Perth Sightseeing Guide - Visit notable attractions and landmarks

Perth is not overrun with attractions, yet has plenty to lure tourists such as historical and modern landmarks to check out, as well as loads of parks and beaches. Scarborough Beach, City Beach, and Cottesloe Beach are the main ones, of which Scarborough has the best facilities, surf, and access.

Most of the attractions lie on the north bank of the meandering Swan River, including the lofty King's Park and the ancient Perth Mint. The city also has a good museum and art gallery at the Perth Cultural Centre, while the Bell Tower and Perth Zoo will be particularly appealing to kids.

Perth Zoo

Located across the Swan River in South Perth, Perth Zoo has a good complement of animals from all regions of Australia, including crocodiles, alligators, lizards, and kangaroos, along with lions and rhinos. Children's activities here are good.

Bell Tower

Perth's newest and most distinctive and landmark, Bell Tower, is a metal/glass structure on the banks of the river which contains 12 ancient bells that were a gift from England. The 250-foot tower was built to resemble the form of a swan and can be accessed by train or on foot.

Kings Park

Perth's most famous park overlooks the city and river from its vantage point on the top of Mount Eliza, just to the west of downtown. There are many thousands of trees and plants up here, along with shaded areas, picnic spots and interesting walking and cycling paths. Nearby is the historical Barracks Arch.

Perth Mint

Australia's oldest operational mint hails from the 1800s and was originally employed to make gold coins for the Empire. Visitors can tour the working mint and see gold being cast into bars as well as buy souvenirs at the gift shop. Perth Mint building itself is also pretty special, set as it is within pleasant grounds.

Perth Cultural Centre

Perth Cultural Centre is the place to go to learn about the history of the city. It features a museum, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and the State Library of Western Australia and is easily accessed as it is near to Perth Train Station and Northbridge.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is one of Perth's most accessible beaches and also its most beautiful. It is a long, wide stretch of sand with good surf that is backed by a lively promenade lined with cafés, shops, and bars. You can get here by combination of train and bus.