Perth is one of the sunniest places in Australia, but we do experience rain here, usually during the winter season.

But fear not when the damp weather makes exploring outdoors impractical. Perth’s indoor attractions and activities will still keep you busy. 

Here are our recommendations for what you can do come the next rainy day.

Top Things to Do in Perth on a Rainy Day

1. Take a culture trip
2. Book an educational tour for the whole family
3. Dig into a warm, hearty meal
4. Sink a beer or two in Perth’s breweries
5. Shop around and score rare finds
6. Compete with friends indoors
7. Watch movies and chill
8. Book a staycation

1. Take a culture trip

Spend your time indoors learning about Perth’s rich history, art, and culture by visiting these top public sites.

Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)

For art history lovers

Address	Perth Cultural Center, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9492-6600 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rates	Free entry

The Art Gallery of WA is home to over 18,000 works, with 10% of its collection being on display at a time. Add to that current exhibitions, and you will not run out of things to look forward to whenever you visit.

People who trace history through viewing artworks of an era will particularly love the gallery’s massive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait art and 20th-century western pieces.

The gallery can be extra cold due to air conditioning, so be sure to bundle up so you can appreciate the art without shivering. Trust us, you’d like to keep yourself warm, as you’ll be spending a long time staring at the pieces. 

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)

For art fans who don’t want to miss out 

Address	Perth Cultural Center, 51 James St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9228-6300 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rates	Free entry

Introspection and appreciation are best done with artworks reflecting the present times, or so the art lover in us believes. If you agree, then PICA is that one gallery you’ll keep returning to whenever outdoor activities aren’t possible.

PICA’s stunning heritage building is not only home to thought-provoking artworks but also serves as a venue for performance art, new music, experimental theatre, and timely talks. 

It’s a playground for the trailblazers, innovators, and creatives of today’s Perth.

Most activities and exhibitions are free (otherwise stated), allowing you to keep yourself updated with local contemporary works without spending.

WA Maritime Museum

For history buffs

Must-visit: The Shipwrecks Museum

Address	Victory Quay Rd, Fremantle, WA 6160
Contact Details	(08) 9431-8334, (1300) 134-081 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Rates	Standard: $15 Concession: $10 Junior (15 years and under): Free Carer: Free

The WA Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of the state’s fascinating maritime history, with exhibitions that can keep you engaged for hours. Collections are displayed inside themed galleries: Fremantle, Indian Ocean, Cargoes, Swan River, and so on.

The museum also houses the Australia II (the yacht that won the America’s Cup) and the historic HMAS Ovens submarine. 

Fremantle’s maritime museum is part of the six Western Australian museums located in and around Perth. One other public site, the Shipwrecks Museum, is also in this town.

City of Perth Library

For bookworms who love reading for free

Address	573 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9461-3500
Opening Hours	Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rates	Free entry

It will take you a lifetime to peruse the City of Perth Library’s extensive selection of books and resources. It means it’s a convenient, free-of-charge go-to when you want to learn, read, and relax on a rainy day.

Moreover, it won’t hurt to stay at the library for hours, thanks to its beautiful interiors. You can also take a break at the library cafe or pause to revel in the ceiling art.

The library offers home delivery services. Librarians will help pick up books for you and have them delivered to you if you can’t go out due to illness, injury, or disability.

Young adults may also love the attic and Playstation terminals at the fifth level.

Can I study at Perth Library?

The City of Perth Library has study rooms on the building’s fifth level. The space is bookable for group study sessions of up to two hours.

If you’re a young adult who also has a membership card, you can book your study session via phone or in person.

2. Book an educational tour for the whole family

This tour is much like the culture trip but more family-friendly!

WA Museum Boola Bardip

Address	Perth Cultural Center, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(1300) 134-081 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Rates	Standard: $15 Concession: $10 Junior (16 years and under): Free Carer: Free

Exploring Western Australia’s diversity with children in tow is convenient today thanks to the Perth Cultural Centre, which houses the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

The museum’s exhibitions have something for various curiosities: artifacts, treasures, dinosaurs, and memorabilia. You’ll also be in awe of the massive blue whale skeleton hanging at the WA Treasures gallery.

