Perched on the riverbank in Burswood, Optus Stadium is a modern icon of Perth’s recreational life — equal parts sporting cathedral and urban lookout. Ranked 25 in our Perth & Metro list, the stadium draws crowds for its electric AFL and cricket fixtures, but what cements its allure is the chance to step beyond the concourse and climb the famed 'Halo'.
The Halo roof walk is a signature experience: a guided ascent that sweeps visitors up and around the rim of the stadium to a continuous 360-degree vantage point. From there you can drink in uninterrupted views of the Swan River, the glittering Perth CBD and the surrounding parkland. Even for non-sports fans, standing above a floodlit pitch or watching the sun set behind the city skyline is a vivid reminder of why architecture and landscape can work together to create memorable moments.
Match days here pulse with colour and sound. AFL games and international and domestic cricket attract passionate crowds, pre-match rituals and a social buzz that spills into nearby bars and riverside promenades. The stadium’s design helps amplify that communal energy while keeping sightlines pristine from almost every seat — an important reason locals and visitors alike make this a destination rather than just a venue.
Beyond live sport and the Halo, Optus Stadium hosts a rotating calendar of concerts and community events, offering a different kind of spectacle when the turf is exchanged for stages and lighting rigs. Guided tours provide deeper context: architecture, sustainability features and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the structure to life for curious visitors.
Practical tips for visiting: time your visit to coincide with mild weather in autumn or spring for the most comfortable Halo experience; arrive early on event days to soak up pre-game atmosphere and to secure views along the river walk. Comfortable footwear is recommended for the roof walk, and bookings for the Halo typically sell out for major events, so reserve ahead where possible.
Why go: Optus Stadium is more than the matches it hosts. It’s a vantage point onto Perth — a place to feel the city’s pulse, to capture sweeping photos of river and skyline, and to experience the thrill of a packed arena from both the stands and the sky-high rim. For travelers seeking metropolitan texture combined with spectacular views, a visit to Optus Stadium is essential.