10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Perth

Home to magnificent wildlife and a beautiful coast, Perth is full of exhilarating adventures and Jasmine has rounded up the best of the best!

We Are Explorers acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

There’s no place quite like Perth. The fantastic year-round climate allows you to explore in every season and there’s so much more than meets the eye here. So grab your mates, venture off the beaten track and you’ll soon discover that this West Australian city isn’t remotely boring (the rumours are wrong!)

Here are ten of the best activities to try out next time you’re in Perth. And locals – if you’re not familiar with them – consider this your to-do list!

1. Snorkelling at Omeo Shipwreck

Location: Socrates Parade, Cockburn
Distance from Perth: 28km
Time from Perth: 35 minutes

Nestled within the beautiful city of Cockburn, Omeo Shipwreck is at the centre of the Coogee Maritime Trail. Laying only 25m from the shore of Coogee Beach, this magnificent shallow shipwreck offers a unique underwater experience for adventurers.

Submerged in just two to four metres of water, the Omeo Shipwreck is the perfect snorkelling spot for beginners with calm waters and often good visibility. The wreck is home to a wealth of local marine life, including a somewhat skittish octopus that likes to hide deep within the wreck.

Each trip there’s something new to explore and nothing really beats heading down the heavily-instagrammed steps into the pristine white sand and clear waters of Port Coogee.

Climbing on the wreck is strictly not allowed. Snorkelers should also keep a watchful eye on the wind and swell that, when high, can alter visibility.

Want more? Snorkelling Perth: Best 10 Snorkel Spots Worth the Scissor Kicks

2. Kayaking at Carnac Island

Location: Carnac Island, Cockburn Sound
Distance from Perth: 65km
Time from Perth: 65 minutes

The Carnac Island Nature Reserve is a limestone island located 10km off of the City of Fremantle. Known for the adorable Sea Lions that seasonally call this spot home, it’s truly an amazing experience to kayak along the island’s calm waters.

A fair distance out from the port, the best way to get to the island is by a chartered boat tour or private vessel, but once you’ve arrived, it’s the perfect kayaking spot. Glide along the island, snap a photo of the playful Sea Lions, and spot rare bird species.

It’s truly an experience to remember. You won’t ever forget heading to Carnac.

Photo by Charter 1

Please note: It’s important not to get too close to the Sea Lions as they are wild, unpredictable creatures. Be mindful that there may be snakes on the island.

3. Scuba Diving at Woodman Point Groin

Location: Beach Pavillion, Coogee
Distance from Perth: 32km
Time from Perth: 40 minutes

Enjoy another fantastic marine experience within the city of Cockburn’s Coogee Beach and dive the Woodman Point Groin.

Reaching a maximum depth of nine metres, this spot is fantastic for novice scuba divers to gain confidence and enjoy a beautiful and relaxed dive. Enter via the beach and head towards the rocks, swimming around the groin.

This spot delivers a plethora of marine life ranging from seahorses, cuttlefish, and crabs to octopus and even the occasional crayfish. An underrated dive spot, this area is generally not too busy and often has clear dive conditions.

Please note: The groin is also a popular fishing spot so it’s important to keep out of the way of fishing hooks and follow safe scuba diving protocols.

4. Fishing at Cottesloe Groyne

Location: Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Distance from Perth: 12km
Time from Perth: 25 minutes

Rated as one of the best fishing spots in Perth, Cottesloe Groyne is incredibly popular with the locals, and between its stunning views and calm waters (as long as you don’t mind a crowd),

It’s no guess why.

A short drive from the city centre, this spot is best fished in the early morning or late afternoon  to ensure low winds. Great for catching Herring, Whiting and Squid off the rock groyne, this spot may be heavily fished but remains popular amongst the Perth fishing community.

Please note: As always, safe practices are to be observed when standing on the rock edge of the groyne.

5. Walking Kings Park Walking Trails

Location: Fraser Ave, Perth
Distance from Perth: 1.7km
Time from Perth: 6 minutes

Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner city parks and spreads across 400 hectares, which means there’s a lot to explore.

The park offers a range of walking trails that will take you between 25 minutes to 80 minutes to enjoy with varying intensity levels to suit your mood. Marvel at the beautiful Australian flora on the Botanic Garden Discovery Walk or learn about the history of the urban bushland with stunning views of the Swan River on the Law Walk.

No matter which walking path you chose, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable panoramic views of the bustling city and an array of unique Australian wildlife and wildflowers.

