Categories > Guides and Tips
Neighbourhoods in Perth You Definitely Shouldn’t Miss Out On
- Northbridge - The Nightlife Centre of Perth
- A Brief History of Northbridge
- Best Bars and Restaurants in Northbridge
- No Mafia
- Hong Kong BBQ House
- Vincent Wine
- Birdbath Beer Garden
- What are Northbridge's most famous attractions?
- Perth Cultural Centre
- Fremantle - The Historical Port City of Perth
- Take a ferry to the nearby Rottnest Island
- Feast on the catch of the day at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
- Go on a beer taste-testing tour through Fremantle’s microbreweries
- What are Fremantle’s most famous attractions?
- Fremantle Prison
- WA Maritime Museum
- Subiaco - Perth’s Affluent Suburb
- A Brief History of Subiaco
- Best Shopping Centres to Check Out in Subiaco
- Subi Farmers Market
- Subi Square Shopping Centre
- Hillarys Shopping Centre
- What are Subiaco’s most famous attractions?
- The Regal Theatre
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Mount Lawley - The Place Where Perth’s Creative Minds Gather
- A Brief History of Mount Lawley
- Hip Places to Try Out in Mount Lawley
- Beaufort Street
- Mount Lawley Bowling Club
- Chakra
- What are Mount Lawley’s most famous attractions?
- Astor Theatre
- Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
- FAQS about Perth’s Most Unique Neighbourhoods
Planning to visit Perth but don’t know what to check out first? Wondering where the most interesting and unique neighbourhoods are in Perth?
Then look no further. In this article, I’ll discuss the suburbs in the city that are worth exploring, both for first-timers and frequent visitors of Perth.
We’ll go on a little tour of some of Perth’s most unique neighbourhoods: Northbridge, Fremantle, Subiaco, and Mount Lawley. These places offer some of the best experiences Perth has to offer, which is why you shouldn’t miss them.
Northbridge – The Nightlife Centre of Perth
Come see what Perth’s like when night falls in the city’s nightlife centre, Northbridge. This neighbourhood transforms into a vibrant party place at night thanks to its many restaurants and bars.
Located just a 5-minute walk from Perth CBD, this neighbourhood is one of the prime places to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the city’s local food scene.
Home to Perth’s best attractions, like the Perth Cultural Centre and Chinatown, Northbridge can offer you some of the best experiences you’ll have while in Perth.
A Brief History of Northbridge
Northbridge is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Perth. It was a swampy wetland drained with the help of convict labour in the 1860s. Western Australia’s gold rush has led to many hotels being built in Northbridge to accommodate prospectors.
The real transformation of Northbridge happened back in the 1950s and 1960s when European migration to Perth was at its highest. A lot of these immigrants have started their own restaurants and bars in Northbridge.
Nowadays, Northbridge continues to be one of Perth’s most diverse neighbourhoods, as Asian migrants have also settled in this neighbourhood. The city’s Chinatown can be found here in Northbridge.
Best Bars and Restaurants in Northbridge
Now that you know a bit about Northbridge’s history, it’s time to introduce you to the hottest spots in the neighbourhood. Enjoy the best of the local food scene by trying out these places:
| A note on the price ranges: $ = Entree’s average prices less than $17$$ = Entree’s average prices are between $17 and $45$$$ = Entree’s average prices more than $45 |
No Mafia
Price range: $$
Address: 252 William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Website: https://www.nomafia.com.au/
Business hours:
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (MON-THURS)
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Closed on SUN
Let’s start off our food trip by visiting one of my favourite Italian restaurants, No Mafia. This place features a lot of Italy’s most famous pasta dishes, like gnocchi and spaghetti.
A big reason why I keep coming back here is that its dishes are always guaranteed fresh. They only use local produce, and they source their ingredients from local farmers and fishermen in Western Australia.
The aesthetic is also another thing I love about this place. Their place has a big balcony where you can sit and watch the Perth skyline while sipping a glass of Amaro Montenegro.
Hong Kong BBQ House
Price range: $$
Address: 76 Francis St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Website: https://hkbbqperth.com.au/
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (SUN-THURS)
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (FRI and SAT)
Closed on WED
Hong Kong BBQ House is our next destination in Northbridge. Contrary to what the name suggests, this restaurant isn’t limited to barbeque, as it also offers a wide range of Chinese dishes you definitely should try out.
This place has one of the biggest menus I’ve ever seen in Perth. They have Chinese-style fried rice, seafood, pork barbeque, and more.
Make sure to reserve a table in advance if you want to try out their most exquisite meals.
My personal favourite is their Peking duck. The skin is so crispy and the meat is dripping with juices, which gives the meal a flavour that’s hard to imitate.
