Free Attractions Guide - Perth, Western Australia

1. Alkimos Wreck

A 45 minute drive north of Perth will take you to Eglington. From the coastline near Eglington Rocks, you will see the wreck of a Greek Freighter the Alkimos. The Alkimos wreck can be viewed from almost untouched beaches which are accessible by sandtrack off Marmion Avenue. The wreck is a keen interest to divers.

Marmion Ave, via Eglington

2. All Saints Church

Discover the charm and history of All Saints Church in Henley Brook, which is the oldest church in Western Australia. Taking three years to build by one of the early pioneers of the area, Richard Edwards, the church has been hosting services since 1841.

Wander around the quaint church and examine the craftsmanship of the early settlers. Walk through the cemetery and read the inscriptions on the gravestones of significant pioneers who developed the colony, including William Mackie, Frederick Irwin and John Connolly. The site of the church holds great significance as it was here that Captain James Stirling camped in 1827. As stated on a sign at the entrance of the church grounds, "it was here the vision of a State arose in his heart and mind."

All Saints is a popular tourist attraction for visitors touring the Swan Valley. After exploring the charming church, relax on the banks of the Swan River, which flows behind the church. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the tranquil setting. All Saints Church is in Henley Brook, 30 minutes drive northeast of Perth in your campervan hire.

Henry St, Henley Brook

3. Armadale Settlers Common

Armadale Settlers Common in Bedfordale is a 383 ha bushland reserve, of which approximately 287 ha is vested in the City of Armadale for the purpose of 'parks and recreation'. The Common lies on the Darling Scarp and is within the wider Darling Range Regional Park.

The area is highly important for flora conservation, with a total of 318 plant species found in the Common, along with two 'Declared Rare and Priority Flora Species'. A diverse array of flora and fauna can be observed year-round. Much of the bushland is in good condition and its network of walking trails invites recreational activities such as walking and hiking, orienteering, nature appreciation, picnicking, exercising and nature photography.

The Common offers expansive views of the City, large areas of intact vegetation and public use facilities. The Common contributes significantly to the backdrop of the Armadale city centre and is part of the Heritage Country Tourist Drive.

Settlers Road, Bedfordale

4. Art Gallery of Western Australia

The Art Gallery of Western Australia, founded in 1895, occupies a precinct of three heritage buildings on the south-eastern corner of the Perth Cultural Centre. The Gallery houses the State Art Collection, which includes one of the world’s finest collections of Indigenous art, the pre-eminent collection of Western Australian art and design, as well as Australian and International art and design.

Open Wednesday to Monday 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesday, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

+61 8 9492 6622 Roe St (cnr Beaufort St), Northbridge

5. Barrack Street Jetty

Meander along Barrack Street Jetty to visit the towering glass spire of the Swan Bells. Indulge your tastebuds with a range of waterfront restaurants, casual bars and quality cafés. Enjoy the tranquil views across the Swan River while you sit back and soak up the lively atmosphere.

If you feel like getting out on the water, take the inexpensive public transport ferry across the river to South Perth, to wander along the foreshore or visit the zoo. For a more extended cruise head out to the picturesque Swan Valley on a wine tasting cruise, take a whale watching tour, or head across the ocean to Rottnest Island. All services depart from Barrack Street Jetty.

If you are looking for a distinctive souvenir or memento of your stay, check out the unique offerings from the exclusive boutiques in Barrack Square. With a range of authentic Australian handmade art, artefacts, giftware and uniquely Australian attire such as Akubra hats and crocodile leather merchandise, you will find something to suit all tastes and budgets. Right in the centre of the city, the Barrack Street Jetty is an easy stroll from the bus and train stations or the Hay Street Mall.

Barrack Street, Perth

6. Bells Rapids

Located in Brigadoon just under an hour from Perth city centre, this picnic and bush walking spot at Bells Rapids is a prime viewing area to see the competitors in the annual Avon Descent White Water Race battle the rapids. Explore the streams and waterfalls as you wander along the nature walks beside the Avon River. The area is not recommended for swimming. Access to the rapids is via a gravel road, which leads to car parking area.

Cathedral Ave, Brigadoon

7. Bibbulum Track

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany (South Coast) through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. There are a variety of walk options in each area, differing in length and difficulty, with a choice of ‘one way’ or ‘out and back’ walks. The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo can be spotted on some of the tracks and is one of Australia’s most spectacular birds, but is at risk of being threatened due to habitat destruction. The Bibbulmun Track office for more information is situated in Perth City, 862 Hay Street, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.

