Perth is full of great activities and experiences for people to enjoy, no matter what their interests are. However, sometimes you might want to enjoy yourself without having to spend any extra money. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things you can do in Perth that won’t cost you a cent. Read on to find out about some of the best free options when you’re looking for affordable ways to have a good time.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is so vast and diverse that you can spend days exploring all the great different areas across the park. Located in the middle of Perth, it’s easily accessible from a number of areas, including the city.
Kings Park is home to a plethora of local flora and fauna, with many informational boards around to tell you which species and family they are from as well as how the local Aboriginal population made use of the area. If you want to learn more about Nyoongar culture and its special connection to Kings Park, you can even book a tour.
Another great feature of Kings Park is the excellent spots available for enjoying beautiful, scenic views. While the surroundings are very picturesque, you can also find great points to look at the rest of the city including the CBD and the Swan River.
Art Gallery Of Western Australia
The Art Gallery of WA is located in Northbridge and is the centre of the city’s artistic hub. There are a variety of fixed exhibitions along with rolling and temporary exhibitions that make it well worth coming back to. The paintings have additional information about them if you’re keen to learn more about the background of these pieces. Additionally, free guided tours are available if you’d like some expert insight into the work.
The gallery has an extensive collection featuring work from artists from all different kinds of backgrounds and eras of history. One particular strength of the collection is the various works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists as well as the representation of Western Australian art and artists as a whole. Another great area where the collection shines is Australian and British sculptures and paintings from the twentieth century.
Visit the beach
One of the things that Perth is most famous for worldwide is our great beaches. We live right by a long coastline, meaning we have no shortage of lovely beaches to choose from. Whether you’re looking to get in the water to surf or swim or to simply lie on the beach and relax, there’s plenty of excellent options for you.
Cottesloe
Cottesloe is one of the most popular spots in Perth, famous for having pristine white sand and gorgeous, clear water. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the sunset with friends and family. Plus, you get to enjoy some of the great nearby amenities like the famous Indiana restaurant. And if you head there during the right time of year, you may even get the chance to check out Sculptures By The Sea, an annual artistic exhibition featuring work from a range of international artists.
Scarborough
If you’re looking for a slightly more dynamic atmosphere full of surfing, music, and plenty of lively beachgoers then Scarborough beach is a great option. It has a big amphitheatre where you can often enjoy live music and a skate park, climbing wall, and the Whale Playground for your kids to enjoy. Not to mention the nearby bars, restaurants, and surf shops. And if you arrive on the right day, you can even check out the famous Scarborough Beach markets.
South Fremantle Dog Beach
If you feel like going to the beach and want to bring your furry friend along then South Fremantle Dog Beach is the perfect choice. There’s plenty of people who bring along their dogs to enjoy getting off the leash, rolling around in the sand, and even going for a dip in the ocean.
Heirisson Island
Right in the middle of the Swan River sits Heirisson Island, which is home to a western grey kangaroo sanctuary. While kangaroo spotting is the biggest selling point of this natural reserve, there are also walking trails you can go for a stroll on as well as BBQ and picnic facilities for anyone that wants to relax and enjoy a nice lunch. If you are looking to see the kangaroos, you’ll have the best chance of seeing them early in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening.
Movies at Northbridge Piazza
If you’re looking for a casual night out in the heart of Northbridge then going to a free movie screening is a great option. Popular among both locals and tourists, the Northbridge Piazza screenings have a broad selection of films that you can enjoy on a nice evening. There are plenty of beanbags and seats to keep everyone comfortable, and since you’re in the heart of Northbridge, you have no shortage of dining options nearby.
Riverside spots
The Swan River runs through the centre of Perth and connects to many parts of the city. There are plenty of great areas by the river to enjoy the scenery and relax.
Matilda Bay Reserve
Located in Crawley, right across from UWA, you can find the Matilda Bay Reserve. This area is a great place to go for a walk or have a picnic with your family and friends while you sit amongst the trees and enjoy the riverside view. There’s plenty of bird species as well as dolphins which you might spot while you’re there. Additionally, the bay is shallow enough that you can also go for a swim, do some fishing, or enjoy some water sports like kayaking. And if you get a bit hungry, you can grab some food from the Bayside Kitchen Cafe, have dinner at the Matilda Bay Restaurant, or cook something up on one of the free electric barbecues.
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is an iconic spot in Perth, perfect for enjoying a nice evening by the river and getting an excellent view of the city centre. The area is fairly large and encompasses Clydesdale Reserve, Sir James Mitchell Park, Mill Point Reserve, and South Perth Esplanade Reserve. In addition to the grassy areas where people enjoy playing sport, there are also paths to walk your dog as well as tables and picnics for barbecues. There’s even playgrounds and exercise equipment nearby if kids or adults are looking to stay active on the foreshore.
Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a waterfront precinct near the city centre and along the edge of the Swan River. There are many great sights to enjoy there, including the Swan River, the city centre, and the rotating public art installations in the area. It’s full of space to walk around in, whether it’s across the bridge, onto the little island, or on the various grass patches. Nearby, there’s a playground and small water park to enjoy on the island, as well as various bars and restaurants. You can also rent a Segway or a Gondola if you’re looking for an alternative way to get around the area. Plus, you can head to the port to watch ferries departing for South Perth or Rottnest as well as boats going on scenic river cruises. Maybe you’ll even be tempted to go for a ride yourself.
Enjoy a show at RAC Arena
Perth is full of many excellent free activities to enjoy, no matter what your interests are. However, if you’re looking to buy some tickets and see an excellent show, then RAC Arena won’t disappoint. We have a huge range of great upcoming events that you can check out, with something for everyone.
