Perth is known among tourists for its beautiful beaches, making its equally stunning natural pools the perfect place to soak up some sun without the crowds. Feeling a little city weary? Pack a picnic, hop in a car and head for Serpentine National Park – if you don’t have a car, Perth’s notorious public transport means the trip isn’t so easy but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Despite only being an hour from the city centre, this green space feels like a world of its own with lush landscapes and valleys, but the park’s real appeal is the Serpentine Falls. Water cascades over a sheer granite rock face into a glittering pool below – the perfect spot for a dip to cool down in the Australian heat. The falls are surrounded by soft grass so lay down the picnic blanket and bask in the natural splendour – you may even spot a kangaroo or two.

Visiting Freo Market on a weekend is nothing short of a ritual for most locals. There’s truly nothing better than a relaxing Sunday browsing its stalls and eating good food with good friends. Local artisans peddle wares ranging from clothing to Indigenous art. But the real appeal is the food – you’ll want to taste it all, and it’s recommended you do. Freo Gozleme’s spiced beef and melted cheese flatbread, Muffle and Co’s fully loaded ice cream and The Honeycake’s eponymous bake are high up on must-eats with everything else coming a close joint second. If you’re looking for more of a night out as opposed to a family affair, go on a Friday evening when the market is BYO and younger locals are out and about.

Lovingly dubbed Margs, this is a destination that every Perthite holds dear to their heart. Margaret River quite literally has something for everyone. Kick back with a glass of red at one of the many vineyards, all of which offer pristine vistas of surrounding farmland. Alternatively the naturally blessed terrain of Margs means hiking, surfing, swimming, mountain biking, stand up paddling, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, whale-watching and rock climbing are all on the agenda. You’ll want to hit the farmers market on a Saturday morning – the locally made chocolate is mouth-wateringly good. For a nighttime activity that’s a little different, head to Cape Mentelle where starry skies and beanbags are the preferred backdrop for an outdoor screening. Pack your weekenders and spend a good few days experiencing all the natural splendour Margs has to offer.

Home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Heath Ledger Theatre, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and the PICA Bar, the Perth Cultural Centre is aptly named and extremely practical if you’re looking to explore Perth’s arts and culture scene under one roof. Ahead of your visit, check out what performances and exhibitions are on. This tends to be a quieter part of the city, so if you’re looking to escape the noise for an afternoon or the beating sun in favour of some air conditioning, it’s the place to be.

The lesser-known but equally confusing sister to America’s NFL, an AFL game is a must-see in Perth – even if the rules elude you. The Perth Optus Stadium sits a rowdy 60,000 so you’ll enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and a chance to bond with locals. If you’re looking for a sport a little closer to home, the city’s soccer team Perth Glory regularly plays at the Perth Oval stadium – you may not find such a raucous crowd but at least you’ll (perhaps) understand what’s going on.