Categories > Guides and Tips
Top Things to Do in Perth CBD
- What can I do in Perth’s Central Business District?
- Play Classic Video Games at The Nostalgia Box Museum
- Chime the Bells at The Bell Tower
- Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Have a Picnic at Hyde Park
- Watch a Show at His Majesty’s Theatre
- Shop ‘Til You Drop at Hay Street Mall
- Read Books at the City of Perth Library
- Walk Around Forrest Chase
- Try Flying a Plane at Flight Experience Perth (Simulation)
- Play a VR Game at Zero Latency Perth
- Harvest a Pearl at Willie Creek Pearls
- Step Back in Time at London Court
First time in Perth CBD? Here’s a cool tidbit: We’ve got these nifty free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses!
They zip around, letting you explore the city without breaking the bank—more cash for delicious meals and leisure later!
If you’re ready to explore the Central Business District, follow our guide below for tips on enjoying the heart of Perth like a local.
What can I do in Perth’s Central Business District?
Play Classic Video Games at The Nostalgia Box Museum
Media from nostalgiabox
Address: 69 Plaistowe Mews, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia
Contact Details: +61 1300 184 423, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Fees:
- Adults – $18.70
- Child (5 to 15 years old) – $13.20
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) – $16.50
- WA Concession Holders – $16.50
Are you an old-school gamer? The Nostalgia Box Museum, Australia’s only video game console museum, is located in Perth CBD. Here, you can explore some rare retro consoles and try out classic games in the interactive area!
You’ll see the evolution of gaming in this museum, which has over 100 consoles from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Dig into your favourites and explore the consoles that played a huge role in shaping today’s gaming scene.
Heal your inner child and journey into your precious childhood memories—we recommend racing in Mario Kart, chasing ghosts in Pac-Man, or settling your old scores in Space Invaders!
Just note that while the museum boasts an amazing arcade collection, there are no pinball machines available—in case you were wondering.
Pro tip:
Bookings are a must at The Nostalgia Box Museum, so secure your spot on their website or by phone. Walk-ins are okay, but be cautious during private functions to avoid being turned away.
Chime the Bells at The Bell Tower
Media from thebelltowerperth
Address: Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 6210 0444, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Monday – Closed
Fees:
- The Bell Tower Experience (general entry with an interactive demo on the art of chiming a bell)
- Adults – $18
- Children (0 to 4) – Free
- Children (5 to 12) – $9
- Concession – $16
- Family – $44
- General Entry (unlimited access to all 5 public areas of the tower except the chiming demos)
- Adults – $10
- Children (0 to 4) – Free
- Children (5 to 12) – $8
- Concession – $9
- Family – $25
The Bell Tower in Perth Central Business District is where you can watch bell ringers and see the bells turn from the observation deck—you could even chime the bells yourself!
For a day of bell-filled wonders, we feel it’s best to get the General Entry ticket. Explore from 10 am to 4 pm, catch the Mark Creasy Turret Clock chime, and enjoy live bell ringing on Thursdays and Sundays.
But if you want a romantic date idea, we suggest going for the Romance Package. This includes designing a ‘love lock’ and an interactive Bell Chiming Experience.
If you don’t know, these love locks symbolise eternal love. And by booking this package for two, you can save more than 10% as well!
Pro tip:
Visit The Bell Tower on Thursdays for professional bell ringing from 12 pm to 1 pm with fewer crowds. Also, catch the 6,500 kg ANZAC Bell ringing at 12 pm for one whole minute!
Explore the Art Gallery of Western Australia
Media from artgallerywa
Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 9492 6600, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday, Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Fees:
- Free entry
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is where Western Australian, indigenous, and global art thrive in a brutalist masterpiece by architect Charles Sierakowski. If you have a soft spot for art, go to this part of the Perth CBD!
For us, this art gallery is a wonderful hub of creativity, hosting a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Here, you can immerse yourself in artist talks, music, and performance art.
Oh, and don’t forget to explore the Centenary Galleries, snugly housed in one of Western Australia’s oldest buildings. They’ve got these ever-changing exhibitions that practically breathe life into Perth’s history.
Before you go, pop into the Design Store too—it’s a treasure trove of innovation by local and international artists. Your purchase might not only score you something cool but can also support AGWA with its future exhibitions, experiences, and events.
Pro tip:
Swing by the AGWA Rooftop, a 500-person venue with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Perth CBD skyline!
Get there via a slick glass lift and sky-bridge from the Perth Cultural Centre. Sip on your favourite drinks, enjoy Western Australian flavours, and groove to the beats of local DJs amid the open-air sculpture park!
Have a Picnic at Hyde Park
Media from hydeparkperth
Address: Vincent St & William St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 9273 6000, +61 8 6324 0329 (emergencies only), [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Free entry
Looking for a peaceful picnic area? Hyde Park in Perth Central Business District is a serene spot with a long history, once known as ‘Third Swamp’ by the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Born in 1897 and named after London’s Hyde Park in 1899, it’s a beautiful green haven with a lake and tonnes of trees. They even threw in some islands in 1913, which we believe made it extra charming!