Vincent Wine
Price range: $$
Address: 465 William St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Website: https://www.vincentwine.com.au/
Business hours:
4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (WED and THURS)
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (FRI-SUN)
Closed on MON and TUES
Vincent Wine is another great spot to check out if you’re a fan of European cuisine and exquisite wines. Inspired by the famous bars of Paris, this spot in Northbridge can offer you an authentic Parisian dining experience.
Feast yourself on some of Vincent Wine’s popular menu items, including the world-renowned baguette and charcuterie. Like No Mafia, this place sources its ingredients locally from towns like Fremantle and Manjimup.
What I really love about Vincent Wine is its quiet and relaxing atmosphere. It’s situated on the edge of Northbridge, far away from the noisy spots of the neighbourhood.
Birdbath Beer Garden
Address: 15 Francis St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
The Rechabites Birdbath Beer Garden is one of Northbridge’s best spots to hang out for some great beers with your friends.
The place always has this lively atmosphere going on once the sun sets. My friends and I always love to come here at least once a month during the summer season, especially after suffering through overtime and dizzying work.
Just make sure to arrive a bit earlier before the party starts because this place fills up fast. The Birdbath Beer Garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday from five in the afternoon until midnight.
What are Northbridge’s most famous attractions?
Northbridge is a neighbourhood famous not only for its delicious food and wine but also for its cool attractions. Here are some places in Northbridge you should definitely visit while in town:
Perth Cultural Centre
Address: Roe Street, Beaufort Street Francis Street &, William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Perth Cultural Centre, as the name suggests, is one of the premier locations in the city when it comes to arts and culture. This cultural precinct is where you’ll find the most prestigious museums and exhibitions in Western Australia.
Some of the most prestigious establishments here are the State Library of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip. You can also catch the state’s most famous theatre performances here, in the State Theatre Centre.
Personally, I recommend you check out the WA Museum Boola Bardip first. This museum hosts great exhibitions, including one about the history of Australia’s indigenous peoples.
Perth Arena (RAC Arena)
Address: 700 Wellington St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Perth Arena, or RAC Arena, is one of the biggest event venues in the city. This entertainment arena is located on the south-west edge of Northbridge and has a seating capacity of 15,500.
This is the place you’d want to visit if you’re a huge fan of basketball. The Perth Arena is the home arena of our own basketball team, the Perth Wildcats.
Aside from basketball games, the Perth Arena is also used to host performances by top singers and performers. One of the concerts I attended here was the one by Celine Dion back in 2018.
I hope you can watch a game at the Perth Arena during your visit here and give the Perth Wildcats the love they deserve!
Fremantle – The Historical Port City of Perth
Fremantle is one of the oldest cities in Perth and has one of the most unique experiences you can try out. With its bustling streets and warm beaches, this neighbourhood is best experienced walking on a cool afternoon.
A Brief History of Fremantle
Fremantle was one of the first cities founded in Perth. Originally built to become the port city of the then Swan River Colony, Fremantle grew into one of Perth’s biggest towns in the following decades.
This neighbourhood gained prominence later on as it became a naval base for the Allied forces during WWII. After the war, Fremantle became the base for Western Australia’s largest fishing fleet.
Nowadays, Fremantle is one of Australia’s biggest ports, where most of Western Australia’s imports and exports pass through. It has also recently become the gateway to the increasing Asian immigrant population of the city.
Best Outdoor Activities to Try Out in Fremantle
As Perth’s biggest port city, Fremantle is one of the best neighbourhoods to visit for some fun outdoor activities near the ocean. Here are some activities you shouldn’t miss while in Fremantle:
Take a ferry to the nearby Rottnest Island
Fremantle is the perfect place to get a ferry ride across the ocean towards the quiet Rottnest Island. This island is where you’ll find the cute quokka, which has recently garnered popularity on social media.
These little creatures and the landmarks around the island are what make it a popular tourist destination. I always bring my overseas friends here so they can finally see a quokka in the flesh.
While there are other towns in Perth that also have ferry routes to Rottnest Island, I find Fremantle to be the best because the ferry rides here are the shortest.
Feast on the catch of the day at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
Address: Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
If you think we’re done exploring Perth’s food scene, then you are wrong. Fans of seafood will certainly love trying out the best seafood dishes in the city, which you’ll find at Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour.
This oceanfront property hosts the best seafood restaurants in the city. One of my favourite restaurants, the Kailis Fishmarket Cafe, can be found here.
If you’re not in the mood for some seafood, you can still visit this place and see one of the best sights in Perth. The Fishing Boat Harbour has a walking trail that gives you an unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean.
Go on a beer taste-testing tour through Fremantle’s microbreweries
Do you know that Fremantle is also a hotspot for Perth’s local brewery scene?
Yes! You can try out a variety of beers in Fremantle through the microbreweries scattered across the neighbourhood.
