Which Perth Historical Tours To Choose? We Rank The 9 Best

Perth combines a fascinating mix of old and new, making it a fantastic city for history lovers and curious travelers alike. Thanks to its mix of colonial architecture, Aboriginal sites, and modern art scenes, there’s plenty to explore on foot or by day trip. We’re especially fond of Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More! for its personalized storytelling, and from Perth: Wave Rock and York Cultural Tour with a Guide for a full day immersed in natural wonders and historic towns. These tours offer authentic insights and memorable moments, perfect for travelers who want to see the city beyond the typical tourist spots.

Perth’s history isn’t just confined to its city streets. Day trips like the Wave Rock and York Cultural Tour or the Full-Day Wave Rock & Historic York take you into the wilds and outback, revealing spectacular geological formations and early settlements. Meanwhile, cultural explorations such as Fremantle’s historic sites and the Perth Mint showcase Perth’s trading past and gold rush legacy. For a mix of history and fun, Rottnest Island’s train and tunnel tour offers a peek into wartime defenses combined with island charm.

1. Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More!

At number 1, this Discover Perth Walking Tour is a favorite for its relaxed pace and personalized approach. It lasts about 3 hours, starting in the heart of the city, and is perfect if you want a flexible introduction to Perth’s layout and stories. Your guide will share fun anecdotes, local recommendations, and insights into Perth’s street art, historic precincts, and recent developments—making it ideal for first-timers or those who want to get their bearings early. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point near public transport makes it easy to fit into any schedule.

What makes this tour stand out is the engaging storytelling combined with practical tips. Reviewers mention guides like Alex who are passionate and knowledgeable, answering questions with ease and offering suggestions for places to eat and explore afterward. It ends at Barrack Square, close to many attractions, making it easy to continue your exploration. The $51.64 price offers great value for a personalized, immersive experience.

Bottom Line: For an easy, friendly introduction to Perth’s streets, art, and stories, this tour offers a perfect mix of local insights and cultural highlights.

2. Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Sights + More!

This Discover Perth Walking Tour is slightly shorter and rated 4.9 by 174 reviews. It’s a lively overview that highlights Perth’s architecture, laneways, riverside parks, and vibrant neighborhoods. The tour emphasizes quirky stories and fun facts, making it engaging for visitors who prefer a lively, anecdotal approach. You’ll explore the city’s heritage buildings, lush gardens, and hidden corners, with plenty of insider tips for dining and sightseeing afterward.

The guide’s commentary covers a broad range of topics, from the city’s Aboriginal roots to its modern arts scene. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed snapshot of Perth’s contemporary culture and history. The tour is well-reviewed for being both interesting and fun, with participants appreciating the mix of storytelling and practical advice. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but want to get a good sense of Perth’s vibe.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a lively, all-encompassing city walk with plenty of local stories and recommendations, this tour hits the mark.

3. From Perth: Wave Rock and York Cultural Tour with a Guide

For around $119, the Wave Rock and York Cultural Tour takes you into the outback for a full day of natural wonders and historic towns. This 12.5-hour tour explores Wave Rock, a massive granite formation resembling a giant cresting wave, believed to be billions of years old. Along the way, you’ll stop in York, known for its charming architecture and historic streets, and visit Aboriginal sites like Hippos Yawn and Mulka’s Cave to view ancient art.

The guide’s local knowledge shines, offering insights into Aboriginal history and the geology behind the rock formations. Guests often praise the friendly, informative guide and the inclusiveness of the experience, which includes a country-style lunch. The tour balances the awe of natural landscapes with cultural storytelling, making it ideal for travelers interested in both geology and history.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a deep dive into Western Australia’s natural and cultural heritage, perfect for those willing to spend a day exploring beyond Perth.

4. Full-Day Wave Rock & Historic York

This Full-Day Wave Rock & Historic York tour offers a comprehensive day out, combining Wave Rock, York, and local farm life. For about $208, it features a detailed itinerary: driving through historic towns like Guildford, Midland, and Mundaring, then walking along the Avon River in York. You’ll see Hippo’s Yawn Cave, cross a swinging bridge, and learn about the importance of dogs on farms in Corrigan.

The highlight is definitely the undulating Wave Rock, a formation that looks like a giant ocean wave frozen in time. The guide shares stories of the area’s geology and history, including Aboriginal legends. It’s suited for travelers with a full day to spare who want a mix of natural beauty and history, with ample photo opportunities. The tour is rated 4.0, and reviews mention the guide’s knowledge and the scenic stops.

Bottom Line: For those who love a full-day adventure combining geological marvels and historic towns, this tour delivers.

