Good to know
Good to Know
- WA Museum Boola Bardip is completely free for permanent exhibitions and is one of Perth's must-see attractions—a world-class facility reopened in 2020.
- Fremantle (15km south) is historically significant as Perth's port city and UNESCO World Heritage site; allocate a full day to explore multiple museums, the prison, shipwreck gallery, and historic architecture.
- Perth's art and culture scene has flourished in recent years with diverse street art throughout the city—much of it is free to explore in Northbridge and along laneways.
- Kings Park offers free entry and is a major cultural landmark where Aboriginal heritage plaques and walking trails tell stories of Wagyl and early European settlement.
- Many specialised museums (Aviation, Motor Museum, Kalamunda History Village) are located beyond the 10-minute city-centre radius but are worth day trips for enthusiasts.
- The Bell Tower is Perth's most iconic modern landmark and a unique experience if bell-ringing history interests you; check opening times as they vary seasonally.
- Perth Mint is free to enter and browse its exhibitions; guided tours offer deeper insight into WA's gold rush history.
Art Galleries
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)
- Location
- North Perth
- Admission
- A$0.00
All exhibitions free; bar (PICABAR) on ground level
- Accessibility
- Accessible
- Opening Hours
- Check website for exhibition hours
- Distance From City Center
- ~1.5km north of CBD
- Description
- Leading contemporary art institution featuring visual art, performance, dance, and interdisciplinary art. Established 1989. Showcases Australian and international artists with experimental and innovative work.
Japingka Aboriginal Art
- Location
- Northbridge
- Admission
- Free entry
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Check website
- Distance From City Center
- ~1.5km
- Description
- Gallery showcasing Indigenous Australian art with 12 exhibitions annually. Features both emerging and established Indigenous artists. Intricate paintings and woven baskets. All works ethically sourced.
Must See Museums
WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Location
- Perth Cultural Centre
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free general admission to permanent exhibitions year-round. Special exhibitions may have additional fees.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible, parenting room, accessible toilets
- Opening Hours
- 9:30am–5:30pm daily
- Distance From City Center
- City center
- Description
- State's premier cultural organisation with 8 permanent galleries showcasing Western Australia's natural history, Indigenous heritage, and cultural identity. Features iconic blue whale skeleton (Otto) and hosts major travelling exhibitions including Australia's largest Terracotta Warriors exhibition (until February 2026).
WA Maritime Museum
- Location
- Victoria Quay, Fremantle
- Admission
- A$15
Children 0-15 free; Concession $7.50; Family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $30
- Accessibility
- Accessible
- Opening Hours
- 9:30am–5:00pm daily
- Distance From City Center
- ~15km south
- Description
- Showcases Western Australia's maritime heritage with iconic vessels including the America's Cup yacht Australia II and Cold War-era submarine HMAS Ovens. Hand-crafted vessels and commercial pearl luggers on display.
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)
- Location
- Perth Cultural Centre
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free general admission to permanent collections; special exhibitions may have additional fees
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Opening Hours
- Check website for current hours
- Distance From City Center
- City center
- Description
- Houses State Art Collection of over 18,600 works from 1800s to today. Features First Nations and Western Australian artists alongside international works. Housed in internationally renowned Brutalist building with new rooftop sculpture walk and rooftop bar.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
- Location
- Fremantle
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free entry; suggested donation $5
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- 9:30am–5:00pm daily
- Distance From City Center
- ~15km south
- Description
- Housed in restored 1850s-era commissariat building. Extensive collection of shipwreck artifacts including timbers from the Batavia and relics from Dutch explorer ships that came to grief on WA coastline in 18th century. Considered best maritime archaeology museum in Southern Hemisphere.
Specialized Museums
Scitech (Science Discovery Centre)
- Location
- West Perth
- Admission
- Check website for current pricing
- Accessibility
- Family-friendly with interactive exhibits
- Opening Hours
- Check website
- Distance From City Center
- ~2km
- Description
- Interactive science museum featuring Australia's largest planetarium, technology hubs, and hands-on science shows. Open since 1988 with focus on STEM education.
The Nostalgia Box
- Location
- 69 Plaistowe Mews, West Perth
- Admission
- A$19
Children aged 5–15: $13.20
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Wed–Fri 11:00am–4:00pm; Sat 9:00am–5:00pm; Sun 11:00am–4:00pm
- Distance From City Center
- ~3km
- Description
- Australia's only interactive video game console museum. Showcase of ~100 consoles from 1970s to 2000s. Interactive gaming arena where visitors can play retro games.
