What's on this November in Perth

What's on this November in Perth

When you're looking for things to do in Perth this November, remember to check nature's calendar.

This is the time to spot whales migrating down the coast, enjoy the waterfalls made lush by winter rains, and catch the last of the wildflowers.

It's also the start of festival season. With stunning spring weather getting us out and about, there are lots of themed events to get stuck into. Here's our guide to what's on in Perth this November in the great outdoors, plus some festivals to mark in your diary.

Nature's Theatre - Perth in November

The weather has warmed up enough to bring us out in the fresh air a lot more often, and nature itself seems to celebrate the change by putting on a show for us.

Waterfalls & Wildflowers

The winter rains have replenished the waterfalls of the Perth Hills and valleys, showing them off at their best. This is a beautiful time of year to stroll or hike along the walk trails with a picnic on your back, and relax next to a babbling brook or refreshing waterfall.

Explore the waterfalls within easy reach of Perth in this article: Do Go Chasing Waterfalls. Lesmurdie Falls are among the prettiest, and Bells Rapids are in a lovely spot in the Swan Valley - ideal for families to mess about in the shallows and picnic on the river bank.

You should be in time to catch the last of the spring wildflowers too. It's amazing to see masses of tiny delicate flowers boldly blooming in what seems to be an unlikely environment - at the side of the road or surrounded by huge grass trees and eucalypts, with no TLC to nurture them. But these stunning little plants are tougher than they look, and keep on coming back year after year, adding colour and optimism as we head towards summer.

There are numerous wildflower trails in various spots around Perth, including the Perth Hills, Avon Valley and Swan Valley. If you're short of time, join a tour that will guide you straight to the blooms. Adams Pinnacle Tours will take you out to the best spots until mid November. 

As part of the Spring into Armadale program, you can join a guided walk in November into the Perth Hills landscape, hunting for wildflowers and native animals, and visiting waterfalls. The tour is called Waterfalls, Wildflowers and Wildlife, and runs every Monday until the end of the month. Contact Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre for more information.

Heading out for a walk is one of the delights among things to do during a Perth spring, with the arrival of warm sunshine and refreshing breezes. For a range of different walk trails around Perth to suit all ages, from Kings Park to Penguin Island, go to this link: Top 5 Walking Trails for Spring

Whale Watching 

If you've never seen a humpback whale breaching or spotted a mother swimming with her calf, join a whale watching tour this November in Perth. 

Thousands of these magnificent, gentle creatures migrate up and down the WA coastline every year, heading north for the winter to breed, and then returning to Antarctic feeding grounds with their newborn calves in time for summer.

Whale Watch WA are confident that you will spot whales on one of their luxury catamaran tours out of Fremantle. If you don't, they'll take you on another tour for free, which effectively gives you a 100% guarantee of success. 

The purpose-built vessel has five viewing decks over three levels for the best views, and you can watch the action on their underwater camera, with a hydrophone to capture the weird sounds of the whales too.

Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries carry the same promise, each running two-hour whale-watching trips. Express run their tour until mid-November out of Perth and Fremantle, while Rottnest Fast Ferries offer whale watching out of Hillarys Boat Harbour with an onboard marine biologist from AQWA (Aquarium of WA) up until 24 November. 

Allow time to visit AQWA while you're there to discover all you ever wanted to know about the sea creatures living along WA's endless coastline.

Seals and Penguins

November in Perth is a perfect time to visit Shoalwater Marine Park near Rockingham. This protected area is home to Penguin Island's tiny penguins and Seal Island's sea lions - no, they're not seals.

As well as seeing the penguins being fed in the Discovery Centre on Penguin Island, a kayaking tour of Seal and Dolphin Islands is one of the best things to do in the Perth region for mildly adventurous nature lovers. If you're driving down from Perth, check this Fremantle to Rockingham Self Drive.

