The best places in Perth to take out-of-towners
So your friend has finally come to visit for a weekend – and they just don’t get what all the fuss is about when it comes to Perth. After all, this is Dullsville… Right?
Here’s our picks for a ripper weekend to show them the best coast lifestyle. Haven’t they heard that Perth is really rather OK?
Mi Casa, su Casa!
Your friend has rolled off their flight just in time for Friday night dinner – and with all the distance they’ve travelled (this applies to basically everywhere, after all), they deserve a feed to remember! We’ll take any excuse to head to Mount Hawthorn’s culinary beacon Casa. The dynamic menu, which suits both a quick snack with a cheeky glass of wine or a longer, more sumptuous feast over a long-overdue catch-up – is always-changing and deliciously meandering through regions. On the go? Drop by their pizza pop up next door for a pie you won’t forget about any time soon.
399 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn
Start your day right with a breakfast Roll at North Street Store
Eventually a day will come when we stop preaching about North Street Store, but that day is not today. Start the day off with a coffee and a bacon and egg roll from NSS (ask for the house made barbecue sauce) – or if you’re feeling adventurous, go halves on a cinny scroll and a bacon and egg. (If you’re there on a blessed day that they’re doing the porchetta rolls? Get it.)
Thankfully, with the ever-expanding Hot Bread empire, there’s North Street goodness to be had no matter your home base. (Totally list their other many locations to your friend, they’ll for sure love it and be super interested).
16 North Street, Cottesloe
Wash away your woes with a swim at North Cottesloe
Mosey down to Cott for a dip, after waiting a respectable time after your brekkie roll of course. Explain that you can swim all year round in Perth, because of something to do with a Leeuwin current? You definitely can’t remember specifics, but they aren’t going to know any more than you do. If they’re particularly touristy or not as confident in the water, take them to the safe, familiar waters Cott main, but personally, we’d find a nice quiet spot further north towards Swanbourne.
Devour some lunch at il Lido
After your swim, you’re probably ready for lunch, right? Dry off and across the road to il Lido. Marvel at the sea views, then marvel at your pasta or a shared plate of fritto misto, perhaps with a cheeky glass of vino in hand.
If you still want to feel the sand between your toes while you nibble on lunch, pop into Ol’ Buoy under the iconic Indiana building for a takeaway lunch to write home about – whether you’re chomping into that epic fish burger or a rather delish sausy and egg muffin with some hash browns on the side.
88 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Shop ’til you drop at Freo’s best independent boutiques
Head further south and you’ll find yourself in the easy-breezy surrounds of Freo. As well as top-tier eating and drinking plus some stunning heritage architecture, Freo is home to a delightful selection of independent shopping – whether you’re getting a quirky gift from Kate & Abel, popping into minimalist design mecca Compendium, browsing buy-less-buy-better haven Remedy or getting a hidden gem recommendation from the book boffins at New Edition.
Pick up a next-level sammie at cult favourite Peggy’s
Did you restrain yourself post-swim and skip a culinary stop in Cottesloe? Now is the perfect time to reward your restraint, with a stop at cult-status sandwich spot Peggy’s.
There was no greater cause for excitement in the Perth is OK offices in 2021 than the opening of Peggy’s – just about every time we went for a sneaky sandwich we’d end up bumping into each other. Whether you’re indulging in a classic chicken schnitty, a cheeky sausage muffin or just a big serving of their amazing chips, you’re sure to be in for a treat.
Check out an exhibition at Fremantle Arts Centre
You are very cultured, so you head down to Freo Arts Centre to check out an exhibition and pick up a souvenir or two at the Centre’s store FOUND, which stocks works by local artists, ceramicists, woodworkers, jewellers and more. Check out their website to see what exhibitions are coming up, and maybe bookmark any upcoming Sunday Music sessions that tickle your fancy. While you’re exploring the galleries, bring up lots of spooky ghost stories about how the building used to be the Asylum for the Criminally Insane, and then take the opportunity to sneak up on them when they’re deep in thought. You are at once historically informed and hilarious.
1 Finnerty Street, Fremantle
Drinks and dinner at Madalena’s
Lunch feels like a distant, glorious memory. Journey further south to Madalena’s in South Freo – it might even be time for a late afternoon swim at South Beach. Enjoy a drink and a snack upstairs at Madalena’s after your second swim of the day (what is this, paradise?) as the sun sets. Head down to the alfresco to share some prawns and octopus, then throw caution to the wind and order the weekend whole fish special. If you feel like venturing south of the border (steady on) then pop next door to La Cabaña for some coastal Mexican flavours.
406 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Have a boogie at Mojos
Like we said, you’re very cultured. You know all the cool local bands, some of which are playing at Mojos tonight – or if you’re a bit more of a homebody, you’ve at least checked online for some key words to tell your friend. “Psych rock, you’ll love it!”, “Did you know Bob Dylan played here once? Or at least I think he did…” Play a game of pool out the back and have a boogie.
