Categories > Guides and Tips
Best Things To Do in Cathedral Square Even The Non-Religious Will Love
- Treat yourself to creamy pasta in Post Osteria & Bar
- Immerse yourself in contemporary art at Art Collective WA
- Get lost in the world of fiction at the City of Perth Library
- Marvel at the century-old architecture of St George's Anglican Cathedral
- Recharge with a refreshing massage at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
- Attend a candlelight concert at Perth Town Hall
- Raise a toast to crazy good beer at Beer Corner
- Channel your inner fashionista at Rag Pop Up
- Indulge in handcrafted chocolates at Sue Lewis Chocolatier
Ever had that moment when someone dismisses something you love with a casual “There’s not much there, no?” My friend did just that when she asked me about my go-to hangout spot, and I enthusiastically said it was Cathedral Square.
I used to think the same until I got so bored one Sunday and decided exploring the square wouldn’t be as boring as being in bed all day. And boy, am I glad I did because it quickly became one of my favourite escapes in Perth.
So here’s my rebuttal to anyone who doubts Cathedral Square’s greatness—a list of all the amazing things to do there. Whether you’re a religious soul or just a bored person, I’m pretty sure this list has something you’ll love!
Treat yourself to creamy pasta in Post Osteria & Bar
Location: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://postperth.com/
Contact details: +61 8 6168 7822, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
The Cathedral Square has some really interesting restaurants you shouldn’t miss out on when you visit. One of them is our favourite restaurant to go to for a lazy lunch in the CBD, Post Osteria & Bar.
Post serves some of the best contemporary Italian cuisines. Every lunch we’ve had here has always been one for the books, from the entrees and mains to the dessert and drinks.
Their pastas are definitely our favourites because of how creamy and flavourful the sauces they use. Their tiramisu is also one of the meal-enders we’ve had in Perth, as the sweetness didn’t really overpower the coffee flavour it should have.
Pro Tip: They have a 10% surcharge every Sunday, so it’s best to visit during weekdays if you want to keep the bill as low as possible. The meals here are already quite pricey, so the surcharge can be quite hefty.
Immerse yourself in contemporary art at Art Collective WA
Location: Cathedral Square, 565 Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: http://www.artcollectivewa.com.au/
Contact details: +61 8 9325 7237, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Hosting monthly solo and group exhibitions, Art Collective WA is an artistic oasis in the heart of Perth. The art gallery showcases some of the best works of established and up-and-coming Western Australian artists, perfect for those looking for new art pieces.
As soon as I went in, I was immediately greeted and stunned by a bold and colourful display of Eveline Kotai’s works. Though it is smaller than other galleries in Perth, the display proved that size doesn’t matter when it comes to pure talent.
The separate stockroom holds even more contemporary abstract treasures that I fell in love with. I was so drawn to George Haynes’ colourful depiction of Aussie landscapes that I’m already planning how to save money just to snag one of his amazing pieces!
Pro Tip: Art Collective WA has a partnership with Art Money. Through this partnership, you can now take home an art piece and pay it off in 10-month instalments without interest.
If you’re interested, you can apply for Art Money on its official website.
Get lost in the world of fiction at the City of Perth Library
Location: 573 Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://www.perth.wa.gov.au
Contact details: (08) 9461 3500, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
For bookworms like me, the City of Perth Library is heaven on Earth. Can you even think of anything better than a seven-level, 3,500-square-metre library filled with almost every genre of books you can think of?
The library’s sleek, modern design blends seamlessly with the historic charm of Cathedral Square, creating a space that’s as visually stunning as it is welcoming. The interior is also just as modern, with soaring ceilings and a black and wood theme.
I got so comfortable reading on the bean bags inside the glass room that I really considered postponing my evening plans and spending the entire day there. The shelves were also filled to the brim, so taking just one almost felt like a crime.
Pro Tip: If you are only visiting Western Australia for a certain period, you can become a temporary member of the library. Just email them for all the requirements you’ll need to prepare.
The temporary membership is valid for three months and will allow you to borrow books at the library and enjoy the library’s other services.
Marvel at the century-old architecture of St George’s Anglican Cathedral
Location: 38 St.Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://www.perthcathedral.org/
Contact details: +61 (0)8 9325 5766, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Public Holidays: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
If there’s one thing many locals can agree on when asked about what to do in Cathedral Square, it’s definitely attending a mass or simply visiting St. George’s Cathedral. After all, the primary reason for the precinct’s name is the iconic cathedral.
The church is by far one of the most beautiful churches we’ve ever visited in Australia. Sunlight streams through the stained glass windows, creating a colourful reflection on the stoned floor and handmade bricks, giving the church a more grandeur look.