+61 8 9481 0551 Cnr Haynes Street and Railway Road, Perth

8. Bickley Reservoir

The Bickley Reservoir Walk is classified as easy to medium and is approximately 7.5kms in length. This short walk lies within part of the newly named Korung National Park (2008; formerly Pickering Brook National Park) and Darling Range Regional Park system. It is entirely on existing tracks (most of which are old vehicle tracks for fire access or forestry purposes. These explore an area of the Darling Scarp (the western edge of the Darling Range) between Bickley Brook Reservoir in the south and Welshpool Road in the north.

The walk includes some large areas of open heathland on the hillsides along the Scarp, with extensive views across the Swan Coastal Plain. The walk also passes through some pleasant mixed forest and Wandoo Woodland around the margins of the old, dissected laterite plateau and its jarrah forest.

Hardinge Road, Orange Grove

9. Bilgoman Well Heritage Trail

The Bilgoman Well Heritage Trail is located 9km east of Midland along Great Eastern Highway. This trail is a 100m walk through bushland to one of Chauncy's wells and the site of an old convict depot.

Beginning at Bilgoman Olympic Pool, follow the trail route map and look for signs bearing the Heritage Trails Network symbol. Please note: Persons using this Heritage Trail do so at their own risk.

During 1849 concern over the State's flagging economy prompted some colonists to call for the introduction of convicts to provide a cheap labour force. Between 1850 and 1868 almost 10,000 convicts were transported to Western Australia. Prior to the issue of 'Tickets of leave' for good behaviour, most of them spent some time under the control of the Government for employment on public works.

For a period of twenty years or so, gangs of convicts under the watchful eyes of their warders, carried out maintenance on the York Road. Road stations or depots to house these men and their overseers were established at regular intervals along the route. Three huts near Bilgoman Well formed part of one of these establishments. The huts are assumed to have been constructed during the 1860's but today only ruins remain.

Bilgoman Olympic Pool, Great Eastern Highway, Darlington

10. Bold Park

With over fifteen kilometres of walking and bridle trails and ten different lookouts with expansive city and coastal views, Bold Park offers you a memorable experience any time of year. Why not visit early one morning to experience the park come alive with a variety of birds? Or see the bushland at dusk to discover bats and possums?

Bold Park also boasts a spectacular array of wildflowers for you to enjoy throughout the year, particularly in Spring.

The Boulevard, City Beach

11. Boodja Art Aboriginal Art and Craft

Boodja Art and Crafts has been part of the Fremantle Markets for more than ten years and is owned and operated by a local Aboriginal Family and sells indigenous designed products.

+61 8 9430 4061 Shop 57 Fremantle Markets, Cnr South Terrace and Henderson Street, Fremantle

12. Boom or Bust Trail

A good starting place for the historical walk through Perth City is Perth Town Hall. The walk will highlight the boom created by gold and the resultant surge of growth, wealth and prosperity in Western Australia.

The city population swelled, buildings were erected and it seemed Perth would bust as this remote town turned into a buzzing cosmopolitan city. This self-guided trail will take up to two hours. You can join in or depart from the trail anywhere along the way. The trail intercepts with the city’s free CAT bus service accessing the foreshore, East Perth, Northbridge and West Perth (excluding public holidays).

Perth Town Hall, Cnr Hay & Barrack Streets, Perth

14. Boulder Rock

Boulder Rock in Armadale, Western Australia is a favourite spot for free climbers to practice their skills. The shaded picnic area looks out onto ancient granite boulders rounded by the gradual weathering over the years. The boulder is perched on a granite outcrop that rears above the surrounding bushland, just a few kilometres from the Canning Dam. Barbecue facilities are provided. Boulder Rock is a forty five minute drive south east of Perth with your campervan hire Perth.

Brookton Highway, Armadale

15. Bridge Gallery at the Maltings

The bridge gallery evolved from a printmaking studio and framing service set up by Gary Tait and Helen Clarke in 1987. Works are shown of graduate students and promising artists in a space that is inviting and casual with a non-intimidating atmosphere. At times printmaking is being carried out on an etching/block printing press by various printmakers and people are encouraged to observe and enquire.

Exhibitions take on many different forms from one person single medium works to invited artist theme exhibitions in mediums like papermaking, textiles, photography, ceramics, painting, drawing and printmaking. The work is exciting highly original and expressive.

+61 8 9328 3987 35 Stuart Street, Northbridge

16. Buckland Hill

Take a hike up Buckland Hill, and you will soon discover why this prominent, but forgotten landmark, has played such an important role in the history of Perth.

Buckland Hill is one of the highest points in the Perth metropolitan area. Being a prominent coastal peak Dutch mariner Willem de Vlamingh landed a party near here on January 5th 1697. They then trekked through native bushland up Buckland Hill, to determine what lay beyond. From this lofty perch, the expedition discovered a nearby river, which Willem later named the Swan River.

