Looking to see one of the oldest cities of Perth? Come join me as I recall my trip to South Perth, located right beside the majestic Swan River.

This city’s rich history makes it special not only to tourists but to us locals. From exotic animals to colonial landmarks, South Perth’s got a long list of things I love—and I hope you will too!

Activities to Try Out in South Perth

South Perth’s got more than enough activities to offer to both its tourists and residents. 

Want to learn more about nature and history? Or do you just want to relax? 

Here are some things you should try:

• Check out the public art in Mindeerup
• See the exotic animals at the Perth Zoo
• Enjoy a picnic in Sir James Mitchell Park
• Experience colonial Australia through the Old Mill
• Reconnect with nature in Kings Park and Botanic Garden

• Travel back in time with a ride in the Ferry Tram
• See the majestic Swan River with a ferry ride from Mends Street Jetty

1. Check out the public art in Mindeerup

Address: S Perth Esplanade, South Perth WA 6151, Australia

Opening hours: Accessible 24/7

You can start your visit to South Perth with a relaxing walk through Mindeerup. This public space hosts many artworks depicting the rich indigenous heritage of the city. 

The most notable artworks on display for me are the sculptures of exotic animals you’ll see at Perth Zoo.

A fun fact I’d like to share is that back in the early 1900s, wild animals were brought here to be transported to Perth Zoo. Some of these animals wandered around Mends Street after escaping from Perth Zoo!

Most of Mindeerup’s sculptures are based on animals you will find in Perth Zoo. Some of these sculptures showcase the exotic frill-necked lizard and the state’s animal emblem, the numbat.

I’d also like to point out the artworks made by Noongar artist Yondee Shane Hansen. His works are intended to preserve and showcase the beautiful Whadjuk Noongar culture.

Please also check out Mindeerup’s Karl Kep Ngoornd-iny (Fire and Water Dreaming). This art uses the latest projection technology to tell the ancient stories of the Aboriginal people.

The show runs every evening during the months of May to September and October to April. I always visit Mindeerup at least once during these months to catch the show.

2. See the exotic animals in Perth Zoo

Address: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)

One of the most iconic places to visit in Perth, Perth Zoo was opened back in 1898 to showcase the diverse animals found within Australia and abroad.

It amazed me that Perth Zoo has more than 1,260 animals from 164 species. They even have an extensive collection of botanical species. 

I love that I can always see these animals just a bus ride away.

The current price for adult tickets is AUD 34.60, while children’s tickets are priced at AUD 17.30. The prices are fair since there are a lot of things to see and do in the zoo.

The best exhibits for me are the Australian outback experience, the Asian rainforest, and the African Savannah.

The Australian outback experience features popular Australian wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. This is always the first spot I drag my friends from overseas to so they can finally see what a koala looks like face-to-face.

Photo credit: Zooborns

Visitors can also enjoy a mini-tour of the past thanks to Perth Zoo’s Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail features the original buildings of Perth Zoo which have stood since the zoo’s opening in 1898.

Don’t forget to buy a souvenir you can proudly show off to social media and your friends back home. I always keep the koala plushie I bought here on my bed.

3. Enjoy a picnic in Sir James Mitchell Park

Address: Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia

Opening hours: Accessible 24/7

Time to check out one of my favourite picnic spots in the city, Sir James Mitchell Park. Stretching across the banks of Swan River, this park is perfect not only for lunch but for hosting events and functions as well.

It’s got a wide range of activities and venues including a barbecue spot, a beach, playgrounds, gazebos, and more. My friends and I love to sit near the river.

If you’re not a fan of picnics, then you can experience good food at the numerous cafes that are scattered along the sides of the park.

We’re happy to say that the park is completely accessible to handicapped people. All pathways are wheelchair friendly, and they also have PWD parking and toilets available.

Because the park is located on the banks of Swan River, I always enjoy a great view of the river and Perth’s skyline. The park’s viewing deck visitors is one of my recommended spots if you’re looking for a new profile picture for your social media.

4. Experience colonial Australia through the Old Mill

Address: Melville Pl, South Perth WA 6151, Australia

Opening hours:

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (TUES-FRI)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (SAT and SUN)

Closed on MON

One of the oldest buildings in Perth, the Old Mill had been restored to its 1830s condition. Tourists, especially history buffs will have the chance to see what architecture was like back in Australia’s colonial period.