Fast forward to the swinging 1960s, and Hyde Park got a makeover—new playgrounds and BBQ spots! Soon, they kicked off fairs and festivals, giving you a taste of the lively local vibe.
Now, when you swing by Hyde Park, you’ve got everything—playgrounds, toilets, barbeques, and a snack kiosk. Family hotspot alert, especially with that water playground open at certain times. Perfect for a chill day out!
Pro tip:
Time your visit during the Hyde Park Festival weekend—it’s a blast with stalls, food trucks, and entertainment!
Plus, you’re also supporting cool community projects like helping women and kids escape domestic violence through the Path of Hope initiative.
Watch a Show at His Majesty’s Theatre
Media from hismajestystheatreperth
Address: 827-905 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 6212 9292, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
His Majesty’s Theatre is Perth CBD’s time capsule to the Edwardian era, gracing the city since 1904. Here, you’ll enjoy diverse performances, no matter which genre you love!
From belly laughs at comedies to gripping dramas, elegant ballet moves to breathtaking operas, we believe this theatre is a feast for entertainment enthusiasts.
But before the show, why not soak up the pre-performance vibes at the classy foyer bar? Sip on a drink, soak up the anticipation buzz, and perhaps catch a glimpse of thespian magic unfolding around you.
And you can’t skip ‘Downstairs at the Maj’—a downstairs venue with a modern cabaret twist. It’s where the cool cats go!
Pro tip:
Want to maximise your visit before the performances? Take a weekday detour to the Museum of Performing Arts within His Majesty’s Theatre, from 10 am to 4 pm.
With over 40,000 online catalogued items, this museum tells the exciting history of His Majesty’s, collected by the historian Ivan King OAM.
Shop ‘Til You Drop at Hay Street Mall
Media from brodiecrowbear
Address: Hay Street Mall, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: (08) 9461 3333, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Hay Street Mall is an open-air retail haven smack in the Perth Central Business District. Visitors can stroll between Barrack and William Streets, surrounded by department stores, cute boutiques, and tempting food stops.
In our opinion, this spot is where shopping dreams come true! There are city centre arcades, major centres, and a mix of cool speciality stores to explore.
Fashionistas can also rejoice because this place is packed with brands like Culture Kings, Nike, and Superdry, as well as elegant finds at West Elm, Pottery Barn, and T2.
But this mall isn’t just about bags and shoes. Look up, and you’ll see heritage-listed buildings above the shops. Even if you’re mostly window-shopping, it can still be a pretty relaxing day!
Pro tip:
Rise and shine! Why not start your shopping as early as 8 or 9 am at Hay Street Mall? This way, you can beat the crowd, snag the coolest streetwear, or find that perfect homeware piece without much competition.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a coffee nearby—it’s your secret shopping weapon!
Read Books at the City of Perth Library
Media from cityofperthlibrary
Address: 573 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 9461 3500
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
- Monday to Friday – 18 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
The City of Perth Library in the CBD is a great spot for bookworms! It offers a bunch of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and online resources. Whether you need a place to study, work, or just chill, this is where to go.
Step inside, and we’d say it’s not your typical library scene. Check out the ceiling artwork, which we reckon sets the vibe for a cool reading experience.
Believe it or not, this library has been rocking it for a whopping 65 years and is still going strong! They’re rolling out a strategy until 2027, so they’re all about keeping things fresh and useful for everyone.
But it’s not just about the awesome books. They’ve got rooms up for grabs, an auditorium, a chill terrace, and special levels just for young adults and families. It’s a mix of everything!
Pro tip:
Unleash your inner detective at the City of Perth Library—pick up a mystery novel, wander the shelves, and find a hidden corner. We think this could be a truly immersive experience.
Walk Around Forrest Chase
Media from x.felicityjane.x
Address: 200 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 9476 7666, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
For over 28 years, Forrest Chase has been the style hub in the Perth Central Business District. More than a shopping spot, it’s where local, national, and international retailers, including the iconic Myer, come together to elevate your style game.
From the five-level Myer to Aussie favourites like R.M. Williams and Mecca—we feel there’s something for every taste!
And right next to Forrest Place is the gateway linking Perth with Northbridge, the Cultural Precinct, the WA Art Museum, and beyond. Talk about being at the heart of Perth’s urban buzz!
Pro tip:
Revamp your style game at Forrest Chase. Grab a free personal styling session here and own the streets of Perth with your newfound look! Who knows? You might just fall in love with the bolder, more confident you.