You can spend an entire afternoon hopping around Fremantle, checking out these little breweries. Most of these breweries, like the Little Creatures Brewery, are just a few metres away from the Fishing Boat Harbour.
However, as always, remember to drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive, and I suggest you take the bus instead of driving a car to these places if you’re planning on checking them out.
What are Fremantle’s most famous attractions?
After seeing some cute quokkas and trying out the freshest beer flavours, it’s time to see the most famous attractions in Fremantle. Here are some places to visit in the neighbourhood if you want to know more about Fremantle’s rich history:
Fremantle Prison
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Come see one of Perth’s oldest structures, the Fremantle Prison. This now-defunct prison has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its historical significance in Australia.
Fremantle Prison will let you see an authentic representation of what British prisons were like back then. My first visit to this place was amazing, as I learned here how Perth’s transformation into a penal colony helped it grow into the city it is today.
WA Maritime Museum
From: warachuty
Address: Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
As I explained a bit earlier, Fremantle has been the primary port of Perth since colonial times. If you’re keen to know more about Fremantle’s rich maritime history, then I suggest you come and visit the WA Maritime Museum.
Here you’ll find some cool exhibits showcasing some artefacts found aboard a lot of ships that used to dock regularly in Fremantle’s ports. The museum also offers extensive tours highlighting Perth’s local indigenous culture.
My personal favourite is the WA Maritime Museum’s Under the Dome experience. This is a cinema that features special documentaries covering Western Australia’s natural sea life.
Subiaco – Perth’s Affluent Suburb
Subiaco is one of Perth’s most affluent neighbourhoods. It’s a place full of fun things to do, especially if you’re a big fan of shopping for products that are hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Let’s discuss in detail what Subiaco can offer you and why it is a must-visit for visitors to Perth.
A Brief History of Subiaco
Subiaco used to be the home of the indigenous Noongar people before the arrival of European settlers. After a few decades, the land became one of Perth’s earliest neighbourhoods, which grew upon the arrival of the Benedictine Order in the city.
The Benedictine monks who settled in the area have started calling it Subiaco, based on the town in Italy where these monks came from. After a few decades, Subiaco became a working-class suburb full of industrial and commercial spaces.
However, the neighbourhood was recently redeveloped and turned into a low-rise urban village. Since then, it has become one of Perth’s richest areas, where affluent families live.
Best Shopping Centres to Check Out in Subiaco
Given the rich population Subiaco has, it’s no wonder it has built a lot of premier shopping centres in the past few years. Let’s check out these places and see why they are so popular with both residents and visitors to the neighbourhood.
Subi Farmers Market
Address: 271 Bagot Rd, Subiaco WA 6008, Australia
Subi Farmers Market is the place to go if you’re looking to buy the freshest produce in Perth. This market seeks to provide the hardworking farmers and fishermen of WA with a way to sell their products directly to their customers.
I visit the Subi Farmers Market every Saturday to replenish my groceries. Please take note that the farmer’s market is only open every Saturday from eight in the morning until noon.
Aside from shopping for fresh groceries, you can also enjoy a relaxing breakfast from the food stalls in the market.
Subi Square Shopping Centre
Address: 29 Station St, Subiaco WA 6008, Australia
Subi Square Shopping Centre is a great place to hang out and relax, as it’s full of restaurants and stores you can get lost in for hours. This place has some awesome stuff to try out, like the Perth Kebab Station.
It’s one of my favourite spots to walk around during the hot summer season. The Subi Square Shopping Centre is right next to the Subiaco train station, so it’s not a hassle to visit, especially if you don’t have a car.
Hillarys Shopping Centre
Address: 110 Flinders Ave, Hillarys WA 6025, Australia
Another great shopping centre you should definitely visit is Subiaco’s Hillarys Shopping Centre. This mall is owned by the same group that owns other popular shopping centres in Perth, like the Claremont Quarter.
If you’ve been to malls like Claremont Quarter, you’ll know what to expect from this one. Hillarys Shopping Centre is a great mall to visit if you’re looking for luxury goods from shops like David Murphy Jewellers and Liquor Barons.
What are Subiaco’s most famous attractions?
Shopping is not the only way to enjoy Subiaco. Aside from great shopping malls, there are also other attractions you’ll definitely enjoy.
If you’re a fan of the arts or love exploring the outdoors, here are some places in Subiaco you’ll definitely want to check out:
The Regal Theatre
Address: 474 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008, Australia
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
The Regal Theatre is one of the best places in Perth if you’re a fan of live performances. This place regularly shows a wide variety of genres, including comedy, drama, musicals, and more.
