Few animals in the world inspire quite as many smiles as the quokka, a small marsupial with a permanently cheerful face and no fear of humans. Rottnest Island, a short trip from Fremantle, is the place to meet them. The island's white beaches and turquoise water are lovely enough on their own, yet the quokkas steal the show.

The Rottnest Island Discovery excursion begins with a 90-minute panoramic drive that unfolds the island's story through its flora, fauna, history and culture. Coastal scrub gives way to sweeping bays while your guide explains how this sandy outpost came to be so beloved.

Next comes a historic train ride from the settlement train station up to Oliver Hill. Once you arrive, you can explore the Gun Battery, a reminder of the island's role in defending the coast. A guided tour then leads you into the underground tunnels, a cool and atmospheric contrast to the bright sunshine above.

The tour includes a light lunch and a little free time to watch quokkas in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready and let these curious creatures come to you. It is the kind of moment that ends up as the favorite photo of the whole voyage.

Just 30 minutes from Perth, Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region and home to more than 40 wineries. Vineyards stretch across flat, sun-warmed land beside the river, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Cellar doors here feel more like a visit with neighbors than a formal tasting.

On the West Coast Wineries excursion, guided cellar-door tastings at two local vineyards are led by the winemakers themselves. Hearing directly from the people who tend the vines and craft the wines adds a layer of insight you will not get from a label. They can explain how the climate shapes each vintage and what to look for in the glass, so every sip comes with a story.

The journey is part of the pleasure. A scenic drive along the Swan River carries you between the city and the valley, with glimpses of the water and the greenery that lines its banks. For anyone who loves wine, this is one of the most rewarding things to do in Perth, Australia.

Australia's animals are unlike any others on earth, and Caversham Wildlife Park gives you a chance to meet them up close. The park is home to a wide range of native species, including emus strutting across the grounds, kookaburras perched in the trees, dingos and crocodiles.

The kangaroo and wallaby enclosure is a highlight. Here guests can meet the animals and feed them by hand, watching as they hop over with gentle curiosity. There is also the chance to pose for a photo with a koala, a keepsake that captures the spirit of the whole trip.

A daily show introduces guests to wombats and other native animals, with keepers sharing what makes each one special. It is an entertaining and informative stop for travelers of every age. If you would like to pair the park with a taste of the region's wine, the Australian Wildlife and Wines excursion offers a memorable way to combine them.

The city itself deserves a place on your itinerary, and the Swan River is its beating heart. A Princess® excursion takes you past the Old Swan Brewery, along the sparkling shoreline of Matilda Bay and by the Royal Perth Yacht Club, where sails dot the water on breezy afternoons.

The Perth and Swan River Cruise then takes you out onto the water itself. The 75-minute cruise departs from Barrack Street Jetty and glides past the grand riverside homes of Millionaires' Row. Farther along you will pass the Pelican Point Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot pelicans and other birdlife gathered along the shore.

On the return drive, a photo stop at Cottesloe Beach offers a final glimpse of the Indian Ocean rolling onto pale sand. It is a fine finish to a day that shows off both the city and its natural surroundings.

Guests who prefer to pair wildlife with the river cruise can also find this combination through a separate excursion, the Caversham Wildlife Park and River Cruise. It brings kangaroos and koalas together with the calm beauty of the water in one convenient outing.

Set beside the Swan River, Kings Park is one of the world's largest inner-city parks, a sprawling green space where the bushland feels a world away from the city streets. Yet the skyline is never far. From the lookouts along Fraser Avenue, views open out over the city and the river, a sweeping panorama that makes an ideal spot for photos.

The Lotterywest Federation Walkway is the park's signature attraction. The walkway includes an elevated glass-and-steel bridge that reaches 16 meters (52 feet) above the ground, so you stroll among the canopy of eucalyptus trees with the forest floor far below. Beyond it, the wildflower gardens add splashes of color to the landscape, particularly striking in the Western Australian sunshine. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, Kings Park offers a peaceful counterpoint to a busy day of exploring. The Easy Fremantle & Kings Park excursion pairs a narrated drive from the port with free time in the park to stroll and take in the views.

A day ashore in Perth can take you to wine country, wildlife encounters or island beaches, all within reach of the ship. With excursions running from 4 to 7.5 hours, choose the one that fits your day, whether that means sipping a local vintage in Swan Valley, feeding a kangaroo at Caversham Wildlife Park or watching a quokka pose for the camera on Rottnest Island. Few ports offer such variety, which is why so many guests call these the best things to do in Perth on a voyage through the region.

Ready to see it for yourself? Explore Australia cruises and book your voyage to Western Australia today.