You don’t need to have a fat bank account to enjoy Perth. Here are some of the free things to do in Perth to help you stay within your travel budget:
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Free Things to Do in Perth: Appreciate the Works of Art at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) welcomes visitors who wish to view their contemporary art exhibits. It is also a hybrid and performing arts venue, so you can definitely have your fill of talents while there.
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Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts building – photo by Hughesdarren under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Free Things to Do in Perth: Bask in the Beauty of Gardens
The city of Perth in Western Australia is home to a number of beautiful gardens. There’s Stirling Gardens, Council House Gardens, Supreme Court Gardens and Kings Park and Botanic Garden to name a few.
Stirling Gardens – photo by Travis Saron under CC-BY-SA-4.0 Supreme Court Gardens in Perth, Western Australia – photo by Travis Saron under CC-BY-SA-4.0 The Floral Clock at Kings Park and Botanic Garden – photo by grumpylumixuser under CC-BY-3.0
Browse the Titles in Libraries
There are two libraries in Perth that you can visit for free: City of Perth Library and History Centre and the State Library of Western Australia.
The City of Perth Library as seen from Hay Street – photo by Samuel Wiki under CC-BY-4.0 The State Library of Western Australia – photo by Nachoman-au under GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated and CC-BY-SA-2.5,2.0,1.0
Explore the Maze of Markets
In Perth, you can be treated to lively sights and sounds in its markets. Forrest Chase is home to Perth Home Grown Markets and Twilight Hawkers Market. On a weekend, check out Market City Sunday Markets. If you want to browse through some fresh produce, try Farmers Market on Manning, Subi Farmers Market or Palmyra Western Farmers Market. To see some beautiful handcrafted wares, you can visit Perth Upmarket at the University of Western Australia. While the Fremantle Markets allows you to window shop its stalls inside a Victorian structure. Plus, there are still lots of other markets in Perth to explore!
A scene at Twilight Hawkers Market in Forrest Chase – photo by Daniel Lee under CC BY-ND 2.0 Some of the stalls at Fremantle Markets – photo by eGuide Travel under CC BY 2.0
Get a Pulse on the Local Vibe in Perth’s Public Spaces
Public spaces are great destinations if you want to have a feel of the local beat. And in Perth, there are public spaces that are great for sightseeing too. Make sure to visit Cathedral Square, Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square.
Cathedral Square in Perth – photo by The Logical Positivist under CC-BY-SA-4.0 Elizabeth Quay in Perth – photo by David Davies under CC BY-SA 2.0 “Wirin” sculpture by Western Australian artist Tjyllyungoo at Yagan Square – photo by Samuel Wiki under CC-Zero
Grab Some Free Entertainment at Northbridge Piazza
You do not have to spend much to be entertained while in Perth. Northbridge Piazza is a popular destination for catching free movies, live performances and exhibitions.
Outdoor TV at Northbridge Piazza – photo by Craig Murphy under CC BY 2.0
Hit the Beaches
Perth is a harbour city, so why not go for some fun at the beach? Bring some sunscreen as you enjoy the waters and sands of one of Perth’s several beaches. To name some, there’s Scarborough Beach, Port Beach, Swanbourne Beach and Cottesloe Beach.
Scarborough Beach – photo by Cookaa under GFDL and CC-BY-SA-3.0,2.5,2.0,1.0 Port Beach in North Fremantle – photo by Charles Van den Broek from Melbourne, Australia under CC-BY-SA-2.0 Swanbourne Beach – photo by Mark Pegrum under CC BY-SA 2.0 Cottesloe Beach – photo by Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia under CC-BY-2.0
Marvel at the Architecture of Prominent Buildings in Perth
When it comes to architecture, Perth holds a mix of the old and the new. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the notable buildings in the city, including the Council House, Government House, Perth Town Hall and The Bell Tower and Wesley Church.
The Council House of Perth illuminated at night – photo by Flickr user Lachlan Hardy under CC-BY-2.0 Government House – photo by Michal Lewi under CC-BY-SA-4.0 Perth Town Hall – photo by JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) under CC-BY-SA-3.0 Swan Bell Tower, also called The Bell Tower – photo by Tamsin Slater under CC-BY-SA-2.0 Wesley Church – photo by TravelingOtter under CC BY-SA 2.0
Relax at the Parks
Perth has several parks where you can sit back and relax. These include John Oldham Park, Forrest Park, Langley Park and Hyde Park.
Waterfalls at John Oldham Park – photo by David Eastwell under CC BY 2.0 Forrest Park in Mount Lawley – photo by User:Orderinchaos under CC-BY-SA-3.0 Aerial photograph of Langley Park – photo by Wildnrg under GFDL and CC BY-SA 3.0 Hyde Park in Perth, Western Australia – photo by Greg O’Beirne under GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated and CC-BY-2.5
Watch the Wildlife on Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island might be small, but it sure is a splendid spot for having a picnic or watching the kangaroos and other wildlife.
Heirisson Island – photo by User:Orderinchaos under CC-BY-SA-3.0