the Darling Range. Entry is free; allow two hours for a proper circuit.

3. Hike Through Native Bushland at Bold Park

One of the largest remnant bushland reserves in any Australian capital, Bold Park has walking trails through banksia woodland to the Reabold Hill summit with views from the Indian Ocean to the Darling Range. Entry is free; allow two hours for a proper circuit.

View from Bold Park lookout showing dense bushland, distant Perth city skyline, suburban houses, and a clear blue sky under bright sunlight.

Aerial view of Heirisson Island showing Swan River, surrounding parkland, bridges, and Perth city in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

4. See Wild Kangaroos at Heirisson Island

A small Swan River island connected by causeways, Heirisson Island has a free-roaming kangaroo colony you can walk among at any time. The riverside path also has clear views of the Perth skyline. Best visited at dawn or dusk when the kangaroos are most active.

4. See Wild Kangaroos at Heirisson Island

A small Swan River island connected by causeways, Heirisson Island has a free-roaming kangaroo colony you can walk among at any time. The riverside path also has clear views of the Perth skyline. Best visited at dawn or dusk when the kangaroos are most active.

Aerial view of Heirisson Island showing Swan River, surrounding parkland, bridges, and Perth city in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Wide view of Lake Monger with native reeds in the foreground, calm water, and Perth city skyline in the distance under a clear sky.

5. Watch Black Swans at Lake Monger in Wembley

This urban wetland reserve in Wembley hosts Perth's most accessible black swan colony, along with pelicans and waterbirds year-round. The 3.5 km lakeside loop is one of the city's most popular morning walks. Entry is free and it's well served by public transport.

5. Watch Black Swans at Lake Monger in Wembley

This urban wetland reserve in Wembley hosts Perth's most accessible black swan colony, along with pelicans and waterbirds year-round. The 3.5 km lakeside loop is one of the city's most popular morning walks. Entry is free and it's well served by public transport.

Wide view of Lake Monger with native reeds in the foreground, calm water, and Perth city skyline in the distance under a clear sky.

Lesmurdie Falls cascades down rocky cliffs in Mundy Regional Park, surrounded by trees and visitors under a clear blue sky.

6. Chase Waterfalls at Lesmurdie in the Perth Hills

Perth's most dramatic waterfall drops 50 metres through a granite gorge in the Darling Range. Entry to the national park reserve here is free, and the walk to the falls takes about 20 minutes. Visit after winter rains between June and September for the best flow.

6. Chase Waterfalls at Lesmurdie in the Perth Hills

Perth's most dramatic waterfall drops 50 metres through a granite gorge in the Darling Range. Entry to the national park reserve here is free, and the walk to the falls takes about 20 minutes. Visit after winter rains between June and September for the best flow.

Lesmurdie Falls cascades down rocky cliffs in Mundy Regional Park, surrounded by trees and visitors under a clear blue sky.

Beaches & Waterfront Walks

Crowded shoreline at Cottesloe Beach in Perth with swimmers, waves, pine trees, and distinctive heritage pavilion building. — Photo Rachel Claire

Perth's beaches are free to use and among the finest in Australia. ThePerth beaches guide covers the full coastline from Cottesloe to Trigg in detail, but any beach you pick will cost you nothing more than the trip to get there.

Crowds enjoy the water and sand at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, with the iconic Indiana Tea House building and Norfolk pines in the background.

7. Swim at Cottesloe, Perth's Most Iconic Beach

Cottesloe's long arc of golden sand backed by Norfolk pines is Perth's social beach. Swimming is free in the calm, patrolled waters, and the strip of cafes and the heritage Indiana Tea House make it easy to spend a full afternoon here without spending more than coffee money.

7. Swim at Cottesloe, Perth's Most Iconic Beach

Cottesloe's long arc of golden sand backed by Norfolk pines is Perth's social beach. Swimming is free in the calm, patrolled waters, and the strip of cafes and the heritage Indiana Tea House make it easy to spend a full afternoon here without spending more than coffee money.

Crowds enjoy the water and sand at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, with the iconic Indiana Tea House building and Norfolk pines in the background.

