Walk John Forrest National Park in winter or spring

Subiaco sits just west of the CBD and feels like a village, with cafes, boutiques, pubs and a strong theatre and arts scene. It is a quieter base than the city centre and close to Kings Park. The trade-off is fewer big attractions within walking distance, so plan on a short train or bus ride for sightseeing.

The Round House in Fremantle was built around 1830 and is described as the oldest surviving public building in Western Australia. Volunteer guides look after the building, fire the time gun and drop the time ball each day. Visit around midday for the ritual, take in the views over the harbour and the Indian Ocean, and…

The Art Gallery of Western Australia stands in the Perth Cultural Centre and offers free general entry, with a voluntary donation at the door. Its State Art Collection includes Aboriginal art, and special exhibitions may charge a fee. Begin with the First Nations displays, remember the gallery stands on Whadjuk…

The Perth Royal Show takes over Claremont Showground each year around the spring school holidays, in the last week of September or the first week of October. It runs for about eight days with farm animals, rides, showbags and fireworks each night. Go on a weekday, take the train to the showground and set a showbag…

The Twilight Food Market fills Forrest Place in the city centre on Friday evenings through the warm months, usually from October to April. Expect street food from many countries, live local music and free entry. Go hungry and early, share a few dishes, and check the season dates before you plan, because the run can…

The Ellington Jazz Club on Beaufort Street has live shows most nights, from jazz and blues to album launches. Look at the All Shows page, book the night you want and add a pizza from the bar. It is a good plan for a quiet evening away from the pub circuit, and it is easy to reach on foot from the northern end of the…

The Rosemount Hotel on Fitzgerald Street is a mid-size live music pub that has hosted acts such as Tame Impala and Dinosaur Jr. Check the What's On page for the week, because the line-up mixes touring bands, tribute nights and DJ sessions in the renovated backyard. Eat before the show, since the pub menu is on and the…

The Subi Farmers Market sets up on Saturday mornings at Subiaco Primary School, with strawberries, fresh bread and breakfast stalls. It suits a slow morning in one of the city's most local-feeling suburbs. Arrive early for the best choice and pair it with a coffee on the nearby streets before heading to Kings Park.