Aviation Heritage Museum
- Location
- Bull Creek
- Admission
- Check website for current pricing
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Check website
- Distance From City Center
- ~15km south
- Description
- Preserves military and civilian aircraft, replicas, and engines from Royal Australian Air Force. Multiple tour options available.
Motor Museum of WA
- Location
- Whiteman Park
- Admission
- A$0.00
Donation-based; pay as much as desired
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Check website
- Distance From City Center
- ~20km northeast
- Description
- One of largest motor vehicle collections in Australia with over 200 cars, trucks, and motorcycles dating from 1890s to present. Donation-based entry with interactive exhibits.
Historical Sightseeing
Fremantle Prison
- Location
- Fremantle
- Admission
- Check website for current pricing
- Opening Hours
- Check website for tour times
- Notable Feature
- Labyrinth of tunnels, convict-built architecture
- Distance From City Center
- ~15km south
- Description
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict establishment built 1850s by convicts. One of eleven Australian Convict Sites. Largest and most intact convict establishment in Southern Hemisphere. Offers guided tours including True Crime Tour exploring 140 years of Western Australian criminal history.
The Bell Tower (Swan Bell Tower)
- Location
- Elizabeth Quay, Perth CBD
- Admission
- A$19
For interactive activities and entry; bell ringing lessons available
- Accessibility
- Not suitable for those with height sensitivity
- Opening Hours
- Check website
- Distance From City Center
- ~1km
- Description
- Unique 82.5-metre copper and glass campanile housing Swan Bells—18 bells including second largest set of change ringing bells in world. Visitors can ring bells and experience bell-ringing tradition.
Perth Mint
- Location
- East Perth
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free to enter and browse. Guided heritage tours available (approx 1 hour) from $4
- Accessibility
- Accessible
- Opening Hours
- 9:00am–5:00pm daily (closed Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year, Good Friday, Anzac Day)
- Distance From City Center
- ~2km
- Description
- Australia's oldest operating mint, established 1899. Interactive exhibits on WA gold history, gold nuggets, coin-making process, and gold pour demonstrations. Free entry to shop and exhibitions.
Perth Town Hall
- Location
- Corner Barrack & Hay Streets, Perth CBD
- Admission
- Check website
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Monday–Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm; tours first Thursday of month at 10:15am
- Distance From City Center
- ~0.5km
- Description
- Australia's only gothic-style town hall. Built 1870, renovated late 1990s. Stunning Victorian architecture. Now used for functions, events, and exhibitions.
Old Court House
- Location
- Perth CBD
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free entry
- Accessibility
- Check with venue
- Opening Hours
- Tuesday–Friday 10:00am–4:00pm
- Distance From City Center
- ~0.5km
- Description
- Perth's oldest surviving public building, completed 1836. Serves as the Old Court House Law Museum exploring history of law in Western Australia. Interactive exhibits on early Perth crimes and trials.
St George's Cathedral
- Location
- St George's Terrace, Perth CBD
- Admission
- Free entry
- Accessibility
- Accessible
- Opening Hours
- Check website for service times
- Distance From City Center
- City center
- Description
- Historic Anglican cathedral consecrated 1888. Ornate exterior with impressive interior. Central Perth landmark.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Location
- West Perth
- Admission
- A$0.00
Free entry; gardens free
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible trails available
- Opening Hours
- Open daily
- Distance From City Center
- ~2km
- Description
- Large urban park overlooking Swan River. Whadjuk Noongar people identify this as where Wagyl (mythical serpent) entered ground to create Swan River. Multiple monuments and walking trails with informative plaques on Aboriginal and European history.
Passes And Practical Tips
Perth Cultural Centre Hub
- Description
- WA Museum Boola Bardip, Art Gallery of Western Australia, and State Library of Western Australia are all grouped in one central location, allowing efficient day planning.
WA Museum Membership
- Description
- Annual membership from $15 AUD provides unlimited general admission to all WA Museum sites for 12 months.
Free General Admission
- Description
- Many major attractions offer free permanent exhibition access: WA Museum Boola Bardip, AGWA, WA Shipwrecks Museum, PICA, and Perth Institute locations.
Special Exhibitions
- Description
- Travelling and special exhibitions at major museums typically charge additional fees separate from general admission.
Street Art & Public Art
- Description
- Perth's street art scene is free to explore. Elizabeth Quay Public Art Walk features celebrated public artworks; murals throughout Northbridge and city laneways.
Day Trip Options
- Description
- Fremantle (15km south) contains multiple historical sites, museums, and galleries. Kalamunda History Village is Western Australia's largest open-air museum (outside central Perth).
Rottnest Island
- Description
- The Wadjemup Museum features 40,000-year-old Aboriginal artifacts and WWII defence structures. Ferries depart daily from Perth and Fremantle.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.