10 fun things to do in Perth this Winter

Live in Perth

17th April 2026 • StudyPerth

Live in Perth

17th April 2026 • StudyPerth

Winter is here! The days are shorter and the nights cooler, but winter in Perth is anything but gloomy. With daytime temperatures ranging from 8˚C to 19˚C, and an average of 6-8 hours of sunshine per day, Perth's winter charm is undeniable.

For international students, it's an especially great time to explore everything the city has to offer. With budget-friendly options like bustling markets, art galleries, and free line dancing lessons, you can easily fill your days (and nights) without breaking the bank.

Winter in Perth 101 (Quick Facts)

What winter feels like: Cooler mornings and evenings, comfortable daytime exploring temperature.
Rain plan: Some rainy days - have 1-2 indoor backups ready.
What to pack: Layers, a light waterproof jacket, closed shoes, and a compact umbrella.
No car? Still easy: Many winter favourites are accessible by public transport, especially around Perth city centre and along major train lines.
Pro tip: Keep a tab open for official What's On listings and venue pages so you can lock in dates and tickets.

Quick picks (choose your winter vibe)

If it's raining: AQWA • Art Galleries (AGWA/PICA) • BOUNCE Inc. • indoor bouldering
If you're on a tight budget: art galleries • weekend market browsing • line dancing (free entry) • Guildford wandering + cafés
If you want to spend time with friends: Scarborough markets • line dancing • winter festivals in Fremantle • Lightscape

Special events in Perth this winter

There's so much happening in Perth in winter that you'll never be bored. From winter light trails in Kings Park to cultural celebrations and festivals, your calendar can stay full all season.

Tip: Confirm dates/tickets via official pages (events can shift year to year)

Lightscape at Kings Park: Kings Park blooms with stunning light installations every Wednesday to Sunday evening from June 5 to July 26. Tickets from $40 or $36 at off-peak times.
NAIDOC Week: From 5 to 12 July, a series of cultural events and workshops across Perth will focus on the theme of '50 years of deadly'.
10 Nights in Port: A winter festival of music, light, art, and mystery unfolds across Fremantle from 20th to 30th August.

Things to do in Perth this winter

Whether you're considering moving to Perth or already settled in and looking for new ideas, here are 10 unique things to do in Perth this winter - on any budget.

1. Scarborough Sunset Markets

One of Perth's 19 suburban beaches, Scarborough, is located just a 20 minute drive from the city centre and is a hit with locals in both summer and winter. And the Scarborough Sunset Markets aren't stopped by the cold weather! Running every Saturday afternoon (3-8pm) from June onwards, be sure to visit and indulge in delicious street food and soak in the lively atmosphere as you watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Budget: free entry (you'll pay for food/shopping)
Getting there: 20 minute drive from Perth city, or public transport is available - check the Transperth journey planner before you go
Social tip: great with friends (easy "meet-up" activity)

2. Go Ice Skating

Embrace the winter spirit and hit the ice! You can skate at Cockburn Ice Arena (south of Perth) for $30 (skates included) for students, or $19 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or, hit up Perth Ice Arena in Malaga (north-east) for $25 (skates included).

Whether you're a seasoned skater or a novice, it's a fun way to lean into the chill. Plus, it's an easy group activity!

Budget: $19-30 (skates included). Both ice arenas have food options, so plan ahead for that as well.
Getting there: 20 minute drive from Perth city, or possible by public transport + a short walk - check the Transperth journey planner before you go.

3. Visit AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia)

Escape the cold and immerse yourself in the underwater world at AQWA. Located within the popular marina and tourist precinct, Hillary's Boat Harbour, 25 minutes north of the city, AQWA is Perth's premier aquarium. From sharks and stingrays to colourful reef species, it's a solid winter option for visitors of all ages.

Students save $8 on entry tickets with a valid student ID.

Budget: Ticketed, bring your student ID for a discount.
Getting there: 25 minute drive north of the city centre, or public transport is available - check the Transperth journey planner before you go

4. Line Dancing Classes at Honky Tonk (Fremantle)

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Honky Tonk in Fremantle for a lively evening of line dancing. Classes run every Wednesday (and sometimes Fridays and Saturdays), with free entry from 6pm and the line dancing class kicking off at 7:30pm. Stick around after class for some toe-tapping live music and enjoy 20% off wine and beer after 9pm. Click here for more information.

It's a fun way to do something different, especially if you're looking for a social night that doesn't break the budget.

Budget: free entry, and you can purchase food and drinks there.
Getting there: 20 minute drive from Perth city, or public transport is available - Fremantle is well-connected by trains and buses.
Social tip: one of the best "meet people" ideas on this list.

