About Perth
Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a lively nightlife. Perth edges the Indian Ocean with 19 pale, sandy beaches, framed around enormous Kings Park, and carved by the s-bends of the Swan River. It is safe, friendly, clean, and easy to navigate, whether you’re using public transport, driving, or opting for a taxi or Uber. The city’s abundant sunshine illuminates its waterfront, the Optus Stadium bridge, and Cottesloe Beach. Summer arts festivals, inner-city park walks, and short drives to wineries and bushland where kangaroos and cockatoos roam make Perth a delightful destination. Don’t miss a 30-minute ferry trip to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), famous for its smiling quokkas and picturesque bays. Explore character-filled neighborhoods like Northbridge, Leederville, Mt Lawley, and Subiaco, each offering a mix of local restaurants, shops, and bars.
Things to do in Perth
Places to Visit
FREMANTLE
Fremantle, affectionately known as Freo, captivates visitors with its irresistible allure. Stroll along its narrow streets, flanked by historic buildings, and soak in the maritime ambiance of a bustling port dotted with fishing boats, unique shops, and offbeat breweries.
Delve into Freo’s vibrant past by joining a walking tour. Explore the heritage-listed West End, where repurposed pubs, former shipping headquarters, and warehouses stand as architectural marvels. For an intriguing adventure, venture into the subterranean tunnels of the World Heritage Listed Fremantle Prison – illuminated by torchlight – and uncover its fascinating history and inmate stories.
If you find yourself in Fremantle during the weekends (Friday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm), make sure to pay a visit to the Fremantle Markets. These bustling markets boast over 150 vibrant stalls, each offering a delightful array of artisan products, fresh local produce, organic foods, and unique handicrafts. The lively atmosphere of the Fremantle Markets is steeped in more than a century of rich culture and heritage, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the area.
SWAN VALLEY
Western Australia’s Swan Valley, the state’s oldest wine region, offers a delightful blend of grapevines, galleries, cellar doors, breweries, and produce stalls—all conveniently accessible from Perth. Embark on a gentle, 32-kilometer loop drive around the region to savor over 180 years of winemaking and explore 150 attractions.
Whether you prefer guided tasting tours via river cruises, kayaks, limousines, private cars, buses, or even horse-drawn wagons, there’s an adventure for everyone.
Discover coffee roasters hefting hessian sacks of beans, gin distillers meticulously labeling bottles, restaurant owners hand-selecting asparagus, and winemakers multitasking between pouring tastings and checking barrels.
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Home to the happiest animals on earth - quokkas – Rottnest Island is a holiday haven of pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks and walking trails. Join an immersive Aboriginal tour or visit the Wadjemup Museum and connect to the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the island.
Ferries bound for Rottnest Island depart from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour, while light planes and helicopters offer scenic transits from various locations. Once you’ve crossed the 19-kilometre channel between Perth and the island, get about on foot, with a hired bicycle or e-bike, use the shuttle, or board the hop on-hop off bus, which loops around the 11 kilometre-long island.
Eat & Drink
ALFRED'S PIZZERIA
Tucked away downstairs on Barrack Street in Perth's central business district, you will find all of your favourite things, a cocktail bar, late-night pizza and rock and roll.
Alfred's Pizzeria serve amazing tasty pizza with an assortment of toppings that range from the traditional to the adventurous. They specialise in cocktails, beer and spirits with a massive back bar selection to get creative with. There’s a decent selection of craft beer on offer along with classic cocktails and a wine list that veers towards Italian varietals. For spirit lovers, there’s a wide range of options available, from entry-level pours through to the high end.
Location: 37 Barrack Street, Basement, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
FOXTROT UNICORN
Hiding underground in an old bank vault built in 1887, the bar was once home to the Western Australian Club.
The bar is a jarrah-clad haven for booze lovers, packed to the rafters with up-cycled materials and vintage Western Australian hospitality history.
Expect to find all sorts of fine spirits, classic and modern cocktails, an eclectic wine list and some fancy jaffles. The bar is an ode to good booze and even better times.