Scarborough Beach with bright sand in the foreground, gentle blue Indian Ocean waves, and a partly cloudy sky on a sunny day in Perth.

8. Explore the Revamped Scarborough Beachfront

Scarborough's beachfront redevelopment has delivered free outdoor fitness equipment, a splash pad waterpark for kids, and an excellent sunset strip to walk. The beach itself is free, and watching surfers at this popular break costs nothing. Great for a long afternoon walk.

8. Explore the Revamped Scarborough Beachfront

Scarborough's beachfront redevelopment has delivered free outdoor fitness equipment, a splash pad waterpark for kids, and an excellent sunset strip to walk. The beach itself is free, and watching surfers at this popular break costs nothing. Great for a long afternoon walk.

Scarborough Beach with bright sand in the foreground, gentle blue Indian Ocean waves, and a partly cloudy sky on a sunny day in Perth.

Wide landscape view of Trigg Beach with limestone outcrop, white sand, Indian Ocean waves, low dunes, and blue sky with scattered clouds in Perth, Australia.

9. Find Wilder Surf and Space at Trigg Beach

Just north of Scarborough, Trigg offers a rawer Indian Ocean beach backed by native bushland. It's a favourite with experienced surfers but equally good for a long walk along the shore. The Trigg Bushland Reserve adds short free walking trails to the mix.

9. Find Wilder Surf and Space at Trigg Beach

Just north of Scarborough, Trigg offers a rawer Indian Ocean beach backed by native bushland. It's a favourite with experienced surfers but equally good for a long walk along the shore. The Trigg Bushland Reserve adds short free walking trails to the mix.

Wide landscape view of Trigg Beach with limestone outcrop, white sand, Indian Ocean waves, low dunes, and blue sky with scattered clouds in Perth, Australia.

Wide view of parkland along the South Perth Foreshore with cyclists, people on grass, and the Swan River in the background under a clear sky.

10. Capture the Perth Skyline from South Perth Foreshore

The South Perth foreshore promenade along the Swan River delivers the city's most classic skyline reflection shot. It's completely free to walk at any hour, and the views from the jetty at sunrise are outstanding. Pelicans are a regular bonus at this popular waterbird spot.

10. Capture the Perth Skyline from South Perth Foreshore

The South Perth foreshore promenade along the Swan River delivers the city's most classic skyline reflection shot. It's completely free to walk at any hour, and the views from the jetty at sunrise are outstanding. Pelicans are a regular bonus at this popular waterbird spot.

Wide view of parkland along the South Perth Foreshore with cyclists, people on grass, and the Swan River in the background under a clear sky.

The iconic blue Crawley Edge Boatshed on Matilda Bay, Perth, sits at the end of a long wooden jetty stretching over the Swan River.

11. Picnic at Matilda Bay and See the Blue Boat House

The iconic blue-and-white Crawley Edge Boatshed on the Swan River is Perth's most-photographed small landmark, and reaching it costs nothing. The foreshore lawns here are a classic picnic spot, and the UWA campus is a short stroll away through one of Perth's prettiest settings.

11. Picnic at Matilda Bay and See the Blue Boat House

The iconic blue-and-white Crawley Edge Boatshed on the Swan River is Perth's most-photographed small landmark, and reaching it costs nothing. The foreshore lawns here are a classic picnic spot, and the UWA campus is a short stroll away through one of Perth's prettiest settings.

The iconic blue Crawley Edge Boatshed on Matilda Bay, Perth, sits at the end of a long wooden jetty stretching over the Swan River.

Aerial dusk view of Elizabeth Quay, showing the Swan River waterfront, pedestrian bridge, inlet boardwalk, and Perth CBD skyline with illuminated buildings.

12. Stroll the Elizabeth Quay Waterfront Precinct

Perth's foreshore precinct on the Swan River is free to walk at any hour, with public art, a striking pedestrian bridge, and clear views across to South Perth. The ferry terminals here connect to Rottnest Island and are also a free gathering point on warm evenings.

