Perth’s best urban adventures

In Perth, you don’t have to head to a gallery to admire world-class art. Thanks to local arts organisation Form and its annual street art festival, walls right across town now double as canvases for some of the world’s most talented street artists. Keep your eyes open as you walk through the streets and alleys of Perth and its suburbs, and you can spot the black and white stylings of local boy Stormie Mills, the colourful creatures of Amok Island and the incredible stencil work of ELK. Best places to look include the areas around Wolf Lane in the CBD, Aberdeen Street in Northbridge and much of Fremantle.

If you are looking for a retail adventure, Perth’s markets have you covered. The must-visit is the mighty Fremantle Markets, home to 150 stalls. Open Friday to Sunday, you will find everything here from street food to homewares, clothing and art. Foodies will want to check out Mount Claremont Farmers’ Market, held on Saturday morning at Mount Claremont Primary School, where local providores offer everything from handmade cheeses and gourmet oils to French pastries. Also on Saturday mornings, Perth City Farm in East Perth is the place to go for all things organic, biodynamic and sustainable.

In search of some thrills and spills? Matagarup Zip+Climb promises a rush of adrenaline. The challenging trek to the bridge’s viewing platform, 72m above the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), is just the start – the highlight comes when you are ready to descend. A 400m zipline gives you a hair-raising return to earth.

Perth’s leafy surrounds make it possible to have a green adventure without ever leaving town. A bike tour through Kings Park and Matilda Bay with Paul’s Eco E-Bike Tours is a great way to explore Perth’s green spaces. The route starts in South Perth and continues past the Blue Boat House, Perth’s most famous selfie spot, before heading to the magnificent Kings Park. The 400-hectare park, divided between bushland, lawns and gardens, is home to a magnificent plant collection, including half of Australia’s 25,000 species.

If you prefer to do your exploring on two feet rather than two wheels, head for the Swan Valley, just 25 minutes’ drive east of the CBD. You will find a range of scenic hikes including the Noble Falls Walk Trail (3.5km), which starts from the Noble Falls picnic area, and the Bells Rapids River Walk Trail (3km). Near Midland, wildflower-lovers will want to try the 1.5-hour Wandoo Heights Walking Trail. Come between mid-autumn and late spring to spot blooms such as bull banksia, kangaroo paws, everlastings and orchids. We also love the half-day Cave Yoga & Guided Hike with The Hike Collective in Yanchep National Park, less than an hour from Perth.

The best way to end the day? With a stroll along one of Perth’s 19 city beaches, where you can watch the sun sink into the ocean. Hands-down favourite is the lovely Cottesloe Beach, Perth’s equivalent to Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Head here for a sunset drink to celebrate the simple joy of being alive.