Best Free Things to Do in Perth That Cost Absolutely Nothing

If you are chasing the best free things to do in Perth, you will quickly realise this city rewards curiosity more than your wallet. I have spent years walking its riverbanks, climbing its dusty escarpments and drifting through its laneways, and the moments that stay with me rarely cost a cent. From sunset on the Swan River foreshore to the cool hush of a heritage bell tower, the best free attractions Perth shines with appear once you stop looking for an entry fee and start looking around. This list of free sightseeing Perth gems is exactly that, a local's path through a sun-drenched city that often hides its treasures in plain sight.

Kings Park and the Lotterywest Federation Walkway Path (Malcolm Street, West Perth)

The moment you step onto the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, the hum of the city drops away behind you and eucalyptus replaces exhaust. I have walked this steel and timber canopy walkway more times than I can count, and in the Dry (November to April) when the Western Australian Botanic Garden below is in full flower, it never feels the same twice. The glass-and-steel bridge arcs above the treetops and gives you a clean view of Perth Water, the CBD skyline and the distant Darling Scarp, all for free and at your own pace.

Below the bridge, the botanic garden is arranged by theme rather than alphabet. Kangaroo paws and red-and-green kangaroo paws grow near the waterfall plaza, while the WA Wildflower Garden is colour-coded by region. If you wander the Law Walk loop you will pass old marri trees scarred by fire and Xanthorrhoea preissii, the grass tree the Noongar people call balga. On your left, theDNA Tower keeps watch over the riverbank, a sixty‑metre white helix that doubles as a staircase when you are brave enough to climb it.

Photographers tend to rush straight to the bridge for the postcard shot, but the undersides of the walkway and the view back toward Government House can be just as striking. Early morning is best in summer, when the hikers and lunch‑break workers are still inside and the air is not yet heavy. In the winter months of June and July the path fills with clouds and the views turn moody rather than sharp. There are water fountains and shaded benches all along the path, so you can take your time without overheating.

One insider detail I keep seeing visitors miss is the mosaic art underfoot near the Federation Walkway entrance. The Ceramic Mosaic, created by local Noongar artist Sharyn Egan, commemorates the Federation of Australia and circles around a representation of a Maali, the black swan that is the state emblem. It reads like a symbol of connection, land meeting city. On the edges of the Stirling Garden you will notice jarrah posts that once held up the old Swan Brewery, reclaimed and relocated during the park reshaping in the early 2000s.

Best Time: Weekday mornings between 7am and 9am, especially from late April through October when the garden beds are freshly maintained and the visitor centre is already open for trail maps.
Vibe: Part botanical garden, part city lookout, with wide paths that make it easy to stop and stare. The downside is that the sun bleaches colour out of your snaps by mid day in summer.

Perth Cultural Centre and Art Gallery (Roe Street, Northbourne Terrace Boundary, Northbridge)

If you need proof that budget travel Perth can be rich in culture, the Perth Cultural Centre is your starting point. The white-painted Perth Cultural Centre frames the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library and the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip as a single precinct. You do not have to like art to enjoy the plaza; benches and shade are scattered throughout, and community events, markets and public art rotate through the area most weekends.

Inside the Art Gallery, the permanent collections are free, including Indigenous art, Australian works on paper and sculpture. If you are short on time, aim for Desmond and Sree, Noongar artist Tjyllyungoo's lithograph of the city pre‑urban sprawl, or the room dedicated to land, fire and cultural practice. The building's brutalist exterior was partly renewed when Boola Bardip opened in late 2019; what once felt dated now feels more connected to the streets immediately surrounding it.

Beside the gallery, the State Library holds rotating spaces you are welcome to access without a card. The Story Place exhibition, suspended from mezzanine ropes, maps WA history from invasion, resistance and collaboration using family papers and community voice recordings. You can step off the main concourse onto Russell Square and find shade between heritage façades and new cultural signage.

One of the best ways to understand why Northbridge is more than just a nightlife strip is to visit this precinct on a Saturday between 10am and 2pm. Perth City Farmers Market along the Northbridge Piazza brings fruit growers, bakers, and community groups into the shade, and you can use it to restock your picnic supplies before heading into the galleries instead of leaving immediately after.

A detail that often surprises visitors is the amphitheater cut into the eastern side of the complex. The lawn there is absolutely first-come, first served, and the council free public program of classic films and live outdoor concerts lands there in summer, selling no tickets. I usually drop in around sunset and snack beside strangers on the dewy grass.