What is the meaning of Boola Bardip?

Boola Bardip, from the Noongar language, means “many stories.” It was used as the name of the museum to depict the rich and storied history of Western Australia. 

Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA)

Address	91 Southside Dr, Hillarys, WA 6025
Contact Details	(08) 9447-7500 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rates	Standard: $19 Entry and lunch: $29 Entry and glass bottom boat: $29 Annual membership pass: $60

After looking at fossilized aquatic life at the Boola Bardip, take your family next to the modern version of the real thing at the Aquarium of Western Australia. 

On top of the overhead view of sharks, stingrays, and turtles, a regular ticket grants you access to the expansive aquarium’s 45 exhibitions. 

AQWA also offers unique experiences such as swimming with sharks and having access to restricted areas at an additional fee.

How long does it take to go through AQWA?

Most tours of the Aquarium of Western Australia can take approximately three hours. That said, the duration will still depend on you and your family, as you can explore the exhibits at your own pace.

Scitech

Address	City West Centre, Corner Railway St & Sutherland St, West Perth, WA 6005
Contact Details	(08) 9215-0700
Opening Hours	Daily: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Rates	Toddler: Free Child (4 to 17 years old): $15 Adults (18 years old+): $24 Adult concession: $16 Mini group: $63 – $72

Curious minds will delight in the various exhibitions and experiences at Scitech. Your kids wouldn’t want to miss the puppet theater, science zone, and planetarium.

Meanwhile, the highly inquisitive children can enjoy the Scitech lab.

The science museum houses a permanent gallery with over 40 interactive displays for the whole family to explore at their leisure.

Is Scitech good for adults?

Scitech is fun and engaging for both children and adults! The science museum welcomes visitors of all ages. 

The museum also has a list of recommendations that the older ones can enjoy such as the planetarium, feature exhibitions, and the Kaartadjin Koorliny gallery. 

3. Dig into a warm, hearty meal

Few things are quite as comforting as slurping down a bowl of tasty ramen, pho, or laksa on a rainy day. These popular Asian dishes are flavor-rich and filling, so you’ll get your money’s worth for each order.

Best Ramen Bowls in Perth

For ramen, joints within and near Perth CBD will give you your fill such as Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King and Ippudo, known for their premium and umami-rich bowls. Servings are pricey, though, so prepare your wallet.

The budget-friendly Hirofumiya Udon Noodle House is also a must-try if you want to experience the Japanese’s favorite comfort food, udon. 

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King

Address	33 Milligan St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9320-3333
Opening Hours	Daily: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Menu	Tonkotsu ramen: $16 – $17 Toppings: $1 – $2.50 Drinks: $3 – $4

Ippudo

Address	556 Wellington St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9324-2757 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Daily: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Menu	Ramen: $15 – $26 Toppings: $2 – $5 Chicken karaage: $6 – $9 Pork bun: $6 Grilled unagi don: $14  Beer: $9 – $12 Sake: $7 – $10 per glass Nonalcoholic drinks: $3 – $6

Best Pho in Perth

For your pho fix, it’s imperative to mention Viet Hoa. The family-owned business has been catering to Perthians for over 45 years, all while keeping the tradition of using homemade noodles and only the freshest ingredients.

Meanwhile, Sup So Good is an ideal option if you’re on a budget and want to experience the immensely popular hot stone pho.   

Viet Hoa

Address	1/349 William St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 9328-2127 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Daily: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Menu	Pho: $15.50 – $16.50 Canh chua ga (chicken sour soup): $9.20 Cha gio (fried spring roll): $8.80 Fried rice: $14 – $21 Drinks: $3 – $8.50

Sup So Good

Address	3/297 William St, Northbridge, WA 6003
Contact Details	(08) 9228-9917
Opening Hours	Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Menu	Pho: $15 – $18.80 Pho beef rib: $22.80 Stir fried noodles: $19.80 Pork soup: $15.80 – $16.80 Drinks: $7 – $9

Best Laksa in Perth

Budget-conscious eaters can order a heaping bowl of laksa without feeling guilty from The Red Chair. It’s 11 minutes from CBD, but the generous servings will make up for the travel effort. 