Read more: Exploring Kings Park – One of the World’s Largest Inner-city Public Gardens

6. Surfing at Leighton Beach

Location: Curtin Ave, North Fremantle
Distance from Perth: 15km
Time from Perth: 25 minutes

Leighton Beach is a fantastic spot for beginner surfers due to its consistently-sized waves. An exposed beach break, the best time of year to catch a wave at Leighton is during March, as summer tends to offer calmer conditions.

While this spot won’t be ideal for experienced surfers, it’s a great place to start learning the art of surfing, with many surf lessons being taught in this area.

As with most beaches, there’s always the danger of rips so make sure to remain cautious.

Nourish your inner dolphin: Best Water Activities in Perth

7. Hiking at Serpentine National Park

Location: Falls Road, Serpentine
Distance from Perth: 55km
Time from Perth: 50 minutes

Serpentine National Park is a beautiful spot to get away from the haste of city life and relax with nature along the Serpentine River. Welcoming visitors from near and far for over 100 years, this park has a variety of walking and hiking trails that invite you to spend your day under the Australian sun.

The two most popular hiking trails are Baldwins Bluff Trail, a 6km trek with Swan Coastal Plain views, and Kitty’s Gorge, a steep and more advanced 7km trail through rocky terrain. There are plenty of other, shorter trails but no matter what you choose, the views are breathtaking.

Rally the troops: These Are 5 of the Best Hikes Near Perth

Please note: Entry to the park comes at a small fee – priced per vehicle or per person – and has a no pet policy. Opening hours are between 8:30am – 5pm so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time. As always, remember to leave no trace.

8. Swimming at Scarborough Beach

Location: Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough
Distance from Perth: 14km
Time from Perth: 20 minutes

The name Scarborough Beach will have locals picturing a magnificent coastline of clear waters, soft sands and bustling crowds. One of Perth’s most popular beaches, this spot attracts visitors of all ages to enjoy the beauty that is the Scarborough foreshore.

A coastline packed with delicious cafes, playgrounds, and outdoor facilities, you can find everything you need just minutes from the water. Spend a day swimming, relaxing, and building sandcastles before catching some entertainment at the beach’s amphitheatre and plethora of beachside bars.

While this spot is often busy, it’s definitely worth experiencing and neighbours many other exquisite beaches along the coast.

Find your dream beach: 13 Best Beaches in Perth for a Salty Swim

9. Skydiving at Rottnest Island

Location: Rottnest Island, Rottnest
Distance from Perth: 33km
Time from Perth: 30 minutes to Freemantle, then 25 minutes on the ferry

This activity is the most exhilarating, and terrifying, of the list. Experience Western Australia’s only island skydiving experience at Rottnest Island. Located 19km off the coast of Fremantle, the island is merely a ferry ride away from the city and is one of the most instagrammed spots in Perth.

With tandem dive options from 10,000 feet, 14,000 feet or 15,000 feet above the island, this isn’t for the faint of heart. Offering unbeatable views and the experience of a lifetime, if you’re wanting an activity that will truly get you out of your comfort zone, give skydiving a try.

Can’t get enough of the sky? Hot Air Balloon Flights in Avon Valley in Perth

@michael.heritage

10. Wakeboarding and Perth Wake Park

Location: Saint Albans Road, Baldivis
Distance from Perth: 41km
Time from Perth: 35 minutes

Are you wanting to try a new water sport? Something that’s exhilarating and addicting? Perth Wake Park is the only cable wake park in WA and delivers world class obstacles and experienced instructors. 

Offering a range of different lessons depending on experience, it doesn’t take long before you become addicted to the feeling of flying across the water. 

Hire or buy your own equipment and prepare to fly, and fall, but most importantly, have fun.

Please note: Be sure to read the waiver before booking a class.

Photo by Perth Wake Park

FAQs Outdoor Adventures in Perth

Is skydiving the best thing to do at Rottnest Island?

Skydiving at Rottnest Island is just one of the many great attractions on offer at Rottnest Island. Check out our guide for some inspiration.

Is the best walk in Perth at Serpentine National Park?

The walks on offer at Serpentine National Park are pretty great, but favourites are subjective! Check out this list of the top five hikes near Perth to choose your next weekend adventure.

What’s the best beach in Perth for beginner surfers?

A great beach option for beginner surfers is Leighton Beach. It’s got calm water and great views for your mates to enjoy while they cheer you on.