While we’re blessed with months of sunshine and warm days, even with the buzz of summer gone, there’s still a lot to love about our city. So pull on your gumboots, grab your coat, and let’s explore some of our favourite things to do in Perth in winter.
Warm up with winter walks
When the days get cooler and the sun has lost its bite, the conditions for bushwalking become excellent. Winter in Perth is one of the best times to get out and explore nature, with an abundance of walking trails and hikes close to the city.
Kings Park
Kings Park is one of the largest inner city parks in the world, and a welcome escape from the sounds and commotion of the city. Criss-crossed with footpaths and walking trails, it’s a beautiful spot to surround yourself with nature without straying too far from the CBD. So walk up the hill, head among the gum trees, and explore the trails on offer.
Beach walks
We might be biased, but we think that Perth has some of the best beaches in the country. And while the days might not be as warm, the beaches are no less magnificent. The bright white sand is a stunning contrast to the dark water and the cold grey skies. It’s even more striking if you go for a walk as a storm rolls across the Indian Ocean.
Serpentine Falls
Just an hour outside of Perth, Serpentine Falls is a beautiful tumbling waterfall. Standing 15m high, the base is surrounded by lush green bushland, barbecues, and picnic areas—the perfect place to spend an afternoon. A 1km boardwalk loop goes to the falls and back, so you can see them for yourself, and then spend the afternoon relaxing in the sunshine.
Lesmurdie Falls
Located in Mundy Regional Park, Lesmurdie Falls is another short walking trail that comes into its own in winter. As the rains set in, Lesmurdie Brook starts to flow stronger and stronger, plunging over the rock and creating the eponymous falls. A 640m walking trail leads to the base of the falls, where you can see the crashing water and lush vegetation up close. Or spend a bit more time on one of the other longer walking trails that thread throughout the park.
Rug up at the Scarborough Sunset Winter Market
The Scarborough Sunset Winter Market is the cold-weather counterpart to its warmer summer markets. Held between 3pm and 8pm every Saturday afternoon from May to October, it’s a comfortable, cosy way to spend a weekend afternoon.
You’ll find a collection of Perth’s best food truck vendors, with a range of local and international cuisines. Enjoy a range of beers and wines at the Market Bar, or warm up with a hot beverage as the sun goes down. You can even bring your furry friend to join in the fun.
Up to 50 food vendors and retailers pack out the Scarborough Amphitheatre and Clocktower, creating a vibrant hub to chase away the winter blues.
Go whale watching
We’re lucky here in WA, for many reasons. One big one being that our long, rugged coastline is an oceanic thoroughfare for whales making their way from the Antarctic to warmer northern waters and back again.
And, during winter, it’s peak whale-watching time. Between April and December, thousands of humpback whales make their annual migration along our coast. While you may get the chance to see them from the metro area, the best places to catch the migrations are out of the city.
Like the whales, you can head up to warmer climates and take some time away on a road trip. Broome, and further afield at Exmouth, a prime whale watching locations. Humpback whales can be seen in droves between June and November.
Here you can see them from the shore: a keen eye looking out over the water will spot them rolling on the surface, slapping their fins and tails as they play, and make out the telltale water spout above the waves.
Closer to home, whale watching tours depart regularly from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Held between August and November, the tours take you out on the water so you can see these magnificent creatures up close.
Get out of town at Yanchep National Park
Less than an hour’s drive north of Perth, Yanchep National Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day, particularly in winter. As the rain turns the area into beautiful green bushland, you’ll find lots to do.
There are plenty of picnic and barbecue spots to take advantage of. Bring a blanket and some food, and spend a lazy afternoon in the winter sunshine. You may have to share your space with the local family of western grey kangaroos, though, so be sure to keep your distance.
If you’re up for an adventure, Crystal Cave allows you to get underground and explore the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed the cave. Read its history, and learn about the wider network of caves that exists across the area.
Or just get out and explore. There are nine walking trails that wind their way through the park. Ranging from short walks to up to 12 kilometres, there’s something for every ability.
See the lights of Kings Park Lightscape
Returning in 2025, the magical Lightscape lights up Kings Park with over 20 stunning works of light by local and international artists.
Lightscape 2025 is a truly immersive experience that starts when the sun goes down. Wander around the avenues and laneways of Kings Park to a transportive soundscape as swathes of ever-changing light and colour illuminate the trees. As the temperature dips, warm up with mulled wine, toasted marshmallows, and food from a selection of vendors.
Held every Wednesday to Sunday evening, from 13 June to 27 July—and on Tuesdays during school holidays—it’s an event that’s not to be missed.
We’ll keep you warm all winter long
Perth is beautiful in any season, but there’s something truly special about the cold weather. Winter in Perth is a time to rug up, to get cosy, and experience a different side of our sun-drenched city.
And at RAC Arena we’ve got a range of events to warm the bones and the heart. Whether it’s the rush of a sports game, the roar of a concert, or a unique experience, we’ve got you covered.
