Sitting just across the train line, Northbridge has long held its reputation as Perth’s go-to precinct for bustling nightlife. And while this is still true, there’s so much more to it than that. 

Packed full of vibrant bars, a diverse food scene, engaging arts and culture, and even family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s what to do in Northbridge to have the best time—whether it’s morning, day, or night.

 

Getting to Northbridge

These days, Northbridge is a lot easier to get to than it used to be. If you’re in the CBD, you can walk through Yagan Square and be there in a flash.

However, maybe you’re loaded up with luggage, or prefer a seated option. 

If you’re looking for a bus, Perth’s central area transit bus service can get you there. The Blue CAT bus departs from the Perth Busport and drops you off at a number of spots around Northbridge. 

The 67, 68, 950, and more take you up Beaufort Street, stopping outside the Museum. On the opposite end of the precinct, the 19 and 960 bus routes head up Fitzgerald Street, where you can get off at the outskirts of the entertainment area.

If you’re driving, there are plenty of car parks available. The City of Perth has a handy website that shows you exactly where and how many bays are available in real time.

 

The best places to eat in Northbridge

While the CBD is known for its high-end fine dining, Northbridge is where you should go to expand your culinary senses.

Northbridge cafes you must check out

Little Willy’s is a staple of the Northbridge cafe scene and has been going strong for as long as we can remember. A comfy and inviting spot, it serves up cafe classics and solid coffee: the perfect start to your day out in town.

For something a little different, Arrival Hall is a designer furniture store that’s also a cafe. With excellent coffee and elevated cafe food, it’s just as sumptuous as the furniture it sells. On the outskirts of Northbridge, it’s worth the walk.

Giant Coffee comes with an impressive cafe pedigree, and coffee that’s just as delicious as its interior design. Ultra cool, it’s tucked down Nick’s Lane, making it all the more exciting to discover.

International cuisine

Authentic Bites Dumpling House is a crowd favourite. And with beautiful bao, steamed, fried, and boiled dumplings, and a selection of delicious noodles, it’s sure to hit the spot.

Tak Chee House on William Street offers some of the best Malaysian food in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy tom yum soup, seafood kuey teow, or fried yee mee noodles, this is honest, authentic Malaysian, done exceptionally well.

Sauma provides a modern take on classic Indian dishes. Discover beautiful flavours, pair mouthwatering curries with soft, pillowy flat breads, and dine somewhere that puts real artistry into its food.

Something a bit fancy

There are so many good restaurants in Northbridge, but Shadow Wine Bar is up there as one of the coolest. A dark, cavernous space, discover exceptional wines and small dishes to share—the perfect date-night restaurant.

Bivouac promises Middle-Eastern-inspired food, cheeky cocktails, and a really good time. Sit inside or outside for a quick meal with friends, or spend a little more time and laze away an evening with the chef’s Feed Me menu. You won’t leave disappointed.

For a truly special meal, walk up James Street to Russell Square, where you’ll find James Parker tucked away by itself. James Parker presents some of the finest sushi in Perth, with fresh seafood and exotic sashimi that’s sure to tempt even the fussiest Japanese cuisine purist.

 

Northbridge has some of Perth’s best bars

For decades, Northbridge has been known as the centre of Perth’s nightlife, and there’s a wide array of establishments for anyone seeking a good time.

For families and those young at heart, Palace Arcade and Planet Royale combine the video game arcades of old with a bustling modern bar. Both feature arcade machines from the 80s and 90s that pair perfectly with drinks, pizza, and burgers.

The Bird, Ezra Pound, Edward & Ida’s, Northbridge Brewing Co and Picabar are some of our favourite spots to grab a beer, particularly on a lazy Friday or Saturday afternoon. Sneaky Tony’s, Mechanics Institute, and Frisk. serve up absolutely amazing (and often Instagrammable) cocktails. For a beautiful glass of wine in a relaxed setting, Wines of While, Vincent Wine – and, of course, the aforementioned Shadow Wine Bar – are must-visit venues.

Or if you just love a good old music gig, Jackrabbit Slim’s and Lynott’s Lounge have a range of bands playing most weekends. But bring your earplugs, because they can get loud.

 

Northbridge is Perth’s cultural and arts hub

The creation of the Perth Cultural Centre has helped Northbridge to mature. 

Here you can rest and relax at the Art Gallery of WA, with a range of engaging and challenging exhibitions that allow you to lose yourself in the artwork. The updated and expanded WA Museum Boola Bardip is a whole-day experience, featuring exhibits, artefacts, stories, and artworks from WA’s history, our future, and beyond. Or pop into PICA for a modern art experience.

The Blue Room Theatre provides you with your dose of live theatre, or head to The Rechabite where you’ll find comedy, dance music, drag, performance art, and more, blending together into a rainbow of fun. Alternatively, for those who wish to dance the night away with a cocktail and city views, Northbridge is also home to the iconic Connections nightclub (affectionately known locally as Connies) – believed to be the longest-running LGBTQ+ venue in the Southern Hemisphere.

Perhaps the biggest event on the Northbridge—and Perth—cultural calendar is Fringe World, which makes Northbridge its home. Said to be the world’s third-largest fringe festival, it’s held every year over January and February and takes over vast swathes of the precinct. Here you can immerse yourself in live music, comedy, cabaret, and performance art, and much, much more.

 

Get to know Perth and Northbridge’s vibrant entertainment scene

Northbridge endures as one of Perth’s favourite places for food, entertainment, and fun, with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in art and culture, tempt your palate with some sumptuous food, or just fancy a cold drink to relax after a long day, you’ll find it here.

Just a 10-minute walk from RAC Arena, it’s the perfect place to start your night before seeing an event with us, or where to head when you want to keep the good times rolling.