Location: 101 St Georges Terrace, Basement Level, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: +61 401 407 658
GARUM
Garum, a Roman fish sauce made by salting and fermenting fish in small clay jugs or vessels, was used commonly throughout ancient Roman cooking. This Roman osteria is a collaboration between Guy Grossi and The Westin Perth, housed in the historic Hibernian Hall in Perth City’s East End.
Their menu, delivered by head chef Stefano Pingue, focuses on both ancient Roman techniques and modern Roman classics in a stylish and relaxed environment.
Their food is focused on the ideals of Roman cooking, its techniques and history while highlighting the richness of Western Australian produce. An exploration of ancient Roman cooking with contemporary consideration.
Location: 480 Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: +61 8 6559 1870
Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room
Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room embody the very best of generosity, quality and ceremony without a hint of pomposity or stuffiness. They favour timeless food favourites over faddish trends and deliver a mood that is both relaxed and up-market.
Their pub and dining room is the culmination of a 40-year collective journey; eating, drinking and serving guests all over the globe from the United Kingdom to the United States of America, Montreal, Cape Town and New Zealand. They’re your comfortable local, your special place, your home-away-from-home.
Location: 72 Outram Street, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005
Telephone: +61 8 9425 5222
Mechanics Institute
Mechanics Institute is a small bar - access is via a rear laneway between James Street and Francis Street next door to State Library of Western Australia and City of Perth Parking Car Park.
Their rooftop terrace looks back over the cultural precinct and the city skyline.
They offer a selection of cocktails (changed daily), craft beer and artisan wine from around Australia and the world.
Bookings are available via email or their Facebook page.
Location: 222 William Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: +61 8 9228 4189
PETITION KITCHEN
Casual, contemporary, convivial, Petition invites you to pick up a coffee, linger over lunch or ease into the evening with a menu that celebrates the best of what’s fresh and what’s local.
An always-open neighbourhood restaurant serving something good for everyone.
The WA Good Food Guide is a celebration of all that is excellent in the Western Australian dining scene across all areas of cooking, entrepreneurship, wine, beer and service and this is what they have to say about Petition Kitchen, part of The Top 100 list - "Three venues in three spaces come together to offer all-day dining, cut-above pub fare and one of the city’s finest wine bars under one roof.“
Location: Corner St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: +61 8 6168 7771
THE ROYAL
The Royal Hotel first opened on the corner of William and Wellington Streets in 1882. Back in her heyday, The Royal was a hub of activity – the epicentre of Perth. She was the longest-running hotel in the city and has stood on that corner for 138 years.
Now, The Royal is back offering a whole new pub experience. A gastro-pub with an emphasis on quality food, great drinks and elevated pub experience.
Third generation publican and restaurant owner John Parker (The Standard), is behind the heritage building’s new beginning. Parker wanted to pay homage to The Royal’s rich history while making it relevant today.
The Royal is a piece of Perth history revived and brings the Australian pub back to life.
Location: 531 Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Telephone: +61 8 9322 1023
Where to Shop
Stock up on trendy fashion, buy unique arts and craft or find special gifts to suit your loved ones at a variety of retail stores, gift shops and market around Perth.
Perth City offers a whirlwind of shopping experiences and you'll find quirky, and unique shops in Northbridge, Fremantle and Perth City’s inner neighourhoods such as Subiaco, Leederville and Mount Lawley. Make a day of it by travelling on the Perth to Fremantle train line, stopping at Subiaco, Claremont and Cottesloe along the way.
Shop in air-conditioned comfort and find everything under one roof at a major shopping centre, all easily access by public transport from Perth City. These include Westfield Booragoon, Westfield Carousel, Karrinyup, and Lakeside Joondalup. Or find your favourite brands at discounts prices at DFO Perth or Watertown Brand Outlet Centre.
To find out about trading hours in Perth, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/retail-trading-hours.
Find a range of retail stores in Perth selling everything from local souvenirs, fashion and jewellery, and arts and collectables. Or see attractions unique gift shops onsite.
HAY STREET MALL
Enjoy the sun on your skin as you stroll through the Hay Street Mall, an open-air shopping strip in the heart of the city.
Running between Barrack and William Streets, Hay Street Mall features several department stores, easy access to shopping arcades, as well as specialty stores and food options.