Try Flying a Plane at Flight Experience Perth (Simulation)
Media from flight_experience_perth
Address: 355 Newcastle St, Northbridge, WA 6003, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 9228 8737, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 11 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Fees:
- One 60 minute session – $250 (with an FSI)
- One 60 minute session – $200
- Prepay four 60 min sessions – $175/hr
- Flight Simulator Instructor (FSI) – +$75/hr
- For Each Extra Pilot – +$50/hr
Ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? Well, at Flight Experience Perth in the Central Business District, dreams can take flight—even just for a day!
Picture yourself as the captain of a Boeing 737 (a narrow-body aircraft) or the pilot of an F/A-18 (a fighter and attack aircraft), taking full control of the cockpit.
Now, here’s the cool part: with their super-realistic simulation and expert guidance, you can experience the entire thrill of operating an aircraft.
Yep, we’re talking take-offs, landings, and all the exciting stuff in between. And guess what? No flying experience needed!
But hey, if you’re up for a different kind of adventure in the virtual world, no problemo! You can dive into the world of military aviation with their virtual reality (VR) military jet simulators.
Imagine flying military jets like the F-15 and FA-18 through jaw-dropping landscapes in either a 15 or 30-minute mission. What a rare thrill!
Pro tip:
Want to share the fun and adrenaline at Flight Experience Perth? It’s okay to bring along a co-pilot! They offer seating for two extra people during your flight for no extra charge.
Play a VR Game at Zero Latency Perth
Media from zerolatencyperth
Address: 248 Newcastle St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 8 6385 2666, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Monday – Closed
Fees:
- $59 per person for a 45 to 50-minute experience (including a 30-minute game time plus 15 to 20-minute briefing, suit-up or down, and debriefing)
At the former Zone 3 Laser Tag building, Perth CBD offers Zero Latency—a global haven for free-roam, multiplayer, and virtual reality (VR) gaming.
There, you can battle zombies, go head-to-head with killer robots in space, or even challenge your friends to a gaming showdown!
Now, what sets Zero Latency apart? We believe it’s their free-froam experience! You’ll get freedom from cables and wires that create a vast playground for exploration without any limits.
Up to eight players can join forces or compete. And for us, the warehouse-scale arena adds a layer of realism and excitement.
But more than just a gaming space, it also offers a space that houses arcade games, a snug cafe, and occasionally hosts international tournaments.
And yes, they’ve got a retro arcade too! Classic pinball machines, Time Crisis, Daytona—you name it. Plus, they’ve got a cosy spot called The Detour Bar, so you can fuel your adventures with good food and refreshing drinks.
Pro tip:
Planning to conquer Zero Latency Perth? Dress for the occasion! Shop for comfy clothes and suitable footwear from your favourite clothing store for an active experience.
Also, we recommend ditching the mascara to keep those lenses smudge-free and enjoy an uninterrupted adventure.
Harvest a Pearl at Willie Creek Pearls
Media from williecreekpearls
Address: Western Pavilion, Barrack Square, Elizabeth Quay, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: (08) 9192 0000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Tour Fees:
- Starts from $89
Willie Creek Pearls offers the complete pearl experience in Perth CBD. It delves into the history of Broome’s pearling and educates visitors on modern-day pearling, commercial farming, and jewellery craftsmanship.
Here, you can witness a live pearl harvest, where Pinctada maxima oysters produce valued pearls ranging from $500 to $5,000 AUD. In our opinion, this activity is perfect for special celebrations or making an ordinary day special!
But that’s not all. Once the pearls are plucked, you get an exclusive backstage pass to the grading process. You’ll learn about the 5 virtues that make a pearl top-notch and uncover the secrets that make each one so unique.
And have you ever tasted pearl meat? Now’s your chance too! Here, you can pair it with some fantastic Margaret River sparkling wine, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Pro tip:
If by any chance the pearl you harvested at Willie Creek Pearls isn’t your cup of tea, no worries! Just politely inform the staff, and you can swap it out for a $500 jewellery gift card.
Step Back in Time at London Court
Media from londoncourtperth
Address: 647 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
Contact Details: (08) 6375 6000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 5 PM
London Court is one of the Perth Central Business District’s best loved heritage-listed shopping destinations. Built in 1937, this open-roofed shopping arcade offers a unique blend of Tudor England charm and Aussie character.
In our opinion, this place is like a time capsule, breaking free from the hustle of St Georges Terrace and other modern malls that pretty much rule the city.
For us, the copper ships, lions, and unicorns on the ceilings and walkway also add whimsy, creating a unique shopping experience with that ‘ye olde’ vibe.
And for your daily dose of retail therapy, London Court is a treasure trove. Here, you’ll find premium jewellery, accessories, antiques, souvenirs—you name it. So, don’t forget to pick up some charming mementoes for your loved ones too.
Pro tip:
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, head over to the London Court Cafe for some breakfast food, coffee, cakes, and other munchies.
And if you’re up for it, grab a delicious ice cream and waffle combo from Cloud Gelato, just around the corner!
