Things to do in Perth when it’s raining
It’s raining, it’s pouring – but your Perth stay needn’t be boring. With wineries, museums, the aquarium and Perth Mint, there’s always plenty of things to do in Perth when it’s raining.
Aquarium of Western Australia
If you can’t beat the wet, join it at the Aquarium of Western Australia, home to Australia’s largest walk-through aquarium. Enjoy a fascinating journey encompassing WA’s 12,000-kilometre coastline as you explore more than 40 exhibits housed in a whopping four million litres of water. See seadragons and pineapple fish in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, smile at a crocodile in the tropical lagoons of the far-north coast, walk under four-metre sharks and giant stingrays in the shipwreck coast aquarium, and glimpse stingers and other marine nasties in the DANGERzone.
Perth Mint
Ever wanted to get your hands on half a million dollars’ worth of pure gold? At the Perth Mint you can, but it’s not for keeps. Tour the mint’s grand heritage building (circa 1899) and learn about its history refining gold and producing bullion and priceless coins. Handle $500,000 worth of gold bullion, see the world’s largest and most expensive coin – the Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin, valued at more than $50 million, watch a gold pour in the original melting house, and have a personalised medallion engraved as a memento of your visit.
Scitech
Channel your inner Albert Einstein with an immersive geek’s guide to science experience at Scitech. The not-for-profit organisation’s mission is to boost interest and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and it delivers in spades. Scitech is packed with interactive exhibits and high-tech displays catering to all ages. Learn how fisheries scientists count fish in the sea, see honey bees in action, play Zeus the weather god on a giant touch screen that simulates the water cycle, watch a thrilling science show, and go stargazing in the planetarium.
Swan River and Wineries
Drown your wet-weather sorrows on a winery tour and Swan River cruise. This water-borne day trip provides a great perspective of the Perth skyline – rain, hail or shine – before meandering through the scenic Swan Valley. Disembark to enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards, a decadent winery lunch and scrumptious local produce, including cheeses, chocolates and truffles. Several companies run Swan Valley winery tours and cruises, which generally include transport, on-board morning tea and lunch.
Western Australian Museum
What does $1 buy? Not much these days, but at the Western Australian Museum a gold coin donation gets you entry into a world of bison, elephants, numbats and camels. The preserved beasts are among many animals on display, alongside birds and hundreds of colourful butterflies. Take a journey through 12 billion years of history as you explore dinosaur skeleton casts, fossils, meteorites, and rocks from Mars and the moon.
Traveling to Perth with the whole family? Check out our guide to kid-friendly indoor activities in Perth.