city skyline at twilight with lights twinkling

The Best Perth Tours 2024 Guide

Hi, I’m Wendy and have lived in Perth since 2000 when I moved here from London.

If you’re looking for a wonderful way to spend your time in Perth, then a tour of the city’s landmarks is the way to go. Not only will you get to see some of Perth’s most iconic sights, but you’ll also learn about its history and culture.

This is my list of the best tours in Perth – operators that I have worked with and tours I have taken.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Best Perth Wildlife Tours

For anyone visiting Perth, a wildlife tour is an absolute must, providing a memorable experience that is both educational and entertaining.

Mandurah Dolphin Cruise

Dolphin sightings are very likely (however, not guaranteed) on this dolphin cruise in Mandurah. Cruise along the canals and see the affluent homes on the water’s edge before heading out to the Peel Inlet and Mandurah Estuary.

We’ve been lucky enough to see dolphins on every cruise around Mandurah.

dolphins swimming in mandurah canals alongside luxury boat and houses
Mandurah dolphin cruise

Whale Watching Cruise

This two-hour whale watching tour departs from Fremantle, Perth’s port. Onboard the 25m Steep Point, you will learn about the migration of whales and other interesting facts in the live commentary.

The luxurious vessel has five viewing decks, where you might spot humpbacks, the southern right, and maybe even the rare blue whale.

Swim with Dolphins

Depart from Rockingham, south of Perth, for a cruise around the small islands off the coast. If dolphins are spotted, which is pretty much guaranteed, you can get in the water with them. Snorkel equipment and wetsuits are included, along with a light lunch.

Children must be at least seven for this swimming with dolphins tour.

dolphin up close in the wild

Best Perth Cruises

A cruise on the Swan River is a great choice, with something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a sightseeing cruise, wine cruise, or dinner cruise.

Fremantle Cruise

There’s nothing nicer than being out on the Swan River on a beautiful summer’s day. Why not combine it with a visit to Fremantle? Captain Cook cruises from Barrack Street Jetty in Elizabeth Quay to Fremantle, passing the Old Swan Brewery, Matilda Bay, and multi-million dollar houses. There’s also the option of a lunch cruise, which includes a buffet lunch on the way to Fremantle.

view of a river and city skyline on a summer day
Cruising along the Swan River Perth

Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a two and a half hour Perth dinner cruise along the Swan River with twilight views of the city skyline. Dinner is a buffet of hot and cold food, including prawns, roast beef, pasta, salads, and desserts.

Wine, beer, tea, coffee, and soft drink are provided.

Swan Valley Wine Tour

The Swan Valley, east of Perth, is home to over 40 world-class wineries. A scenic way to experience Western Australia’s oldest wine region is on a Swan Valley Wine Cruise.

Captain Cook Cruises offers a few options, including a return cruise with a grazing platter at Sandalfords Winery.

The best value, however, is the Afternoon in the Valley tour, which is nearly A$100 cheaper. The itinerary is slightly different, and it only includes a one-way cruise (by coach on the way there), but you still experience the Swan Valley.

cruise boat moored in quay
Swan Valley Wine Cruise

Best Perth Tours for Families

Families looking to explore what Perth has to offer should consider tours of the Perth Mint, a day on Rottnest Island, and a Segway tour.

Rottnest Island

This beautiful island off the coast of Perth is a must-visit destination for visitors. Not only are the beaches stunning, the snorkelling excellent, and the walks scenic, but who can resist a selfie with a quokka?

If you want to know more about this island before booking your ferry, read this guide to Rottnest Island. It includes details on how to get there, the best places to stay, and what to do once you’re there.

the sandy beach and turquoise ocean at little parakeet bay with people sunbathing and sun tents on the beach
Family-friendly beach on Rottnest Island

Perth Mint Gold Tour

If you’ve never seen gold being poured or are interested in coins, add a tour of Perth Mint to your itinerary.

