Boorloo/Perth is making a name for itself as a football destination, hosting major AFL, soccer and rugby matches this year (in addition, the Perth Bears will join the NRL in 2027 under coach Mal Meninga). The city will host two rugby union internationals, when Australia plays Italy on July 18 at HBF Park and then South Africa on September 27 at Optus Stadium, as part of the 2026 Nations Championship. 

It’s a chance for rugby fans to see the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia next October and November, with Perth as a key host city. The first match-up will be a tough one, with Italy claiming victory over Australia the last two times they met. South Africa, on the other hand, is a whole different proposition: the back-to-back world champions remain the benchmark for the international game, and they’ll mean business when they land in Perth. 

These elite games also offer an excellent opportunity to stay a few days and take advantage of what this vibrant and ever-changing city has to offer. From coastal walks to absorbing art and even a spot of astronomy, here’s what to do in Perth.

Cottesloe Beach coastal walk 

Perhaps Perth’s most famous beach, Cottesloe is known for its wide stretch of white sand, clear water and sweeping Indian Ocean views. There are plenty of ways to explore the coastline depending on how much time you have. The short route to Swanbourne Beach is ideal for anyone looking for a gentle stroll, or if you have kids in tow. For a longer stroll, the walk south to Port Beach is just under 10 kilometres return. Either way, you’re accompanied by the expanse of the Indian Ocean and the rich green of coastal scrub – not to mention Cottesloe Beach itself, a prime spot for a swim or a relaxed afternoon by the water. For pre- or post-walk sustenance, French-leaning dining awaits nearby at Gibney, alongside views out to Wadjemup/Rottnest Island on the horizon.

Rottnest Island 

A jewel in Western Australia’s tourism crown, Wadjemup/Rottnest Island can be reached via ferry from multiple locations with the closest being Walyalup/Fremantle. Once there, 63 spectacular beaches are yours to explore – either by bus, bicycle or on foot. The famous resident quokkas remain on hand for a friendly animal encounter, while you can learn about the long history of the island – a significant site for the Whadjuk Noongar peoples going back tens of thousands of years, marked by its history as a prison and forced labour camp – on visits to Wadjemup Lighthouse, Bathurst Lighthouse or the Wadjemup Museum.

The tranquillity here is about as far from a packed rugby stadium as you can get – and there are numerous dining options to check out, such as Lontara, with its menu inspired by Southeast Asia and range of specialty cocktails. 

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Also a world away from scrums and lineouts, the Art Gallery of Western Australia offers free entry to a dazzling range of artworks. The gallery’s permanent collection is particularly strong on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, while current exhibition Attachment Styles: Modes of Belonging in Modern and Contemporary Art (on until May 2027) features household Australian names including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and Hans Heysen.

The AGWA Cafe and Bar has sweets and toasties for a quick bite, but the gallery is also a short hop from vibrant Northbridge – restaurants here include No Mafia for Italian, La Cholita for Mexican or Brika for Greek, among many. 

Perth Observatory

A Wallabies win (or loss, for that matter), can be put in proper perspective with a visit to Perth Observatory and an immersion in the stars. Located to the city’s east, the observatory offers expert-led tours of the night sky with a range of telescopes, while its museum is full of historic instruments and objects, such as the rare Atlas Coelestis, or Map of the Heavens, of 1729 – the first ever star atlas to be made using telescope observations. Night Sky tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Perth Observatory is also a five-minute drive from Plume Estate, a boutique winery in the Bickley Valley. Visit for tastings that can be accompanied by a variety of small plates, all in an idyllic setting. A day at the winery and an evening at the observatory seems like an excellent use of non-rugby time. 

Fremantle Prison

Fremantle is just a 30-minute train ride from Perth CBD, where you’ll find this World Heritage site that offers a fascinating (if sobering) insight into Western Australia’s colonial past. A variety of tours are available, including one by torchlight, while an exhibition details one of Australia’s most legendary prison breaks, the Catalpa rescue. 

Fremantle has an abundance of dining options. Among the nearby restaurants is award winning Tonic & Ginger, with its inventive Southeast Asian dishes, situated in a 1902-built synagogue. A standout bar is The Odd Fellow – in another historical site, with regular live music. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.

The Wallabies play Italy on July 18 at HBF Park and South Africa on September 27 at Optus Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.