Perth, Western Australia — Things to Do
Shopping in Perth
Shopping in Perth may not rival that of Sydney's but it still has plenty to enrapture any retail addict with a wide range of retail stores, boutiques, specialty shops and local markets.
Start off at Perth's pedestrianized High Street or St John's Shopping Center where most local chain stores and a few other independent stores can be found, while the Murray and Hay street malls offer a large range of specialty stores.
The best markets in Perth are located on King Edward Street, where the Continental Market will tantalize your senses with the smells of tasty dishes cooking away, fruit and vegetables, cheese, wine and even the distinctive smell of the leather goods. The craft market is the place to find anything and everything from soaps and glassware to chocolates and wines while the Art on the River Market on Tay Street is where local artists display their works.
Best buys in Perth include boomerangs, koala bears and local sheepskin products including warm and comfortable 'Ugg Boots', sheepskin jackets and slippers. Women will love local jewelry produced from gold nuggets, Argyle diamonds, Australian opals and Broome pearls.
Duty and tax free shopping is available throughout Perth where travelers can buy cameras, watches, clothing, sunglasses and fragrances but visitors will have to have a valid plane ticket to a destination outside of Australia when visiting the local Duty Free stores. Tourists can also make use of the Tourist Refund Scheme to purchase goods tax free before their departure.
Perth Nightlife
With a plethora of trendy bars, banging clubs, luxurious lounges and chilled out pubs, there's enough nightlife to keep any party animal's cravings satisfied while on vacation in Perth.
Most of the main nightclubs are situated round the Northbridge, Subiaco and Fremantle areas and are more popular with an older, more sophisticated crowd or sip on cocktails at stylish venues like Base on Lake Street while the Moon and Sixpence British Pub on Murray Street, is a popular hangout where local and international beers flow by the keg.
Club Bay View is a popular hangout for 20-somethings on Thursday nights, but does not usually get going until around 11pm so it's worth grabbing some pre-drinks first to warm up before hitting the club or head to the multi-level dance club the Metropolis Fremantle where house and classic pop music keeps the party going until the wee hours.
There is a huge indie rock scene in Perth and plenty of live music venues cater to these numerous gigs and shows that are permanently on offer and the Universal Bar and Mojo's Bar are the good venues to enjoy the best of Perth's local talent.
Attractions for Kids
With an abundance of fascinating local wildlife and nature on its doorstep, Perth has plenty to offer kids on vacation in the way of attractions and things to do.
With plenty of pristine sandy beaches there's hours of fun in the sun to be had on Perth's surrounding family beaches like Cottesloe Beach and Leighton Beach, but be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen as the Australian sun can be ruthless. Another great outdoors option is the Kings Park and Botanic Garden where families can hike, bike or just relax in the shade of a tree with a picnic and some toys - a great place for kids to let off all that extra steam.
Inquisitive minds will love a trip to the hands-on Scitech Discovery Center where kids can get involved in interactive exhibits and programs while Tumbulgum Farm, just outside of Freemantleis the perfect place for the little ones to learn about farm life, watch the sheep being sheared, bottle feed baby lambs and even try their hand at milking a cow!
All kids love animals and the Perth Zoo is the perfect place for them to learn more about Australia's indigenous creatures like crocodiles, kangaroos, koala bears and wallabies, while the Aquarium of Western Australia is not to be missed either. The Museum of Childhood is a great place for kids to explore one of Australia's most extensive collections of toys and childhood heritage, or for something a little more exciting, drive just 20 minutes outside of Perth to visit Adventure World where little ones can choose from up to 30 exhilarating rides and a wildlife park, but this is closed during the winter months.
Parents should grab a copy of The Parent's Paper, free every month, for more ideas and current kids-friendly events.
