Thinking about things to do this weekend? How about planning a getaway to Perth? Known for its beaches, the Western Australia capital also offers a variety of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a great list for what to do in Perth to help you plan!
#1 The Nostalgia Box Museum
This is the world’s first interactive video game console museum. It provides a unique journey through gaming history that will appeal to all gaming enthusiasts. The museum has been recognised by the likes of Guinness World Records and Lonely Planet, and it lets you explore over 100 consoles that trace the evolution of gaming from the 1970s to the 2000s. It’s a glimpse into the creative efforts behind iconic games and the hardware used to play them.
And, yes, you’ll get the chance to play a variety of classic video games which is one of the best things to do this weekend! Play a round of the iconic “first game”, Pong, or try to hit a high score in Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd or Crash Bandicoot.
A visit to The Nostalgia Box is a way to appreciate the roots of modern gaming while also getting inspired about the next generation of games.
#2 The Perth Mint
Learn the history of gold and the Australian gold rush with a one-hour tour of The Perth Mint. This is one of Western Australia’s 10 oldest heritage sites. The tour features multimedia presentations, historic images, artefacts and a display of pure gold, including natural gold nuggets and a solid gold bar. The gold pour demonstration is a must-see, showcasing molten gold being poured into a mould. Pre-booking is essential as tours fill up.
The tour also includes the chance for you to mint a personalised coin, which is great fun for all ages.
#3 Watertown Brand Outlet Centre
Located in West Perth near the CBD, this is WA’s original outlet shopping destination! It has over 100 stores offering great deals across a wide range of international and Australian brands in fashion, accessories, gifts, homewares, leisure and sportswear. Along with a thousand undercover parking spots available daily, it’s accessible by public transport, taxis, ride shares and free central area transportation.
The centre’s convenient loop layout makes exploring it easy. There are several places to grab a quick bite while shopping, too. If you’re looking for bargains in a pleasant, open-air environment, add a visit to Watertown Brand Outlet Centre to your list of things to do this weekend.
#4 Scitech
Discover the wonders of science at Scitech, situated right in Perth’s city centre. With six interactive galleries filled with exhibits and Australasia’s largest planetarium, it encourages learning for all ages.
Dig into science with lively performances, educational puppet shows and a hands-on lab that makes learning fun and accessible. For a souvenir or a gift that stands out, the Discovery Shop has plenty of quirky science-themed items. Scitech also hosts daily live shows and special events throughout the year so you never have to worry about what to do in Perth with the kids. It’s conveniently located to train and bus connections and has an onsite café. (Also, Watertown, mentioned above, is a few minutes’ walk away.)
#5 Perth Bell Tower
Still thinking about things to do this weekend? Check out The Bell Tower in the heart of Perth’s Barrack Square. It’s home to the historic Swan Bells, one of the largest musical instruments in the world. Twelve of the 18 bells date back to the 14th century, and they once echoed in London’s famous Trafalgar Square at St Martin-in-the-Fields church before making their way to Australia. You can enjoy views of the city, the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay from the Observation Deck on the sixth floor. There’s even the chance to do some bell-ringing yourself!
Also, time your visit to catch the midday ringing of the ANZAC Bell, the largest of its kind ever made in Australia. You’ll get a certificate to mark the experience to top off your visit to this iconic landmark.
#6 Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) spans 16,000 square metres and can host up to 5,000 conference-goers. It features state-of-the-art facilities, six exhibition pavilions, over 20 meeting rooms and more. The Riverside Theatre is a 2,500-seat tiered theatre where you can catch fantastic music concerts, comedy and more in a lively atmosphere. PCEC is also conveniently located near Elizabeth Quay for transport links. As of 2024, talks are afoot of a revamp of the centre and surrounds, to reshape the city’s waterfront.
#7 His Majesty’s Theatre
His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth in Western Australia is a classic example of Edwardian Baroque architecture. In fact, it’s Australia’s only operational Edwardian-era theatre. Built between 1902 and 1904, during a time of significant growth in Perth, the theatre in the heart of the city has long been a hub for arts and culture. If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, consider this venue that’s particularly well known for hosting ballet and opera performances, but whose stage has seen a variety of popular shows over the years. For instance, it sometimes transforms into a 1930s-themed venue for murder mystery dinners, offering both entertainment and a meal!
The theatre’s historical significance is further highlighted by a near brush with demolition in the 1970s. This was prevented thanks to the efforts of local government, preserving this cultural gem for future generations. Today, His Majesty’s Theatre continues to offer a lineup of performances that make it a key cultural spot in Perth.
#8 BOUNCE Joondalup
For some fun and fitness things to do this weekend for all the family, head to BOUNCE Joondalup. This trampoline park encourages self-expression and physical activity, helping individuals, families and school groups learn new skills, build confidence and simply have a great time. There are classes for all ages, backgrounds and levels. Have a go at mastering the flip into the Big Bag, or learning to run The Wall!
#9 City of Perth Library
The City of Perth Library is next to Town Hall on Hay Street. It offers a sanctuary in the heart of the city in a modern building that blends new architecture with old elements. Inside is a vast collection of fiction and non-fiction books, local and national newspapers and other resources. It’s also a collaborative centre where you can meet, chat, and dive into the history of Western Australia. There are computers available for public use, and you can sign up for a library membership for extra perks.
This is a great spot for some quiet reading or simply for relaxing, including at the onsite Page7 Café where you can grab a coffee and snack. The City of Perth Library also makes a nice stop when you’re on a walking tour of the surrounding streets and you want a cool retreat.
#10 Northbridge Brewing Company
Northbridge is renowned for its places to eat and drink, and among them is Northbridge Brewing Co, a go-to spot in Perth’s entertainment district. Open every day from breakfast to dinner and beyond, the venue is a custom-built brewery that crafts a range of distinct beers perfect for anyone looking to explore local brews in a welcoming environment. While considering things to do this weekend, if you’re only after a quiet pint, note that it can get busy at weekends, especially Saturday evenings when there are often popular DJ sets without any cover charge.
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