Not to miss

Holmes á Court Gallery

Idyllically located by the river in East Perth, the Holmes á Court Gallery hosts a changing display of works from one of Australia's finest private art collections as well as touring exhibitions. The gallery was started by the late millionaire industrialist Robert Holmes á Court in the 1970s, and today the collection comprises more than 3000 artworks.

About one-third of these are indigenous, boasting the best canvas and bark paintings by indigenous artists held in private hands; the remainder includes some of Australia's leading contemporary artworks.

Aquarium of Western Australia

Few will fail to be impressed by the Aquarium of Western Australia. Wander through a 98m underwater tunnel as turtles, stingrays, fish and sharks glide over the top of you. A series of mini-marine worlds show off the state's underwater treasures: intriguing sea dragons, seahorses, moon jellies (which billow, iridescent, through a giant cylinder), venomous fish and sea snakes. Watch stingrays and seals play in the underwater-viewing area.

But wait, there's more - the daring can snorkel or dive with the sharks in the giant aquarium with the help of the in-house divemaster.

Subiaco Oval

During the Australian Football League season it's hard to get locals to talk about anything but the two local teams - the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles - and thrashing 'the Vics' (any Victorian team is considered an arch-enemy). There's a great atmosphere during the games at Subiaco Oval.