6 Perth Spots Perfect For Reading And Relaxing This Summer

Words by Ashley Valli.

Keen on a date with your latest book? We have the perfect places for you to read and relax this summer in Perth. So get out your book bag and some of your most anticipated reads, and head out the door: it’s time to treat yourself with some reading and relaxation.

Scarborough Beach

Who doesn’t love a beach read? Scarborough Beach is one of our favourite beaches in Perth to read and relax. And why not? This beach has plenty of cafés and restaurants lined up for you to create the perfect picnic (just maybe stick to iced drinks for this fun little outing). Read on the grass at the Sunset Hill or enjoy the shade at the Scarborough Amphitheatre. If you’re needing a break, enjoy some people watching—or even dog watching. There’s plenty going on here! Scarborough beach is the perfect summer backdrop for a Vitamin D pick-me-up. Take along your hat and sunnies for this one and remember to slip slop slap.

The Esplanade, Scarborough

Canvas Café

Drop by the Fremantle Arts Centre for Canvas Café: a stone-walled café perfect for a relaxing read and eat. Why not bring a reader-friend and enjoy the day together? Try out Canvas’s signature shak-shuka dish: the perfect eggy breakfast to start your readathon. Enjoy the relaxed leafy ambiance of the courtyard while you read. And don’t forget to stop by the Fremantle Arts Centre gallery to fill your day both in books and art.

1 Finnerty Street, Fremantle

Hyde Park

You’ll love the relaxing atmosphere here. Set up a chair or picnic blanket by the lake under some nice shade. Enjoy the backdrop of ducks, fellow picnickers and greenery. Feeling snacky? Perth’s beloved Chu Bakery is right next door should you be needing the caffeine and sugar pick-me-up. Hyde Park gives you what outdoor reading needs: shade, fresh air, nature and peace. Make a day of it and have a relaxed stroll around the park between readings. This is your day to relax and enjoy yourself.

Vincent Street and William Street, Perth

Secret Garden Café & Patisserie

Indulge in some garden reading with Secret Garden Café & Patisserie. This café has the perfect ambiance for relaxed reading in the shade. Check out their garden area in the courtyard and feel like you’re reading in someone’s beautiful backyard. Enjoy one of their Secret Garden cakes and get out your latest read. Relax in one of Perth’s best garden cafés and set the scene for your imagination.

64 Angelo Street, South Perth

Kings Park

Relax above the city with this scenic park location. Out on the grass, you can enjoy a city backdrop with sights of both the Swan River and the Perth CBD. Take a walk through the botanic gardens and enjoy the fresh air. For your lunch break, treat yourself to some food and coffee at Botanical Café. We recommend you go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for prime people watching between readings. Prefer the company of two? Bring a fellow book-loving friend and enjoy reading and exchanging books together.

Fraser Avenue, Perth

The Lane Café

Big on books paired with coffee? The Lane Café has you sorted with not only amazing coffee and treats, but books as well thanks to The Lane Bookshop next door. Settle down with a book and enjoy the atmosphere of coffee and words all-round. People watch on your way through. A nice relaxing read at The Lane Café is also the perfect complement to a day out shopping at Claremont Quarter. Indulge yourself!

Old Theatre Lane, 50 Bay View Terrace, Claremont

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Header image: Shutterstock / Pawonike Gallery