12. Stroll the Elizabeth Quay Waterfront Precinct

Perth's foreshore precinct on the Swan River is free to walk at any hour, with public art, a striking pedestrian bridge, and clear views across to South Perth. The ferry terminals here connect to Rottnest Island and are also a free gathering point on warm evenings.

Aerial dusk view of Elizabeth Quay, showing the Swan River waterfront, pedestrian bridge, inlet boardwalk, and Perth CBD skyline with illuminated buildings.

World-Class Museums & Galleries

The NorthbridgeCultural Centre clusters several free institutions within easy walking distance of each other. You could easily spend a full day moving between them. For a deeper dive into what each holds, thePerth museums guide is the best starting point.

Exterior view of WA Museum Boola Bardip showing modern glass and metal architecture alongside restored red-brick heritage buildings under a clear blue sky.

13. Explore WA's Flagship Museum, Boola Bardip

Reopened in 2020 in a striking building in the Cultural Centre, the WA Museum Boola Bardip ('many stories') covers natural history, Indigenous culture, and WA's biodiversity across multiple galleries. Adult general admission is A$15 (under-15s free); some special exhibitions cost extra.

13. Explore WA's Flagship Museum, Boola Bardip

Reopened in 2020 in a striking building in the Cultural Centre, the WA Museum Boola Bardip ('many stories') covers natural history, Indigenous culture, and WA's biodiversity across multiple galleries. Adult general admission is A$15 (under-15s free); some special exhibitions cost extra.

Exterior view of WA Museum Boola Bardip showing modern glass and metal architecture alongside restored red-brick heritage buildings under a clear blue sky.

Spacious gallery interior at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, featuring geometric ceiling, illuminated art displays, and sculptures under soft spotlights.

14. See Australian and Indigenous Art for Free at the AGWA

The Art Gallery of Western Australia's permanent collection spans Australian, Indigenous, and international art across a heritage building in the Cultural Centre, and entry is free. The Indigenous WA collection is particularly strong and covers works from across the state's regions.

14. See Australian and Indigenous Art for Free at the AGWA

The Art Gallery of Western Australia's permanent collection spans Australian, Indigenous, and international art across a heritage building in the Cultural Centre, and entry is free. The Indigenous WA collection is particularly strong and covers works from across the state's regions.

Spacious gallery interior at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, featuring geometric ceiling, illuminated art displays, and sculptures under soft spotlights.

The exterior of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts features a historic red-brick building with arched windows, leafy trees, and a clear blue sky.

15. Catch Cutting-Edge Free Art at PICA

PICA presents some of Australia's most adventurous contemporary art, performance, and interdisciplinary work in a heritage building in the Cultural Centre. Entry to the gallery is always free. The program changes regularly, so check ahead for what's showing during your visit.

15. Catch Cutting-Edge Free Art at PICA

PICA presents some of Australia's most adventurous contemporary art, performance, and interdisciplinary work in a heritage building in the Cultural Centre. Entry to the gallery is always free. The program changes regularly, so check ahead for what's showing during your visit.

The exterior of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts features a historic red-brick building with arched windows, leafy trees, and a clear blue sky.

Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre’s imposing Gothic limestone facade fills the frame, with vibrant banners and a clear blue sky overhead.

16. Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre and Its Free Exhibitions

This remarkable neo-Gothic building, originally built in 1864 as a colonial asylum, now hosts free contemporary art exhibitions, a well-regarded music program in the courtyard, and beautiful gardens. Entry to the galleries and gardens is always free. The Sunday markets here are also excellent.

16. Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre and Its Free Exhibitions

This remarkable neo-Gothic building, originally built in 1864 as a colonial asylum, now hosts free contemporary art exhibitions, a well-regarded music program in the courtyard, and beautiful gardens. Entry to the galleries and gardens is always free. The Sunday markets here are also excellent.

Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre’s imposing Gothic limestone facade fills the frame, with vibrant banners and a clear blue sky overhead.

Evening view of the Perth Cultural Centre with people on outdoor steps, illuminated displays, and the city skyline in the background.

17. Spend Time in the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct

This pedestrianised open-air precinct connects the museum, gallery, State Library, PICA, and live performance spaces in one walkable area. Free public events, markets, and performances happen here regularly. The State Library is free to enter and has a fine heritage reading room.

