Walk on Perth’s wild side and get a taste of life behind bars at Fremantle Prison. Built in the mid-1800s, Fremantle Prison was the site of hangings, floggings, dramatic escapes, and riots. Home to some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, the prison was closed in 1991, and began its second life in the following year as a popular tourist destination.

Urban legends about paranormal sightings in the prison persist till today, so tread with caution—if you dare, Fremantle Prison holds its Torchlight Tours on Wednesday and Friday evenings. During these twilight walks, experienced guides will unnerve you with sordid and ghastly stories from the prison’s colourful history.

The most coveted Perth souvenir is the “quokka selfie,” and no wonder, as who can resist a snapshot with the happiest animal in the world? No bigger than a cat and with the tail of a rat, the quokka is a marsupial (a mammal born incompletely developed, typically carried and suckled in a pouch on the mother’s belly), and it is part of the kangaroo and wallaby family. The best place to find quokkas is on Rottnest Island, accessible by ferry, air or boat. Find more details on your travel options from Perth.    

(If you do decide to snap a selfie with a quokka, here is a guide on the best ethical way to do so. Note that quokkas may bite people and they do not fare well eating human food.)

To mingle with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and other Australian furries, take a drive to the family-friendly Caversham Wildlife Park. (Click here for a list of animals in the park; the quokka can be found here too.) If you relish the challenge of spotting kangaroos in the wild, stake out Swan Valley, where kangaroos have been sighted at Whiteman Park.

For a more exotic option, schedule a day trip to experience life alongside wild dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, and penguins on Penguin Island, which is 45 minutes south of Perth and a 5-minute ferry ride away.

Perth isn’t a ghost town at night; in fact, the city buzzes with a variety of after-dark entertainment options. 

Start your night adventure with a bang at the Flight Club, although it's not the one you imagine. Forget fistfights, this Flight Club throws darts, not punches. High-tech darts meet a lively bar atmosphere at Flight Club, where British pub vibes mingle with playful vintage décor. Seasoned players and newbies can enjoy an engaging environment, delicious food, creative cocktails, and a welcoming ambience.

For something less action-oriented, try Rooftop Movies, an outdoor movie experience perched atop a city skyscraper. Enjoy breathtaking city views while you curl up under the starlit sky and watch a curated selection of classic and contemporary films. 

If you wish to stargaze without distractions, head to The Space Place in the town of Toodyay, about an hour’s drive from Perth. It is a privately owned observatory where night sky enthusiasts will be on hand to help you grow in your knowledge of space. A suggested itinerary is to arrive before sundown to spend time in the Cartref Park Country Gardens with a picnic basket, before proceeding to the observatory to unlock the secrets of the universe.

Get directions to Fight Club
Get directions to Rooftop Movies
Get directions to The Space Place

For a night out on the town, refer to The Urban’s List of lists, featuring the best restaurants, the best rooftop bars, the best nightclubs and even the best bowling alleys. 

You can also find recommendations from Australian sites such as Time Out and GQ Australia.