Perth Cultural Experiences

Cultural experiences in Perth start with the place itself: the city sits on Whadjuk Noongar country, and Noongar people call it Boorloo. Day trips from Perth bring Aboriginal creation stories and astronomy into the landscape, alongside farms, coast and wildlife. This page explains what each kind of trip covers and how to pick between them. Start from things to do in Perth for the full range.

Aboriginal creation stories on a Pinnacles day trip

The Pinnacles are limestone formations in Nambung National Park, and tours there are guided on foot. A day trip like the Pinnacles, lobster and lavender day tour adds Aboriginal creation stories of the country to the commentary, alongside the story of the limestone formations.

The route starts at the Yanchep Lavender Farm, where you can try local produce, then carries on up the coast to the Pinnacles Desert for a guided walk. Lunch is at the Lobster Shack, which costs extra. The tour leaves Perth at 9.30am on Thursday to Sunday, from the Criterion Hotel on Hay Street, in an air-conditioned mini-coach with a driver guide.

Stargazing with Aboriginal astronomy and Dreamtime stories

After dark, the story moves to the sky. The Pinnacles sunset and stargazing tour runs daily and includes commentary on the Dreamtime and Aboriginal astronomy, a picnic dinner under the stars with a glass of wine, and a telescope when the weather allows.

The day covers more than the Pinnacles. Stops include the Lancelin lookout over the sand dunes, a walk along the Hangover Bay coast and the view from Nilgen Lookout, and then sunset over the Indian Ocean at the Pinnacles. Departure from Perth is between midday and 2pm, and the return is between 9.30pm and 11pm.

The desert gets cold at night, so pack warm clothes, a jumper or windbreaker and sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Perth's waterways, wildlife and local places

Mandurah's canals and wetlands add a lighter outing to a cultural day. A cruise such as the Mandurah dolphin and canal cruise is a 75-minute trip through Mandurah's canals and inland waterways, past houseboats and yachts at the marina and wetlands with ospreys and other water birds. Around 75 to 100 bottlenose dolphins live in the waters off Mandurah, and the guides' commentary covers them.

Cruises leave from the Mandurah Cruises Jetty in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre at Mandjar Square, with sessions at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. If you'd rather spend more time on the water, browse Perth cruises.

Choosing a cultural day out from Perth

If stories and landscape are the draw, take a Pinnacles day trip. The lobster and lavender tour is the daytime version with a farm stop and a long lunch, and the sunset tour keeps you out until late for the night sky. A canal cruise is a light add-on for a morning or an afternoon.

Transport and pickups differ between trips, so check each booking page. For other days out, see Perth tours and Perth attractions.

Frequently asked questions

What cultural experiences can I do in Perth?

Cultural experiences from Perth include Pinnacles Desert day trips that share Aboriginal creation stories, stargazing tours that cover Dreamtime and Aboriginal astronomy, and cruises through Mandurah's canals and wetlands.

Is Perth on Noongar country?

Yes. Perth sits on Whadjuk Noongar country, and the Noongar name for the city is Boorloo.

Are the Pinnacles tours from Perth suitable for children?

The Pinnacles day tours from Perth are for children aged 6 and over, and they are not suitable for children 5 and under. A moderate level of fitness is needed for the walks.

What should I wear on the Pinnacles stargazing tour?

Wear all-weather layers, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the day. The Pinnacles Desert gets cold at night, so a warm jacket or windbreaker is worth packing for the stargazing.

Do the Pinnacles tours run if it rains?

Yes. The Pinnacles day tours still go ahead in rain or inclement weather unless the provider contacts you.

What days does the Pinnacles lobster and lavender tour run?

The Pinnacles, lobster and lavender day tour departs from Perth at 9.30am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Pick the story you want to hear, then book a Perth cultural experience online. If you're still choosing, Perth activities has plenty more.