Whether you’re in Perth for business or pleasure, take the time to explore the city properly — and few things frame a visit better than the Swan River Perth itself. If you arrange budget car rental at Perth Airport before you arrive, you can drive yourself straight to your hotel and explore the city at your own pace for the rest of your stay.
Below is a short list of some of the best local attractions, split by which side of the river they sit on. Crossing over is easy — plenty of bridges span the river through the city centre — so dividing your visit into days spent north and days spent south is a fun, simple way to structure your trip. If you’re arranging car hire in Perth ahead of time, make sure your package includes satellite navigation, or pick up a local map at the airport so you can find your way around easily.
Swan River Perth: 4 Top Picks North and South
North of the River
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden — Looking directly over the river, this green oasis gives visitors and locals alike a place to escape the hustle of the city. About two-thirds of the park is left as natural bush, with the rest made up of formal areas like the Acacia Garden, the Place of Reflection, and a lovingly tended water garden. Kings Park’s official site has current opening hours and events.
- St Mary’s Cathedral — About a kilometre east of the park, this Gothic cathedral took three centuries to complete. If you want to learn more about the cathedral’s history, tours run at 10:30am every Tuesday.
South of the River
- Perth Zoo — Directly across the river from Kings Park, home to native species like kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and Tasmanian devils, alongside global favourites like lions, giraffes and orangutans.
- Aviation Heritage Museum — Dozens of planes and thousands of artefacts, sure to capture the attention of children and adults alike. Visiting with a group of friends? Look into our 8-seater SUV hire and share the ride there and back.
Organising Your Swan River Perth Itinerary
Whether you follow our suggestions above or tackle the city a completely different way, we’re happy to answer any questions when you’re organising your itinerary. We’re always glad to share our local knowledge with customers, to help you get the most out of your Perth car rental.