Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Mount Lawley in Perth
- Where is Mount Lawley?
- What is the main street in Mount Lawley?
- How to Get There
- What to Do
- Catch a show at the Astor Theater
- Take a breather at the Banks Reserve
- Tee off at Mount Lawley Golf Club
- Roll to victory at Mount Lawley Bowling Club
- Where to Eat
- Queens Tavern
- Le Rebelle
- Testun Bar
- Ischia
- Chakra
- Chu Bakery
- el Publico
- Where to Shop
- Planet Books
- Mt Lawley Art Framers
- Retro Collect
- Cool Cats Vintage
- FAQs
From vintage therapy hotspots to the trendiest hangouts, Mount Lawley is where modern panache meets old-school cool. Throw in the Swan River and a sea of greenery, and you’ll know why this suburb is worth a visit.
We’ve wandered through this eclectic slice of Perth more times than we can count, so we have its ins and outs down to a science and we’ll share them below.
Where is Mount Lawley?
Mount Lawley is an inner suburb about 2 km (4 mins) northeast of the Perth CBD. It’s defined by the Swan River on its eastern side and is marked by boundaries like Vincent, Harold, Norfolk, and Alexander Drive.
What is the main street in Mount Lawley?
Beaufort Street is where the action is at. Lined with a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars, this popular thoroughfare in Mount Lawley is a hot destination for locals and tourists.
How to Get There
Closest Bus Stop: To get to Mount Lawley by bus, take bus route 21 or 22. You can stop on Beaufort Street, near the Walcott Street intersection.
By Taxi: Plan your budget accordingly. Taxi fares in Perth vary based on the time and day; here’s a complete overview.
Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
$5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
$7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
$7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
What to Do
Catch a show at the Astor Theater
From astortheatre
Address: 659 Beaufort St
Built in 1914 with Federation Free Classical design and revamped with Art Deco flair in 1939, the Astor Theater remains one of Mount Lawley’s eye-catching landmarks. It also has a rich history, starting as a multipurpose spot for dancing, theater, and Italian films.
These days, the theater is alive and well, even if the popcorn and movie machines have long gone cold. It’s now packed with live music, comedy shows, and community events that keep it buzzing, with the old-school look getting better with age.
Take a breather at the Banks Reserve
From goodmorrells
Address: 60 Joel Terrace
Contact Details: +61 8 9273 6000
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Banks Reserve sits pretty on the Swan River foreshore, offering up 3.5 hectares of greenery that’s just begging for a lazy afternoon picnic. The free BBQs and long, tree-shaded tables make it easy to get your grill on without packing up the entire kitchen.
It isn’t just for lounging too; the reserve has “sweat-it-out” stations where you can shoot hoops or shred at a mini skate ramp. Birdlife buffs will also have a blast spotting the black swans that often waddle here.
Tee off at Mount Lawley Golf Club
From mountlawleygolfclub
Address: 1 Walter Rd W, Inglewood
Contact Details: +61 8 9271 9622
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 7 pm
As one of the top championship courses in the region, swinging by the 18-hole Mount Lawley Golf Club (MLGC) is a must for any golfer. The catch is it’s private, so you can either be a member or cozy up to one who can invite you as a guest.
Get past the velvet ropes, and you’ll find pristine fairways lined with shady trees and just enough undulation to keep things interesting and Instagrammable. Who knows, you might fall in love with it so much that you’ll choose to tie the knot there!
Roll to victory at Mount Lawley Bowling Club
From mountlawleybowlingclub
Address: Queens Memorial Reserve, Cnr Storthes &, Rookwood St
Contact Details: +61 8 9370 5070
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 8 am to 3 pm
- Tue – 8 am to 6 pm
- Wed – 8 am to 3 pm
- Thu to Fri – 8 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 12 pm to 11 pm
Mount Lawley Bowling Club is our squad’s go-to for lawn bowling in Perth. And in case you’re wondering, lawn bowling is basically rolling oddly shaped balls toward a tiny target called a jack. It’s easy to learn, hard to master, and downright fun!
On top of that, their function rooms are top-notch, especially the Alman Patio, which we booked for our last work bash. It’s spacious, overlooks the synthetic green, and comes with an outdoor kitchen.
Where to Eat
Queens Tavern
From thequeensperth
Address: 520 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 9328 7267
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 12 am
The subtle Queens Tavern isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but who needs to when this classic waterhole’s basics get the job done? Their bustling main room and ever-popular beer garden speak for themselves.
In addition, they serve a crisp, caramel-laced tap beer that can’t stop pulling weekend and winter drinkers, our team included. Pair the pours with their signature steak sandwich that’s on the peppery side, and you have yourself a crowd-pleaser.
Le Rebelle
From lerebelleperth
Address: 676 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 6161 3100
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 10 pm
Le Rebelle channels the moody beguilement of Paris resto circa 1920 but with a few modern touches. The menu doesn’t mess around either, offering European classics with a gourmet twist that makes every cent worth it.
