The best things to do in Perth when the pollen count is high

While seasonally high pollen counts can make exercising and exploring outdoors challenging, Perth has many hay fever friendly activities to enjoy when high pollen levels are forecast. From visiting breweries and museums to music and trampolining, supporting the arts and independent performance, there’s a whole lot of fun, hay fever friendly activities to experience.

To keep track of pollen levels, check in with the Pollen Pal Tool to get up-to-date pollen count information and five-day forecasts on what levels to expect. When out, consider using a mask, and wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes. Always carry your medication and take tissues with you too.

Here are the best hay-fever friendly things to do in Perth on high pollen count days.

Visit a brewery and take a tour

Perth is the home of boutique beers - and high pollen days are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the brewing process and enjoy a drop and a meal at one of its breweries. The Little Creatures brewery in Fremantle is on the site of an old crocodile farm and offers boutique beer tastings, tours and pizza in the Brewhouse.

Brewery tours will teach you all about the brewing process, the ingredients used to produce the beer, and share the Little Creatures story, finishing with a tasting of the Little Creatures range. Tours run daily at 12pm and 2pm and prices start from $25 for the tour and tasting. https://littlecreatures.com.au

There are many more breweries to explore in Perth like Bright Tank Brewing, Gage Roads with its stunning brewery overlooking the shipping channel, and the Seasonal Brewing Co. so you could even make a day of it.

Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia

When the pollen count is high, it’s time to head indoors and the Art Gallery of Western Australia is well worth a visit. The Gallery purchased its first work of art in 1895, and now boasts more than 18,000 artworks, focusing on preserving and promoting the works of local and indigenous artists. The Museum, located within the Perth Cultural Centre, is home to culturally significant pieces from Aboriginal artists in Western Australia, as well as regional and local artworks. Entry is free, but a donation is appreciated.

https://artgallery.wa.gov.au

Enjoy live music at the underground Jazz Cellar

Head out to Perth’s iconic vintage underground jazz bar and enjoy a night of great music and dancing at this intimate venue. Entry is through an old telephone box to a hidden underground bar bringing the vibes of the 1920s and 30s back with live music every Friday night. The venue is BYO, and tickets are $30 and can be booked through the website. https://jazzcellar.net.au/tickets

Jump, jump, jump

Indoor exercise is the best kind of exercise when hay fever is on the radar, so when pollen counts are high make your way to Bounce Inc in Cannington. With 3,000 square metres of interconnected indoor trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags it’s a fun morning or afternoon activity for everyone. Trampolining is for all ages, and it’s super popular so made sure to book your spot before you go: online has the best price: $15 for kids and $18 for adults. Have fun! https://www.bounceinc.com.au

Support independent theatre

Step out and enjoy a show at the Blue Room Theatre, Perth’s creative hub located in the Perth Cultural Centre.  Blue Room has been supporting and nurturing independent artists for more than 30 years, performing award-winning productions and developing independent contemporary performances. Find out more about upcoming performances at their website.   https://blueroom.org.au

Be challenged in an Escape Room

If you’re keen to stay indoors but want a bit of excitement and challenge then an Escape Room is right up your alley. Work together with two to 12 friends to uncover clues and solve puzzles and riddles to escape from the locked room within an hour. It’s fun, a little stressful and so rewarding when you break the code and escape!

https://www.escapethis.com.au

Get out on the water

If you’re keen to be outside but need a little protection, then why not try cruising the stunning Swan River on a Fremantle Lunch Cruise. It’s the best way to see the waterfront and guests are seated indoors with views out of huge enclosed windows, so it ticks the hay fever friendly boxes. Enjoy lunch on board, there’s a full bar and the Captain will give a guided commentary throughout the cruise.  The return cruise with lunch costs $53.00 for children and $80 for adults. https://www.captaincookcruises.com.au/cruises/fremantle-lunch-cruise

Experience contemporary art at PICA

Perth’s Institute of Contemporary Art features performances of contemporary dance, experimental theatre, music and live art from its headquarters in a heritage building in the heart of Perth. Many exhibitions, performances, artist talks and concerts are free, and visiting PICA is a fabulous way to support the arts and be exposed to independent creativity in a hay fever friendly venue. https://pica.org.au