Fun things to do in Perth this Autumn: A student's seasonal guide

Autumn in Perth (March-May) is the perfect season to get outdoors, try new foods, and encounter the best of Western Australia. With temperatures ranging from 14 to 26°C, you can enjoy clear blue skies without the scorching heat of summer. Here are some unmissable activities for international students, blending adventure, nature, and culture, each tailored to fit a student's curiosity and budget. 

Fruit picking

Autumn is harvesting time in WA, and local orchards around Perth invite you to pick your own fruit. Think crisp apples, sweet pears, or late-season strawberries. It's a unique way to connect with local farming culture, enjoy the fresh air, and stock up on healthy snacks on a budget. Expect a relaxing, hands-on experience that's perfect for groups or solo outings. Fruit picking usually costs from $5-$15 for entry and a bag of fruit. You'll want to allow 1-2 hours. 

Our recommendations:

• The Mango Farm, Nowergup - $10 entry per person. Open 9am-6pm Weds, Fri, Sat & Sun.
• The Fruit Corner, Pickering Brook - keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
• S&R Orchard, Walliston - keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
• Grapes on Swan, Swan Valley. BYO scissors and box to harvest your own selection of red and green seedless grapes. 

Go for a hike

Perth's mild autumn weather is perfect for exploring the region's stunning trails. Hike through wildflower-studded bushland, scenic valleys, or dramatic granite outcrops in spots like John Forrest National Park, Lesmurdie Falls, or Kings Park's bush trails. Each hike offers unique landscapes, wildlife sightings, and city or river views. 

Our recommended hikes:

• Whistlepipe Gully, Mundy Regional Park - 3.6km loop
• Bells Rapids, Swan Valley - 4.5km loop
• Rocky Pool Walk Trail, Kalamunda National Park - 5.1km loop
• Zamia Trail, Bold Park, City Beach - 5.4km loop
• Ellis Brook Reserve, Gosnells - 5.8km loop
• Eagle View Walk Trail, John Forrest National Park - 15km loop
• Kitty's Gorge, Serpentine National Park - 17.5km return

Meet the local wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park

Get up close with Australia's unique native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils, and wombats. With lots of activities on every day, you can feed the kangaroos, cuddle a koala, or take a photo with a reptile! Caversham Wildlife Park is open every day from 9:00am to 4:30pm. It's $27 for students (don't forget your student ID!), which includes everything - there are no extra costs for any of the activities. 

Explore Kings Park

Kings Park is a must in any season, but autumn's golden light makes it especially beautiful. Stroll through botanical gardens, climb the DNA Tower, or simply enjoy a picnic overlooking the city. The park is open daily and is free to enter, and you can easily spend anywhere from 1 hour to a whole day enjoying the views and outdoor spaces.

Take a day trip

Perth city is surrounded by unique and beautiful landscapes, and there are plenty of amazing day-trip destinations just an hour or two away. Plan for a half or full day depending on your destination.

Our recommended nearby day-trip destinations:

• Lancelin - approximately 1.5 hours north by car, Lancelin is one of Australia's best sandboarding destinations. Lancelin is filled with beaches, inland walking trails, and crisp white sand dunes. Head a bit further north to visit the Pinnacles - these amazing natural limestone structures formed approximately 30,000 years ago, creating one of Australia's most unique and fascinating natural landscapes. 
• Waroona - approximately 1.5 hours south by car, you can visit the big orange, stroll through the town of Harvey, and visit the picturesque Waroona Dam or Lane Poole Reserve. 
• Gidgegannup - approximately 40 minutes north east by car, Gidgegannup is a scenic area within the Perth Hills nature reserves. It's a great place to hike alongside some impressive sights, such as Bells Rapids and Noble Falls. 

Sculpture by the Sea

Sculpture by the Sea returns to Cottesloe Beach for its 21st annual exhibition, once again transforming Perth's iconic coastline into a spectacular open-air sculpture park!

On from Friday 6th - Monday 23rd March, prepare for a great day full of sand, sun, and sculpture, finishing with a stunning sunset!

Click here for more info.

Take a ride in a hot air balloon!

The Avon Valley is renowned for its beautiful scenery, and what better way to see it than from above in a hot air balloon! You'll catch sunrise colours, rolling farmland, and river views from the sky, a unique Perth experience that's a bucket-list favourite. The ride is peaceful yet exhilarating, followed by a light breakfast with your fellow adventurers. Balloon rides start around $350, with the whole experience taking about 4-5 hours.

Experience the oldest form of flight with this one-of-a-kind adventure, courtesy of either Windward Balloon Adventures or Liberty Balloon Flights, which both depart from the quaint historic town of Northam. The flying season starts in April and you have the option to add on a return transfer from Perth too.

Try the Matagarup Bridge Zip+Climb

Matagarup Bridge offers Perth's only bridge climb and zipline, giving you a serious adrenaline rush and panoramic river views. Climb the arch with a guide, then zip across the Swan River, a unique way to see the city and challenge yourself. The full adventure takes about 2 hours.

Blue Whale Watching

Have you ever wanted to meet the largest animal in the world? Autumn in Perth provides the opportunity to witness the annual migration of the mighty blue whales. From March to May, these gentle giants pass close to the WA coastline. It's a unique wildlife experience you can't find in many other parts of the world. Expect an exciting boat ride, stunning ocean views, and the unforgettable sight of blue whales surfacing and diving. Most tours last around 2-3 hours, and it's wise to dress warmly and bring your camera. Check out tours by Whale Watch Western Australia and Whale Watching Perth. 

Autumn is your invitation to explore, taste, and experience the best of Perth! Don't miss out on these unforgettable student adventures!