Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Reviewed · PERTH SIGHTSEEING & HOP-ON TOURS

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4.0 · 476 reviews From $39 Operated by Perth Explorer · Bookable on Viator
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Perth feels spread out, but this bus keeps it simple. A double-decker hop-on hop-off loop plus multi-language recorded audio lets you sample the city fast, without hunting for buses or parking. You can start at many stops, hop off for the sights that interest you, and ride the full circuit in about two hours.

I especially like that the narration is ready-made for how you actually travel: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and even a kids channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo in English. My one caution is timing: traffic and long waits can happen, and you’ll want to watch the last returning bus at your stop.

Key Points at a Glance

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Key Points at a Glance

  • 15 easy hop-off stops across central Perth, Kings Park, plus Optus Stadium and shopping areas
  • About a 2-hour full loop if you stay on board the entire circuit
  • Recorded audio in 11+ languages, including a kids channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo
  • Top deck for views, with practical comfort choices like shade under a canopy
  • Valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use, so you can come back after you’ve gotten your bearings

A Double-Decker Overview of Perth, Without the Map Stress

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - A Double-Decker Overview of Perth, Without the Map Stress
This is the kind of tour that fits real travel days. You get a clear route, a comfortable ride, and a steady flow of major landmarks as you move through town. Instead of trying to plan a perfect itinerary under heat, crowds, or jet lag, you can just follow the bus and choose your own pace.

On top of the sightseeing, the recorded commentary helps you connect the dots. As you roll past spots like the Town Hall and the Bell Tower, you’re not just seeing buildings—you’re getting the kind of quick orientation that makes the rest of Perth easier to understand. That matters most when it’s your first day in the city.

The whole city in one loop, other ways to see it

Price, Validity, and What $39.45 Really Buys

The price is $39.45 per person, which can feel steep if you treat it like a one-time bus ride. But the value comes from two things: the route is designed to hit big-name sights, and your ticket gives you extra chances to use the service.

Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours from first time of use, which means you can do the loop once to learn the layout, then return later to focus on the places you actually want to linger. That flexibility is a big deal in Perth, where distances are easier when you have a plan.

Also keep an eye out for the note that the ticket can be used for discounts at several attractions around the city. You’re not automatically getting entrance tickets included, but discounts can tip the math in your favor if you plan to visit a few guided sites.

How the 2-Hour Loop Works (and How to Time Your Hops)

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - How the 2-Hour Loop Works (and How to Time Your Hops)
This tour is built around an idea that works: do the full ride once, then customize after. The full circuit is about two hours if you stay on the bus. If you hop off, you simply rejoin at another stop, as long as you’re back before the last returning bus for that area.

One practical detail: buses operate between 9:15am and 5pm. That means you can start early enough to get Kings Park views without racing the clock, but you still have enough day left to shop, wander, or hit museums after your loop.

Because the route includes multiple zones—CBD streets, the Optus Stadium precinct, and Kings Park—you’ll get the best results by thinking in “clusters.” Knock out the CBD first, then decide how long you want in Kings Park (that’s where you can lose time in a good way).

On-Board Audio in Many Languages (Even for Kids)

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - On-Board Audio in Many Languages (Even for Kids)
The audio is a key part of why this tour feels useful rather than just scenic. You can listen through the provided setup, and the content runs in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, plus a children’s channel in English read by Kev the Green Kangaroo.

Two practical tips:

  • If you’re sensitive to audio, do a quick check early. Some riders have noted headphone fit and volume issues, so make sure the audio is actually comfortable before you settle in.
  • If you’re traveling with kids, the kids channel can turn a “boring bus time” into a smoother ride, especially on the longer stretches.

This recorded format also helps you travel like you mean it. You can pause your brain for two hours and just enjoy the views, then switch from “learning mode” to “wandering mode” when you hop off.

A few other ways to spend the same day out of Perth

Stop-by-Stop: From Barrack Street to Kings Park and Back

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Stop-by-Stop: From Barrack Street to Kings Park and Back
Below is how I’d plan the stops, what each one is best for, and the main drawback to watch.

Stop 1: 3 Barrack St

A central CBD start point where you can join the route and get oriented right away. Your last departure listed from here is around 3:15pm, so it’s a solid choice for morning orientation.

Stop 2: 471 Hay St

Great for CBD strolling and shopping energy along Hay Street. The schedule shows departures with a last around 3:20pm, so you can jump on mid-day without feeling trapped.

Stop 3: 40 James St

Another CBD hop-off that’s handy if you want to explore on foot nearby before moving on. Last departure is listed around 3:25pm, which keeps this stop flexible later in the day.

Stop 4: Perth Stadium Bus Stn (Optus Stadium precinct)

This one is for game-day energy or stadium-area wandering. The key consideration: the last returning bus is about 1:40pm, so plan a longer outing only if you’re confident you’ll be back in time.

Stop 5: Crown Perth Food Court (near taxi rank)

A convenient stop if your plans include entertainment or the Crown area. But again, time is tight: the last returning bus is about 1:45pm, so don’t book yourself into a long lunch here unless you’re ready to move.

Stop 6: 197 Hay St

A second Hay Street option, useful if you want shopping access without backtracking. Last returning departure is listed around 1:50pm, so treat this as a “morning-to-early-afternoon” zone.