My visit here was great. The tour guide explained to my group in detail how flour was made back then. 

The last time I visited Old Mill, the guided tours can host up to 70 people through the building every Tuesday to Sunday.

It costs AUD 36 per person to enter the Old Mill’s Education Centre and AUD 51 per person to enter the actual mill itself. I’d say the price isn’t bad because Old Mill is a really cool spot to visit due to its history.

Don’t forget to try out the future with RAC’s Intellibus service. This driverless shuttle service wowed me the first time I rode it. 

It takes the scenic route from the hub of South Perth Esplanade to the Old Mill and back.

However, passengers must pre-register because these driverless shuttles are so popular among visitors. I was lucky to try it out back when it was still relatively new and not yet too popular.

5. Reconnect with nature in Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Address: Fraser Avenue, Kings Park WA 6005

Opening hours: Accessible 24/7

Alright, time to introduce you to the pride of locals—the Kings Park and Botanic Garden. This park is home to a wide collection of flora that’s endemic to Western Australia. 

It’s managed by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and not by any local governments in Perth.

However, South Perth is one of the closest cities to Kings Park (South Perth is right across the Swan River) which is why I’d like to include it here. 

Kings Park in itself is awesome, but what I really love about it is the botanical garden. I am still amazed every time I visit this garden with its blooming flowers and sprawling plant life. 

Other notable landmarks you can see in Kings Park are the State War Memorial, dedicated to brave veterans, and the DNA Tower, which lets you see a spectacular view of the whole park.

The best part about Kings Park is that entrance is totally free. I love spending an entire afternoon exploring this huge park without having to spend a single dime.

However, they also have a gallery shop available if you want to buy souvenirs and support the maintenance of Kings Park.

Shows and events are also regularly held in this park. I recommend you visit near dusk so you’ll be able to explore the park at a cooler temperature and hopefully catch an event or concert to watch.

6. Travel back in time with a ride in the Ferry Tram

Address: Cnr Mends Street and Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia

Opening hours:

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (THURS – SUN)

Closed on MON, TUES, and WED

Before the Ferry Tram exhibit opened, I only knew about the old trams based on the stories told by my grandmother. But now, I can see one for myself with the restored B-class tram which you can find at the corner of Mends St. and Mill Point.

The featured tram originally ran on the line running through Mends Street starting from the Mends Street Jetty and ending at Perth Zoo.

Unfortunately the tram itself is no longer functional, but the Perth Electric Tramways Society has restored it to its former beauty to showcase the history of tramways in Perth.

You might be wondering if you’ll have the chance to ride the tram itself. The answer is yes, but too bad it’s only on specific days. 

The tram is open to guests from Thursdays to Sundays, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

The tram still has most of its controls intact. Kids will especially love to have a chance to try out the tram controls and pretend that they’re driving an important relic of the past.

Have I ever tried playing with the tram’s controls myself? I will unashamedly answer that with a resounding yes!

7. See the majestic Swan River with a ferry ride on Mends Street Jetty

Address: Mends Street Jetty, South Perth WA, Australia

Opening hours: Dependent on a daily timetable

Now I’ll share with you how I like to end my visits to South Perth. I do it by visiting Mends Street Jetty, one of the oldest jetties in Perth which welcomes hundreds of travellers every day.

It currently has a ferry service operating on a single route between Mends Street Jetty and the Elizabeth Quay Jetty. This ferry ride lasts for 10 minutes and costs AUD 2.07 per person.

This ferry ride provides another option for the residents of Perth to travel between the northern and southern sections of the city. I always try to use it whenever I can, especially on days when the traffic is bad.

Tourists will appreciate this ferry ride, especially during the night as the Swan River reflects the lively night lights of Perth.

A great thing about Mends Street Jetty is that the ferry ride is just a part of the experience. The restaurants and bars in the area are one of the best hangout spots for me and my friends.

It’s also right beside Mindeerup. Ferry riders will be greeted by the impressive sculptures of Mindeerup like the frill-necked lizard.

With great restaurants and easy access to most of South Perth’s top destinations, you’ll come to appreciate the warm welcome Mends Street Jetty provides to its visitors.