Case in point: their glazed Wagin duck. This buttery, succulent dish had us hooked with its meat’s sharp savory notes and perfectly caramelized skin.
Testun Bar
From testun.bar
Address: 12/760 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 9271 4089
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu – 4 pm to 10 pm
- Fri – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 9:30 pm
Subtlety is forgotten at Testun Bar. It’s all about big flavors and bold vibes here! This neighborhood osteria dishes out Italian classics with Aussie twists, all set to a pumped-up soundtrack that contrasts the rustic and nature-based accents.
For the food, the mortadella on a stick is a best-seller, courtesy of its nutty finish and smoky creaminess. The lamb rump is also fire, charred to perfection and popping with natural savory richness minus the chewy, overly gamey meat.
Ischia
From ischiarestaurant
Address: 500 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 9227 7762
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 5 pm to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sun – 12 pm to 9:30 pm
While Testun cranks the volume, Ischia kicks back with an easy-going Italian vibe and wood-fired pizzas that will transport you straight to The Old Country.
Our favorite is the Capricciosa, a meaty and earthy heavyweight with a balanced ratio of smoked ham, Italian sausages, and mushrooms. Fresh oregano and black olives tie its flavor together, giving it that timeless herby finish.
Chakra
From chakrarestaurantperth
Address: 839D Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 6153 0584
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Chakra redefines upscale dining with its blend of polished Indian fare and golden-age decor. Basically, it’s where we head when we’re in the mood to turn a dinner date into an event or just want to treat ourselves to some boldly flavored food.
Speaking of boldly flavored food, their samosa lives up to this label. We’re huge stans of its fiery beef and earthy carom seeds, but what completes it is the date chutney, balancing the robust essences with sweet-sour undertones you’ll only taste in Indian staples.
Chu Bakery
From chubakery
Address: 498 William St
Contact Details: +61 422 248 674
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 7 am to 4 pm
Chu Bakery and long lines? Now that’s an iconic duo. Fortunately, we are early birds so getting and downing this legendary bakery’s pastries is no problemo.
The last time we were here, we had the hazelnut kataifi, a gooey, nutty treat that’s best enjoyed with a cup of strong black coffee. On simpler days, their sugar-dusted jam doughnut, bursting with fruity goodness, does the trick just fine.
el Publico
From emilyvance
Address: 511 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 418 187 708
Operating Hours:
- Wed – 5 pm to 9:45 pm
- Thu – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Fri – 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Sat – 4 pm to 11:30 pm
- Sun – 4 pm to 9 pm
El Publico isn’t just another Mexican joint in Mount Lawley; it’s also a beloved gem in all of Perth. Their mostly unchanged 2012 Mex menu is proof they know how to do it right.
Unsurprisingly, tacos are their biggest hits, and our last visit showed us why. The standout was the marinated pulled pork taco, smoothed out with avocado, and best washed with sweet and smoky mezcal.
Where to Shop
Planet Books
From planetbooks_
Address: 636 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 9328 7464
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9 am to 9 pm
- Wed to Thu – 9 am to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 9 am to 10 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 9 pm
Bookworms who haven’t stepped into Planet Books are living under a rock. This treasure trove for bibliophiles has classics, contemporary pieces, and niche titles spanning genres and eras.
Gift-hunters will find a goldmine of quirky options as well, from stuffed Aussie critters to offbeat political figurines. In addition, the staff won’t hover as you pick (or read), and most importantly, the prices won’t break the bank.
Mt Lawley Art Framers
From artframers
Address: 477 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 8 9328 7181
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 4 pm
If you believe ordinary photos can’t become masterpieces, a visit to Mt Lawley Art Framers will shatter that illusion. Their frames are top-tier, ideal for displaying anything from a candid selfie to that quirky outfit you just want to immortalize.
Moreover, they have an art gallery that won’t leave your wallet gasping for air. Its collections include everything from striking sculptures to eclectic photographs, mostly made by local art virtuosos.
Retro Collect
From perth_theme_parks
Address: Astor Arcade, Shop 5/665 Beaufort St
Contact Details: +61 434 182 310
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Sat – 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 5 pm
While retro gaming stores may have caught a second wind lately, Retro Collect has been riding that wave for ages. No shocker here: they have a killer selection of classic consoles and games, from N64s to the earliest PlayStations
What makes it better is that they have hard-to-find gaming relics, like the Hartung Game Master and the Nokia N-Gage. Plus, toy collectors will be in seventh heaven with the plethora of figurines available, all reasonably priced.
Cool Cats Vintage
From coolcatsvintage
Address: 557 Beaufort St
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 11 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 5 pm
Nostalgia and colors are what you’ll be wearing after a visit to Cool Cats Vintage. Anybody hunting for a throwback look will love their pop culture-inspired tees that come with sharp hues and dynamic graphic illustrations.
Toys and posters from yesteryears are also part of this shop’s identity. The entrance alone brims with old-school Pokémon, TMNT, NBA, and Dragonball collectibles.