13 'wintery' things to do in Perth this winter

By: Lisa Cook

Forget hibernating this winter – get out and embrace Perth’s coolest time of year. Rug up and bring your sense of adventure.

While winters in Perth are relatively mild compared to the rest of the world, the cooler temperatures are a great excuse to don a winter coat and make some fun ‘wintery’ plans.

There’s plenty to do even on the rainy days when motivation to jump off the couch may be non-existent. If you’ve exhausted your usual list of go-to winter activities such as the movies and ten-pin bowling, here are some of the best ‘wintery’ indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy around Perth.

1. Go chasing waterfalls on a hike

One of the best things about winter is it usually means more water flowing through our rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Luckily, there’s no shortage of walking trails in the Perth Hills to soak in the scenic views resulting from recent rainfall.

Take a short climb to the top of the impressive Sixty Foot Falls in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve for spectacular views of the city, and do the full 2.1km loop back past the old Barrington Quarry. For a longer trail, head to one of Perth’s top picnic spots, Serpentine Falls. After viewing the main attraction, follow the 7km Kitty’s Gorge walk trail to see wildflowers, kangaroos, smaller falls and beautiful bushland.

Another picturesque place for a picnic and a river-side stroll is Bells Rapids Falls, a 40min drive from Perth, located in Brigadoon. Choose from a series of trails of different levels, and bring your dog along for the adventure.

Cost: Free

2. Heat up with a hot chocolate tasting

Pull on a cosy cardigan or jumper and take an indulgent day trip to the Swan Valley in search of their finest hot chocolate.

It’s near-impossible to leave the Margaret River Chocolate Company empty-handed. Take your tastebuds on a sensory tour with their free tastings before you grab a seat in their Chocolate Cafe and try one of their drinking chocolate flavours, ranging from smooth original to Aztec Spice. To deepen your love affair, book into a Junior Chocolatier Class, the ultimate chocolate-making adventure for kids and adults.

Be tempted by more than just coffee and cake at WA’s oldest chocolate company, Whistlers. Witness their extravagant chocolate sculptures expertly crafted by their in-house chocolatier and browse their displays stocked with everything from handmade honeycomb to fresh, gooey fudge.

Round out your chocolatey trail with a visit to Mondo Nougat. Treat yourself to their decadent special: the ‘Mondo Nougat Deluxe Hot Chocolate’ and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the nougat factory from their viewing area.

Cost: Prices vary. The Margaret River Chocolate Company Junior Chocolatier class is $58.50.

3. Lace up your ice skates

Ice, Ice, Baby. Swap your regular shoes for blades and hit the rink for some frosty fun at one of Perth’s two premier ice skating playgrounds, Perth Ice Arena and Cockburn Ice Arena. Test your balance and skills on the ice in a regular open session or if you have kids in tow, book in for a special school holiday or themed session.

For some fun on wheels, unleash your inner child and try out Perth’s only Ice Bykes (drift trikes).

Once you’re done on the ice, warm up with a hot drink from one of the on-site cafes and watch your fellow skaters glide around the rink.

RAC members save on ice skating packages at Cockburn Ice Arena.

Cost: Prices vary, starting from $12 for children.

4. See Lightscape and stay in a tiny cabin at Kings Park

See Kings Park in a whole new light at the internationally acclaimed Lightscape. From 7 June to 28 July, the tree canopies will be glittering with lights, and the lawns will be peppered with glowing light tunnels and enormous illuminated flowers. Rug up and head down to see the spectacle after dark.

Level up your love of Kings Park's natural beauty, with a stay in one of Heyscape's tiny cabins. Located at the DNA Tower, Dryandra Lookout and Balga carparks, the cabins offer uninterrupted views of the Swan River and city skyline. Picture waking up to the sounds of birds and nature - a rare chance to spend the night in such an iconic location.

The three cabins are available in Kings Park from 7 June to 28 July.

RAC members save 10% on all Heyscape cabins.

5. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting

Embrace your adrenaline-seeking side with a paddle adventure along the Avon River within the Walyunga National Park. Hire a kayak and soak in the stunning scenery as you navigate your way down the river, before tackling the rushing waters of Bells Rapids, best known for the iconic Avon Descent white water race.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, warm up with a bowl of hot soup or a post-paddle picnic.

For a half-day guided experience, join a Thrill Experiences rafting ride, or for something a little more relaxing, jump on a Swan Valley Kayak Tour.

Cost: Prices vary, from $79.