Hay Street Mall has great streetwear stores with Culture Kings, Nike and Superdry, plus more refined gifts and homewares from West Elm, Pottery Barn and T2.
Don’t forget to look up! The mall is lined with many heritage-listed buildings with more than a few stories to tell, so take a moment to sit, soak it all in and watch the world go by.
Location: Hay Street Mall, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours: Business hours vary
WATERTOWN BRAND OUTLET
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck when it comes to shopping, take a trip to Watertown, just 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre or a quick ride on the Yellow CAT.
With over 100 retailers covering fashion, accessories, gifts, homewares, leisure and sportswear, it’s worth the visit.
You’ll find 2XU, Adidas and Converse for sports and streetwear, footwear store Florsheim and outdoor retailer Kathmandu for your next adventure. There’s big savings to be made on brands like Decjuba, Levi’s, and Seed, Royal Doulton and Sheridan.
There’s also a range of cafes and lunch options to sustain you during the day.
Location: 840 Wellington Street, West Perth, WA 6005
Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs: 9am to 5.30pm
Fri: 9am to 9pm
Sat: 9am to 5pm
Sun: 11am to 5pm
MURRAY STREET MALL
One of two open-air malls in the city, there’s always something happening in the vibrant Murray Street Mall.
Running between Barrack and William Streets, the mall features Aussie retailers General Pants Co and City Beach among a variety of other stores.
You’ll also find some international favourites in here with Spanish retailer Zara nearby and Japanese casualwear brand Uniqlo in the middle of the mall. For your one-stop shop for fashion, homewares, beauty, toys and more, there’s Myer and David Jones.
Murray Street Mall is a lively shopping destination with buskers dotted along the strip to keep you entertained – the perfect spot to sit back and people-watch!
Location: Murray Street, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours: Business hours vary
NORTH BRIDGE
This cultural hub, just a five minute walk from Perth City, is renowned for its shopping, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues. The neighbourhood is home to Perth's Chinatown and offers great coffee and brunch options, vintage stores, local fashion, homewares and small bars. William Street is bursting with young designers whose quirky stores will delight even the most discerning fashionista. You'll find unique pieces that are fashion-
forward, the perfect gift for someone who has everything or hard to find designer pieces from overseas.
Northbridge is also home to the Perth Cultural Centre which houses the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the State Theatre of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of WA, home to the State Art Collection and showcases more than 1,000 pieces of national and international art.
Location: Northbridge, Perth 6000 WA
Opening Hours: Business hours vary
140 PERTH
140 Perth is one of the most vibrant, versatile shopping spaces in town.
Conveniently located above the Underground Train Station, 140 features Forever New and Typo as well as a range of dining options and regular activations.
You never quite know what you’ll find at 140, with the bright and airy Postal Place frequently hosting pop-up activities, giveaways and installations.
Look up and you’ll also see the dazzling multi-coloured strands of Nike Savvas’ ‘Rapture’ artwork, just one of several artworks from local, national and international artists at 140 Perth.
Whether it’s a morning coffee at Max & Sons, lunch at Nando's, an afternoon treat at The Coffee Club, or a sunset drink on the rooftop of The Aviary, 140 Perth has the fuel to power your shopping adventure.
Location: Cnr William and Murry Street Mall, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5:30pm
Friday: 9am - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
RAINE SQUARE
After its major transformation, Raine Square is Perth’s retail, dining and entertainment hub, right in the heart of the city.
Directly connected to the Underground Train Station, Raine Square is a delight for the eyes, beautifully marrying a modern gold façade with the heritage-listed 1883 The Royal Hotel.
Raine Square is a mecca for those who like the finer things in life with Kailis Jewellery, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Cabinet Noir and Watches of Switzerland.
Shopping can be tiring business, so when your feet are begging for a break, Palace Cinema is the antidote. The only city-based cinema, Palace Raine Square offers a luxurious viewing experience including an in-cinema wait service from the extensive food options in the centre below.
Website: https://www.rainesquare.com.au/
Location: 300 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8am - 9:00pm
Saturday: 8am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