17. Spend Time in the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct

This pedestrianised open-air precinct connects the museum, gallery, State Library, PICA, and live performance spaces in one walkable area. Free public events, markets, and performances happen here regularly. The State Library is free to enter and has a fine heritage reading room.

Evening view of the Perth Cultural Centre with people on outdoor steps, illuminated displays, and the city skyline in the background.

Heritage, Architecture & Neighbourhood Walks

Large heritage tree with sprawling branches in front of a historic red-brick building featuring arches, balconies, and period architecture in a Perth street scene. — Photo Miguel Cuenca

Perth's heritage streets and neighbourhoods reward slow exploration on foot, and it costs nothing to walk them. For a structured approach, thePerth walking tours guide includes self-guided routes through the CBD, Fremantle, and Northbridge.

The Fremantle Round House, a historic limestone building with a round structure, sits atop Arthur Head with a blue sky in the background.

18. Step Into WA's Oldest Surviving Public Building at the Fremantle Round House

Built in 1831, this 12-sided colonial prison on Arthur Head is Western Australia's oldest surviving building, and entry is free. The views of Fremantle Harbour and the Indian Ocean from the headland are excellent, and the time-ball signal cannon is still fired daily at 1pm.

18. Step Into WA's Oldest Surviving Public Building at the Fremantle Round House

Built in 1831, this 12-sided colonial prison on Arthur Head is Western Australia's oldest surviving building, and entry is free. The views of Fremantle Harbour and the Indian Ocean from the headland are excellent, and the time-ball signal cannon is still fired daily at 1pm.

The Fremantle Round House, a historic limestone building with a round structure, sits atop Arthur Head with a blue sky in the background.

View along the interior of London Court arcade in Perth, showing Tudor-style facades, shopfronts with striped awnings, and shoppers walking through the corridor.

19. Walk Through London Court, Perth's Tudor-Style Arcade

This charming 1937 shopping arcade running between St Georges Terrace and the Hay Street Mall is one of Perth's most photographed streetscapes. Its ornate clock towers, timber shopfronts, and jousting knight figures are completely free to walk through and make for an unusual CBD detour.

19. Walk Through London Court, Perth's Tudor-Style Arcade

This charming 1937 shopping arcade running between St Georges Terrace and the Hay Street Mall is one of Perth's most photographed streetscapes. Its ornate clock towers, timber shopfronts, and jousting knight figures are completely free to walk through and make for an unusual CBD detour.

View along the interior of London Court arcade in Perth, showing Tudor-style facades, shopfronts with striped awnings, and shoppers walking through the corridor.

Front-facing view of the State War Memorial obelisk in Kings Park, Perth, with two flagpoles and city skyline and Swan River in the background.

20. Pay Respects at the State War Memorial in Kings Park

Kings Park's solemn memorial complex includes the eternal flame, the Pool of Remembrance, and the Honour Avenues. Free to visit at all hours, it is most moving at dawn on ANZAC Day. The memorial is central to the park's free guided walks and is surrounded by excellent views.

20. Pay Respects at the State War Memorial in Kings Park

Kings Park's solemn memorial complex includes the eternal flame, the Pool of Remembrance, and the Honour Avenues. Free to visit at all hours, it is most moving at dawn on ANZAC Day. The memorial is central to the park's free guided walks and is surrounded by excellent views.

Front-facing view of the State War Memorial obelisk in Kings Park, Perth, with two flagpoles and city skyline and Swan River in the background.

Aerial view of Matagarup Bridge in Perth, showing its dramatic arched design spanning the Swan River, with city buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

21. Walk the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium

This spectacular cable-stayed pedestrian bridge between the CBD and Burswood Peninsula is free to walk at any time, with excellent views of the Swan River and Perth skyline. At night the illuminated cables are impressive. The surrounding Burswood Park is a pleasant free riverside destination.

21. Walk the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Stadium

This spectacular cable-stayed pedestrian bridge between the CBD and Burswood Peninsula is free to walk at any time, with excellent views of the Swan River and Perth skyline. At night the illuminated cables are impressive. The surrounding Burswood Park is a pleasant free riverside destination.