What to See: Tjyllyungoo's Perth in the State Art Collection and any temporary exhibition free banner the month you visit.
Open Access: Always free, but the Boola Bardip Museum requires timed entry tickets for some exhibitions, so check the website before you go.
Vibe: A civic heart that feels more like a community living room than a museum complex. The only real drawback is that the surrounding streets can feel a bit rough after dark.

Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River Foreshore (Barrack Street Jetty, Perth Water)

Elizabeth Quay is the city's most obvious waterfront playground, and it is also one of the best free sightseeing Perth has to offer if you know where to look. The inlet itself is artificial, carved out of the old Esplanade Reserve in the early 2010s, but the views of the river, the Narrows Bridge and the distant hills are real. You can walk the full loop from Barrack Street Jetty to the Causeway and back in under an hour, and the path is wide enough for cyclists, joggers and slow strollers.

The most photogenic moment is the Swan Bells tower, a glass-and-copper campanile that houses the twelve historic bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. You can see the bells from the outside for free, and the reflections on the water at sunset are worth the walk. If you are lucky, you will catch a free public recital on Wednesday or Sunday afternoons, when the tower's automated carillon plays.

On the eastern side of the quay, the small island playground and the public art installations are popular with families. The Spanda sculpture, a series of nested aluminium rings, frames the skyline and is a favourite for selfies. I usually start at the Barrack Street Jetty and walk clockwise, stopping at the small café terraces that line the water's edge. You do not have to buy anything to sit and watch the ferries come and go.

One insider tip is to continue past the quay along the foreshore toward the Narrows Bridge. The path there is less crowded and gives you a clear view of the city's skyline reflected in the river. In the early morning, before the heat sets in, you might spot black swans gliding past, and the light is perfect for photography.

Best Time: Late afternoon, around 4pm to 6pm, when the sun is lower and the city lights begin to reflect on the water.
Vibe: A polished, modern waterfront with plenty of space to sit and watch the river. The downside is that the area can feel a bit sterile compared to the older parts of the city.

Fremantle Markets and the Round House (High Street, Fremantle)

Fremantle is a short train ride from the city, and the markets are one of the best free attractions Perth has to offer if you are willing to wander. The Fremantle Markets, housed in a heritage-listed building from 1897, are open Friday through Sunday and are free to enter. You do not have to buy anything to enjoy the atmosphere, the live music, and the smell of fresh produce and street food.

Inside, the Hall of Farmers is the original section, with high ceilings and iron columns that date back to the gold rush era. The newer sections, like the Yard, are more open and host local artisans, vintage clothing and handmade jewellery. I usually start at the Hall of Farmers and work my way through the Yard, stopping to watch the buskers and sample the free tastings that some vendors offer.

Just a short walk from the markets, the Round House is the oldest public building in Western Australia, built in 1830 to hold colonial prisoners. Entry is free, and the small museum inside tells the story of the early settlement, the Aboriginal resistance and the harbour's role in the colony's growth. The view from the top of the hill is worth the climb, and you can see the harbour, the Indian Ocean and the city skyline in the distance.

One detail that most tourists miss is the Whalers Tunnel, a narrow passage that connects the Round House to the waterfront. It was originally used by whalers to move between the harbour and the town, and now it is a quiet, shaded walk that feels like stepping back in time. I usually time my visit for late morning, when the markets are in full swing but the Round House is less crowded.

What to See: The Hall of Farmers in the Fremantle Markets and the Round House museum.
Best Time: Saturday mornings, between 9am and 11am, when the markets are lively but not yet packed.
Vibe: A mix of heritage and street culture, with a strong sense of local identity. The only drawback is that the markets can get very busy on weekends, and parking is a nightmare.

Cottesloe Beach and the Indiana Tea House (Marine Parade, Cottesloe)

Cottesloe Beach is Perth's most famous stretch of sand, and it is completely free to visit. The beach runs for over a kilometre along the Indian Ocean, with white sand, clear water and a backdrop of Norfolk pines. I have spent countless afternoons here, watching the sun set over the water, and it never gets old.

The Indiana Tea House, a heritage-listed building from 1910, sits at the northern end of the beach and is a popular spot for coffee and cake. You do not have to go inside to enjoy the view; the outdoor terrace is open to the public, and you can sit and watch the waves for free. The building itself is a beautiful example of Federation architecture, with wide verandas and a tiled roof that has been restored to its original condition.

One of the best things about Cottesloe is the walk along the coastal path that runs from North Cottesloe Beach to Swanbourne. The path is flat and easy, with benches and lookout points along the way. In the early morning, before the crowds arrive, you might spot dolphins playing in the surf, and the light is perfect for photography.

