Essential Perth Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Perth is more than a gateway to Western Australia’s famous coast and outback. Set beside the Swan River, the city combines deep Aboriginal heritage, colonial history, modern culture, and a distinctly relaxed lifestyle.

Perth’s History and Heritage

Perth’s story reaches back tens of thousands of years, when Aboriginal communities lived around the river, wetlands, and coastal plains. British settlement began in 1829, when Captain James Stirling established the Swan River Colony as a planned free-settler outpost.

For decades, Perth remained small and isolated. Convict labor later helped build essential infrastructure, while the discovery of gold in the 1890s transformed the city. The gold boom brought investment, migration, and grand new architecture, shaping much of Perth’s historic character.

Historic Places to Visit in Perth

Perth’s historic buildings are among the best places to visit for travelers interested in the city’s development. Key landmarks include:

• Perth Town Hall
• The Old Court House
• Government House
• St John’s Pro-Cathedral
• St Mary’s Cathedral
• The former fire station

Each reflects a different stage of Perth’s history. The Perth Mint adds another layer, representing the wealth created by Western Australia’s gold boom.

Some older structures were lost during later periods of rapid expansion. However, heritage campaigns helped protect important landmarks, including Barracks Arch and the Palace Hotel.

Modern Perth by the Swan River

Perth balances its architectural legacy with vibrant waterfront spaces. Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower connect the city center with the Swan River, while nearby cafés, restaurants, galleries, and open public areas showcase the city’s contemporary lifestyle.

For anyone looking for things to do in Perth, the city offers a rewarding combination of history, culture, riverside scenery, and laid-back urban energy. It is an essential introduction to Western Australia.