If you’re looking for a laid-back place to spend your vacation, there’s nowhere more perfect than Perth. Western Australia’s capital city, Perth has an idyllic location: right where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, between the Indian Ocean and Nullarbor Plains. Perth’s spot on the map is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why it has such an easygoing vibe.

That being said, it’s easy to fall into the trap of visiting the most touristy places when visiting Perth. This is perfectly fine. After all, Perth is home to museums and theatres, parks and zoos, as well as amazing beaches. However, if you’re looking for something more unique to do or visit in Perth, here are some suggestions:

Drop by the Aviation Heritage Museum

Aviation is a big part of Australia’s history. Due to the vast distances between cities, air travel in the country began almost as soon as manned and powered flight was developed. Australia’s colourful aviation history is chronicled in the Aviation Heritage Museum. Here, you can learn more about the country’s civilian and military aviation. You may also join guided tours, including the inside of a Lancaster Bomber flown by the No. 460 Squadron during World War II. The Lancaster Bomber is part of the museum’s 30-piece aircraft collection.

Go on a Wildflower Tour

Western Australia is home to the most kinds of wildflowers in the world, numbering at over 12,000 unique species. Thousands of them can be seen in Perth around September to November. You can see the vivid colours and striking beauty of these blooms when you join a Perth wildflowers tour. The wildflower season starts in the Coral Coast, Goldfields, and the Pilbara, then moves south toward Perth’s botanical gardens. Make sure to book a tour with reliable companies like Casey Tours so they can bring you to the best destinations. Booking with responsible tour operators also helps preserve the beauty of the wildflowers.

Visit Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve and home to the adorable quokka, is located offshore from Perth. The island is teeming with gorgeous beaches and coves, including the Basin, Thomson Bay, and Strickland Bay. Radar Reef is also a popular site. There are also guided tours around the island, where you can see whales, seals, ospreys, and other wildlife. If you’re more of a history buff, you can join a cultural tour to delve into the island’s heritage. What’s great about Rottnest Island is that there are no cars driving around, which contributes to that hidden paradise feel.

Learn How to Play a Didgeridoo

For something truly quirky, why not learn how to play the didgeridoo? You can head on over to Fremantle and drop by Didgeridoo Breath, the largest didgeridoo store in Australia. The shop not only sells didgeridoos, they also conduct lessons for beginners to advanced players.

Go to the Old Mill

One of Perth’s most iconic landmarks is The Old Mill. Built in 1835, The Old Mill used to produce almost 700 kilograms of flour per day. When it stopped production in 1859, it has since been used as a hotel, a residence, a wine saloon, and a poultry farm. There are guided tours in The Old Mill from Tuesdays to Fridays. These tours are free and led by volunteer guides, so don’t forget to make donations to help maintain the structure. Make sure to make a booking first before dropping by since the tours can only accommodate a maximum of 70 people.

Have a Pint at Last Drop Elizabethan

Located in Bedfordale, Last Drop Elizabethan is a quaint, rustic place to have a pint of specialty beer or the pub’s homebrews. What’s interesting is that the pub’s exterior is almost an exact copy of Shakespeare’s birthplace, a half-timbered house in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. As a bonus, the pub also has beautiful well-kept grounds that are perfect for photos and a nice al- fresco lunch.

Are you ready for a Perth vacation? Make sure to add these hotels in Perth and destinations.