Perth

1. Kings Park and Botanic Gardens

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens has sweeping views of the Perth skyline and the Swan and Canning Rivers. It is home to the Botanic Gardens which houses more than 3000 species of Western Australia's unique flora. Two-thirds of the park is protected bushland. The park brings together Aboriginal, European and contemporary culture through scheduled events and exhibitions. Photography, walking and cycling are popular activities. Children will enjoy the playground and discovery center. A café on the premises provides refreshments and plants and memorabilia can be purchased at the gallery shop. The park is open all year round and entrance is free.

Fraser Avenue, Kings Park WA 6005, Phone: +61-8-94-80-36-00

2. Fremantle Prison - the Convict Establishment

The Fremantle Prison - the Convict Establishment was built by the convicts that it would house. Between 1850 and 1868, ten thousand men and women were transported to this former colony for a range of offenses. The prison was used after 1868 to incarcerate imperial, colonial, foreign and war prisoners. There was a spike in activity during the gold rush. Exhibitions such as Insider Art, Protest and Unrest, and other topics are scheduled throughout the year. Thematic tours are offered, with intriguing titles like True Crime, Tunnels, Escape and Torchlight. A café provides light refreshment and numerous venues within the complex can be hired.

1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Phone: 08-93-36-92-00

3. Cottesloe Beach

For more than a century Cottesloe Beach has been a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike. It is on the Indian Ocean coast, halfway between Perth and Fremantle and is on a bus route. The beach has been divided into three areas, suitable for swimming, snorkeling and surfing, respectively. There are several restaurants along the beachfront. The beach faces west and the sunsets make for romantic dinners and great photo opportunities. Hotels and seafront apartments offer overnight accommodation, a short walk from the sea.

4. Optus Stadium

The state-of-the-art state-owned Optus Stadium was completed in 2018. It received several awards for its design, construction, use of technology, tourism potential and collaboration. It is situated east of the central business district of Perth and has sweeping views of the Swan River. It is a multipurpose stadium with seating capacity for 60000, suitable for many sports events and music concerts. Around the stadium there are barbecues, picnic spots and displays of public art. There are two dining areas and a range of fast food options available in the stands. Private suites and boxes are leased per event or per season.

333 Victoria Park Drive, Burswood Western Australia

5. Rottnest Island

It is thought that Rottnest Island and the chain of small islands nearby were once part of the mainland. The island is made of limestone with a thin layer of sand. Fauna and flora have had to adapt to the poor soil and sea conditions. The most prolific animal is the quokka which looked like a rat (rott) to an early Dutch sailor and that is how the island got its name. There are coral reefs offshore and 13 ships have been wrecked nearby. Until 1903 there was a pilot service offered from the island. There is plenty to see and do on Rottnest so dinner and a stay over might be warranted.

Rottnest Island, 6161, Phone: +61-8-94-32-91-11

6. The Perth Mint

The Perth Mint was opened in 1899, in response to the gold rush in Western Australia. It is still operating out of the same building and supplies 18 billion AUD in coins, bars and medallions to more than 100 countries, annually. High tech vaults protect the precious metals that customers store on the premises. The Mint is also a tourist destination. The Mine to Mint tour will take a whole day. The history and the mint's role in producing legal tender and bullion for the British Empire is told in the Gold Exhibition. The shop sells coins, including novelties such as Barbie and Star Trek collectibles.

310 Hay Street, East Perth, Western Australia, 6004, Phone: +61-8-94-21-73-76

7. The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower was one of Perth's Millennium projects. It is said to be the world's largest musical instrument and to have the second largest set of changing ringing bells. Twelve of the eighteen bells were made in the 14th century for St Martin in the Fields church in London. The building is a design and engineering feat. The bells weigh 9 tonnes and when rung exert pressure on the structure. There are 5 levels in the bell tower, including a viewing platform to view the bell ringers and an open air observation deck.

Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth Western, Phone: 08-62-10-04-44

8. Scitech

Scitech is an award-winning science and education center in the heart of Perth. Thematic exhibitions, an interactive discovery zone and a planetarium provide engaging ways for children and adults to learn. There are programs for early childhood, primary and secondary school children as well as enrichment events for professionals. Live shows include the Science Theatre and a puppet theatre for 3-7 year olds. The traveling exhibit can be hired for appearances at schools, libraries, malls and playgroups. The Discovery Shop stocks educational books, toys and models. The Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

City West Centre, Corner Railway Str & Sutherland Str, West Perth, Phone:08-92-15-07-00

9. The Aquarium of Western Australia

The Aquarium of Western Australia offers something for everyone. There are free school holiday activities and adults-only evenings. Children can have fun on the floating ship, with mermaids and pirates. Adults can enjoy a three course meal for two under the sea. There are shark sleepovers and behind the scenes tours, scuba diving lessons and a chance to get in the water with sharks. Special events are planned throughout the year and bookings are welcome for private functions. The aquarium is situated on the Hillary's Boat Harbor, next to the yacht basin and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

91 Southside Drive, Hillarys 6025, Phone: 08-94-47-75-00

10. Adventure World

They have some of the most heart-stopping, stomach-churning, hair-raising rides in Australia at Adventure World. The Funnel ride is the longest in the world. The rollercoaster, named Abyss, reaches speeds of 85 km per hour. The Inferno launches you into the air at 4.5G force and then comes the free fall. Dragons feature prominently for the younger children, with a Dragon Safari, the Dragon Flyer and the Dragon Express. Standard, vegetarian and gluten-free items are on the menu at the eatery. Whole or part of the park can be booked for functions. The theme park is closed over winter for maintenance and opening hours change seasonally.

351 Progress Drive, Bibra Lake, Perth, Western Australia, 6163, Phone +61-8-94-17-96-66