A thriving cosmopolitan metropolis, Perth has a vibrant spirit, inspiring a unique cultural landscape, and exciting entertainment scene. Perth's nightlife reflects the city's cultural diversity, while the emergence of a dynamic arts scene in the early 1990s has attracted rave reviews and lured international acts to the many events held throughout the year.
To find out what is on in Perth, checkout the West Australian newspaper for the best daily guide to theatre, cinema and concert programs. For information on the live music and club scene, Hype and X-Press are free street press. With everything on offer, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes and budget.
Pubs and bars
There is no particular style to pubs and bars throughout the city, rather a cross-section of contemporary and Australiana themes. A bonus is the outdoor life-style and Mediterranean climate, so you will find most drinking establishments have a garden bar. Northbridge, Subiaco and Fremantle tend to be the trendiest drinking hotspots. The Brass Monkey's down-to-earth style makes it a popular pub with a maze of bars to enjoy. The Universal Bar has a more designer feel and attracts trend-setting locals, out to let their hair down and boogie the night away.
If you are chasing some music, then Spirit Sound Bar is for you, and the All New City Hotel provides a low-key drinking haunt. The gay friendly Aberdeen is also worth a visit for its live music.
Since the late 1990s, there has been a revival of Irish pubs. Try Durty Nelly's in the city, Rosie O’Grady’s in Fremantle or The Bog in Northbridge. There are also some excellent old-style pubs worth visiting in the outer areas, including the historical Rose and Crown in Guildford, the Kalamunda Hotel and the Mundaring Weir Hotel in the hills.
Nightlife
If you like to dance, there is no shortage of clubs from alternative to house and rave. Goth hangouts include the Dominion and the Loft, which has a positive reputation as an alternative gem. For gay friendly clubs, Northbridge is the place to go. Connections has DJs, Club West is an excellent revue club, and the FRISBEE has pumping dance music. Other hip dance venues are the Rise and Zanzibar in Fremantle.
The live music scene has flourished in recent years. You will find pubs with a variety of concerts, including most Irish pubs. The Queens Tavern, and the Newport in Fremantle have great live music. Another well established band venue is the Metropolis, with a combination of DJ and live music. Kulcha is a vibrant venue featuring a fantastic selection of alternative and jazz groups, as well as performance artists. The Fly By Night is an excellent alternative live gig spot in Fremantle, and Clancy's is another favourite with musicians.
Those in the mood for a symphonic experience, check the program at the Perth Concert Hall. For the ultimate outdoor musical experience, the Leeuwin Estate concerts are the most sought after tickets on the music calendar.
Festivals offer another option, most introducing local and visiting musicians. The Perth Festival and Festival Fremantle are the two most well known. However, look out for South Perth's summer concerts, Totally Huge, the Pride Festival and Spring in the Valley. Kings Park has a summer music series, as does Araluen, both superb settings to enjoy a bottle of wine, a picnic and soulful sounds. Fremantle Arts Centre also has a wonderful Sunday afternoon courtyard music series.
Events
Perth comes alive with events throughout the year that will keep you entertained. The Burswood Dome hosts a string of expos and international entertainers, while the Entertainment Centre is the prime venue for blockbuster shows. For a more intimate setting, The Playhouse, Subiaco Arts Centre and Deckchair present theatrical performances. His Majesty's Theatre is the home of opera, ballet and musicals and the Quarry Amphitheatre is a delightful outdoor venue.
For a fun family day out head to the hills for the Mundaring Festival and the Zig Zag fair. Closer to the city, on the shores of the Swan River, the Claisebrook Carnival is another option. The two biggest crowd-pleasers are the Lotto Skyworks and the Christmas Pageant. If you like a good laugh head to Hillarys Boat Harbour for the annual milk carton regatta. Other districts that host festivals include Rottnest, Joondalup, Mandurah and South Perth. The Buskers Festival in Fremantle is a wonderful street affair. For youth-based performance arts checkout Awesome and Artrage.
Cinema
Cinema lovers will not be disappointed, particularly in the summer months. There is a feast of spectacular outdoor cinema venues. Sommerville and Luna in the Park feature alternative movies while Kings Park, Kookaburra Cinema in Mundaring and Araluen present old and contemporary classics.
Sport
Sports buffs will find plenty to do in Perth as well. Rally Australia is one of the main events, but there are numerous national league sports clubs. For Australian Rules Football, the West Coast Eagles and the Dockers are the teams to follow. For soccer, always cheer for the Perth Glory, whilst for cricket the Western Warriors are the local favourites. The Wildcats basketball team also have a huge local following. Car fanatics will discover heaven at Barbagello Raceway, while horseracing fans can get their fix at Ascot or Gloucester Park. For those who enjoy a bet, Burswood Casino has more than 140 gaming tables.
Most hotel receptions will assist with information and bookings, as will tourist information centres. For show, theatre and sports reservations book direct, or phone ticket agent BOCS on +61 (0)8 9484 1133 or REDS tickets on +61 (0)8 9494 1222.
Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Perth, Western Australia Home Country: australia
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:25 pm Post subject:
Perth is a very quiet city in comparison to Sydney and Melbourne. It is more like Adelaide (from what I've been told). Well if you are looking for nightlife, there is nothing much in comparison to Sydney & Melbourne. Places people hang out at night are Freo, Leederville, and Northbridge, Northbridge is a place for restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. The suburban areas of course will have their local pubs and restaurants too.
There is a 4WD Show on this weekend Fri-Sun (18-20 Nov 2005) at the McCallum Park in the City. It will have displays of camping gear, 4WDs and accessories, some fishing gear, some boats, etc and also some fun activities for children. Entry for adults are $12, don't know about for kids though.
Other things to do on the weekend in Perth is check out the Markets e.g. Fremantle Markets, Wanneroo Markets, Midland Markets, Canning Vale Markets, Subiaco Markets. No Entry fee of course
The Burswood Casino is another place one can attend with no entry fee .... except you just gamble away your money Well, one does not need to gamble, just walk around and check it all out, there are various food halls there but rather expensive. And if you know how, you can even get free hot drinks.
Heaps of beautiful playgrounds/park for the children, e.g. Kings Park. Visit the Adventure World in Bibra Lakes, an entertainment world for adults and children where you pay an entry fee which includes all games and rides etc being free. There is a water slide, pool, picnic areas; basically a nice place to spend all day there to get your moneys worth. This is only open in summer.
When in the City in Perth, travel within the city is free by using the CAT bus. There are different colours for different routes. The Tourist Centre in Forrest Chase or the Tourist Kiosk in the Murray St Mall will have more info.
If it's your first trip to Australia, visiting the Perth Zoo, in South Perth is a must. Just to be adventurous, you can take a Transperth ferry from the City across the river to South Perth and walk to the Zoo.
Also in summer, the most enjoyable thing to do at night is take a River Cruise down the Swan River. Quite a few charters doing that, ask the Tourist Bureau. Some will even include dinner etc etc. There are also Fishing Charters worth going on approx $180 ... as long as you don't get sea sick ... I did! Visit the famous Rottness Island of Western Australia, stay for a couple of days, the only means of transportation allowed on the Island are bicycles or walking! You can hire bikes and helmets there.
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Well, one does not need to gamble, just walk around and check it all out, there are various food halls there but rather expensive. And if you know how, you can even get free hot drinks.