Meanwhile, travelers exploring the nearby coastal town Fremantle can get affordable laksa at High on 55. Servings are milder than the average bowl, perfect if you’re curious about the dish but can’t tolerate too much spiciness.

The Red Chair

Address	184 Robeky Rd, Shop 2, Subiaco, WA 6008
Contact Details	(08) 9381-3742 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Menu	Laksa: $19 Bun bo xao: $20 Rice paper rolls: $9

High on 55

Address	55 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160
Contact Details	(08) 9336-2604 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Menu	Laksa: $15.50 Pho bo: $15.50 Peranakan curry: $16 Ga Saigon: $15.50 Thai fish cakes: $9 Coffee: $4 – $5.80

4. Sink a beer or two in Perth’s breweries

No, you don’t have to drive out of town to sip beer away from home. Perth, in all its urban glory, has enough space to house fine breweries you can go to when the weather is gloomy.

Best Breweries in Perth

Bright Tank Brewing Co.

Address	100 Brown St, East Perth, WA 6004
Contact Details	(08) 9325-1745 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Drinks	Beer: $7 – $15 Wine: $11 – $12 per glass Cocktail: $16 – $20

You’ll find good beer and delightful gourmet-level food at Bright Tank Brewing Co. The pub has a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and even coffee to match your grilled veggies and beef.

The best part of dining in Bright Tank is that you have the option to let the chef choose the dishes for you. 

Boston Brewing Co.

Address	660 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park, WA 6100
Contact Details	(08) 9253-0894 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Drinks	Beer: $3 – $12 Wine: $9 – $21 per glass Cocktail: $16 – $18

If you’re willing to drive a few minutes from CBD on a rainy day, stop at Boston Brewing Co. at Victoria Park for delicious handcrafted beer and appetizing pub grub. 

The wide selection of craft beer comes with catchy names, and you can also opt for the canned variety. 

What makes the bar all the more appealing is its welcoming atmosphere and amazing staff.

Northbridge Brewing Co.

Address	44 Lake St, Northbridge, WA 6003
Contact Details	(08) 6151-6486 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Thursday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Drinks	Beer: $6.70 – $13.50 Wine: $10.50 – $11.50 Cocktail: $17 – $20

Thanks to its three-level design, Northbridge Brewing Co. can accommodate more bar-hoppers than most pubs. 

It has plenty of spaces you and your drinking buddies can get comfortable in, but we especially recommend the Skydeck which overlooks the CBD skyline. 

Apart from the usual indoor seating, you have the option to drink and dine at the pub’s alfresco area and balcony.

Also important to note: aside from burgers, pasta, and steak, the pub also has pizza and kids’ meals.

5. Shop around and score rare finds

Since it’s a rainy day and you can’t spend your cash hiking, surfing, or sunbathing on a grand villa’s deck, the next best thing to do is shop for goodies in and around Perth. 

And we’re not just talking about shopping for clothes. You can also hunt for books, records, artwork, and everything in between. Make sure you bring a list that you’ll stick with or risk overspending!

Claremont Quarter

Address	9 Bay View Terrace, Claremont, WA 6010
Contact Details	(08) 9286-5885
Opening Hours	Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This vibrant shopping center just 20 minutes from CBD is home to local and designer brands. Those who are into fashion will find the complex a haven, one that requires hours of exploring, as it houses over 120 stores.

Apart from the impressive selection, we find Claremont Quarter’s large skylights and indoor plants equally inviting.

Karrinyup Shopping Center

Karrinyup’s expansive shopping destination might just be the perfect place if you’re planning to spend a whole day away from home without using an umbrella. 

With over 290 stores, you are spoilt for choice for fashion, furniture, and fresh food finds. Moreover, you and your family can enjoy arcade games, bowling, and karaoke while at the complex (though you’d have to walk around a lot).

But we bet you’ll enjoy walking around. The complex features wide hallways, high ceilings with beautiful wooden claddings, and skylights adding natural lighting to the interior space.