A local tip is to visit on a weekday, when the beach is less crowded and you can find a quiet spot to yourself. The car park fills up fast on weekends, and the walk from the train station is a good alternative. I usually arrive around 8am, when the sun is still low and the sand is cool underfoot.

What to See: The Indiana Tea House and the coastal walk to Swanbourne.
Best Time: Weekday mornings, between 7am and 9am, when the beach is quiet and the light is soft.
Vibe: A classic Australian beach with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The only downside is that the water can be cold, even in summer.

The Bell Tower and St Georges Terrace (Barrack Square, Perth CBD)

The Bell Tower, also known as the Swan Bells, is one of Perth's most distinctive landmarks, and it is free to view from the outside. The tower houses the twelve bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, which were given to the city in 1988 to mark the Australian Bicentenary. You can see the bells through the glass walls, and the reflections on the water at sunset are stunning.

The tower sits at the end of Barrack Square, a small plaza that is popular with tourists and locals alike. The square is surrounded by cafés and restaurants, and you can sit and watch the ferries come and go without spending a cent. On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, the tower's automated carillon plays a free recital, and the sound carries across the river.

St Georges Terrace, the main street of the CBD, runs parallel to the river and is lined with heritage buildings, modern towers and public art. I usually walk from the Bell Tower along the terrace, stopping at the small parks and plazas that dot the street. The Council House, a modernist building from the 1960s, is a favourite of mine, with its clean lines and reflective pool.

One insider detail is the small garden behind the Council House, which is open to the public and often overlooked. It is a quiet spot to sit and rest, with shade trees and a view of the river. I usually time my visit for late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the city lights begin to reflect on the water.

What to See: The Bell Tower and the Council House garden.
Best Time: Late afternoon, around 4pm to 6pm, when the sun is lower and the city lights begin to reflect on the water.
Vibe: A polished, modern city centre with plenty of space to sit and watch the river. The only downside is that the area can feel a bit sterile compared to the older parts of the city.

The Perth Mint and Hay Street Mall (Hay Street, Perth CBD)

The Perth Mint, established in 1899, is one of the oldest mints in the world and is free to visit. The mint was originally built to refine gold from the Western Australian gold rushes, and it played a key role in the colony's economy. Today, you can see the gold pouring demonstration, the coin collection and the history of the mint without paying an entry fee.

The demonstration, which runs several times a day, shows how gold is melted and poured into bars. It is a fascinating process, and the guides are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. The coin collection includes rare and historic pieces, and the museum tells the story of the gold rushes and their impact on the city.

Hay Street Mall, a pedestrianised section of Hay Street, runs from the mint to the Murray Street Mall and is lined with shops, cafés and street performers. I usually walk from the mint along the mall, stopping at the small parks and plazas that dot the street. The mall is a good place to people-watch and soak up the city's atmosphere.

One local tip is to visit the mint on a weekday, when it is less crowded and you can take your time with the exhibits. The gold pouring demonstration is popular, and it is worth arriving early to get a good spot. I usually time my visit for mid-morning, when the mint is open but the mall is not yet busy.

What to See: The gold pouring demonstration and the coin collection.
Best Time: Weekday mornings, between 10am and 12pm, when the mint is open but the mall is not yet busy.
Vibe: A mix of heritage and commerce, with a strong sense of the city's gold rush history. The only downside is that the mall can feel a bit generic compared to the older parts of the city.

The Sunset Coast and Trigg Beach (West Coast Drive, Trigg)

The Sunset Coast, a stretch of coastline that runs from Cottesloe to Burns Beach, is one of Perth's best free attractions. The coast is known for its white sand, clear water and stunning sunsets, and it is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Trigg Beach, about 15 kilometres north of the city, is one of the most popular spots, with a long stretch of sand and a backdrop of dunes.

The beach is popular with surfers, and the waves can be good for beginners. If you are not into surfing, you can walk along the coastal path that runs from Trigg to Scarborough. The path is flat and easy, with benches and lookout points along the way. In the early morning, before the crowds arrive, you might spot dolphins playing in the surf, and the light is perfect for photography.

One of the best things about Trigg is the walk along the coastal path that runs from Trigg to Scarborough. The path is flat and easy, with benches and lookout points along the way. In the early morning, before the crowds arrive, you might spot dolphins playing in the surf, and the light is perfect for photography.

A local tip is to visit on a weekday, when the beach is less crowded and you can find a quiet spot to yourself. The car park fills up fast on weekends, and the walk from the train station is a good alternative. I usually arrive around 8am, when the sun is still low and the sand is cool underfoot.

