Destination information

Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth embraces a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Beautiful white sandy beaches and great places to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in Marmion Marine Park and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Visit Penguin Island by boat, kayak or paddle board.

The Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) winds through the metropolitan area. Matilda Bay Reserve is the ideal picnic place or play on the waters or the Swan Estuary Marine Park.  At the heart is the Swan and Canning Riverpark which is a vibrant recreational playground. Observing nature is possible at Herdsman Lake and Rockingham Lakes, which are both Regional Parks. In spring, wildflowers are blooming everywhere. 

Most parks can be visited for a day, check out the koalas at Yanchep National Park or head to the Perth Hills and visit John Forrest National Park. Lane Poole Reserve is not far away and there are many different campgrounds to choose from. If you are heading to Perth, be sure to visit one or all of these places in Destination Perth.

The Nearer to Nature team brings you a great variety of activities in parks for school holidays, school incursions or excursions throughout the Destination Perth region. Find out more.

Trees and wild flowers in Moore River National Park

Moore River National Park

There are no visitor facilities in this park. 

two adults and two children walking though green low scrub with a view of the city skyline in the background

Mundy Regional Park

A country escape but not too far from the city. Explore the winding bush trails, see the city skyline and fall in love with Lesmurdie Falls.

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Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail in Neerabup National Park

Neerabup National Park

Nature is nearer than you think at Neerabup National Park.

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people picnicking overlooking the Swan River at Pelican Point

Pelican Point Nature Reserve
Swan Estuary

Home to lots of birdlife, this is also a great spot for swimming and kayaking. 

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Aerial view of small island with green vegetation surrounded by blue water

Penguin Island Conservation Park

Penguin Island is home to a colony of little penguins on the west coast.

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view over the ocean under a cloudy sky at Cape Peron

Rockingham Lakes Regional Park

With bushland, seasonal lakes and ocean, there’s something for everyone.

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Couple sitting by the water

Serpentine National Park

Fall for the beauty of Serpentine National Park, just an hour’s drive from Perth city.  

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Two people in yellow kayaks on the ocean paddling past a sandbar with a sleeping seal

Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Get the biceps pumping on a kayak trail – you might just have a bottlenose dolphin swim along for the ride. Wicked wildlife experiences await.

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People sitting on shore looking at view of Perth city skyline

Swan Canning Riverpark

One of Perth’s most famous landmarks – the Swan and Canning rivers. It’s an incredible backdrop to the city of Perth with plenty of places to cycle, walk, swim, paddle, boat, fish...and see dolphins!

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Elevated view looking over Swan Estuary Marine Park

Swan Estuary Marine Park
Swan Canning Riverpark

Enjoy three biologically important areas along Perth’s beautiful Swan River.

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Paperbarks reflected in the water at The Spectacles

The Spectacles
Beeliar

The two walk trails at The Spectacles have great opportunities for bird watching. Interpretive signs explain the story of traditional life as told by a Nyoongar elder and there is a bird hide located in the wetlands.

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Thomson's Lake Nature Reserve

Thomson's Lake Nature Reserve
Beeliar

Over 10,000 birds visit this internationally important wetland and nature reserve each year to feed before the lake dries out in the summer.

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