PERTH ALERT: During World War One, Buckland Hill served as a Battery Observation Post and a Signal Station for ships at sea. Bigger defences were constructed during the Second World War, when the threat of a Japanese invasion seemed quite real. Guns were mounted, tunnels excavated, barracks built, and coastal search lights installed, to keep an eye out for the enemy. The invasion never happened. Perth was just a bit too far away. Buckland Hill ceased being a military outpost in 1963, and never fired a shot in anger.

Stirling Hwy, Mosman Park

17. Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is a beach suburb only 15 minutes from Perth City Centre. Cottesloe beach is internationally famous for its superb beach and terraced lawns overlooking the Indian Ocean. Whether you are a visitor or a local you can enjoy a bustling Sunday afternoon either taking a refreshing swim or watching the sunset from Cottesloe Beach Hotel.

Marine Parade, Cottesloe

18. Fremantle

Fremantle, a half hour drive from Perth City, is a major tourist attraction for travellers from all parts of the world and attracts large numbers of residents and visitors on a daily basis. The city offers a unique blend of a lively multicultural yet relaxed lifestyle and is a 7 day city.

Fremantle has long been known as Perth's other capital. Within easy walking and cycling distance, visitors can experience contemporary circus, fine crafts, original music and theatre, exciting galleries, museums, bookshops and buskers. Along with maritime history and extensive architectural conservation, the Arts have become a central part of Fremantle life where visitors can discover the past and present. Many Arts organisations are housed in historic buildings providing a contemporary use for some of the most spectacular reminders of an earlier history.

Fremantle provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to experience and enjoy a range of cultural activities in a relaxed atmosphere. A browse through the markets or leisurely stop at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants will complement your exploration of the arts, making a visit to Fremantle a rich and rewarding experience.

High Street, Fremantle

19. Kings Park

From Kings Park you can experience breathtaking views of the city and the beautiful Swan River. Be amazed by the panoramic view towards the Darling Range. If you choose to enjoy the city skyline during the day, it is recommended to return for the night view of city lights. Don’t forget to take your camera

Fraser Ave, West Perth

20. London Court

Built in 1937 as a combination of residential and commercial premises for a wealthy gold miner and financier Claude de Bernales, Perth's London Court is designed using the architectural features present in Elizabethan times.

London Court attracts local and international visitors with its friendly, inviting atmosphere and unique architectural style making it superbly different to the sky scrapers it is nestled under in the City of Perth. The only walk in the world outside Britain that has captured a setting and atmosphere so similar to that of Tudor England, London Court is a retail walkway running between Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace in the heart of Perth.

+61 8 9261 6666 647/649 Hay St, Perth

21. Margaret River

Margaret River WA was originally a chilled out surfie town, but has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of fine wine, good food and spectacular scenery – just a three and a half hour drive south of Perth. No trip to Western Australia is complete without a pit stop at Margaret River. There's a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks. The wine is definitely top notch - the region produces less than one per cent of Australian wine, but wait for it - over 15 per cent of the country's premium wine. With over 60 wineries to choose from, you won't be stuck for choice.

Margaret River, 300kms south of Perth

22. Northbridge

Northbridge, a world class destination, is located just 1km walk from central Perth. Northbridge is a vibrant and exciting area with cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, nightlife, cultural events and festivals. Northbridge is famous for its European style atmosphere where you can watch the world go by sitting at a table on the pavement while enjoying Perth’s fantastic weather. Northbridge is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, whether meeting friends for drinks or to enjoy some wonderful food from all around the globe.

Northbridge

23. Sir James Mitchell Park

Enjoy the splendid sunset scenes and sparkling Swan River while cycling or walking along the South Perth foreshore. Established in the 1970s, Sir James Mitchell Park was initiated specifically for passive recreation and it serves its purpose superbly. The only building in the entire area is the old Wesley College Boatshed at Coode Street Jetty. The park stretches along the river from Mends Street jetty to McCallum Park at the Causeway Bridge. There are several wetland areas and a wonderful paperbark swamp that is worth a visit.

South Perth Foreshore, Mill Point Road, South Perth

24. West Perth Botanic Gardens

Opened in 1965, the Western Australian Botanic Garden features a scientific collection mainly of Western Australian plants displayed en masse or as individual specimens in an inspiring landscape. The Botanic Garden is unique from those around the world by maintaining its focus on local flora, primarily because of the extraordinary diversity of Western Australian wildflowers found nowhere else on earth.

About 2,000 of Western Australia's 12,000 species of plants are displayed, with major gardens concentrating on regional floras of great species richness and beauty. The magnificent landscaped gardens and parkland lawns of the Botanic Garden are a favourite for weddings, quiet picnics, resting in the sun, or attending outdoor music and drama events in summer. The West Perth Botanic Garden is open every day of the year.

+61 8 9480 3600 Fraser Ave, West Perth