Stop 7: Cambridge House (over the road from Perth Mint entrance)

This is one of the most straightforward “yes, do this” stops because it’s tied to the Perth Mint area. The last returning bus is listed around 1:55pm, so it’s best if you visit earlier rather than late.

Stop 8: 249 St Georges Terrace

A central location for CBD sights and a break from walking between neighborhoods. Last return is listed around 2:00pm, so you still have time to browse, but keep an eye on the clock.

Stop 9: Wadjuk Way, Kings Park

This is your gateway into Kings Park’s big views. The last returning bus is listed around 2:20pm, which gives you time for viewpoints and a calmer stroll through the park.

Stop 10: Roe Gardens Car Park (layby beyond the car park)

This stop is useful if you want the park feel without the scramble. Last returning bus is listed around 2:23pm, so you can settle in but don’t plan a late-afternoon departure from here.

Stop 11: 8 Kings Park Ave (Blue Boat House stop inside the park)

If you like scenic river-adjacent moments, this is a good Kings Park anchor. The last returning bus is listed around 2:25pm, so aim to be moving before the final window.

Stop 12: Access Way Vietnam War Memorial (May Drive Parklands; 100m from the cafe)

A meaningful stop and a practical one—close enough to access the memorial area and parklands. Your last returning bus is listed around 2:28pm, so treat it as part of your main Kings Park block.

Stop 13: Watertown Brand Outlet Centre

If shopping is on your Perth to-do list, this stop makes it easy. The last returning bus is listed around 1:45pm, so it’s best early rather than waiting until late afternoon.

Stop 14: 300 Murray St

Murray Street is a helpful CBD landing spot if you want to reconnect with central areas and keep your evening open. The last returning bus listed is around 2:50pm, which is relatively late compared with the Kings Park and stadium stops.

Stop 15: 54 William St (over the road from WA Visitor Centre)

This is a smart “planning” stop. You can start or finish your day near visitor services and information, which helps if you want to turn your bus loop into a more detailed plan afterward. Last return is listed around 2:50pm.

Comfort, Weather, and Photo Strategy on the Top Deck

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Comfort, Weather, and Photo Strategy on the Top Deck
The top deck is where you’ll get the best sense of Perth rolling by, especially around Kings Park and the Swan River waterfront. Just plan for the weather. Perth can swing fast—one day it’s sun and heat, another day it’s wind and cold—and you’ll feel it more up top.

A couple of practical comfort notes that matter:

  • There’s a canopy on the open top level, which helps with shade when it’s hot.
  • Some riders have mentioned how chilly wind can get, so a light layer can be worth it even when the day looks mild.
  • For photos, don’t assume you’ll get perfect shots from the moving bus. If you want cleaner images, hop off for a couple minutes and reposition.

Also, remember the tour isn’t meant to be a photo bus for every landmark. It’s a visibility-and-planning bus. If you approach it that way, you’ll get the value out of the viewpoints without feeling frustrated.

When This Tour Fits Best (and When It Doesn’t)

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - When This Tour Fits Best (and When It Doesn’t)
I see this working best for three types of travelers:

  • First-timers who want quick orientation and a map of what’s where
  • Time-limited visitors who want Kings Park and major CBD sights without complicated planning
  • Families thanks to the kids channel read by Kev the Green Kangaroo, which helps keep younger travelers engaged

It might feel less ideal if you expect rapid back-to-back hopping with zero waiting. Even when schedules are designed, real city traffic can slow things down. One day can be smooth; another day might include delays from incidents in the CBD. If you’re trying to catch a very specific timed ticket elsewhere, build in extra buffer time.

Value Check: Better Than Driving, Better Than Guessing

Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Value Check: Better Than Driving, Better Than Guessing
Compared to trying to stitch together bus routes or driving through parts of the CBD, this tour reduces stress in a very practical way. You don’t have to guess where the next landmark sits or how long it will take to get from one area to another. You just ride, listen, then choose.

And the route is built around the “big Perth” moments: CBD architecture and central shopping streets, plus the green-and-skyline payoff of Kings Park. That makes it a high-leverage use of time. If you only have one short window to understand the city, this loop does that job.

Should You Book Perth Explorer’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

Book it if you want a straightforward way to get your bearings fast and make smart choices for what to do next. The multi-language audio, the 15-stop flexibility, and the ability to use your ticket again within 24 or 48 hours are the main reasons this tour earns a spot on a Perth first-visit list.

Skip or reconsider if your plans depend on very strict timing at places served by the earlier-cutoff stops like the stadium and Crown area. In that case, you might still enjoy the ride, but plan to do those stops earlier in the day and keep a realistic return window.

If you’re booking for a “quick overview” day, though, this is a solid way to see a lot of Perth without the hassle.

FAQ

How long is the Perth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour?

The full circuit takes about two hours if you stay on the bus.

Where can I start the tour?

You can start at any of the listed stops along the route.

How many stops are on the route?

There are 15 different stops around Perth.

Is there audio commentary on board?

Yes. There is recorded narration available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Indonesian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi, plus a children’s channel read in English by Kev the Green Kangaroo.

Does the ticket include entry to attractions?

No. Entrance tickets are not included, unless specified for a particular attraction. The ticket may also be used for discounts at several attractions around the city.

How long is my ticket valid?

Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours from first time of use.

What times do the buses run?

Buses operate between 9:15am and 5pm.

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