The Best Free Things To Do In Perth This Summer

There are countless reasons why you might be on a budget – whether you’re saving your pennies for a big purchase, had an unexpected expense pop up, or you’d simply like to save for a rainy day. But that’s no reason you can’t have some fun in the sun, and luckily there’s plenty to keep you busy through the warmer months.

Cruise Around On A Free Bike Ride Through Freo

Thanks to the City of Fremantle’s Free Wheeling Fremantle initiative, you can really enjoy the magic of the Port City on a summer’s day. Pop into the Fremantle Visitor Centre in Kings Square to pick up a bike – it’s free to hire for adults and teenagers (with a refundable deposit) – and you’ll be feeling the wind in your hair in no time! Plus, the Visitors Centre can also hook you up with free wifi, so you can check out our favourite coffee in Freo while you’re there.

Get Inspired With Some Art

We’re lucky enough to have a number of cultural institutions that are right in the centre of our city, and freely available to all. The Art Gallery of Western Australia has undergone a huge redevelopment, continuing to champion Australian artists of every discipline. Just across the way, you’ll find PICA,  housing an impressive program of multi-disciplinary, boundary-pushing contemporary art. Both have free entry – plus, you’ll be in pleasing proximity to neighbouring Picabar’s $5 schooners on Tuesdays, just saying…

Spend The Day Snorkelling And Swimming Around Shoalwater Marine Park

It seems like a no-brainer, but if you want to enjoy Perth in the summer on a budget: you gotta head to the beach! Just off Rockingham you’ll find a playground for marine life of all shapes and sizes, including big mammals like sea lions and dolphins to go with an abundance of fish, stingrays and maybe the odd penguin. If you head at the right time of year, you might even catch some migrating Hammerhead Sharks! The limestone reefs occupy fairly shallow waters, so are suitable for snorkelers of all ages, just make sure to get in before the wind does.

Go for a Cruise Along Zig Zag Scenic Drive

Gooseberry Hill’s scenic Zig Zag Drive offers some views of the Swan Coastal Plain that are unparalleled. It’s a steep, almost-3km one-way drive that winds down a very narrow road, with plenty of hairpin turns and dynamic changes of scenery around every corner. Borrow your mate’s ute, chuck a cushion or two in the back and you’ve got yourself a private dinner party with a million dollar view and all the creature comforts from home – romantic!

Do Some Free Yoga Outside

If you need to get moving while achieving tranquility, you can also utilise one of the many free yoga classes around Perth. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced yogi, qualified teachers will lead you through a class of yoga techniques, breathing exercises and meditation – all while you’re enjoying some sunshine! With everything provided, you won’t even need to bring a mat.

Bask In The Sunset With A Beach Picnic

One of the highlights of our amazing  coast is watching a sunset over the water – especially if you’ve got a wine in your hand and a picnic to go with it. City Beach and Scarborough both have ample grassed areas to sprawl out, with some excellent fish and chips options nearby if you want to spring for minimum chips. Whether it’s date night or an impromptu post-work swim, it’s magic.

Take In Tunes At Freo Arts Centre’s Sunday Music Sessions

WA is home to some truly world-class musical acts, but sometimes you just can’t swing the budget for that gig ticket… One of our favourite, low-key and wallet-friendly ways to take in the local talent is at Freo Arts Centre’s long-running Sunday Music series. Pack a picnic and set up camp under the plane trees and enjoy some of our state’s best musicians. Make sure you pop into the gallery and check out the latest exhibition, too. The best thing, entry is free!

Lap It Up By The Water At Lake Leschenaultia

Named after the stunning blue wildflower, Lake Leschenaultia is a year-round favourite. On a warm summer’s day you’ve gotta have a swim and splash your way to the pontoon to soak up the sun. Plus, you can set up a blanket on the white sandy beaches and fire up the barbie for lunch! There’s heaps to explore on land, too – like the surrounding walking trails, permanent orienteering course, geocaching and mountain bike trails in the area.

Take A Hike Through Bold Park And Hit The Coastal Plain’s Highest Peak At Reabold Hill

Bold Park is one of the largest remaining bushland remnants you can see in the metro area, and a huge conservation area. If you’re feeling up for a hike, you can park at the base and walk up one of the trails, which feature some pretty interesting information about the park’s history as a limestone quarry and camel quarantine. But if you’re short on time (or short of breath), you can drive up to the top of Reabold Hill and take in the ocean and city views from the summit lookout. Nearby is a trail to the ocean lookout, which is particularly worth a look onto the shimmering water in the late arvo. Watch out for snakes!