Top 10 Cheap Things To Do In Perth And Beyond That Won't Cost Much Or Anything At All
Experiencing the wonders of Perth doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Published for AIR ASIA, 13 Jul 2015, 12:00 PM
1. Have a stroll through Swan Valley with its charming cottages, rustic wineries, restaurants, art galleries and more
Indulge the senses with a trip to the Swan Valley and Darling Range. The vineyards of Western Australia's oldest wine region invite you to sample their fruits, feast on award-winning local produce, discover local heritage and relax in the natural bushland of the Darling Range.
At the hub of the Swan Valley, Guildford is brimming with colonial charm. Follow the heritage trail passing historic pubs and quaint cottages, take a stroll down the antique strip, browse the boutiques and art galleries or enjoy an afternoon of live music in the beer gardens.
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2. You're never too old to play with sand when there are snow-white sand dunes in Lancelin
Just behind Lancelin's pristine beaches lies the biggest sand dunes in Western Australia, a favourite spot amongst sand boarders, four wheel drivers, bikers and dune buggy racing enthusiasts.
A sea of gigantic snow-white sand dunes stretches to the horizon. Hire a board from town and try your hand at sand boarding. Join a tour and scale the immense dunes in a monster four wheel drive vehicle. Or just sit on a dune summit and take in panoramic views of the town, rolling farmland, beaches and islands as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.
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You're free to enter the sand dunes, with boards available for hire if you're interested in sand boarding.
3. Delve into the bustling world of Fremantle Markets with over 100 years of history and culture
No visit to Fremantle is ever complete without experiencing the iconic Fremantle Markets. The Fremantle Markets is an authentic piece of Western Australian history. Originally built as a market hall in 1897, this grand old Victorian building was authentically and lovingly restored to be reborn on 31 October 1975, as what you see today, the Fremantle Markets.
Enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of over a hundred years of vibrant culture and heritage, mixed with the unmistakable flavours of modern-day Fremantle. Dive in head first, or just sit back and watch the eclectic mix of tourists, craftsmen, musicians, artists and many other local characters.
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4. Have a relaxing and tranquil picnic whilst taking in the beauty of the impressive collection of flora in Kings Park...
Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. It is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events. There are picnic and barbecue facilities, public toilets and playgrounds at several locations in Kings Park.
With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, the Park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia.
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5. ...and later go for Perth’s famous treetop walk at the Lotterywest Federation Walkway with spectacular views
Enjoy Perth’s famous treetop walk, taking in the spectacular views along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Extending 620 metres through Kings Park, the numerous lookouts provide breathtaking views of Perth City, the Mt Eliza escarpment and surrounding rivers.
The walk takes around 40 minutes to complete, and begins adjacent to the Lord Forrest statue. You will pass by several beautiful wildflower gardens, across the Tuart Lawn, alongside the tranquil Water Garden valley before entering the cathedral of the Marri woodland forest.
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6. Take advantage of the free public transportation available and move about the city without any hassle
Within the Perth city centre itself, travel on public transport is free. The free transit zone allows passengers to travel for free on any train, bus or CAT. Simply look out for the red FTZ logo on bus stops and train stations to identify the free travel boundaries.
Additionally, you can get around Perth using the free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus. With three separate lines from Northbridge to East Perth and West Perth, you'll be sure to navigate around the city's key attractions with no troubles.
7. Explore the vibrant art and culture that the Perth Cultural Centre has to offer
The Perth Cultural Centre is made up of a number of organisations in buildings spread through a central precinct in the heart of Perth.
These include the Western Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Library and Information Service of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and The Blue Room Theatre.
The component members of the cultural centre have different purposes but are all contributors to the arts and culture scene of Perth. From theatre venues, art galleries and studios, bars and a museum to the state library.
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8. Pick up a new skill to show off at a dinner party by learning to play the uniquely Australian didgeridoo
The aboriginal didgeridoo (didjeridu, dijeridu, yidaki) is a long, wooden wind instrument or horn used traditionally by the aboriginal people of Northern Australia. Rock paintings on caves have established that the didgeridoo has been used as a musical instrument for at least 20,000 years.
andygraham.netDidgeridoo Breath in Fremantle is Australia’s largest specialty didgeridoo store. Didgeridoo School offers lessons and workshops for beginners through to advanced players. Lessons are available for individuals and groups from 15 minute sessions to 10 week programs. Relax in the playing lounge and practice under the free instruction of experienced staff.
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9. Catch your own crab at Peel Inlet and you'll get yourself the freshest, most delicious dinner without having to shell out much
Home to a friendly school of dolphins and a big variety of water birds, Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet is just the place for water-based fun. The safe waters of the estuary are perfect for boating and fishing, while three rivers run into Peel Inlet creating a pristine waterway environment.
Catch a meal of river prawns in early summer from the Murray and Serpentine Rivers, while king prawns are best during autumn. The Mandurah Estuary and Peel Inlet also produce excellent blue manna crabs during late summer and autumn.
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10. Spend a day at the iconic Cottesloe Beach and end the day right, gazing at the breathtaking Indian Ocean sunset
Home to one of Western Australia's most iconic beaches, Cottesloe is famous for its swimming, surfing, Indian Ocean sunsets, lively Sunday sessions and world-class annual sculpture park exhibition.
Swimmers, kite surfers and body boarders adore Cottesloe Beach for its crystal clear water and consistent swell, while its rocks and reefs are ideal for snorkelling. For a lazy afternoon picnic, find the perfect spot under the stands of majestic Norfolk Pines that cast cool shade across the foreshore's terraced lawns. In the evening, grab some fish and chips, pick your spot along the shore and watch the sun dip into the sea.
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