5. Lightscape at Kings Park

Kings Park, Perth's 400-hectare botanic garden, is one of the world's largest and most beautiful inner city parks, and winter is when it becomes a night-time experience thanks to Lightscape.

If you want a winter activity that feels special (and very "Perth"), this is it: illuminated trails, glowing installations, and a different view of the city at night.

Click here to book your tickets, with sessions running from Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5th June to 26th July.

Budget: tickets start from $36
Getting there: 8 minute drive from Perth city, or public transport is available - check the Transperth journey planner before you go
Social tip: great date night or group night out

6. Antique Shopping in Guildford

Guildford is one of Perth's historic suburbs (founded in 1829) and is an easy winter wander: antiques, vintage finds, and plenty of cosy cafés for a warm drink. It's only a 20-minute train ride inland from Perth city.

Budget: free to browse (spend depends on you)
Getting there: 15 minute drive from Perth city, or 20 minutes on the train
Social tip: great for a chill weekend catchup, or a fun solo activity

7. Visit BOUNCE Inc.

Want to burn off winter energy? BOUNCE Inc. trampoline parks are a high-fun indoor option. It's playful, active, and weather-proof - ideal for rainy days or when you just want to do something different with friends. Bounce has three venues across Perth, in Cannington, Osborne Park, and Joondalup. Student prices start from $16.50. Make sure to book in advance to save a few dollars, and don't forget your student ID!

Budget: student prices start from $16.50, don't forget your student ID
Getting there: choose the venue closest to your area and check public transport routes
Social tip: best enjoyed as a group activity

8. Explore Art Galleries

Warm your soul with a visit to one of Perth's renowned art galleries, like AGWA (Art Gallery or Western Australia) or PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Art). It's a winter class: indoor, inspiring, and easy to pair with a café stop.

Budget: entry is free, although some exhibitions may be ticketed
Getting there: both are located within the Perth city centre, so can be easily accessed by public transport
Social tip: great solo, as a one-on-one catchup, or in a group

9. Go Indoor Rock Climbing or Bouldering

Get active and challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing or bouldering. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, there are plenty of options for all levels. Check out Portside Boulders, located in Osborne Park, O'Connor, and Willetton. Student pay just $16 on Fridays - don't forget your valid student ID!

Budget: student entry starts from $16, and they also offer multi-visit packs and memberships
Getting there: choose the venue closest to your area and check public transport routes
Social tip: good for meeting people (many gyms have social sessions/classes)

10. Weekend Markets

Markets are an easy winter win: browse, snack, and people watch. Try major favourites like the Fremantle Markets, or search for a bargain at the various flea markets and swap meets around Perth, like the ones in Melville, Kardinya, Karrinyup and Belmont. Every market is unique - you never know what you'll walk away with.

Budget: free entry (you'll pay for food/shopping)
Getting there: Fremantle is easy by train. Other markets vary - check locations before you go
Social tip: great group or solo activity (and a good way to explore different suburbs)

No car? Here's how to do winter in Perth anyway

If you're studying in Perth without a car, you can still have a great winter. Prioritise experiences in the Perth city centre, Fremantle, and suburbs on major train lines - and use the Transperth Journey Planner to map your route before you go (especially at night or on weekends).

A student-friendly winter weekend plan (with rainy-day swaps)

Friday night: Line dancing at Honky Tonk Fremantle
Saturday: Markets + a warm café stop (Scarborough or Fremantle)
Saturday night: Lightscape at Kings Park (book ahead)
Sunday: AQWA (great if the weather turns) or galleries (AGWA/PICA) for a low-cost reset
If it rains: Swap Scarborough for galleries/AQWA/BOUNCE; keep markets if they're mostly covered/indoors.

FAQs: winter in Perth (international student edition)

Yes - winter brings seasonal events, festivals, night experiences, and plenty of indoor options. With a simple rain plan, you can stay active and social all season.

Choose indoor anchors like AQWA, galleries (AGWA/PICA), trampoline parks, or bouldering. Pair them with food spots or markets that run rain or shine.

Gallery visits are often free, markets are free to enter, and some social nights/classes can be low-cost. Plan around public transport to keep costs down.

Many options are public transport-friendly, especially around Perth city/city centre and Fremantle. For places further out, check routes early and consider going with friends to share a ride if needed.

Bring layers, a light waterproof jacket, closed shoes, and a compact umbrella. Nights can feel colder, so plan for evenings if you’re out late.

For ticketed, popular experiences (like major winter night events), booking ahead is smart - especially for weekends. For markets and galleries, you can usually show up.