Address	200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup, WA 6018
Contact Details	(08) 9445-1122
Opening Hours	Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fremantle Markets

Address	South Terrace & Henderson St, Fremantle, WA 6160
Contact Details	(08) 9335-2515
Opening Hours	Friday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Who could forget the quaint and lively Fremantle Markets? It’s a 30-minute drive from CBD, but it’s worth the travel, as you’re sure to find unique goodies from local businesses and plenty of fresh produce.

Strolling the covered area might also help uplift your mood, thanks to friendly stall owners, the community vibe, and the buskers’ performances. 

Also, consider feeling the atmosphere and reveling in the long history of the place, which served as a market for the coastal town since 1897!

How big is Fremantle Markets?

The Fremantle Markets has over 150 stalls as of writing. And not like other markets, each stall offers unique goods and rare finds, ideal for the adventurous shopper!

Planet Books

Address	636 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley, WA 6050
Contact Details	(08) 9328-7464
Opening Hours	Sunday – Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

One can claim they’re a bookworm all they want, but if you’re in Perth, we won’t believe you until you step inside Planet Books. 

After all, the inner suburb bookshop is full to the brim with fiction and nonfiction titles, so it’s unthinkable that a Perthian book nerd misses the place!

Obviously, you can spend a rainy afternoon hunting for interesting reads. Moreover, you can pause your book hunt now and then and check out the shop’s other stocks: nerdy t-shirts, quirky birthday cards, and large coffee mugs.

Safari’s Record Shack

Address	312B William St, Northbridge, WA 6003
Contact Details	(0403) 707-499 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The rain might remind you that it’s time to stock up on your jazz records, which this homey records store offers in lines and lines of racks. At Safari’s Record Shack, you can also find soul, hip-hop, electronica, and many more.

The records are mostly secondhand finds, but the shop owner, John, assures us that all are kept in good condition. John also says he knows a little of everything about each record in his growing collection, so you can consult him for recommendations.

6. Compete with your friends indoors

Those who love playing with friends and family will find Perth’s indoor games fun and challenging. We’d even bet that you will keep coming back to these places long after the rain has let up.

Zero Latency Perth

Address	248 Newcastle St, Perth, WA 6000
Opening Hours	Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Rates	Per person: $39

The interactive game spot Zero Latency Perth allows players to roam around a space the size of a tennis court while they’re clad in VR equipment. 

Depending on the game, the terrain you see through your headset can be the seashore, an abandoned factory, or the remnants of planet Earth. We’re thrilled at the level of realism the system offers, and we are sure you will feel the same.

You’d even probably forget about the rain.

Holey Moley

Address	53 Lake St, Northbridge, WA 6003
Contact Details	(08) 6271-3251
Opening Hours	Monday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00
Rates	Per person: From $19

This indoor mini golf space offers unique experiences at each hole, and you’re in for surprises as Holey Moley lets you choose among three courses. 

Expect pop culture references, flashy colors, and lots of laughter during each round. 

The activity is sure to make you hungry. Fortunately, they serve sandwiches, burgers, beer, and cocktails.

How long does it take to do nine holes at Holey Moley?

A round of nine holes at Holey Moley can take anywhere between 25 and 40 minutes. It could be faster if you’re highly skilled or if you can control laughing at and with your mates.

To keep the game going, each player is allowed a maximum of six shots per hole. 

Lumber Punks Perth

Address	131 Kensington St, East Perth, WA 6004
Contact Details	(08) 9325-2834
Opening Hours	Daily: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Rates	Standard: $45 per person Group: $40 per person Mob: $35 per peson

You are sure to forget the gloomy weather once you get the hang of axe throwing, and you will get it! Sessions at Lumber Punks start with a safety induction, training, and lessons on how to play the game to fully equip you for the real thing.

Each group has its own private lanes, so you and your friends will not worry about your axe flying off somewhere unexpected.

There’s no beer and food in-house, but Lumber Punks are partnered with a nearby brewery, distillery, and restaurant where you can grab a bite right after your session.

Escape This

Address	48 Lake St, Northbridge, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 6616-0875 | [email protected]
Opening Hours	Daily: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Rates	Per person: From $39

Thrill seekers and puzzle solvers have many rooms to conquer at Escape This, enough to keep them occupied during long rainy days.

