Captain Cook Cruises (tel. 08/9325 3341; www.captaincookcruises.com.au) runs a wide assortment of cruises on the Swan River. There are regular departures downstream to Fremantle, with options to spend time in the harbor city and/or to take lunch before cruising back to Perth. Full-day and half-day cruises, with lunch, go upstream to historic homes and vineyards in the Swan Valley, operating daily from 9:45am to 4:45pm (A$149 adults, A$109 children 4-14) or at 1:15pm (A$95 adults, A$73 children). A dinner vineyard cruise on the Swan operates Thursday to Sunday, leaving at 7:30pm, for A$109.

From September through November, Perth's ocean waters are alive with humpback whales returning from the north with their calves. To join a 2- or 3-hour jaunt to watch them, contact Oceanic Cruises (tel. 08/9325 1191. Departure days and times vary, so check ahead. Prices are about A$55 adults, A$45 children 13 to 16, A$25 children 4 to 12 from Fremantle, or A$70 adults, A$60 children 13 to 16, A$35 children 4 to 12 from Perth.

The Perth Tram Co. (tel. 08/9322 2006; www.perthtram.com.au) offers frequent daily City Explorer Tours of the city, the casino complex, and Kings Park in replica 1899 wooden trams with live commentary. You can hop on and off as often as you wish. The full journey takes about 2 1/2 hours. Tickets, which you buy on board and are valid for 2 days, cost A$30 for adults, A$12 for children 4-14, and A$60 for families (up to four children), and are also valid for the associated Double Decker Tour. Join anywhere; the tram starts at 565 Hay St. with regular departures from 8:20am.

Heli West (tel. 08/9499 7700; www.heliwest.com.au) offers three helicopter trips: around the city for A$75; down the Swan River to Fremantle Port and return for A$180; and along the northern beaches and back up the Swan for A$300 (weekends only). Prices subject to change and availability. Takeoff and landing are at Burswood Park by the river, daily between 10am and 4pm. Heli West will also run charters to Swan Valley, Rottnest, or Margaret River.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.