Discover the Most Fun Things to Do in Perth This Autumn

Autumn in Perth is a real treat. The scorching summer heat starts to fade, leaving behind clear blue skies and those lovely crisp mornings with warm afternoons. It’s the perfect time to get out and about, whether you're new to Australia or just want to explore more of what Perth has to offer. We’ve put together some of the most fun things to do in Perth this autumn, so you can make the most of the season.

Key Takeaways

• Enjoy the great outdoors with scenic walks in places like Kings Park or John Forrest National Park, perfect for appreciating nature without the summer heat.

• Take a trip to Rottnest Island for cycling and quokka spotting, or enjoy a final dip at one of Perth's beautiful beaches as the weather cools.

• Experience seasonal delights by going fruit picking in the Perth Hills or Swan Valley, or attend the Bickley Harvest Festival and S&R Orchard's Autumn Festival.

• Witness wildlife wonders by going whale watching to spot blue whales or visiting Caversham Wildlife Park to meet native Australian animals.

• Embark on adventures beyond the city with a hot air balloon ride over the Avon Valley or a day trip to the unique landscape of The Pinnacles.

Embrace The Great Outdoors

As the summer heat starts to fade and the air gets that lovely crispness, autumn in Perth is just brilliant for getting outside. The days are still warm enough for exploring, but without that intense sun, making it the perfect time to really get to know the local parks and trails. It feels like the whole city breathes a sigh of relief, and suddenly, there are so many more options for a good day out.

Discover Scenic Walking Trails

Perth is surrounded by some really beautiful natural spots, and autumn is honestly the best time to explore them on foot. The cooler weather means you can go for a good long walk without getting too sweaty, and the colours starting to change on the trees add a nice touch. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or something a bit more challenging, there's a path for you.

• Whistlepipe Gully, Mundy Regional Park: A nice 3.6km loop that's pretty easy going.

• Bells Rapids, Swan Valley: Around 4.5km, this one's great for spotting wildlife and has some lovely views.

• Rocky Pool Walk Trail, Kalamunda National Park: This 5.1km trail takes you through some lovely bushland.

• Zamia Trail, Bold Park: A 5.4km walk with great coastal views.

• Ellis Brook Reserve: At 5.8km, this reserve offers a bit of everything, including a waterfall that might still have some water from summer.

The cooler temperatures of autumn make it ideal for longer hikes. You'll find fewer people on the trails compared to summer, meaning you can enjoy a more peaceful experience surrounded by nature.

Enjoy A Relaxing Picnic

With the weather being so pleasant, packing a picnic and heading to one of Perth's many green spaces is a must. It’s a simple pleasure, but so rewarding. Grab some good food, a blanket, and find a nice spot. Kings Park is always a winner, offering amazing city views, but there are loads of other great spots too, like the banks of the Swan River or smaller local parks.

Here are a few ideas for a great picnic spot:

1. Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Plenty of space, stunning city views, and well-maintained paths.

2. Matilda Bay Reserve: Beautiful foreshore location with lots of shade.

3. Hyde Park: A city oasis with lakes and shady trees, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

4. Bells Rapids: Combine a walk with a picnic, especially nice if you enjoy watching the water.

Visit Araluen Botanic Park

Just a short drive from the city, Araluen Botanic Park in Roleystone is particularly special in autumn. The park really comes alive with colour as the trees turn shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s a photographer’s dream, but even if you’re not snapping pics, it’s just a lovely place to wander around. There are walking paths to explore, and you can easily spend a few hours just soaking up the atmosphere. They often have a cafe there too, and it’s a fantastic spot to lay out a picnic blanket and just chill.

The changing leaves at Araluen Botanic Park create a truly picturesque setting for an autumn visit.

Island Escapes And Coastal Charms

Autumn in Perth offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful islands and coastlines without the intense summer heat and crowds. It's the perfect time to enjoy the ocean's gentle embrace and the unique charm of our nearby islands.

Spend A Day On Rottnest Island

No trip to Perth is complete without a visit to Rottnest Island, affectionately known as 'Rotto'. Autumn is arguably the best time to go. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for cycling around the island's scenic paths. Plus, the summer holidaymakers have mostly departed, meaning you'll have more space to yourself to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches. Hire a bike, pack a picnic, and don't forget your swimmers for a final dip in the ocean. Of course, the main attraction for many is spotting the adorable quokkas. Remember to observe them from a respectful distance – they're wild animals, after all!