5. Rottnest Island Historical Train and Tunnel Tour from Hillarys Boat Harbour

This Rottnest Island Tour combines a scenic ferry ride with a journey into Rottnest’s military past. Starting at Hillarys Boat Harbour, you’ll hop on a ferry to the island, then take a train to Oliver Hill to explore WWII tunnels with a guide. The tour is highly rated, with an average of 4.0 based on 20 reviews, and costs around $93.24.

The highlight is the guided tour of the tunnels, which offers insight into Australia’s wartime defenses, an aspect often missed by independent visitors. The train ride provides a relaxed way to see the island’s historic sites and coastal scenery. Afterward, you can enjoy free time at Hillarys Harbour, with its cafes and shops. This tour is ideal for history buffs and families, as it combines outdoor activity with educational content.

Bottom Line: A smart choice for those interested in military history and wanting an easy way to explore Rottnest Island’s WWII defenses.

6. Half-Day Historic Fremantle Tour

Rated 4.0 and priced at $139.86, the Fremantle Historic Tour takes you into the West Australian port city’s past. Starting from your hotel or a central location, the tour covers sites like Fremantle Prison, the Round House, and the vibrant markets. It’s a quick, informative way to understand Fremantle’s importance during the gold rush and WWII, as it played a key role in regional shipping and defense.

The tour is led by a personable guide, with reviews highlighting the knowledgeable commentary and the ease of travel. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see key historic sites and get a sense of Fremantle’s lively atmosphere. You’ll also drive past the sailing ships and the bustling harbor, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick but enriching glimpse into Fremantle’s past and its lively port scene.

7. Half-Day Perth Mint Live Gold Pour & Historic Fremantle Tour

For a mix of history and spectacle, this Perth Mint Tour offers a lively 4-hour experience with a live gold pour demonstration. You’ll visit iconic sites like Fisherman’s Wharf, Customs House, and the famous cappuccino strip in Fremantle, then watch a live gold pour—a rare and captivating sight.

The tour is unique because it combines the story of Australia’s gold rush with the actual processes of gold refining. It’s suited for travelers interested in both history and the tangible craft of gold pouring. While it’s a bit pricier at $160.14, the demonstration adds a memorable and educational element. Reviewers praise the lively guide and the opportunity to see gold poured live in front of them.

Bottom Line: A fun, interactive tour combining cultural sights with a once-in-a-lifetime gold pouring demo.

8. Perth: Historical Walking Trail through Gold Rush

This walk takes you through key sites from Perth’s Gold Rush era, including Perth Railway Station, Globe Hotel, King Street, and the Metropolitan Hotel. It’s a 3-hour stroll focused on the city’s rapid development during the late 1800s and early 1900s, revealing the architecture and stories behind these iconic buildings.

While less detailed reviews are available, the focus on historic buildings and the gold rush era makes it perfect for those interested in urban history. The tour is practical and offers a good balance of walking and commentary, ideal for travelers who want a city-centric deep dive without venturing far outside Perth.

Bottom Line: An efficient way to understand Perth’s economic growth and architecture during the gold rush period.

9. Wheatbelt & Historic New Norcia, Perth Day Tour with Lunch

This Wheatbelt & New Norcia tour offers a step outside the city for a small-group experience. Limited to five participants, it visits local farms with tastings of honey and cheese, plus walks through historic New Norcia—Australia’s only monastic town.

Highlights include exploring outback architecture, learning about settlement history, and sampling local artisan products. The guide’s intimate knowledge adds depth to the cultural and agricultural stories. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy food, history, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, with a relaxed pace and personalized touch.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and history buffs wanting a private, in-depth look at rural Western Australia.

How to Choose Your Perfect Perth Historical Tour

When selecting a tour, think about what excites you most—city streets and stories, natural wonders, or historic sites. If you prefer a casual introduction, Discover Perth Walking Tour offers an excellent start. For those eager to see iconic landmarks and go beyond the city, consider the Wave Rock and York cultural trip.

Budget and time are also key. A half-day tour like the Fremantle Historic Tour is perfect for a quick overview, while full-day excursions provide a richer experience. If you’re interested in unique experiences like watching a live gold pour, the Perth Mint offers that special touch.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to secure your spot. Combining a city walk with a day trip can offer a well-rounded perspective, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Perth’s historical tours span a range of interests—from urban stories and colonial architecture to outback adventures and Aboriginal culture. For travelers seeking a personalized exploration, the Discover Perth Walking Tour is a standout. If your passion is natural geology and historic towns, the Wave Rock and York trip is hard to beat. Those with a curiosity for military history will find the Rottnest Island tunnels equally captivating.

Ultimately, Perth offers a diverse array of tours that cater to varied interests and schedules. Whether you’re after a gentle city stroll or an immersive day out into the outback, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.