Summer in Perth is a long, hot season, and that can mean coming up with a lot of ideas to keep the kids entertained over time – preferably without a large strain on your wallet.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite penny-pinching Perth activities, taking full advantage of the culture, history and beautiful surroundings, to get you inspired for the rest of summer.
1. Mosey around the museums
This summer, all WA museums are free – so if you’ve been keen to visit Perth spots like the WA Museum Boola Bardip, or the WA Maritime Museum, be sure to do it before March 31, 2025. This is a great option for when it gets too hot to stay outside for long, but cabin fever is setting in at home.
You can find accessibility information about Western Australian Museum’s various campuses by visiting their website. If you have any concerns or need additional help, you can contact the museum before your visit.
Note: While general admission has no cost during this time, some experiences continue to have an additional fee (like The Great Kimberley Wilderness VR experience). If there is a particular activity or experience you would like to do, check the details before you head out in case fees apply.
2. Head to the beach
Many of our wonderful Perth beaches have free-hire beach wheelchairs. Popular areas include:
- Fremantle beaches –
- Leighton Beach (key from The Orange Box Cafe)
- Bathers Beach (key from WA Shipwrecks Museum)
- South Beach (key from South Beach Café)
- Cockburn – Ngarkal Beach (apply through the City of Cockburn)
- Cambridge – City Beach (from City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club)
- Cottesloe – main beach (from Surf Life Saving shed, beneath Indiana’s)
…And plenty of other splash-worthy spots, whether you’re based NOR or SOR! You can find more locations by searching on SpacetoCo, WheelEasy, or by checking with the local council or Surf Life Saving Club to see if accommodations are available.
Be sure to book in advance – while the hire is free, there is usually limited availability for beach wheelchairs. It’s first in, best dressed.
3. Enjoy Perth Festival's free offerings
Perth’s annual celebration of art, culture, and entertainment has plenty of free events on the bill. For family-friendly, accessible options, we’d suggest checking out:
Karla Bidi
An illuminated pathway you can view from sunset at any of 11 sites along the Swan River. There’s no tickets for Karla Bidi, and you can linger as long or as little as you like – it’s the perfect spot to slow down and take it all in with the family.
While not specifically stated as such, there are locations on the list which are wheelchair accessible with flat, easy paths – for example, JH Abrahams Reserve in Crawley. Be sure to check the list for the spot that best suits your needs.
Casa Musica
For something a little more lively, try the sonic sensation of Casa Musica. This wheelchair accessible, free event runs Wednesday to Sunday (7 Feb – 2 March) from 8pm. You can relax and enjoy the music, or get some food or drink from vendors – or people watch, as this vibrant spot will draw plenty of other listeners
4. Check out Northbridge Piazza
Perth’s first permanent screen is open 24/7. You can go to Northbridge Piazza any time and set up for whatever film, performance, or installation is currently happening.
The venue’s main entrance is accessible for wheelchairs. This is a fairly rustic venue – it’s BYO everything, so make sure you’ve got all your picnic essentials.
While there’s no designated accessibility parking on site, there are five disability parking spaces available in the nearby City of Perth Parking (CPP) on Roe Street, and another one available in the CPP at James Street.
There’s plenty to do this summer in Perth!
It’s always great to be able to enjoy something without immediately getting out your wallet; luckily, summer in Perth is stacked with the best our fair city has to offer.
Whether you’re taking in our history, relaxing by the Indian Ocean, or checking out the performances on offer, you’ll have plenty of options to keep the family busy this season.
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