Rottnest Island is a little slice of Mediterranean heaven located less than 20km (12 miles) off the coast of Perth. Known for its white sandy beaches, clear waters and secluded bays, Rotto (as it's affectionately known) is perfect for a day trip or a weekend away. The car-free nature reserve is also home to a colony of quokkas (an Australian native marsupial). Ferries go from Barrack Street Jetty, Hillarys Boat Harbour, or Fremantle. Overnight accommodation is available.

Daily 24 hours.

Ferries tickets to the island start from A$67 for adults. Students, seniors, and children can get discounted tickets. There is also an admission fee of A$18 for adults and A$6.50 for children.

Lined by towering gum trees, the entrance of Kings Park leads to the State War Memorial commemorating ANZACs killed in WWII, before presenting impressive views of the city and Swan River. Kings Park is a tranquil escape in the heart of Perth and covers 400 hectares (990 acres) of Mount Eliza. The park is crisscrossed by walking trails and bicycle paths and has free guided walks available daily. The West Australian Botanic Garden here is also worth your time. There's a restaurant, café, Aboriginal art gallery and children's playground here too and during the summer, the park hosts open-air film screenings, plays and concerts.

Daily 24 hours.

No

Perth's small but popular zoo has been open every day since 1898. It boasts an Australian Bushwalk, Rainforest Retreat and African Savannah among other interesting exhibits where visitors can observe native animals in their natural habitat. Daily keeper talks allow you to get up close and personal with animals, so don't miss meeting a numbat, Western Australia's own marsupial emblem. You'll need half a day to visit the Zoo in full.

Daily 0900-1700.

Yes

Perth's postmodern celebration of Australia's Bicentenary in 1988, the Bell Tower, is located at the foot of Barrack Street, on the Swan River Foreshore. Home to the Swan Bells, the 80m (260ft) tower is a unique design resulting from an architectural competition. It houses the 18 historic bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields - a gift to Perth from the City of London for Australia's Bicentenary. Visitors can go up the tower, while the surrounding development contains shops, restaurants, cafés, a pub, a tourist information centre, cruise boat offices and docks. You can hear the bells ring Thu-Sun from 1200-1300.

Daily 1000-1545.

Yes

Perth's premier gallery has a permanent collection of Australian and international art and one of the finest collections of Aboriginal art in the world. The gallery is also the venue for major national and international touring exhibitions. Frequent guided tours are free, though bookings are required.

Wed-Mon 1000-1700.

No

Short-sighted policies may have seen the demolition of many of Australia's old theatres but the Maj (as it's affectionately known) still stands in all its Edwardian glory. Thought to be the only existing theatre of its era in Australia, His Majesty's Theatre features a magnificent staircase, a domed, three-tiered auditorium and opulent foyers. A venue for plays, opera, musicals, concerts and dance, the theatre is home to the West Australian Ballet, the West Australian Opera and the Museum of Performing Arts (MOPA), which has a collection of performing arts memorabilia. Booking is essential for tours.

Tues-Thu 1000-1600 (tours).

Yes

If you've ever wondered what your weight is worth in gold, you can use the special scales at Perth Mint to find out. A well-preserved remnant of the gold rush era, Perth's Mint is over 100 years old and offers a range of activities and experiences. Visitors can see A$225,000 pure gold bars being poured, and are invited to touch them. The museum also holds the world's largest permanent gold bar exhibition. You can also mint your own personalised medallions and witness the production of gold, silver and platinum coins. Join a guided tour of the mint to make the most of your visit.

Daily 0900-1700.

Yes

Housed in a complex containing some of Perth's oldest buildings, the Western Australian Museum specialises in natural history, with mammal, bird, dinosaur, marine and butterfly displays. The Aboriginal Gallery is outstanding, as is the museum's collection of meteorites, while the 25m (82ft) skeleton of a blue whale is another highlight. The Land and People exhibit, which brings to life Western Australian history from prehistoric times to present day, is also popular.

Daily 0930-1700.

Yes

Science meets showbiz at this glitzy attraction featuring over 160 hands-on exhibits covering such topics as electricity, magnetism and acoustics. Horizon - The Planetarium is a spectacular indoor theatre that presents high-tech, multimedia shows about stars, planets and other celestial bodies on a dome screen. New exhibits are introduced every six months.

Mon-Fri 0930-1600, Sat-Sun 1000-1700.

Yes

This impressive aquarium boasts a wealth of fascinating marine life. Visitors can explore 12,000km (7,456 miles) of Western Australia's coastline in just a few hundred metres before they enter the Dangerzone – an area where they can safely see some of the deadliest and strangest marine creatures in the world. The aquarium's 98m (328ft) glass tunnel is the largest in Australia and sea creatures can even be touched at the interactive Discovery Pool. Diving and snorkelling with sharks is also available here, as is reef-walking.

Daily 1000-1700.

Yes