Perth, the vibrant capital of Western Australia, is a haven for seniors seeking leisure and excitement. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and accessible facilities, Perth offers an array of elderly-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local senior looking for new adventures or a visitor exploring the city, here are the top 12 activities to make your time in Perth unforgettable!
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Kings Park provides a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for seniors looking to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. The well-maintained paths and accessible facilities ensure a comfortable experience with a neverending list of tracks and bird-watching locations. Our tip is to drop past the visitors centre to grab maps for the best vantage points and take a stroll through the botanic gardens to score a pretty special view along the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
Perth Cultural Centre
The Perth Cultural Centre offers enriching experiences for seniors interested in art, history, and culture. It’s an opportunity to connect with the city’s heritage and indulge in some of the best art installations in the state. We recommend exploring the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum, where fascinating exhibitions and artifacts await. Post visiting these great museums, we recommend dropping past Pica Bar for a well-earned drink or snack!
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo provides a fun and educational outing, allowing seniors to appreciate wildlife and reconnect with their love for animals. Enjoying leisurely walks through the beautifully designed exhibits, attending informative animal talks, and interacting with some of the friendly creatures is just the beginning! This year marks the introduction of the Close Encounters Program, where for different parts of the day, visitors can experience their favourite animals up close and personal with a behind-the-scenes look into their day. Animals include everything from the sleepy sun bear all the way through to the red panda.
Fremantle Markets
Fremantle Markets (especially on a Sunday) offer a bustling and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for seniors who love to shop, explore, and savour local flavours. Discover a diverse array of crafts, vintage items, and locally produced goods at the market stalls. Our top tip is to take the time to get to know the local food vendors and pick up some top-notch produce for your day. It does get busy on weekends, so it’s sometimes best to head down early to beat the crowds.
Swan River Cruise
A relaxing cruise along the Swan River offers seniors a unique perspective of Perth’s beauty, where you can capture both the skyline from South Perth and Kings Park in the background. There are a number of cruise companies offering half-day and full-day trips that include meals, drinks packages and decks perfect for viewing. These cruise companies operate from Barrack Street Jetty and other locations along the river, with easy access from the city centre. Our favourite is Captain Cook’s Gourmet Wine Tour which includes wine tasting on board and lunch at Sandalford Vinyard.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach offers a laid-back coastal experience, perfect for seniors who love the sun, sand, and sea. Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, enjoy a refreshing swim in the gentle waters, or simply relax on the sandy beach. The breathtaking sunsets are an added bonus, especially with a coffee or drink in hand at the Cottesloe Hotel or Indiana Tea Rooms. Cottesloe Beach is accessible by train and bus, with parking facilities available for those travelling by car.
The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower, also known as the Swan Bells, offers a blend of history and spectacular views. It’s an accessible attraction that showcases Perth’s heritage. Discover the fascinating history of the bells, watch the bell ringers in action and explore the surrounding grounds. The Bell Tower is conveniently located near the Barrack Street Jetty and can be reached easily by public transport. It’s actually a great starting point before jumping on board a Swan River cruise.
Perth Mint
Delve into Perth’s golden past at the Perth Mint – a historic site that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich gold mining heritage. While visiting, take a guided tour to learn about gold production, witness a gold pour, and explore the museum’s intriguing exhibits. We also recommend spending some time in the memorabilia store to grab a few souvenirs. The Perth Mint is situated in East Perth and is easily accessible by public transport or car.
AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia
AQWA is an underwater paradise that allows seniors to marvel at marine life without getting wet! Stroll through underwater tunnels, witness fascinating sea creatures up close, and enjoy interactive displays. We recommend reserving a spot in the Dine Beneath the Sea for dinner, where you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal in the underwater tunnel! AQWA is located in Hillarys Boat Harbour, accessible by public transport or car, with ample parking available.
Perth Concert Hall
Music lovers will find joy at the Perth Concert Hall, which hosts a variety of concerts and performances, including The Best of the Bee Gees with The George Ellis Orchestra. Here, you can witness a variety of theatre; depending on the schedule, the Perth Concert Hall may organise workshops and masterclasses led by renowned artists and musicians. If you’re interested in honing your artistic skills or simply curious about the creative process, consider attending one of these sessions.
Yanchep National Park
For those seeking a slow adventure amid nature, Yanchep National Park is the perfect destination. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Embark on nature walks, spot kangaroos and koalas, explore the Crystal Caves, and have a delightful picnic. Also, while you are there, explore the historical McNess House, which serves as a visitor centre with displays about the park’s history and ecology. Yanchep National Park is about an hour’s drive from Perth’s city centre, making it a pleasant day trip accessible by car.
Whiteman Park Perth
Located 40 minutes from the Perth CBD, Whiteman Park offers a huge list of slow-paced activities for our golden oldies. Take a leisurely ride on the vintage train or hop on the tractor tour to explore the park’s scenic landscapes. These nostalgic rides offer a charming and relaxed way to see the park. For motorcar enthusiasts, you can visit the Motor Museum of Western Australia to admire an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other historical vehicles. It truly is a trip down memory lane!
Perth, with its diverse array of activities, caters to the interests of senior citizens looking for leisure, great experiences and outdoor adventures. From scenic parks and cultural experiences to wildlife encounters and incredible views, this city has something special for everyone. We also forgot to mention that we actually specialise in organising transport for large groups of seniors and can customise bus sizes to suit all parties. Each bus is equipped with wheelchair access.