Best Museums in Western Australia

"Appropriately located on Fremantle’s waterfront, the Maritime Museum tells the story of WA’s nautical history, from the ocean explorers of the early days to naval defense during the wars. This fantastic museum is a must for anyone keen to learn how the state of WA was discovered and created. The Maritime Museum is home to many permanent collections but throughout the year, you will find a number of pop-up exhibitions featuring fascinating maritime history from around the world, not always specific to WA."

"Located in a sail shaped building, the maritime museum is famous for its amazing displays of Australian maritime souvenirs and memorabilia. There are many boats on display including the famed Australia II, which one the American Cup. There are interactive displays and exhibits for kids that are great fun."

"The Fremantle Maritime Museum discusses the town’s history as a port and how it became the town it is today because of its prime coastal position. The museum features the submarine HMAS Ovens, the Parry Endeavour and America’s Cup yacht, which were all crucial in Western Australia’s history."

"It almost goes without saying, but if you’re going to talk about art in Perth, you’ve got to start with AGWA. This Bauhaus and Brutalist behemoth is worth a trip just to enjoy the architecture, but it also houses the State’s art collection, which includes over 3000 First Nations artworks. The touring exhibitions are also mighty impressive – February sees the stunning Awavena; a virtual journey and collaboration between director Lynette Wallworth and the Amazonian Yawanawa people told through XR technology."

"Home to a number of cultural institutions like Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), the multi-level Art Gallery of Western Australia, and the Western Australia Museum. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is free to browse but donations are accepted."

"Through their collections, programs, and stimulating exhibitions the Art Gallery of WA offers visitors unique and exciting encounters with the art of Western Australia, Australian Indigenous art and the art of the world."

"There’s a bunch of school holiday regulars we imagine most families roll through at least a couple of times a year. Places like The Zoo, AQWA, Adventure World and so on, but in terms of value for money it’s hard to go past Scitech. Passes for kids under the age of 17 are only $12, and while adults are $19 (cheaper concession), you can get great family deals that push it way down."

"Scitech is an educational and engaging science centre conveniently located in the heart of Perth. As Western Australia’s leading science education institution, this unique centre offers interactive science experiences for people of all ages to enjoy. For more details click here."

"The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Education and Heritage Centre is located in the original Perth Central Fire Station. Now refurbished, the old station characterises both past and present emergency services’ through displays dedicated to the history of Western Australian (WA) fire services and a natural hazards and disasters education gallery. The centre is open to the public and offers an interactive, interesting and fun experience for schools, tourists, families and community groups."

"Given that the Perth Hills just went through one of the most devastating bushfire disasters in recent memory, these coming school holidays seem like a great time to help your kids learn about what the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) do. The DFES Education & Heritage Centre is located within the original Perth Central Fire Station on Murray Street, and documents Perth’s extensive emergency service history. A must-visit for any budding firefighter, and who wasn’t as a kid?"

"The Perth Cultural Centre is an area full of gardens and galleries in central Perth. Home to a number of cultural institutions like Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), the multi-level Art Gallery of Western Australia, and the Western Australia Museum. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is free to browse but donations are accepted."

"Once you’re fed, stroll up to the Perth Cultural Centre. The Western Australia Museum is not open until 2020 as they’re doing some major refurbishments, but the art gallery is free to enter and look around. The Cultural Centre is also a nice place to sit and watch the world go by!"

"The Perth Cultural Centre is made up of a number of organisations in buildings spread through a central precinct in the heart of Perth. These include the ..."

"Mudita Gallery is a new gallery and event space in Perth's vibrant and busy CBD. Easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance of most major attractions. The gallery specialises in contemporary modern art and provides exposure of the new and exciting work by local creatives."

"Located on Bathers Beach, Kidogo Arthouse is located in a heritage listed 1884 building. Originally the Old Kerosene Store on Bathers Beach, it is now used for special events and art exhibitions. On the western side is a magical spot to sit and watch the sun go down with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean."

"This is another one of the best fine dine-in restaurant in Perth where a lot of Japanese food is available. This place was founded by Japanese culinary legend Nobu Matsuhisa in conjunction with actor Robert de Niro, Nobu is one of the best fusion Japanese restaurants you could ever come across. This restaurant is located in Crown Perth."

"This is another one of the best fine dine-in restaurant in Perth where a lot of Japanese food is available. This place was founded by Japanese culinary legend Nobu Matsuhisa in conjunction with actor Robert de Niro, Nobu is one of the best fusion Japanese restaurants you could ever come across. This restaurant is located in Crown Perth."

"In the city center, Friends offers a classic fine dining experience. The service and atmosphere are old-school and the food incorporates the best of European techniques and Australian ingredients. The restaurant is known for its selection of premium Australian wines and monthly live music and dinner events."

"If all that adventuring has built up an appetite, head to one of the child-friendly eateries in the Swan Valley. Slate Café has a huge outdoor play area and a great kids menu, as well as delicious fusion dishes for the adults. They’re super dog-friendly too, perfect if you’re out and about with your pooch."

"Built on the former East Perth Gas Works site, Mardalup Park is right on the river’s edge and has a rich Noongar history. It was used by many Noongar families as a camping ground in the past – Mardalup is a Noongar term; its English translation is ‘place of small marsupial’. Mardalup Park also features many artworks constructed from materials from the old Gas Works and is the ideal spot for picnics for families or somewhere to sit back, relax and enjoy the city."

"Thanks to the new $100 million dollar revitalisation of the Scarborough beach front, there is a lot to do in this amazing vicinity- one of which is the new Sunset Hill. Located near the heart of the precinct, Sunset Hill is a tall grassy area overlooking the beach and ocean below. Grab some food at your choice of the many new restaurants, plonk yourself down and revel in what makes Western Australia great."

"The Swan River foreshore at Matilda Bay - across the road from the University of Western Australia - is a popular spot for picnics and swimming. Parts of the grassed area can be hired for functions such as weddings, which is not surprising for such a pleasant setting. Matilda Bay and jetty"