10 things to do in Perth for the perfect West Aussie summer

As the sun starts to shine brighter and the warm days of a Perth summer approach, it's time to trade in your winter coats for bathers and towels and get ready to soak up the sun! Picture clear blue skies, balmy weather, and WA's stunning coastline. To help you make the most of the next few months, here are 10 must-do activities for the perfect West Aussie summer!

1. Picnic at a park

Make the most of the clear skies and shining sun with a laidback picnic in the park with a group of friends. Bring a few picnic rugs, pillows, and don't forget an esky to keep your food and drinks cold! On those particularly hot days, choose a park with plenty of shade, and always be sure to pack sunscreen. Perth has an abundance of beautiful parks, with lots of them offering plenty of parking, public toilets, and barbeques, so you'll have everything you need for a relaxing day out in the sun. 

2. Learn to surf

With crystal-clear waters and great waves during summer, Perth is the perfect place to pick up surfing. Book a lesson with Go Surf, and they'll provide everything you need from the surfboard to the wetsuit! Even if you've never surfed before, they'll teach you everything you need to know, and the warm summer waters create a comfortable environment to give it a go. Located at Brighton Beach in Scarborough, after your lesson you can head to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby for a post-surf feed! 

3. Snorkelling

Perth has some great spots to go snorkelling and explore life under the water, and summer is the perfect time to dive in. You can pick up some snorkels and goggles from a camping and outdoors store like Anaconda, BCF or Adreno, or head to Kmart for a budget-friendly option. If you're north of the river, Mettams Pool in North Beach is great for beginners - a mostly shallow lagoon with calm waters and an abundance of underwater creatures to see. For a south-of-the-river option, Omeo Wreck in Coogee is the way to go. Here, you'll find a shipwreck just 25 metres off the shore. The ship became bogged in the sand there in 1905 and has been there ever since, slowly falling apart. The shipwreck has more than 55 structures for you to discover, such as a swim-through sculpture, replica cannon, and selfie porthole!

4. Walk along the Swan River

In the warm weather, there's nothing better than a leisurely walk in the crisp morning air to start your day. Just be sure to go early to beat the midday heat! There are plenty of walking paths all along the Swan River in Perth, our favourites being the South Perth Foreshore, Attadale Conservation Area, and Mounts Bay Road in Crawley. And with plenty of riverside coffee shops around, you can treat yourself to a refreshing smoothie or iced coffee while you stroll.

5. Summer x Salt Markets

The Summer x Salt Markets take place every summer from October to March at Clarko Reserve in Trigg. Bringing together the creative coastal community, you'll find the coolest surf gear, salty apparel and hand-crafted goods made by local ocean artisans and designers. If you're hungry they have a range of delicious food trucks and carts, offering incredible local flavours, coffee, and fresh juice.

Plus, kickstart your day with their free morning wellness classes at each of their markets. Whether it's yoga, meditation, sound healing, or pilates, these free sessions are designed for all levels. Click here to check out their schedule and plan your visit!

6. Fish and chips on the beach

You can't have a summer in Perth without indulging in the quintessential Australian activity - fish and chips on the beach. Grab your mates and swing by one of Perth's iconic beach-side fish and chip shops, then head to the shore to enjoy your feast at sunset. 

7. Head to a rooftop bar

Perth's bar scene comes to life during the summer months, and why not enjoy a drink while taking in the amazing views of the city skyline? Check out the array of Rooftop Bars in the city, such as AGWA Rooftop Bar, Hello Rooftop Bar above the Rechabite, Hadiqa, or Lucky Chan's Laundry + Noodle Bar. Or go bar hopping and try them all! For some south-of-the-river options, head to Sweetwater Rooftop Bar in East Fremantle, or The Arbor in Fremantle. 

8. Rooftop or outdoor cinema

Bask in the balmy evening weather while tuning into a movie on the big screen. Take in the city skyline views at Rooftop Movies in the city, or watch a classic amongst nature at Kings Park's Moonlight Cinemas. These outdoor cinemas offer a unique alfresco movie experience beneath the stars. Just don't forget your insect repellant! 

9. Rottnest Island day trip

Rottnest Island, affectionately known as "Rotto" to locals and visitors, is a beautiful island just a short ferry ride off the coast of WA. It's famous for its adorable creatures, the Quokkas! Head to Rotto for a day trip to meet these unique animals, snorkel in the turquoise bays, and cycle around the island. Check out our blog for more info on getting to Rotto and things to do!

10. Swim with the dolphins

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, don't miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins! Just 45 minutes from Perth, the sheltered waters of Rockingham's bays and islands are home to over 200 local bottlenose dolphins. Book a tour with Perth Wildlife Encounters to spend some time in the company of these magnificent creatures. 

Tips for making the most of your Perth summer

1. Start early to beat the heat. Summer in Perth can get pretty hot, especially from midday into the afternoon. For outdoor activities, aim to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day. 
2. Slip, slop, slap! Make sure to apply sunscreen before spending time in the sun, and re-apply every 2 hours. Always go for a minimum of SPF 50+. 
3. Plan your beach day wisely. Perth has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but that makes them very popular and they can get crowded in the summer months, especially around Christmas time. Try to arrive early to grab a good spot, or try and find some hidden gems that aren't as well-known.