Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Trying to get a good feel for Perth without wasting precious time or money? This hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible way to see many of the city’s highlights in just a couple of hours. With a generally positive rating of 4.0/5 from over 450 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it a useful, enjoyable way to get acquainted with Perth’s diverse attractions—whether you’re on a tight schedule or just want a relaxed overview.

We especially appreciate that the tour allows you to customize your experience, hop on and off at your leisure, and learn about the city through multilingual audio commentary. However, some reviews mention that the audio could be more comprehensive, and diversions or roadwork may sometimes limit access to certain sights. This tour is best suited for those who want a cost-effective, guided overview with flexibility, especially if you’re visiting Perth for the first time or have limited time to explore.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Hop on and off at 15+ stops around Perth, tailored to your interests.
• Value for Money: At just $33.90, it’s an affordable way to see major sights and get a feel for the city.
• Comprehensive Commentary: Multilingual audio guides provide insights into Perth’s landmarks and history.
• Scenic Routes: Pass by Kings Park, Swan River, Bell Tower, and more, with some reviewers noting stunning views from the upper deck.
• Practical Details: Buses run every hour, with a full circuit taking about two hours.
• Limitations: Audio commentary could be more detailed, and sometimes road diversions affect the route.

A Close Look at the Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins conveniently at 3 Barrack Street, with multiple scheduled departures starting at 9:15 am. The buses are double-deckers, which is a highlight for many, offering panoramic views of Perth’s streets and landmarks. You’ll find most travelers enjoying the fresh air on the upper deck—even in cooler weather, as one reviewer noted, the excitement over the city’s sights makes it worthwhile.

According to reviews, the buses are clean, comfortable, and run smoothly, with drivers generally described as friendly and helpful. Several guests appreciated that the audio commentary was available in a wide variety of languages—including French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, and Hindi—which enhances accessibility for international visitors.

How It Works: Hop-On, Hop-Off Flexibility

The main appeal of this tour is the freedom to hop on and off at numerous stops. You can decide whether to stay on for the entire two-hour loop or get off, explore, and rejoin later. This flexibility is perfect if you want to focus on specific sights, such as Kings Park or the Swan River waterfront. The full circuit lasts approximately two hours, but many guests use their tickets to explore at their own pace.

One reviewer mentioned that doing the full circuit first helps to decide where to hop off, a smart strategy. Others noted that the hourly stops mean you can plan your visit around your preferred attractions, like the Perth Mint, Stadium, or shopping precinct.

Notable Stops and What You Can Expect

• Kings Park: Often described as the highlight, Kings Park offers stunning views of the Swan River and Perth’s skyline. Reviewers agree that the drive through the park is beautiful, with some noting that they could easily spend more time there exploring the gardens and scenic outlooks. The Wadjuk Way Kings Park stop is inside the park, allowing easy access.

• Perth City Center: Stops at Hay Street, Murray Street, and the Perth Cultural Centre give you a chance to explore shopping, museums, and the arts scene. Several reviews highlight the Victorian Gothic architecture of the Town Hall and the Perth Mint, just a short walk from some stops.

• Optus Stadium and Burswood: The Perth Stadium bus stop is near the famous sports venue, with many appreciating the chance to see the landmark from the bus and learn about the local sports culture. However, some guests note that due to city road closures or events, certain areas like WACA or stadium entrances might not always be accessible.

• Botanic Gardens and Swan River: The tour passes by several natural spots, with the Botanic Gardens showcasing over 3,000 plant species. Reviewers have enjoyed the peaceful scenery and the chance to snap photos of wildflowers and water views from the upper deck.

• Shopping & Entertainment: Stops at Watertown Outlet Centre and Crown Perth Food Court are perfect for those wanting to combine sightseeing with some retail therapy or a relaxed meal.

Audio Commentary and Educational Value

The on-board commentary enriches the experience, especially for first-time visitors. It covers Perth’s major sights and historical tidbits in multiple languages, making the city’s stories accessible to many travelers. One reviewer appreciated the children’s channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo, which kept younger visitors entertained.

However, some users felt that the commentary could be more detailed; for example, older buildings like the Police Court (built in 1897) were not extensively discussed. Still, most agree that the audio offers a good overview, helping you make informed decisions about where to hop off.

The Practicalities: Cost, Timing, and Comfort

At $33.90 per person, this tour offers a good budget-friendly option compared to private guided tours or full-day excursions. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, giving you flexibility if you want to explore on multiple days or revisit specific spots.

Buses operate between 9:15 am to 5 pm, with departures every hour. This scheduling means you won’t be waiting too long when you want to hop back on, and you can plan your day around the stops you’re interested in. Most reviews mention that the buses are well-maintained, and the group size feels manageable, making the experience comfortable and not overly crowded.

Caveats and Considerations

While the tour offers excellent value, a few reviewers pointed out some limitations. For example, road diversions or temporary closures (like the WACA or stadium access) can affect the route, leaving some sights out of reach. One guest even noted that the stops at hourly intervals can sometimes feel too long—30-minute intervals might be preferable for those eager to see more.

The audio commentary, while helpful, could benefit from more depth, especially for history buffs wanting detailed stories. Also, the lack of hotel pickup and entrance tickets means you’ll need to plan your other arrangements separately.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off bus tour suits travelers who value flexibility and affordability. It’s ideal for those with limited time in Perth who want a quick, guided overview, or for families with kids that enjoy open-top bus rides and interactive commentary. If you appreciate seeing major landmarks from a comfortable vantage point without the hassle of driving or navigating city streets, this is a great choice.

However, if you’re seeking in-depth historical stories or intend to visit specific attractions that require tickets, you might want to supplement this experience with additional tours or visits.

The Sum Up

The Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to get to know the city’s top sights at your own pace. It provides excellent value for money, especially considering the flexibility to hop on and off at numerous stops, explore at your leisure, and enjoy bilingual commentary. The scenic routes through Kings Park, along Swan River, and past iconic landmarks make it a memorable introduction for first-time visitors.

While some might find the audio commentary could be more detailed and occasional route diversions frustrating, the overall experience is friendly, comfortable, and accessible. It’s particularly well-suited for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a relaxed overview without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Perth’s highlights and get a feel for the city’s vibe, this tour is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the open-top bus ride is generally enjoyed by all ages. The children’s audio channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo adds extra fun for the kids.

How long does the full circuit take?
Approximately two hours if you stay on the bus without hopping off. You can also hop on and off to explore specific sights at your own pace.

Can I hop off and rejoin the same bus later?
Yes, your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, so you can explore an attraction and then catch another bus later.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
The provided data doesn’t specify accessibility features, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for detailed info.

What languages are the audio commentary available in?
The commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi.

Does the tour include entrance fees to attractions?
No, entrance tickets to attractions like Kings Park or the Botanic Gardens are not included. You’ll need to pay separately if you wish to go inside.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour unless specified. You may want to plan for meals at stops like Crown Perth or Watertown Outlet Centre.

What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, water, and an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain. The upper deck can get hot or windy depending on the weather.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
Booking can be made online, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

This Perth hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a balanced mix of convenience, affordability, and scenic exploration. Whether you’re just passing through or taking your time to soak in the city’s vibe, it’s an experience that helps make your visit memorable.