As Western Australia’s biggest purpose-built event space, seating a max of 5,000 guests, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre deserves a spot here.

It’s smack dab in the CBD and has hosted events since 2004, mostly grand-scale expos, galas, and conferences. A notable example is 2016’s International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas.

The centre’s tech is no joke either; gatherings are often powered by HP Aruba Networking’s Wi-Fi 6E and an intelligent lighting setup. The info is then displayed on a 20 m x 5 m LED screen, the largest of its kind in Perth.

Unsurprisingly, it’s not cost-efficient for smaller orgs or events. The tight parking situation can test your patience as well.

A bright side is the centre’s eco-friendly practices, like its emphasis on green energy.

Guests can also save some cash by accessing exclusive rates from partner hotels, such as Parmelia Hilton and InterContinental Perth.

Beautiful Theatre

‘Beautiful place, I went to a Concert in Riverside theatre which has north and south entrance. It is located on one level up in 1st floor. South entrance is right after the north. There is a CPP parking right below it. Parking is free after 6pm. Parking tickets can be validated in the car park. Beautiful theatre. Try to use the wash room first before entering. Not enough space between chairs to get to the middle ones or book the Aisle seats.’

arun mani, Google Review

Spacious With Great Lighting

Amazing place! Spacious with great lighting! I was here for my mate’s graduation & it was an great experience. Definitely come and visit for an event. The amphitheater was spacious and there are plenty of other function rooms too. Toilets are clean and huuuge! It was wonderful seeing this place.

A.0k, Google Review

Our team has hosted two seminars at the Crown Hotel, and we’d say flexibility is among its biggest draws. There are spaces for large-scale and intimate affairs, accommodating up to 3,000 guests.

Based on our experience, there’s no need to hire another team for things like designing and catering. The hotel has an in-house team for that.

Speaking of catering, you have plenty of options here, especially if your wallet is stacked. On-site restos like Nobu and Epicurean can be booked, and they’re some of Perth’s highest-rated diners.

Crown has a fair bit of options for those particular about design variety, too. A few examples include the theatre-inspired space, the ballroom-style venue, and the outdoor area overlooking the Swan River.

However, securing your preferred date isn’t always guaranteed. The hotel’s conference rooms are eyed by several.

And, of course, smaller groups might find the rates a tad exy.

Food and Catering Were Great

‘Great place to hold business conferences. Plenty of space with well appointed meeting rooms. Good facilities and easier enough to get to by taxi. Food and catering were great and the staff were friendly and helpful.’

Mike Holding, Google Review

Plenty of Parking

‘Excellent event with food and beverage service for several hundred people. Plenty of parking available as well as choices for staying the night.’

Gus, Google Review

Caversham House is an ideal pick if you’re huge on aesthetics. After all, it’s one of the dreamiest wedding locations in Perth, thanks to its purpose-built venue, European-style gardens, and waterfall feature.

What’s more, the Wi-Fi is decent, and ample free parking is provided. The conference spaces are also AV-ready, though most folks we interviewed had opted for an open-air setting for that sweet, sweet Caversham breeze.

A potential drawback is the limited space. Compared to the previous entries, their 280-person max capacity isn’t a good fit for mega events.

On top of that, this entry is the farthest from Downtown Perth. From the CBD, it’s usually a 25-minute to 30-minute drive to reach Caversham House.

We have no issues with their customer service, though. Based on our experience and chats, their phone and email replies tend to be quick, informative, and professional.

Incredible

‘Beautiful Venue for photos and the waterfall. Staff were on the ball and very attentive. The meals were delicious all three courses and dessert. The space for a musician and a band and a dancefloor. We had the most perfect day thank you to Emma and Alison who were incredible!’

Ellie de, Google Review

Looked Stunning

‘Caversham House hosted our wedding ceremony and reception at the start of April, and we couldn’t be happier with both the venue and staff! The weather for our wedding was wild and windy, but the staff, specifically Emma our wedding coordinator were so reassuring and provided a sense of calm and support to help us get through it. All of our guests have said that the food and service were incredible for the reception, and that the marquee and gardens looked stunning! We couldn’t be more thankful for Emma and all the staff, for providing us with a truly incredible wedding.’

James Chadwick, Google Review

If you’re after a ‘business-first’ venue, Karstens is a solid choice. Though not as flashy as our previous picks, the majority of its sunlit conference rooms are flexible, as long as your gathering doesn’t exceed 180 people.

On the amenities end, notable features include fibre-optic Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, moveable whiteboards, and an expansive breakout area. There’s even a technical support team on-site that handles scanning, printing, shredding, and binding needs.

Karstens’ Perth venue is also 5 minutes away from the CBD. In addition, you can request Logitech-backed conference rooms, which are convenient (and often cheaper) for groups favouring hybrid events.

One possible challenge is the lack of on-site accommodation. You have to book externally, and most times, that setup is pricier.

Also, there are no other recreational areas beyond the breakout room, unlike conference centres located within hotels or resorts.

That said, catering is offered, and they’ll handle the planning/organising bits.

Great Venue

‘Attended this conference centre during an event management course over a week. Catering was excellent every day and had great range of choices. Staff are always lovely and happy to help. Facilities are very clean, comfortable and appealing. Great venue and I highly recommend them!’

Kelsie Harvy, Google Review

The Rooms Are Clean

‘The staff at Karstens are superb. Huge shout out to Sunny and Kamal. Their friendly and personable nature always had me feeling welcome and appreciated. They took care of everything that was needed. The catering supplied was very tasty and well thought out. The rooms are clean. The lounge area has a comfortable atmosphere.’

Sharon Marriott, Google Review

The ANZAC Club is this list’s closest venue to the Perth CBD, with an average drive time of 4 minutes (10 minutes on foot from the station).

It also ticks the ‘functional and scenic’ box. Most rooms have a built-in 120” projector, seamless audio system, free Wi-Fi, natural lighting, and even balcony access, allowing you to enjoy the nearby Swan River and Government House garden vistas.

Capacity-wise, you’re looking at spaces for 20 to 300 guests, which isn’t shabby unless you’re throwing a super massive conference.

Prices aren’t bad either, with most clients describing the ANZAC Club’s rates as reasonable. You even get to support WA vets, as all profits go to them.

In-house catering is also available, which is typically cheaper than booking off-site restos.

We have to mention the lack of accommodation, though. If you’re planning a multi-day conference, we have venues here that offer on-site crash pads.

The Space Is Really Incredible

‘I held my Freedom Empire workshop at ANZAC club, and we were happy with how everything turned out!! the space is really incredible! Everyone couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the space was – it really set the perfect vibe for the day! Plus, the team was super easy to work with! Terry was amazing on the day 🙂 we’ll definitely keep ANZAC Club in mind for future events 🙌🏼’

Jessica Williamson, Google Review

Stunning Views, Stylish Interior

‘Great experience at Anzac house. The stunning views, stylish interior, and delicious food made our event truly special. Highly recommend this venue.’

손요셉, Google Review