The church also has high vaulted ceilings and small chandeliers, which add more charm to it. Even those who are not big on the whole religion thing will definitely spend a great time just admiring the overall architecture of this century-old church.
Pro Tip: Visit in the afternoon! The sunlight is stronger around this time, so you can see the beauty of the church’s stained windows!
Recharge with a refreshing massage at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
Location: State Building, COMO The Treasury, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://www.comohotels.com/perth/como-the-treasury/wellness
Contact details: +61 8 6168 7877, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cathedral Square isn’t just about arts, heritage, and dining. The precinct is also home to COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, one of the best places in the CBD to go to if you’re looking to de-stress and unwind.
The massage I had at COMO was extremely relaxing, something pretty unexpected when you’re in the heart of a city as busy as Perth. The therapist used oil to help my muscles loosen up, which also helped the skin feel more hydrated.
The music playing softly, along with the comfortable temperature, also made the massage room feel really cosy. The therapist’s talented hands also made it pretty easy to drift off to sleep.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to get a couple of massages, make sure to book in advance because there’s only one massage room with two beds.
They also offer a workshop for couples interested in learning massage techniques.
Attend a candlelight concert at Perth Town Hall
From @nadin_prosper
Location: 601 Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: http://www.perth.wa.gov.au/living-community/perth-town-hall
Contact details: (08) 9461 3555, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for a place to have a romantic date, the Perth Town Hall is the place to go. This Gothic-style town hall hosts regular candlelight concerts whose genres range from pop and rock music to movie and anime soundtracks.
I attended a Taylor Swift Candlelight concert with a friend and was completely mesmerised by the setting. The place was decorated with hundreds of candles and had this whimsical vibe that matched the sound of the cello and violin playing on stage.
The musicians, Dolce Ensemble, turned the town into a magical place with their rendition of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits. When they started the Wildest Dreams performance, I found myself picturing a whole movie scene.
Pro Tip: Get there early to snap Instagram-worthy shots! Most of the candlelights are set up near the stage, so you get the most aesthetically pleasing shots there.
Raise a toast to crazy good beer at Beer Corner
Location: State Buildings, Corner Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://statebuildings.com/venues/beer-corner/
Contact details: +61 (8) 6168 7773
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to Late
Designed as an open space for people to interact and socialise with each other, Cathedral Square also has some of the best venues for your next friendly hangouts! One of them is the Beer Corner in the State Buildings on Barrack Street.
They have an amazing list of tap beers from various breweries. I’ve always tried new beers every time I visit since they always update the list, and the range is too huge to explore in just one sitting.
The vibe inside is also always lively, not only because it’s usually packed but also because they play some really fun music. Hearing each other can be quite difficult, especially at night, but trust me, that wouldn’t really make your hangouts any less fun.
Pro Tip: Beer Corner does happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for selected beers, wines, and cocktails! Most of the drinks only cost $8, so check it out!
Make sure to bring your debit or credit card, though. They’re currently not accepting cash for payments.
Channel your inner fashionista at Rag Pop Up
Location: 601 Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://ragpopup.com.au/
Contact details: 0411 466 446, [email protected]
For fashionistas visiting Perth, don’t miss out on the chance to find unique fashion pieces at Rag Pop Up! This fashion upmarket in Cathedral Square offers a range of clothing, jewellery, bags, accessories, and more from various designers and artists.
I managed to get some absolutely gorgeous sundresses and sunglasses for my beach trip right here. I also bought a couple of accessories I’ve yet to use, but they’ll definitely see the light of day when I find the right event for them.
This is just a pop-up market in Perth Town Hall, so it’s best to follow their Instagram to find out when they’ll grace Cathedral Square again!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your own bag because Rag Pop Up is trying to make its events more sustainable. The stalls may no longer offer plastics for your purchases.
Indulge in handcrafted chocolates at Sue Lewis Chocolatier
Location: Corner St George’s Terrace & State Buildings, Barrack St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://www.suelewischocolatier.com
Contact details: 0452 423 323, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Jo Brand once said, “Anything is good if it’s made of chocolate,” and I honestly couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’ve always believed that any trip to Cathedral Square would be good if you visited Sue Lewis Chocolatier.
The store’s handcrafted chocolates are just pure heaven that I can’t help but make a beeline to the store every time I’m in the precinct. The truffles are especially rich in flavour and aren’t too sweet, so they’re definitely my favourites.
If you’re not sure what to get, the store has samples that can help you choose new chocolates to indulge in. Plus, there’s a kitchen viewing window in the store where you can see the chocolates being made!
Pro Tip: The chocolates are all-natural and have only a 10-day shelf life. Make sure not to buy more than you can consume within those 10 days!
