Guest Post: On The City’s Fringes
This is a guest post is written Quie Ying, who looks after the digital marketing projects at Tourism WA. “Q” as she is known to colleagues and friends is not a native Western Australian but loves the city for its lack of congestion, the warm Indian ocean and the fact that you need to scratch beneath its surface to uncover the hidden gems in this town.
On The City’s Fringes
This is a follow-up to Tracey Beveridge’s article on what One Movement artists, industry big-wigs and music fans can do in Perth while here for the festival.
Last week, we took a city-centric view of what there is to see and do when in Perth, but what if you want to venture beyond the city? Here are some ideas of places to visit and things to do that are also within easy reach from the nucleus of the festival by cab, bus and train.
Like a cinnamon-raisin pinwheel we’ll unravel what else is out there starting with Northbridge and then moving onto Highgate/ Mt Lawley, Leederville / Mt Hawthorn, Subiaco and of course Fremantle.
Northbridge [pictured right] is north of the city centre (over the railway line) and is known for its entertainment, arts and nightlife. It’s the place to go to if you are in need of some late night food after the One Movement Showcase Music Festival. If you’re looking to pick up an eclectic item visit one of the many shops selling fashion, curios and books. For artistic inspiration, visit the Art Gallery of WA which is exhibiting the photographic works of Richard Woldendorp, Abstract Earth, along with works from 15 Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Get there: From the Esplanade walk up William or Barrack Street and go over the rail tracks or through Perth train station. Alternatively, catch the free Blue CAT bus from stops located around the city.
North of Northbridge are Highgate and Mt Lawley. Connected by Beaufort Street these urban and leafy suburbs have an abundance of trendy cafés, bars and restaurants. 
The shopping along here varies from high street to emerging designer and tis great for people watching. For some night-time glamour, visit Must Wine Bar’s [pictured left] champagne lounge. Night owls shouldn’t miss the Luxe Bar, famous for its espresso martini cocktail. The Merchant on Beaufort St does a great brekkie, the perfect pick-me-up after a night out.
Get there: Transperth operates regular busses and a taxi is only a short ride from the city.
Veering north west along our pin wheel are Leederville and Mt Hawthorn. Popular with locals for coffees, lunches and some light retail therapy. Western Australia is renowned for our fantastic seafood and a trip to Kailis Bros fish market in Leederville (Oxford St) for fish and chips is not to be missed. For sunset drinks and views of Perth’s skyline pull into The Cabin in Mt Hawthorn (Scarborough Beach Rd).
Looking for a late night hang out? ‘Leedy’ as the locals call it, is home to late night club The Manor (often has live music), Niche Bar and the uber-cool over 25s club Double Lucky.
Get there: Leederville is two train stops from the Esplanade train station. Transperth operate busses to Mt Hawthorn via Leederville and a taxi ride should only take about 10 minutes.
Subiaco in the western suburbs is another entertainment hub worth a visit. During the day it has a village feel to it as locals go about with their daily business along its high street: Rokeby Road. For some high end retail therapy traipse along Hay Street and come to The Colonnade, a boutique mall for those with cash to splash. You can check out what’s on at the art deco Regal Theatre whilst indulging in a gelato. At night, ‘Subi’ becomes more sophisticated as it attracts all sorts to its fine restaurants, funky café’s, pubs, bars and clubs. Young diners are drawn to the tunes and cool surrounds of the upstairs Buddah Bar Indian restaurant, the award-winning wood-fired pizzas at BYO Ecco, and the lively atmosphere of Italian pizzeria and restaurant Funtastico.
Get there: Catch the Fremantle train line to Subiaco or hail a cab.
Just a 20 - 30 minute drive from Perth’s city centre, is Fremantle or Freo, as it’s known by locals. This vibrant port city situated at the mouth of the Swan River, has a multi-cultural city charm of its own, setting it apart from the rest of Perth. If you are looking for some fabulous local designer labels (Love in Tokyo, Morrison and more) then Fremantle is for you. Visit the markets which are open on weekends and make your way to Little Creatures [pictured right], a microbrewery and bar that serves delicious wood fired pizzas and offers views over Freo’s Fishing Boat Harbour.
For fans of rock band AC/DC, be sure to book a seat on the Highway to Hell tour. This 90-minute guided tram tour takes you around the sights of Fremantle visiting places connected to the band’s legendary lead singer, Bon Scott.
Built in the 1850’s by convicts from limestone quarried on the site, Fremantle prison is the largest convict built structure in WA. Decommissioned only as recently in 1991, it is now a fascinating tourism attraction that some say is haunted by ghosts… Go on one of the many day tours to find out more or if you’re feeling brave try the night time ‘Torchlight Tour’. The adventurous can descend 20m into the depths of the prison and explore the labyrinth of tunnels by foot and by boat on the ‘Tunnels Tour’.
For more about Fremantle, here’s a video:
Get there: Catch the Fremantle train from Perth train station. Free CAT busses also operate in Fremantle.
Tourism Western Australia is the official State tourism body, and Eventscorp, a partner of One Movement For Music, is a division of Tourism WA. To find out more about WA, visit our website or follow us on Twitter: @WestAustralia.
Leave comment