Aerial view of Matagarup Bridge in Perth, showing its dramatic arched design spanning the Swan River, with city buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

Crowd of people enjoying a sunny day at Yagan Square, with the distinctive tall Aboriginal statue and modern architecture in Perth’s city center.

22. Explore Yagan Square's Public Art and Digital Tower

This public square connecting the CBD and Northbridge features a large digital tower, Noongar cultural artwork, and a lively events program that is mostly free. The market hall has food stalls if you want to eat, but walking through and taking in the public art and architecture costs nothing.

22. Explore Yagan Square's Public Art and Digital Tower

This public square connecting the CBD and Northbridge features a large digital tower, Noongar cultural artwork, and a lively events program that is mostly free. The market hall has food stalls if you want to eat, but walking through and taking in the public art and architecture costs nothing.

Crowd of people enjoying a sunny day at Yagan Square, with the distinctive tall Aboriginal statue and modern architecture in Perth’s city center.

Sandstone colonnade at the University of Western Australia with arched columns, stone walls, and lush greenery along the walkway.

23. Walk the Stunning UWA Campus and River Foreshore

UWA's Crawley campus is among the most beautiful in Australia, with Winthrop Hall, a tropical grove, and sweeping lawns leading to the Swan River foreshore. The campus is open to visitors and connects directly to the Matilda Bay foreshore walk. Allow 45-60 minutes for a relaxed circuit.

23. Walk the Stunning UWA Campus and River Foreshore

UWA's Crawley campus is among the most beautiful in Australia, with Winthrop Hall, a tropical grove, and sweeping lawns leading to the Swan River foreshore. The campus is open to visitors and connects directly to the Matilda Bay foreshore walk. Allow 45-60 minutes for a relaxed circuit.

Sandstone colonnade at the University of Western Australia with arched columns, stone walls, and lush greenery along the walkway.

Kings Park DNA Tower rises among green trees under a bright blue sky, with people visible at the top and along the spiral staircase.

24. Climb the Kings Park DNA Tower for 360-Degree Views

This free double-helix observation tower rises above the Kings Park treetops and delivers clear views of the Swan River, city skyline, and Darling Range. It connects to the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a free suspended canopy bridge through the forest. Takes about 20 minutes to walk through.

24. Climb the Kings Park DNA Tower for 360-Degree Views

This free double-helix observation tower rises above the Kings Park treetops and delivers clear views of the Swan River, city skyline, and Darling Range. It connects to the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a free suspended canopy bridge through the forest. Takes about 20 minutes to walk through.

Kings Park DNA Tower rises among green trees under a bright blue sky, with people visible at the top and along the spiral staircase.

FAQ

Are Perth's beaches free to visit?

Yes, all of Perth's public beaches are free to access. There are no entry fees at any of the main beaches, including Cottesloe, Scarborough, City Beach, and Trigg. Some beach car parks charge for parking, but public transport via Transperth serves most major beaches.

Which Perth museums are free to enter?

The Art Gallery of Western Australia (permanent collection), the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), and the Fremantle Arts Centre all offer free entry to their main galleries. WA Museum Boola Bardip charges A$15 for adult general admission (under-15s free); some special exhibitions at the museum may cost extra.

Is Kings Park really free?

Yes, Kings Park and the Botanic Garden are free to enter and open daily. Free volunteer-led guided walks depart at 10am and 1pm daily from outside Aspects of Kings Park. Check the official BGPA website for current walk schedules and any seasonal events.

How do I get around Perth for free?

Perth's CAT (Central Area Transit) buses are free within their routes and cover the CBD, Northbridge, and East Perth. All Transperth bus, train, and ferry services are free all day Sunday for SmartRider and contactless-payment users. Check the Transperth website for current routes and timetables.

Is it easy to see kangaroos in Perth for free?

Yes. Heirisson Island in the Swan River has a free-roaming kangaroo colony accessible at any time via two causeways from the Causeway Road. No ticket or booking is required. Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit, as the kangaroos are most active then.

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