Each escape attempt usually has a one-hour limit, which we think is just right if you’re to discuss strategies and fine-tune your group’s coordination.

Expect wizards, pirates, and ghosts to dominate the escape rooms’ themes. 

7. Watch movies and chill

Yes, we’re going out of our comfort zones Netflix and Disney+ to explore Perth’s theaters. 

It might be a rainy day, but the proximity of these movie houses to the city will make you want to reconsider the classic film viewing experience—seated at a cinema, with a bag of popcorn in hand.

HOYTS Karrinyup

Address	200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup, WA 6018
Contact Details	(08) 9466-4930
Rates	Standard cinema: $22 Xtremescreen: $27 D-BOX: $30

The modern 10-cinema house Hoyts Karrinyup has various auditoriums that will create shifts in your viewing experience the pricier your ticket is. 

Of the options, the newest and most exciting should be the D-BOX. This cinema features motion technology on your seat, allowing for a more immersive experience.

The seats are spacious and leather-made and can recline to optimize your comfort during screening. The cinema also offers a more intimate viewing, as the audience allowed in is fewer.

Luna Cinemas

Address	Luna Leederville, 155 Oxford St, Leederville, WA 6007
Contact Details	(08) 9444-4056 | [email protected]
Rates	Adult: $21 Full-time students/health care card holders: $16 Seniors/pensioners/children: $15 Cinema club card holders: $15

Luna Cinemas’ art deco building is alluring enough, but wait until you hear what’s on. 

The movie house regularly screens well-curated independent, contemporary, and classic films. It’s not surprising that many cinephiles, especially those with eclectic and refined tastes, thoroughly enjoy Luna Cinemas’ selection. 

The house also hosts film festivals, Talking Picture events, and HD-captured stage performances. 

 8. Book a staycation

You can choose to spend rainy days lying in bed or sitting on the couch, but it doesn’t have to be in your house. Perth has plenty of hotels that you can book instead.

Here are some of our picks for a Perth staycation you can check out to spare you the additional internet search. 

Best Places for a Staycation in Perth

TRIBE

Address	4 Walker Ave, West Perth, WA 6005
Contact Details	(08) 6247-3333 | [email protected]
Rates	From $190 per night

You don’t have to stray far from the city if you can book a room at TRIBE during rainy months. The boutique hotel is conveniently located close to King’s Park and surrounded by bars and restaurants.

The rooms are enticing too. You get a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks either King’s Park or the CBD skyline. 

Throw in the water droplets that rest on the glass during a soft afternoon drizzle, and you might just feel like the star in a dramatic music video.

Alex Hotel

Address	50 James St, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 6430-4000 | [email protected]
Rates	From $265 per night

After touring the Perth Cultural Center, a staycation at the nearby Alex Hotel can be a nice last stop for your rainy-day itinerary.

The rooms can accommodate solo travelers, couples, families, and friends, each having views of the city, amenities, and uber-comfortable beds. You also get a homey communal space and an on-site bar.

COMO The Treasury

Address	1 Cathedral Ave, Perth, WA 6000
Contact Details	(08) 6168-7888
Rates	From $975 per night

If you have the money, there’s no reason not to try staying in a luxury room inside a mid-19th-century building at the heart of Perth.

COMO The Treasury takes elegance, luxury, and comfort to the next level with its spacious bedrooms finished in light colors and bathed in natural light and a high-class dining scene. 

You’ll also get top-class customer service, and rightly so, as you’d want every dollar to be worth it.

Amaroo Retreat & Spa

Address	1200 Alison St, Mt. Helena, WA 6082
Contact Details	(08) 6244-4800 | [email protected]
Rates	From $475 per night

Those who don’t mind the 40-minute drive to Amaroo can take refuge in the site’s lush surroundings. 

Some may feel happier being away from the urban landscape for a while, making the retreat a perfect staycation alternative. 

Amaroo has eight luxury chalets, each furnished to perfection and offering gorgeous views of the outdoors. There’s also a day spa to pamper yourself and a semi-fine-dining restaurant that serves filling meals and tempting oyster dishes.