I come here from time to time to see the latest performances of the local talent. The tickets aren’t expensive, and the theatre also has great food and drinks, so watching multiple shows isn’t a bad idea.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Address: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia
Located southeast of Subiaco proper, you’ll find Perth’s very own Central Park, Kings Park and Botanic Garden. This is one of the biggest green spaces in the city, full of activities you and your friends can enjoy.
The main highlight of Kings Park is its botanical garden, where you’ll find Western Australia’s exotic plant life. The park also has elevated walkways you can use to get a better view of the park’s beautiful scenery.
My personal spot in Kings Park is the DNA Tower. This 15-metre tower gives me some of the best views looking towards the Indian Ocean and Perth’s skyline.
Mount Lawley – The Place Where Perth’s Creative Minds Gather
From: beaufortstreetnetwork
Mount Lawley has gained a reputation as Perth’s cultural hotspot, where creative minds can spend hours enjoying the neighbourhood’s architecture. This suburb offers a distinct experience that other suburbs in the city will find hard to replicate.
This neighbourhood prides itself on featuring architectural designs that history buffs will surely enjoy. With hip restaurants and cafes, Mount Lawley is gaining popularity, especially with the younger people of Perth.
A Brief History of Mount Lawley
Mount Lawley used to be a famous stopping point for travellers visiting Perth in the 1830s. It gained this reputation due to a popular inn that was established in the area, called the Pineapple Inn.
The neighbourhood started to shift into a suburb for the rich when the land was bought by influential figures like Samuel Copley. These rich families built high-quality homes and establishments all around Mount Lawley.
Nowadays, a lot of these architectural wonders have been renovated and preserved due to their heritage value.
Hip Places to Try Out in Mount Lawley
One of the coolest places to visit in Perth, Mount Lawley is home to lots of exciting stuff to enjoy. This neighbourhood is full of personality thanks to the impressive architectural heritage of its homes and the unique themes of its restaurants.
Here are some of the best places to visit while you’re in Mount Lawley:
Beaufort Street
From: beaufortstreetnetwork
The main thoroughfare of Mount Lawley, Beaufort Street, contains most of Mount Lawley’s best parts. A lot of the other places I’ll mention later can actually be found on this road.
Here you’ll find some restaurants and bars where you can sit back, relax, and admire the peaceful view. Like Northbridge, this street also has some clubs and bars that turn into lively party places at night.
A lot of the neighbourhood’s popular architectural wonders, like the Astor Theatre, can also be found here.
Mount Lawley Bowling Club
Address: Cnr Storthes & Rookwood St, Mount Lawley WA 6050, Australia
The Mount Lawley Bowling Club is one of the best places in Perth to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. Unlike the regular bowling alleys you can see in your local arcade, this place features the classic game of lawn bowling.
If you don’t know how to play lawn ball, don’t worry because their staff is some of the most helpful people I’ve seen. My friends and I usually visit this place at least twice a year, as it has a more relaxing atmosphere compared to a bowling alley.
You can play multiple games here without getting thirsty or hungry because they serve light food and drinks, too.
Chakra
Price range: $$
Address: 839D Beaufort St, Inglewood WA 6052, Australia
Website: https://www.chakrarestaurant.com.au/
Business hours:
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (TUES-SUN)
Closed on MON
Chakra is a great Indian restaurant that you’ll find on Beaufort Street. It’s one of the best places to visit in Mount Lawley right now, so I recommend you reserve a table before visiting the place.
My experience here was awesome. I tried out a bunch of dishes, like Kerala Chicken Curry and Bengali Stuffed Lamb.
A big reason why I recommend this place is that it can cater to dietary needs. Whether you’re allergic to a certain ingredient or vegan, don’t worry because they can adjust their dishes just for you.
What are Mount Lawley’s most famous attractions?
Aside from popular restaurants and hangout spots, Mount Lawley is also home to some of Perth’s most recognisable attractions. Here are some famous places you can check out while you’re in the neighbourhood:
Astor Theatre
Address: 659 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6050, Australia
One of the oldest theatre houses in the city, the Astor Theatre, was built in the 1920s and is one of the best places to check out some live performances in Perth. It’s a historically-significant building that was inspired by interwar Art Deco architecture.
A lot of Perth’s local comedians host their shows at the Astor Theatre. It’s always great whenever I watch a show here because the seats are comfortable and they have a great selection of meals and drinks.
And because it’s right on Beaufort Street, you won’t have any problem finding a place to eat once the shows are over.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Address: 1/2 Bradford St, Mount Lawley WA 6050, Australia
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is a teaching institution that focuses on the imagination and creation of performance arts.
A lot of Perth’s best talents actually studied at WAAPA. Some of them are big names in Hollywood, like Heath Ledger and Hugh Jackman.
WAAPA can be found on the grounds of the Edith Cowan University campus. Visiting this place was a fun experience for me, as I saw some of the studios and equipment they use to educate future artists and directors.