During the one-hour tour, you will learn about the Australian gold rush, view the largest coin ever made, watch molten gold being poured, and touch a gold bar worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It’s an interesting tour providing insight into the Gold Rush era.

the limestone exterior of the historic perth mint with a path leading to the door
Perth Mint

Perth Segway Tour

Explore the banks of the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay on this Perth Segway Tour, or take the Segway tour of Kings Park. It’s a fun way to see the sights.

tourists on a segway tour with yellow jackets standing on segways
Perth Segway Tour

Perth’s Best Walking Tours

Our favourite way to see a new place is on foot. A Perth walking tour can be a good idea if you want to learn more about the city, need help determining the best parts, or want to be part of a group.

Perth’s number one tour company since 2007, Two Feet & a Heartbeat, offers a range of tours to suit most interests. Choose from their Coffee, Culture, and Art Tour, Arcades and Laneways Tour, or the Eat, Drink, Walk Tour.

These tours are all highly-rated with Two Feet and a Heartbeat receiving a 5 star rating with over 1,100 reviews on TripAdvisor.

See if your dates are available as these walking tours get booked up fast.

a large scary wolf painted on a wall

Best Sightseeing Tours in Perth

Perth is easy to get around, especially with the free cat buses. However, a tour is a good idea if you’re pushed for time or want some interesting local information.

Perth’s Hop On Hop Off Bus

A budget-friendly way to see Perth for first-timers is using the Hop On Hop Off bus. We use them in most cities we visit to get an overview of the place before we explore. Stops include Kings Park, the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay, Perth Mint, and Optus Stadium.

Read our full Perth Hop On Hop Off review for more information.

red open top hop on hop off bus with people sitting up the top
Perth’s Hop On Hop Off Bus at Elizabeth Quay

Perth Bike Tour

If you enjoy cycling, this guided bike tour could be for you. It starts in South Perth and takes you along the Swan River, through the wetlands, and across the river to East Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and South Perth’s windmill.

If you’d prefer an electric bike, Paul’s Eco E BikeTours has a choice of five routes on a guided, small-group tour.

a historic white windmill
Windmill South Perth

Perth’s Best Wine Tours

Wine tours offer visitors a chance to experience world-class viticulture with access to some of Western Australia’s most renowned vineyards.

Sample some of the region’s finest wines or ciders, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the complex and fascinating industry of wine production.

Bickley Valley Wine & Cider Tour

This intimate small group tour of the Bickley Valley takes you through rolling hills and orchards on the way to award-winning wineries. After a two-course lunch, visit a cidery before returning to the city.

a pint of cloudy cider at naked apple cidery in the perth hills with spring blossom in the background
Naked Apple Cidery Perth Hills

Swan Valley

Another option to see the Swan Valley wine region is to take a bus tour, like this highly-rated Swan Valley Food & Wine Tour by D’Vine Tours.

For more options, read this guide on the best Perth wine tours.

beautiful winery gardens with decking
Sandalford Winery in the Swan Valley

Best Food Tours in Perth

Low & Slow BBQ Tour and Asian Food Walk Tour

Up Close and Locals offer the most popular food tours in Perth. The two unique tours are the Low & Slow BBQ tour and the Asian Street Food Walking tour.

All food is included in the price (along with some drinks) and is the equivalent of a full meal.

Best Romantic Perth Tours

Perth is a picturesque destination offering plenty of romantic experiences, including a trip to Rottnest Island, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean, dinner on a Swan River cruise or at the C Restaurant, a star gazing tour, or wine tasting in the Swan Valley.

tables set with white linen with large windows of views over perth skyline from up high
C Restaurant Perth

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing Tour

Head north of Perth to the Pinnacles, natural limestone pillars formed about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, on this Pinnacles Sunset & Stargazing Tour.

Stop on the way to try sandboarding in the Lancelin sand dunes.

Arrive in the Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, in time for sunset to see the beautiful golden tones. Enjoy a barbecue with wine followed by star gazing with telescopes and Astro binoculars.

Read more about options on this post on the best Pinnacle tours.

limestone pillars in red sand in desert
The Pinnacles