What to See: The coastal walk from Trigg to Scarborough.
Best Time: Weekday mornings, between 7am and 9am, when the beach is quiet and the light is soft.
Vibe: A classic Australian beach with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The only downside is that the water can be cold, even in summer.

The Perth Hills and Mundaring Weir (Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring)

The Perth Hills, a range of low mountains that rise to the east of the city, are one of the best free attractions Perth has to offer if you are willing to drive. The hills are covered in jarrah and marri forest, and the views over the coastal plain are stunning. Mundaring Weir, a dam built in the early 1900s to supply water to the goldfields, is a popular spot for walking, picnicking and birdwatching.

The weir itself is an impressive structure, with a long wall and a spillway that is spectacular after heavy rain. The walk along the top of the weir is free, and the views over the dam and the surrounding forest are worth the effort. The Bibbulmun Track, a long-distance walking trail that runs from Kalamunda to Albany, passes through the area, and you can walk a section of it for free.

One of the best things about the hills is the drive along the Mundaring Weir Road, which winds through the forest and offers views over the coastal plain. The road is narrow and winding, but the scenery is beautiful, and there are several lookout points along the way. I usually stop at the small parks and picnic areas that dot the road, and the views are worth the drive.

A local tip is to visit in the cooler months, between May and September, when the forest is green and the air is fresh. The weir is less crowded, and the walks are more enjoyable. I usually arrive around 10am, when the sun is still low and the forest is cool.

What to See: The walk along the top of Mundaring Weir and the Bibbulmun Track.
Best Time: Weekday mornings, between 10am and 12pm, when the weir is less crowded and the forest is cool.
Vibe: A peaceful, natural escape from the city, with a strong sense of the region's history. The only downside is that the drive can be long, and the road is narrow and winding.

When to Go / What to Know

Perth is a city of extremes, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit for free attractions is between March and May, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. September and October are also good, with wildflowers in bloom and the city coming alive after winter.

Public transport is free in the CBD, and the train network connects the city to Fremantle, the hills and the coast. If you are planning to visit the hills or the coast, a car is recommended, but the train is a good alternative for Fremantle and the beaches.

Most free attractions are open year-round, but some, like the Fremantle Markets, have limited hours. It is worth checking the websites before you go, especially if you are visiting during the school holidays or public holidays.

One insider tip is to download the Transperth app, which gives you real-time information on train and bus times. The app is free, and it is a lifesaver if you are trying to navigate the city without a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to walk between the main sightseeing spots in Perth, or is local transport necessary?

The CBD is compact enough to walk between most major attractions, including the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, the Perth Cultural Centre and the Art Gallery. The walk from the CBD to Kings Park is about 1.5 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes. For Fremantle, the coast and the hills, public transport or a car is recommended. The train from Perth to Fremantle takes about 30 minutes, and the journey to the hills is around 40 minutes by car.

Is Perth expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travellers.

Perth is not the cheapest city in Australia, but it is possible to visit on a budget. A mid-tier traveller can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day, including accommodation, food and transport. A hostel bed costs around $30 to $40 per night, a mid-range hotel room around $120 to $150, and a meal at a casual restaurant around $15 to $25. Public transport is free in the CBD, and a day pass for the rest of the network costs around $10.

What are the free or low-cost tourist places in Perth that are genuinely worth the visit?

Some of the best free attractions in Perth include Kings Park, the Perth Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Fremantle Markets, Cottesloe Beach, the Bell Tower, the Perth Mint and the Sunset Coast. The Perth Hills and Mundaring Weir are also worth the drive, and the Bibbulmun Track is free to walk. Most of these attractions are open year-round, and many have free guided tours or events.

Do the most popular attractions in Perth require advance ticket booking, especially during peak season?

Most free attractions in Perth do not require advance booking, but some, like the Boola Bardip Museum, have timed entry tickets for certain exhibitions. It is worth checking the websites before you go, especially if you are visiting during the school holidays or public holidays. The Fremantle Markets are open Friday through Sunday, and the Perth Mint is open daily, but the gold pouring demonstration is popular and it is worth arriving early.

How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Perth without feeling rushed?

To see the major tourist attractions in Perth without feeling rushed, I would recommend at least four to five days. This gives you time to explore the CBD, Kings Park, the Perth Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery, the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, Fremantle, Cottesloe Beach and the Sunset Coast. If you want to visit the Perth Hills or Mundaring Weir, add another day. The city is compact, but the attractions are spread out, and it is worth taking your time to enjoy them.