Whether you’re heading to a sold-out show, a major sporting event, or just looking for an excuse to enjoy a night out in Perth, we have you covered. From rooftop sips to moody wine bars and late-night karaoke, there’s a bar for every kind of night.
To make life even easier, we’ve included distances from RAC Arena so you can plan your pre-show drinks or post-event celebrations without stress.
Let’s dive in!
Best Rooftop Bars in Perth
Perfect for golden hour cocktails and skyline selfies.
Aurora Rooftop Bar (Melbourne Hotel)
5-minute walk to the RAC Arena
Bi-folding doors open onto the Aurora rooftop terrace, offering customers excellent city views whether they’re seated indoors or out. This sleek, elevated spot is just minutes from RAC Arena—perfect for a pre-gig espresso martini or a late-night negroni.
Rooftop at QT
15 min walk / 8 min drive to the RAC Arena
Stylish and slightly indulgent, this rooftop bar on the 18th floor of the QT Hotel offers a polished, sultry atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed. Ideal for date nights, after-work celebrations, or birthday drinks, it delivers serious wow factor with signature cocktails and a menu of deliciously comforting dishes.
The Aviary
10 min walk / 5 min drive to the RAC Arena
One of Perth’s most iconic rooftop bars, The Aviary is well known for its boozy brunch options and fun, carefree vibe. Perfect for a birthday brunch, pre-show drinks, or kicking on after a weekend show (they’re open till 1am on weekends!).
Best Cocktail Bars in Perth
Bar Lafayette
5-minute walk to the RAC Arena\
Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, Bar Lafayette is the epitome of old-world charm with a modern twist. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails, quality whiskey collection, and plush leather seating, it’s a great choice for anyone after a quieter pre-show drink spot or for winding down after an event.
Varnish on King
15-minute walk / 5-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Speaking of quality whiskeys, this American-style whiskey den has a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. Hidden below street level, Varnish is known for its extensive selection of bourbon, unique food pairings (bacon and whiskey flights, anyone?), and low-lit, cosy atmosphere. It’s a moody, memorable experience.
Terrarium
17-minute walk / 10-minute drive to the RAC Arena
One of Perth’s newer cocktail hotspots, Terrarium brings a stylish, botanical vibe to the city’s bar scene. Think lush greenery, floor-to-ceiling glass, and mixologists who take their craft seriously—plus a menu of delicious bar bites to match. While it’s one of the larger venues in town, Terrarium still manages to feel intimate and inviting.
Best Perth Wine Bars
Petition Wine Bar
18-minute walk / 11-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Tucked inside the historic State Buildings, Petition Wine Bar is perfect for wine lovers looking to explore an extensive list of Australian and international drops. The intimate space is always buzzing, making it ideal for relaxed dates or long-overdue catch-ups.
No Mafia
15-minute walk / 8-minute drive to the RAC Arena
This beloved Northbridge spot delivers a little slice of Italy in the heart of Perth. Known for its natural wine list and modern Sicilian fare, No Mafia is a laid-back, stylish venue where food and wine take centre stage.
Shadow Wine Bar
13-minute walk / 8-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Shadow Wine Bar pairs its dimly lit, Euro-style interiors with a thoughtful wine list and standout service. A long-time favourite for date nights, this bar offers an intimate escape with an elegant yet unpretentious feel, just moments from the buzz of Northbridge.
Hidden Gem Bars in Perth
Foxtrot Unicorn
15-minute walk / 6-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Tucked beneath an old bank vault, this underground cocktail bar is one of Perth’s best-kept secrets. Foxtrot Unicorn exudes vintage charm, incredible drinks, and a bartender who remembers your name by the end of the night.
Sneaky Tony’s
10-minute walk to the RAC Arena
This password-protected, Perth speakeasy is inspired by the Prohibition era and is known for its extensive rum collection and moody atmosphere. The dark, sexy atmosphere makes Sneaky Tony’s a great date spot, but you will see a lot of people walking through to the hidden club at the back – so if you decide you want to start with something sat and sensible and then work your way to the dance floor, check out Toots out the back – it’s all part of the charm.
The Jazz Cellar
Located in Mt Hawthorn, a 13-minute drive from the RAC Arena
While a bit further from the city, The Jazz Cellar is well worth the detour. Hidden behind a red telephone booth, this BYO-only venue hosts live jazz every Friday night in an intimate, underground setting. A must for music lovers staying in Perth for the weekend, and yet another incredible date night spot!
The Fat Controller
10-minute walk, or 8-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Bold, quirky, and anything but ordinary, The Fat Controller mixes street art, strong drinks, and alternative beats. This intimate speakeasy-style bar in Perth CBD is open Wednesday-Saturday and located in the popular Yagan Square; it’s a favourite among those who like their nightlife with a bit of edge.
The Best Sports Bars in Perth
Pirate Life Perth
5-minute walk to the RAC Arena
This massive warehouse-style venue is known for its craft brews and energetic crowd. With big screens, hearty eats, and a rotating beer menu, Pirate Life is a top spot to catch a game before heading to the Arena.
Low on time but still want a crisp Pirate Life beer? Check out the Pirate Life Bar at the RAC Arena – found on Level 1.
Crown Sports Bar
Located in Burswood, a 12-minute drive to the RAC Arena
While not in the CBD, Crown Sports Bar offers a premium sports viewing experience, complete with ultra-high-definition mega screens and table service. If you’re staying at Crown or planning to make a weekend of your sporting event, this is the place to be. Plus, you can try your luck at the casino afterward!
Varsity Northbridge
15-minute walk / 9-minute drive to the RAC Arena
Varsity brings the American college sports bar experience to Perth. This WA chain offers true American-style burgers, beers, and wings alongside massive screens that show everything from AFL to NBA. It’s also home to one of the city’s best Monday Night Quizzes and has an epic range of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options!
RAC Local Lounge
Inside RAC Arena
You don’t even have to leave the venue to enjoy a good drink. The Local Lounge at RAC Arena serves up WA wines, local craft beers, and cocktails, making it the ultimate pre-show or intermission spot.
Plan Your Perfect Night Around RAC Arena
Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a rooftop, belting out karaoke hits into the night, or toasting to a big win, Perth’s bar scene has something to elevate every RAC Arena experience.
Check out what’s on at RAC Arena and plan the perfect night out—pre-show drinks, post-event bites, or an entire weekend of fun, right in the heart of the city.
