When people plan trips to Australia, they tend to focus on the east coast. That makes sense since the Great Barrier Reef is on that side as well as more than a few major cities. But the west coast has a lot going on, too, particularly in Perth.
Even if you're not planning a big trip to Perth, which you should, and you're just there on a 24-hour layover, you can definitely fill the time quite easily. This is a world-class city that offers everything you'd expect and so much that you might not.
Take a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden
If you're looking for one of the most beautiful spots in all of Australia, you've found a contender in Kings Park. Immaculately designed and maintained, it overlooks the Central Business District and Perth Water. The park features a variety of walks, monuments, play areas for kids, and more. The big draw is the Western Australian Botanic Garden, which calls Kings Park home.
Check out the Perth Mint
There was a time that everyone had to carry cash constantly. No debit or credit cards. No using your phone to tap pay at a restaurant. Cold, hard cash was the name of the game. That's where places like the Perth Mint come in. Established in 1899, this is Australia's official bullion mint, producing coins for legal tender. And you can go on a tour of it.
Explore and shop at Elizabeth Quay
Located in the Central Business District on the North Shore of Perth Water, you can actually see Elizabeth Quay from Kings Park, which makes it a logical stop after you're done in the park. It is named after the late Queen Elizabeth II, featuring a variety of outdoor art exhibits, a wide variety of shopping and dining options, and opportunities to go on cruises and tours.
Spend the day at Adventure World
Maybe you don't want to spend your day wandering a park, shopping, or seeing how coins are made. If that's the case, then you might want to try out Adventure World. This theme park in Bibra Lake has 25 attractions which includes a wide range of waterslides, a variety of thrill rides, and a pretty impressive rollercoaster. Plus, there's a medieval themed kids' area called Dragon's Kingdom.
Visit Rottnest Island, home of the mighty Quokka
A big part of traveling anywhere can be experiencing nature, and there are several ways to do that in and around Perth. One of the more unique wildlife experiences is taking a tour out to Wadejump, which is better known to some as Rottnest Island. It's the home of the Quokka, possibly the most adorable and friendly animals on the planet. They're big on selfies.