6. Defrost in a seaside sauna

It’s official – community saunas are on trend. When you’re craving a trip to the coast but it’s too chilly for an ocean dip, warm up at one of Perth’s many new-ish pop-up saunas only metres from the sand. Get your sweat on while you soak in Indian Ocean views from the comfort of the four heated walls. Some even have ice baths or ice showers for those brave enough to take the frosty plunge.

These seaside sauna boxes can be found dotted along the coastline between South Fremantle to Hillarys, with Alchemy Saunas and The Neighbourhood Sauna two favourites of regular sauna-goers.

Cost: From $20

7. Jump on a whale watching cruise

Western Australia is one of the best places in the world to witness the wonders of whale watching. It’s home to the largest whale migration in the Southern Hemisphere, known as the Humpback Highway. Between late August and November, you can spot Humpbacks heading south past the coastline back to Antarctica, some of them with newborn calves swimming by their side.

The best way to get up close to these gentle giants is to jump on a whale watching tour. There are several tour operators in WA, including Whale Watching Hillarys and Whale Watch Western Australia in Perth, and Naturaliste Charters in the South West.

RAC members save on whale watching tours with Naturaliste Charters.

Cost: Prices starting from $75

8. Go on a stargazing adventure

Take advantage of clear skies and enjoy unspoiled views of the spectacular Milky Way and solar system, at some of Perth’s best stargazing spots.For a unique stargazing experience, take a drive just over two hours north of Perth to the star-studded desert of The Pinnacles, located in the Nambung National Park. You may have visited the Pinnacles during the day, however it’s a magical new experience at night.

Add a night visit to the Gingin Discovery Centre and Observatory to your stargazing list, where you can stare at the night sky through their state-of-the art telescopes or join a unique Aboriginal Astronomy session.

If you’re a budding astrophotographer or curious about the universe, hop on a night sky tour at the Perth Observatory in Bickley Valley.

For a stargazing experience a little closer to home that’ll still make you feel miles away, visit Scitech’s interactive dome planetarium. RAC members save 9% on entry and memberships to Scitech.

Cost: Prices vary

9. Get lost in history at a museum

What better way to spend a rainy day than delving into WA’s rich history?

Deepen your understanding of WA’s rich cultural and natural heritage as you wander through the galleries and exhibitions at Perth’s award-winning WA Museum Boola Bardip. Keep an eye on their website for special events and limited-time exhibitions.

Discover the fascinating history of Australia’s oldest shipwrecks along our rugged coast at the WA Shipwrecks Museum or browse through the treasures from WA’s maritime past at the WA Maritime Museum.

Cost: Prices vary.

10. Get spooked at Perth’s most haunted places

There’s something about a cold, dark, rainy night that makes visiting spooky old buildings even creepier. If you’re feeling brave, take an umbrella and check out the Kenwick Pioneer Cemetery or wander through Australia’s oldest crematorium at the Woodman Point Quarantine Station.

To hear some sinister stories from a place that housed WA’s murderers in the 19th century, explore the Fremantle Prison on a Torchlight Tour at night. If you’re in the mood for ghost-hunting, jump on a Midland Town Hall ghost tour and learn about the equipment used in paranormal investigations.

Cost: Prices vary.

11. Take yourself on an op shop trail

When you can’t be outdoors, embark on a budget-friendly adventure inside Perth’s best op shops. See what hidden treasures you can find and winter wardrobe bargains you can score as you browse the racks and shelves of the second-hand stores.

If you don’t want to travel far, head to an op shop strip where you can dodge the rain and duck in and out of a mix of shops. Check out suburbs including Cannington, Balcatta, Belmont, Osborne Park, Willetton and Fremantle for your one-stop op shop destinations.

Cost: Free, unless you make a purchase.

12. Go hot air ballooning in the Avon Valley

One of the only things worth getting out of bed for on a chilly winter morning is floating over the picturesque Avon Valley in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As a regular host of the National Ballooning Championships, Northam is the ultimate destination for hot air ballooning in WA.

Experience the serenity and countryside views from the comfort of your balloon basket as you drift along with the breeze. Don’t forget to wear a beanie and warm clothes, as your adventure begins just before sunrise. After your exhilarating ride above the clouds, enjoy a champagne breakfast while you revel in the memories just made high up in the sky.

Cost: From $345

13. Have an in-car picnic with a view

When the weather is on the wilder side, jump in the car and go for a cruise to one of Perth's most scenic spots. Make your way to the coast to find a spot to watch the surf, or head to the hills for the best views of the city skyline.

Pack a picnic or pick up a takeaway and find a place to park up so you can soak in the views from the cosy comfort of your car.

Cost: Free

Image credit: Experience Perth Hills