Lifestyle in Perth

The lifestyle in Perth offer a wealth of opportunities, from shopping and dining to endless outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer browsing designer outlets, enjoying a cold beer by the river, trying culinary delicacies, or hitting the beach, there’s something to suit every taste.

Shopping in Perth

Shopping in Perth offers a broad range of experiences. You can find everything from bustling shopping villages and sprawling malls to charming weekly craft markets and independent boutiques. The Hay Street Mall and the Murray Street Mall run parallel to each other in the city centre, housing more than 900 shops. For something new, you might swing by the South Shore Shopping Centre or the Angelo Street Shopping Centre, both featuring an array of local boutiques and eateries.

Visiting local markets is also a delightful way to spend your time. You’ll discover that many successful small businesses start by showcasing their products at one of Western Australia’s marketplaces. Most suburbs have a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings where you can purchase fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Nightlife in Perth

The nightlife in Perth is lively and eclectic, offering something for everyone. Northbridge remains the heart of the city’s nightlife, but the Central Business District (CBD) also boasts hotspots catering to a mix of tastes.

Emerging districts such as Highgate and East Perth are becoming popular, with new bars and clubs attracting a younger crowd. Fremantle offers a blend of historic pubs and modern bars, perfect for a relaxed evening out.

Eating out in Perth

Eating out in Perth is a delight, with options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re after an elegant dining experience overlooking the Swan River, tasting locally crafted wines, or enjoying simple fish and chips as the sun sets, the city has it covered. Perth’s rich mix of cultures shines through its culinary offerings, with seafood playing a starring role.

For a diverse culinary scene, head to Northbridge, where you can find everything from Asian cuisines to modern Australian fare. Fremantle offers a variety of seafood restaurants and trendy cafés along the waterfront, while Elizabeth Quay boasts upscale dining options with stunning river views.

If you’re an expat craving a taste of home, you’ll find a range of international cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Ethiopian, Jamaican, French, and Italian. The favourable climate makes al fresco dining a common pleasure, with people often congregating outside bars after work.

Outdoor activities in Perth

Thanks to Perth's Mediterranean climate and stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities in the city are plentiful. With belts of waterways, green parklands, and miles of white sandy beaches in perfect harmony with the compact CBD, there’s no running out of options for enjoying the open air.

If you enjoy picnicking, water sports, hiking, or jogging, you’ll find plenty to do in Perth. Popular spots like Kings Park offer breathtaking views and walking trails. For something off the beaten track, consider lesser-known gems like Claisebrook Cove, a picturesque waterfront area perfect for cycling and kayaking. Heirisson Island in the Swan River provides a peaceful retreat where you can spot kangaroos amidst beautiful parkland.

Perth’s outdoor activities change with the seasons. In summer, enjoy swimming at local beaches like Cottesloe Beach or snorkelling at Marmion Marine Park. As temperatures cool in autumn and winter, hiking trails become popular, and in spring, the city bursts into colour with wildflower festivals showcasing unique flora.

Arts and culture in Perth

Arts and culture in Perth are thriving, offering a wealth of museums, art galleries, and exhibitions to check out during your spare time. From traditional Aboriginal art to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, the city’s cultural scene caters to all tastes.

Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Perth Cultural Centre to admire a vast collection of Australian and international art, including significant Indigenous works. 

For a deep dive into Western Australia’s story, the WA Museum Boola Bardip presents diverse narratives through natural history and interactive displays, including an impressive blue whale skeleton. If contemporary art is more your style, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) showcases innovative exhibitions and performances in a stunning heritage building.

Perth’s arts scene isn’t limited to indoor venues. The city has embraced street art, with eye-catching murals adorning buildings across various neighbourhoods.

See and do in Perth

As you relocate to Perth, you’ll discover that, along with its glorious weather, the city plays host to many sights and fun attractions. Here are some of our top picks.

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Visitors to this historic gallery can view traditional and contemporary Indigenous Australian art, as well as international pieces. The gallery often hosts workshops and tours to engage visitors more deeply. Best of all? Entrance to the gallery is free.

WA Museum Boola Bardip

Opened in late 2020, the WA Museum Boola Bardip is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing Western Australia’s rich heritage. With interactive exhibits and a stunning blue whale skeleton, it’s a must-visit for history and science enthusiasts.

London Court

London Court features beautiful Elizabethan architecture, providing a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. Be sure to stop at one of the charming small shops and cafés on either end of the lane.

Penguin Island

Located in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just south of Perth, Penguin Island is an unspoilt reserve that houses a penguin colony of over 1,000 birds. The island is open daily from mid-October to early June but closes during extreme heat and on Christmas Day. You can safely reach the island via a ferry service. While there, you may also spot dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and pelicans.

Perth Zoo

The Perth Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals of over 160 species and is deeply involved in conservation efforts, including breeding and protection programmes. You can catch a glimpse of rare species such as Tasmanian devils, red pandas and lemurs. The zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, focusing on wildlife conservation.

What’s on in Perth

There’s always something happening in Perth. Below are some of the city’s most exciting annual festivals and celebrations.

Fringe World Festival (January to February)

The Fringe World Festival brings independent artists together for an energy-packed celebration across multiple venues in Perth. Expect a variety of performances, including theatre, comedy, cabaret and more.

Fish and Sips Festival (February)

This festival brings together the best of Western Australia’s wine and seafood for a truly delicious weekend. Renowned local chefs whip up seafood dishes, including oysters, barbecued crab, ceviche, and squid. You can also enjoy paired seafood and wine tastings.

Perth Festival (February to March)

One of Australia’s longest-running cultural festivals, the Perth Festival features a diverse range of performances across theatre, contemporary music, classical music, opera, visual arts, literature, film, jazz, and dance. The festival runs over four weeks, showcasing some of the world’s greatest artists.

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival (April)

Australia’s only dedicated street festival sees local and international street artists flocking to Fremantle every year to take part in a celebration of comedy, busking, street theatre, thrilling circus acts and more.

Kings Park Festival (September)

This spring festival celebrates the beauty of Australian wildflowers and native plants. You can view spectacular displays of wildflowers throughout Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens. The city also puts on an array of free entertainment and market stalls.

Where to make friends and meet people in Perth

Making friends and meeting people in Perth is a breeze, with a wealth of opportunities ranging from sports clubs to social networks. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or professional networking, here are some of the best options for new arrivals.

The Befriend Social Network

Connect with others through open-invite social experiences designed to make meeting new people easy and enjoyable. The Befriend Social Network hosts free events in public spaces, ranging from coffee catch-ups to group outings.

Volleyball Western Australia

Have fun on the volleyball court while making new friends. With programmes ranging from competitive indoor leagues to outdoor social volleyball games, you can jump right in and start playing.

Swan River Rowing Club

Get out on the water every Sunday morning with the SRRC’s Learn to Row programme. Seasoned rowers can join one of the more experienced squads and even compete in Masters tournaments.

Perth Bushwalkers Club

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join the Perth Bushwalkers as they trek through the natural beauty of Western Australia. Newcomers are always welcome, and you’ll have no trouble making new friends.

Facilit8

If you’re looking to expand your professional network, Facilit8 offers structured networking events like roundtable breakfasts and casual sundowners. It’s a great way to build genuine business relationships in a relaxed setting.