237 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle
Hike at Bold Park
You awaken, definitely not bleary-eyed and definitely not hungover. You have natural sights to behold! Bold Park is one of the largest remaining bushland remnants you can see in the metro area, and a huge conservation area. If you’re feeling up to a hike, you can park at the base and walk up one of the trails, which feature some pretty compelling information about the park’s history as a limestone quarry and camel quarantine. But if you’re short for time, you can drive up to the top of Reabold Hill and take in the ocean and city views from the summit lookout. Nearby is a trail to the ocean lookout, which is spectacular.
Perry Lakes Drive, City Beach
Breakfast at Satchmo
After that hike, you deserve a quality breakfast. Stop in at Satchmo for a bagel and a batch brew, and browse through the vintage records while you’re there. If it’s a Sunday, chances are they’ll have jazz out the front to keep the vibes high while you wait for a table!
410 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth
Pick up a conti roll from the Re Store
The official state dish of WA, the continental roll. Your friend has been hearing people from Perth talk about conti rolls for too long, and it’s time to educate them. Pick up a roll to go, take the lead on fillings and get them a classic. we don’t want to get in the middle of any Northbridge vs. Leederville debates, go with your heart.
231 Oxford Street, Leederville
72 Lake Street, Northbridge
Eat your conti roll in Hyde Park, then get a coffee from Chu Bakery
Resist digging into your roll until you get to Hyde Park. Find a nice spot and sprawl out on the lawn. Pat lots of dogs. Try not to nap (or do, I’m not a cop). Stroll across the road to Chu Bakery and grab a coffee, and perhaps a doughnut, then return to your lawn-sprawl. If you’re prepared to venture a couple more blocks, Miller + Baker baked goods (made with flour stone milled in store!) are not to be missed!
498 William Street, Highgate
See a show at the Blue Room Theatre
The home of independent theatre in Perth, the Blue Room incubates an exciting year-round roster of local and national theatre makers. Check out their website to see what’s on currently – whether it’s a Kafkian comic horror or an Australiana-musical.
53 James Street, Northbridge
Grab a drink and people watch at Picabar
While you’re waiting for your show to start (you got there early, right?), pop next door for a drink at Picabar. The courtyard is the perfect spot for some people watching, and they do a great charcuterie board to start your night off right.
51 James Street, Northbridge
Smash a couple of burgers at Hoodburger
As you emerge from the Blue Room, feeling challenged and invigorated by your experience of independent theatre, you turn to your friend and say, “Dinner?” Just down the road from the Cultural Centre is the OG location of Hoodburger. Wolf down a burger and fries, but leave room for dessert. Bonus: if your friend is picky, there’s plenty of options at Old Shanghai. If you fancy a stroll up William Street to show them the sights and sounds of Northbridge, there are plenty of stellar options to nourish any culinary hankerings.
Grab a cone from Chicho Gelato
New wave gelato! What could be cooler? If it hasn’t already sold out, always try the seasonal or chef collab special. Lucky for icecream fans, Northbridge’s icy-cold offerings have exploded over the past year, with outposts from Kuld and Pietro opening in the area, as well as new cult favourite Cuccini Gelato.
180 William Street, Northbridge
Boogie down at the Bird
Filled with glee from your gelato experience, you skip across the road to the Bird. It’s been 24 hours since you were at Mojos, and you’re ready for more live music. Catch some more amazing local bands, or chat for hours in the courtyard.
181 William Street, Northbridge
Or, get oh-so-Frenchy and oh-so-chic at Le Rebelle
Ok, so maybe you’re not quite the gig-going type, and you’re looking for something a bit more… refined. A bit more grown up. A bit more… Ooh la la. Le Rebelle is our go-to spot for when we want to impress! The bistro strikes a balance between old-world European style whilst staying assuredly modern, giving new life to reliable bistro classics like crab toast, steak tartare, escargot with garlic butter, or crispy veal sweetbreads. While its influences span across decades and continents, there is a certain je-ne-sais-quois to Le Rebelle’s irreverence and warmth that makes it distinctly Perth’s.
676 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Dive into irreverent nuovo-Italo fare at Testun
Just a hop-skip-jump up Beaufort Street, and you’ll find yourself at another top-tier dinner option – fine-dining flavours with all the punk mayhem of a sweaty gig at the Bird. Perth’s boundary-pushing, bombastic culinary enfant terrible, we can’t get enough of Testun’s irreverent attitude and big flavours – it’s consistently been at the top of our lists whenever anyone asks “Where should I check out?”. Combining Italian nostalgia with a new-wave Australasian approach, the neighbourhood osteria is quickly making its (neon green) mark. Ciao stronzi!
Cover image: Madalena’s