Getting to Rottnest is straightforward, with regular ferry services departing from Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour, and Perth city.

Hit The Beach For A Final Dip

While the scorching summer sun might be a distant memory, Perth's beaches remain utterly captivating in autumn. The ocean often retains a pleasant warmth well into the season, making it perfect for one last swim before winter truly sets in. Popular spots like Cottesloe, Scarborough, and City Beach are still buzzing, but with a more relaxed vibe. Even if swimming isn't your preference, a morning stroll along the shore or a sunset picnic with fish and chips is an absolute must. The coastal sunsets during autumn are particularly spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

Here are some top beach spots to consider:

• Cottesloe Beach: Iconic for its grassy knoll and Indiana Teahouse.

• Scarborough Beach: Known for its lively atmosphere and modern foreshore.

• Mullaloo Beach: A bit further north, offering a more relaxed feel and great views.

• City Beach: Offers beautiful stretches of sand and good facilities.

The cooler air and golden light of autumn create a magical atmosphere along the coast. It's a time when the beaches feel both invigorating and peaceful, offering a chance to reconnect with the ocean's rhythm before the cooler months arrive.

Seasonal Delights And Harvest Fun

As the summer heat begins to mellow, Perth truly comes alive with a bounty of seasonal treats and harvest celebrations. Autumn is the perfect time to get out and about, enjoying the crisp air and the vibrant colours of the changing landscape. This season offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with local producers and enjoy the freshest flavours of Western Australia.

Go Fruit Picking For Fresh Produce

Forget the supermarket aisles; there's something incredibly satisfying about picking your own fruit. The cooler weather makes it an ideal activity for a family outing or a relaxed weekend adventure. Several local farms open their gates, inviting you to fill your baskets with delicious, sun-ripened produce. Keep an eye out for opportunities at places like The Mango Farm in Nowergup, or check the Facebook pages of spots like The Fruit Corner in Pickering Brook for their 'pick-your-own' sessions. If you're near the Swan Valley, Grapes on Swan often allows you to harvest your own grapes – just remember to bring your own scissors and a box!

Experience The Bickley Harvest Festival

Held annually in May, the Bickley Harvest Festival is a charming celebration nestled in the picturesque Bickley Valley. It's a wonderful chance to sample local wines and ciders, explore orchards, and browse artisanal markets, all while enjoying live music. The valley, with its rolling hills and boutique vineyards, feels like a world away from the city, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day trip. It’s a great way to support local businesses and savour the tastes of the region. You can find out more about this delightful event on the Bickley Harvest Festival website.

Visit S&R Orchard's Autumn Festival

While specific dates vary each year, S&R Orchard often hosts a vibrant Autumn Festival that's well worth a visit. Imagine wandering through orchards laden with fruit, enjoying delicious food stalls, and perhaps even participating in some fun activities. These festivals are a fantastic way to experience the agricultural heart of the region and pick up some incredibly fresh produce directly from the source. It's a truly immersive way to appreciate the harvest season.

Wildlife Encounters And Natural Wonders

Autumn in Perth is a fantastic time to get up close with the local fauna and explore some truly unique natural landscapes. The weather cools down just enough to make exploring comfortable, and the crowds thin out, offering a more peaceful experience.

Spot Majestic Blue Whales

Between March and May, Perth's coastline becomes a prime viewing spot for one of the planet's most magnificent creatures: the blue whale. These gentle giants migrate to the Perth Canyon, a deep underwater trench just off the coast, to feed on krill. It's one of the few places in Australia where you can witness this incredible feeding behaviour. Booking a whale watching tour is the best way to see them, and it's an experience you won't soon forget. Keep your eyes peeled for these enormous marine mammals as they breach and feed.

Meet Native Animals At Caversham Wildlife Park

For a guaranteed encounter with Australia's unique wildlife, Caversham Wildlife Park is the place to go. You can get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and even Tasmanian devils. They have daily activities like feeding the kangaroos and opportunities to cuddle a koala (for an extra fee, but totally worth it!). It’s a great spot for families and anyone wanting to learn more about Australian animals.

