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, discovering places you’ve never been - and planning lunch! The typical urban explorer keeps an open mind and an open heart, seeking out what it is that makes a city tick.
Perth’s Inner 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!
EverNow is a major new festival held during the Noongar season of Kambarang – the wildflower season of birth and new life. Celebrating the unique place, land and culture of southwest WA, it’s a free and inclusive event held across several locations.
Winter sensation Lightscape returns to Kings Park and Botanic Garden with a reimagined trail packed with brand new light installations. Delve into the world beneath the surface in a magical light and sound experience exploring roots, capture unforgettable memories within a tunnel of hearts, wander amongst intricate colour-changing creations, and revisit the wonder of last year's top favourites including the magnificent Winter Cathedral...and that's just the start!
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.
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.
Witness the wonder as Subiaco is transformed into a blooming paradise bursting with colour and beauty. Explore a dazzling trail of large-scale floral installations created by some of Perth’s most talented florists. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day, you’ll be utterly enchanted by the floral delights on display.
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.
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's Inner City – sign us up!
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.
Optus Stadium | Perth City
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!
Vertigo at THE OZONE, Optus Stadium | Perth City
NORTH PERTH
PrideFEST Fairday
Held in November, PrideFEST is Western Australia’s ultimate celebration of all things queer – and a state-wide celebration of the LGBTQI+ community. PrideFEST Fairday takes place in Hyde Park with live entertainment across three stages, stalls, exhibitors, food and amusement rides. If you’re lucky enough to be exploring inner city Perth at this time of year, make sure it’s on your calendar!
Perth's Inner 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’s Inner City.