A guided kayak tour with Rockingham Wild Encounters takes you for a closer glimpse of the glorious sea lions and penguins out and about in the wild, with a chance to spot other local wildlife. You can experience a similar tour in the security of their glass bottom boat if you prefer, or go swimming with wild dolphins - another must-do experience, probably more comfortable in summer.

Capricorn Sea Kayaking runs an adventure tour of Dolphin and Seal Islands in double sea kayaks, with experienced guides, including the penguin feeding session and a guided walk around Penguin Island. Pick-up and drop-off for this tour is in Fremantle. 

Spring Festivals in Perth this November

When you search for what's on in Perth this November, look out for some of the fabulous and quirky festivals. Three of these are on the same weekend, so be ready to take Monday off work if you plan to attempt them all!

Bonjour Perth

Our thriving French-speaking community will come together once again on 10-11 November in Perth for their own annual festival of culture, style and cuisine.

Bonjour Perth is a friendly, interactive experience of the food, fashion, art and music of France and other French-speaking cultures, including Creole. Get involved in the pétanque competition, watch the French bulldog parade and dance at La Soirée on the Saturday evening. Alongside 100 stalls selling gifts, clothing and food will be a fashion show, a wellness area, cooking demos, arts and crafts activities, and a kids' village.

The festival will take place in Market Square, Subiaco, from 10.00am to 6.00pm both days. La Soirée is from 6.00 to 9.00pm. It's only $5.00 for a day pass and free for children under 12. Buy a raffle ticket too and you're in the running to win a holiday in Mauritius.

Subiaco has some great bars and restaurants if you want to stay on for dinner. Bistro Felix, Refuge Small Bar and George's Meze are among the best.

Perth International Jazz Festival

This November's Perth International Jazz Festival has some fabulous free events to add depth and interactivity to the event. 

At Open Rehearsals you can see how a collaborative performance comes together, Artist in Conversation is a chance to hear musicians answer questions about their art, and Jazz Club Choir with local singer Libby Hammer is a great opportunity to have a go and create a community jazz choir. 

More than 60 local, national and international jazz musicians will perform across venues around Northbridge: the State Theatre Centre, The Bird, Wetlands Stage, Blue Room Theatre and Ellington Jazz Club. 

The Festival runs from 9-11 November. A day pass is $60.00 for the Friday and $100.00 Saturday or Sunday, a weekend pass is $200.00, or you can buy tickets to individual events.

To find out more about what's on in Perth's November music scene, go to Upcoming Music Events in Perth

Fremantle BeerFest

On the same weekend, the Fremantle BeerFest will be vying for your attention. Amongst all the beer-related things to do in Perth and Fremantle, this has to be top of the list. Claiming to be the 'biggest and boldest' to date, the festival will welcome no less than 50 craft brewers, cider makers and distillers.

Beer is fast catching up with wine as a sophisticated drink with many varieties that can be matched with complementary dishes. Experts at the Festival will be there to explain all this and more. Most importantly, this is your chance to taste a huge variety of brews and enjoy a good feed to the sounds of live music, DJs and comedy routines. 

The BeerFest will be spread out on The Esplanade in Fremantle, between the Esplanade Hotel and Fishing Boat Harbour; tickets are between $20.00 and $40.00 for a day pass, or $55.00 for a three-day pass.

Avocado Festival

On 24-25 November, Perth's beautiful Araluen Botanic Park will be celebrating a popular superfood!

Stalls will stock all things avocado, including fresh products, an unbelievable range of skin care, and even beer and cocktails.

Experts will be on hand to provide recipes to take you well beyond smashed avo on toast, and gardening hints for growing your own. If you're feeling confident, you can purchase your first avocado tree to take home.

The whole family will be happy to hang out here for a while, with live music and kids activities to keep them busy. Before you leave, take the opportunity to explore Araluen's exotic and native plants, pretty bushland areas, terraced gardens, sparkling streams and sweeping lawns. 

Entry is $20.00 for adults; no charge for under 18s accompanied by an adult.