• Koala Cuddles: Get a photo with a sleepy koala.

• Kangaroo Feeding: Hand-feed friendly kangaroos.

• Wombat & Tasmanian Devil Encounters: Learn about these fascinating marsupials.

Explore The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Just a short trip south of Perth lies the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. A quick ferry ride takes you to Penguin Island, home to a colony of adorable little penguins, Australia's smallest penguin species. While the island might close on extremely hot days to protect the penguins' habitat, autumn usually offers perfect conditions. Beyond the penguins, you can explore walking trails, find lovely picnic spots, and even snorkel in the clear waters. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions on your boat trip over. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day connecting with nature. You can find out more about visiting Penguin Island and the surrounding marine park online.

Adventures Beyond The City

Perth is surrounded by some really interesting places, perfect for a day trip when you want to get out of the city for a bit. The weather in autumn is just right for exploring, not too hot, not too cold, you know? It’s the ideal time to see what’s just a short drive away.

Take Flight In A Hot Air Balloon

Imagine floating up, up, and away as the sun starts to rise. The Avon Valley, just a bit inland from Perth, is a fantastic spot for this. Companies like Windward Balloon Adventures and Liberty Balloon Flights operate from Northam, a charming old town. You get to see the countryside spread out below you, all golden and quiet in the morning light. It’s a pretty special way to start the day, and they even offer transfers from Perth if you don't fancy driving.

Embark On A Day Trip To The Pinnacles

This is a must-see if you're in the area. About an hour and a half north of Perth, you'll find the Pinnacles. These are these weird and wonderful limestone pillars sticking out of the sand. They've been there for thousands of years, and it really feels like you've landed on another planet. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it for the photos and just the sheer strangeness of the landscape. You can combine this with a stop at Lancelin, which is known for its huge sand dunes – great for a bit of sandboarding if you're feeling adventurous.

Explore Golden Valley Tree Park

If you fancy something a bit more relaxed and green, Golden Valley Tree Park is a good shout. It’s a bit further out, but it’s a beautiful place, especially in autumn when the leaves are changing colour. It’s one of Western Australia’s oldest arboretums, so there are loads of different trees to see. It’s a lovely spot for a walk, a picnic, or just to enjoy the peace and quiet. You can wander through the different sections, each with its own collection of trees from around the world. It’s a nice change of pace from the coast and the city.

Getting out of Perth for a day trip in autumn really shows you a different side of Western Australia. The cooler air makes everything feel fresh, and the landscapes are often at their most beautiful. It’s a chance to see unique natural wonders or just enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Right then, that's a good chunk of what Perth has to offer as the weather cools down a bit. From getting your boots muddy on a bushwalk to stuffing your face with freshly picked fruit, there's loads to get stuck into. It’s the kind of weather where you can actually enjoy being outside without melting, you know? So, whether you're new to the area or just looking for something different to do, hopefully, this gives you a few ideas. Go on, get out there and make the most of it before the chill really sets in!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the weather like in Perth during autumn?

Autumn in Perth is lovely! The really hot summer days start to cool down, usually between 14 to 26 degrees Celsius. You get nice, clear blue skies and pleasant warmth, perfect for being outside without getting too hot.

Are there many crowds in autumn?

Generally, autumn sees fewer crowds than the busy summer months. This means places like Rottnest Island and popular walking trails are more peaceful, making it easier to enjoy your visit.

Is it a good time to go to the beach?

Yes, absolutely! While it's not scorching hot, the ocean can still be quite warm in early autumn. It's a great time for a final swim, a beach walk, or a sunset picnic by the sea before winter arrives.

Can I see any whales in autumn?

You certainly can! Autumn is the season when blue whales migrate along the coast near Perth. Taking a whale watching tour is a fantastic way to see these magnificent creatures up close.

What kind of fruit can I pick in autumn?

Autumn is harvest time, so you can often pick apples and pears. Some farms also offer experiences for grapes. It's a fun way to get fresh produce and support local growers.

Are there any special festivals happening in autumn?

Yes, there are! The Bickley Harvest Festival celebrates the local harvest with food, wine, and music. S&R Orchard also hosts a popular Autumn Festival with lots of family-friendly activities and beautiful decorations.