13 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Perth

Beach trails, food tours, and chasing waterfalls: discover the 13 best free or cheap things to do in Perth on a budget.

The fourth most populous city in Australia, Perth is located on the Western coast, and it’s not as known as other cities in the East Coast of Australia are. But this doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in Perth, and you can use it as a starting point for a Western Australia road trip. The city is definitely worth a visit.

That said, you don’t have to spend loads of money to have a good time here: discovering Australia on a budget is definitely possible!. Check out the best cheap and free things to do in Perth on a budget.

1| Relax at Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of the more popular swimming spots in Perth, mainly due to its vast expanse of flawless white sand. There’s very little you’ll need to pay for here, providing you bring your own swimming and snorkeling gear. However, if you are willing to spend a bit of money, there are few better ways to end a day than to sit with a cold drink watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean…

2| Try Out Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding has fast become a popular attraction across the world, but where better to experience it than the crystal clear waters of Perth? There are plenty of places to rent a paddle board, many of which are quite cheap (and you can always find deals online if you plan it in advance).

A vast majority of the rental places also offer lessons if you’re new to the sport or don’t feel confident enough to try it on your own, although this obviously requires spending a bit more money.

3| Get Your Belly Full With a Food Tour

The best way to enjoy the local flavors of Perth is with a food tour, and the good news is you don’t have to spend too much to spend an amazing day with the family or friends.

Check out Groupon’s deals on things to do in Perth , which often feature food tours that allow you to visit the city and leave with your belly full at the same time. A food tour in my opinion is the best way to get to grips with the area, and to find the best eating spots for later.

4| Hike to the Lesmurdie Falls

The falls are located in the Mundy Regional Park, which is just to the east of Perth. There are plenty of different walks you can do around these spectacular waterfalls, and they are a great way to experience the local wildlife and take in amazing landscapes. In the park there are trails for all kinds of skill levels and abilities, so make sure you check these info before choosing which one to do.

5| Walk the Coogee Maritime Trail

Walking the Coogee Maritime Trail is a great free activity, and lets you take in a mix of underwater and land-based sights. There are shipwrecks, snorkeling spots, reefs, and so much more. As you can probably tell from the name this involves quite a bit of walking, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.

6| Go Sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes

If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, head to the Lancelin Sand Dunes which are 85 minutes from the center of Perth. There are plenty of opportunities for sandboarding, which is the cheapest way to enjoy the dunes, but there is the option for dirt bikes or ATVs if you’re willing to spend a bit of money.

The dunes can be particularly beautiful to experience in the early morning or evening, when teh sun colors them in golden shades.

7| Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia

Like all the best galleries, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is free to enter, although you will have to pay for temporary exhibitions. It’s easily accessible on public transport, and it’s a great way to spend a day.

Check out both local and international art, and everything from ancient to modern. Their special exhibitions are always worth a look too.

8| Stroll Down the Perth Farmers Market

The Perth Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday of every month, and runs from 9am until 2pm. There are around 50 stalls, all of which sell the best quality local produce.

While there’s no obligation to buy anything, it can always be fun to eat your way around the market. You’ll find some of the best cheap eats in Perth here, and many different drinks to wash it down with.

9| Go on a DIY wine tour of Swan Valley

While plenty of companies offer tours of Swan Valley, there can be little point in paying for one when you can organize your own DIY wine tour. Many of the wineries in Swan Valley offer free tasting, or charge a fee that is then deducted if you buy a bottle.

Going on your own also allows you to choose which wineries you visit, and how long you spend in each. Just be careful not to taste too much free wine, and go with a designated driver.

10| Walk Around the WA Botanic Garden

This is one of the best places to visit in Perth, and you could easily spend all day walking around this massive park. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective, but also an ideal place to sit down and relax after a long day. Why not take some food with you and have a picnic?

The Botanic Garden is one of the best free Perth attractions and is open 24 hours a day.

11| Visit the Perth Cultural Centre

Tons of free events take place all the time at the Perth Cultural Centre, a center for the arts, music, and entertainment. Check out the calendar, attending a concert or movie screening here is one of the best free things to do in

Looking for more free stuff to do in Perth? The area in which the gallery is located is also home to a number of other great attractions. Make sure you visit the Western Australian Museum, and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, but there’s also the State Records Office and State Library if those things take your fancy.

12| See Kangaroos on Heirisson Island

Heirisson Island is located in the Swan River, not far from the center of Perth. Its main attraction is that it’s a place where you can see kangaroos, which are just bouncing all over the place, for free. The kids are going to love it! It’s easy to get to the island by public transport or by a taxi.

13| Cycle around Fremantle

Fremantle is a port city near Perth, and is worth exploring on a day trip from Perth to see the very well-preserved 19th century buildings and stroll down the market, which reminds me of the one in Byron Bay.

There are plenty of locations for renting bikes, and even better, you can rent a bike for free at Fremantle Visitor Centre by leaving a deposit. You can even take an electric one! This is a great way to take in the city thanks to the many cycle paths, and it’s much easier than walking. Make sure you cycle along the waterfront to truly get a feel for the city.

There are so many fun free things to see in Perth that don’t require spending money or very little. Whatever you choose to do, feel good about the fact that you can enjoy the city on a small budget!