An urban explorer’s guide to Perth City!

When do you have time to really explore your surroundings?

Probably only when you’re on holiday! That’s when normal everyday routine falls away and everything can take a little longer … enjoying your morning coffee, going off the beaten track and discovering places you’ve never been. The typical urban explorer keeps an open mind and an open heart, seeking out what it is that makes a city tick.

Perth City is made up of several diverse neighbourhoods, each one with its own unique personality and take on life. Each has its own hidden gems, surprising places, venues and exciting events – and claims to have the best coffee! Each neighbourhood is well worth exploring, so put on your exploring shoes and come and find out what the locals know.

PERTH CBD

Elizabeth Quay Dining

The jewel of Perth’s riverside locations, Elizabeth Quay is a destination in itself – especially if you are looking for food and drink. Explore a culinary treasure trove, from the luxury of The Ritz Carlton, Perth to Amberjacks fish and chips and everything in between – The Oyster Bar, Lantern on the Quay, 6Head premium steakhouse and so much more, including cocktails with a view at The Reveley, Elizabeth Quay’s rooftop bar and restaurant.

Kings Park

Explore the green heart of inner city Perth. Bush trails, walking paths, scenic lookouts, botanic gardens … and arguably the best view of the city skyline and Swan River. Kings Park is both one of the world's largest and most beautiful inner city parks and also a rich cultural heritage site. It is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden - which displays over 3,000 species of the state's unique flora - cafes, bushland walk trails and a variety of children's play areas.

SUBIACO

The small bar scene in Subiaco, offers a charming blend of laid-back vibes and vibrant energy, making it a go-to destination for those seeking intimate, high-quality drinking experiences. Tucked away in this trendy suburb are a variety of boutique bars, each with its own unique atmosphere, from cozy, dimly lit spots perfect for sipping craft cocktails, to lively venues with a curated selection of local wines and beers.

Some of our favs are:

• Cherubino Wines
• Refuge Small Bar
• Bar Amelie

Regal Theatre

Fun fact – Perth’s magnificent art deco theatre, the Regal, was built in Subiaco in 1937 by wealthy graziers AJ Hewett and Ted Coade, the father and maternal grandfather of the playwright Dorothy Hewett. Ever since, the much-loved independent theatre has hosted a wide variety of live entertainment, from concerts and plays to musicals and comedy.

SOUTH PERTH

Dining in South Perth offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from casual cafes to elegant restaurants with stunning views of the Swan River and Perth city skyline. Whether you're after fresh seafood, contemporary Australian cuisine, or international flavors, South Perth provides a vibrant and picturesque setting for a memorable meal.

Our recommendations are: 

• Miss Chow's 
• Solo Pizza
• Windsor Hotel

Up Close and Local Tours

One for the culinary explorers. If you want to explore off the beaten path and see a different side of Perth through its food culture; if you like to explore local neighbourhoods and precincts that you wouldn't normally find on a tour, learn a few things along the way and share a small group foodie experience with fellow food lovers - this is for you. The chance to eat and drink your way through Perth City – sign us up!

VICTORIA PARK

Explore Optus Stadium

Want to see an AFL game? If you’re here from interstate, chances are you may not support a WA footy team. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore your way to Optus Stadium, WA’s home of AFL. Special ticket arrangements are available for people outside the Perth metropolitan area.

Even if you’re not here for the footy, Optus Stadium is worth a visit. In 2022 it was awarded Venue of the Year at the Stadium Business Awards in Manchester, and it was voted the Most Beautiful Sports Facility in the World in the Prix Versailles 2019 international architecture awards. With views of the picturesque Swan River and Perth City, the stadium and surrounding Stadium Park precinct provides year-round access to the nature playgrounds, picnic and barbecue areas and public art. At the stadium, there is also the opportunity to dine in the restaurants that overlook the Swan River, take a guided tour, or join in one of the OZONE experiences, like VERTIGO, an award-wining 90-minute rooftop experience described as ‘fun for the fearless’. Launch yourself into the air from the top of Optus Stadium, attached only by a harness. Look down if you dare!

MOUNT HAWTHORNE

Code Bloom

Start your weekend off with a magnificently coloured bouquet of flowers from Code Bloom - a unique floral boutique in the heart of Perth. Offering a stunning array of locally sourced, seasonal flowers for every occasion and known for its modern and artistic approach to floristry, Code Bloom creates bespoke floral arrangements that blend creativity with elegance. 

Jazz Cellar

Famous for its entry through an old red telephone box, the Jazz Cellar is small and cosy with a fun and intimate atmosphere. A little known gem, The Jazz cellar is tucked away very conveniently in Mount Hawthorn. Selling out week after week, every Friday night for over 20 years. The Jazz cellar is hidden underground, unique in Australia, offering 3 hours of traditional live vintage jazz every Friday evening. Book tickets through their website to ensure you get a seat!

MOUNT LAWLEY

Beaufort Street

Beaufort Street, the pulsating artery of Mount Lawley and Highgate, embodies the beating heart of Perth's eclectic culture. Here, an array of restaurants, bars, and shops beckon with tantalizing aromas and unique treasures waiting to be discovered. From cozy cafes and bakeries, to chic bistros offering culinary delights from around the globe, Beaufort Street caters to every palate and preference. But it's not just about the food and drink, Beaufort Street also boasts a range of small boutique shops, flower shops, book stores, vintage shops, and gift shops. You can spend a whole day simply strolling along!

Hyde Park

Located in the heart of Mount Lawley, is a charming urban oasis that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. The park features lush green lawns, picturesque lakes, and mature trees, making it a popular spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities. Hyde Park's beautiful scenery is complemented by a series of walking paths, playgrounds, and ample space for sports and relaxation, making it a favourite among families, joggers, and dog walkers. It also serves as a vibrant hub for community events, including outdoor concerts and local markets, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the year. With its close proximity to the trendy cafes, bars, and shops of Mount Lawley, Hyde Park is a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and urban culture.

Perth City is full of things to see, experience and enjoy, whether you’re a nature lover, a lover of adventure, or a pursuer of culinary, cultural or sporting wonders. Seek, and you shall find. Of course, there’s never an end to true exploration. This is just a taster - there’s no end to the discoveries, possibilities and opportunities available to the intrepid urban explorer, right here in Perth City.