Top 3 Things to Do in Perth, Australia: Wildlife, Wine and Adventure
12/11/2026
Think Perth is all about beautiful beaches and sunshine? During my Australian adventure with Hays Travel, I discovered just how much this part of the world has to offer. From gliding around turquoise island bays to soaring above the Swan River and catching our own seafood lunch, there were so many highlights.
But if I had to pick just three experiences to recommend to anyone visiting Perth and Western Australia on holiday, these would be my winners!
3. Mandurah Wild Seafood Cruise: Catch your own lunch!
If you're a foodie who loves a little adventure, the Mandurah Wild Seafood Cruise with Sea West Cruises is one to add to your Australian bucket list.
We headed to the beautiful coastal town of Mandurah, where we climbed aboard for a day of delicious food, gorgeous waterways, and a little hands-on fishing. And when I say hands-on, I mean we actually tried our luck at lobster pot fishing, catching seafood for our lunch! It was such a fun experience, and the friendly crew made sure everyone was looked after.
The reward? An incredible seven-course seafood feast, with drinks included, as we cruised through Mandurah's beautiful canals and waterways. We even spotted dolphins along the way! With around 100 local dolphins calling the waterways home, it's a wonderful place for wildlife encounters.
My verdict: Amazing food, lovely staff, beautiful scenery, and dolphins! What's not to love? This was such a special day and a brilliant experience for anyone who loves good food and getting out on the water.
2. Matagarup Bridge Climb and Zipline: For the thrill seekers!
Fancy swapping your sun lounger for something a little more exhilarating? The Matagarup Bridge Climb and Zipline is guaranteed to get your adrenaline going!
We were all harnessed up and ready to climb before making our way across the spectacular bridge, taking in views of Perth and the Swan River. But the real excitement was still to come. We then zipped 450 metres across the river at speeds of up to 35mph!
It was such a buzz, and the best part was that every single member of our group completed the experience. There was plenty of laughter, cheering, and a real sense of achievement when we reached the other side.
My verdict: An absolute must for anyone who loves trying something different. We were all buzzing afterwards, and it gave our group memories (and a few laughs) that we'll be talking about for a long time!
1. Rottnest Island: Beaches, Segways, and the cutest little residents
Taking the top spot is somewhere that completely stole my heart: Rottnest Island! Just off the coast of Perth, this beautiful Indian Ocean island has the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. We hired Segways and headed off on a two-hour tour, discovering the island's spectacular coastline, salt lakes and picture-perfect beaches. It was such a fun way to see more of the island, and the scenery really was something else. Of course, no trip to Rottnest Island would be complete without meeting its famous residents – the quokkas! These adorable little marsupials were wandering around, and we couldn't resist trying to capture a few photographs with them.
We stayed overnight at Discovery Resorts Rottnest Island in their eco-glamping tents, which were surprisingly spacious and had everything we needed. It was lovely to have time to slow down, enjoy the island atmosphere, and take in those beautiful coastal views. One of my favourite photo opportunities was near the lighthouse by Pinky's Beach, so make sure you have your camera ready!
My verdict: My absolute number one recommendation! Rottnest Island has the perfect mix of fun, adventure and relaxation. Whether you're exploring by bike or Segway, discovering the beaches or simply soaking up the sunshine, it's somewhere I'd happily return to.
More Perth adventures worth adding to your itinerary
Three highlights simply aren't enough to cover everything Western Australia has to offer!
During our trip, we also explored Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where we met an Aboriginal tour guide who shared fascinating stories about his culture and heritage. We even had a go at throwing a boomerang!
For food and wine lovers, the Swan Valley wine region is well worth exploring. We visited Mandoon Estate for wine tasting and enjoyed a gorgeous lunch at Sandalford Estate. We also headed to Fremantle to discover its fascinating history at Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, before enjoying some delicious food in town.
Why I'd recommend Western Australia
For me, Western Australia really does have something for everyone.
Foodies can explore fantastic restaurants, seafood experiences, and beautiful wine regions. Thrill seekers can climb bridges, zipline across rivers, and discover the coastline on a Segway. And if you're looking for somewhere to relax, those incredible beaches are hard to beat.
Rottnest Island was my standout experience, but the whole trip opened my eyes to just how much there is to discover.
My advice? Don't be afraid to pack a little bit of everything into your itinerary. You might arrive dreaming of beautiful Australian beaches, but leave with memories of catching your own lunch, spotting dolphins and flying across a river at 35mph!