Elizabeth Quay and the city

Central Perth sits on the north bank of the Swan River, known to the Whadjuk Noongar people as Derbarl Yerrigan. For years, the city's centre felt cut off from the water. Elizabeth Quay changed that. Today, the riverfront is a lively place to walk, eat and catch a ferry, and the compact CBD, galleries of the Perth Cultural Centre and the bars of Northbridge are all within an easy walk.

Elizabeth Quay

Elizabeth Quay was built around a new inlet from the Swan River, completed in January 2016. The precinct has wide promenades, a curved pedestrian bridge, an island with a heritage boatshed, restaurants and bars, a water playground and public art. It is a great place for an evening walk, when the bridge and towers light up.

The Bell Tower, beside the quay, houses historic bells, including some from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Check opening hours and admission.

Riverfront walks and ferries

From Elizabeth Quay, shared paths lead along the river in both directions. Walk west towards the Narrows Bridge and Kings Park, or east past Langley Park and the Point Fraser wetlands. The Transperth ferry crosses the river to South Perth, where the foreshore offers wonderful skyline views and the Perth Zoo is a short walk away.

The CBD and its laneways

Perth's CBD centres on the Hay Street and Murray Street malls, with shops and arcades. London Court, a mock-Tudor arcade, is a quirky photo stop. Laneways have small bars and street art. On weekdays, the CBD is busy with office workers; on weekends, the malls fill with shoppers.

Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge

Across the railway line, the Perth Cultural Centre is home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the WA Museum Boola Bardip and the State Library. Northbridge, around it, has restaurants, bars and nightlife. Yagan Square links the city and Northbridge and hosts events.

The Perth Mint

The Perth Mint was established in 1899 during the gold rush and is one of Australia's oldest operating mints. Its heritage buildings in the east of the city include exhibitions about gold. Check its website for opening hours and tours.

Optus Stadium

Optus Stadium, across the river in Burswood, opened in 2018. It hosts football, cricket and concerts. A pedestrian bridge links it with East Perth.

Getting there and around

See our guide to getting around Perth.

Suggested day

Start with breakfast in a city laneway, then visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia or the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Walk to Elizabeth Quay for lunch by the water, catch the ferry to South Perth and walk the foreshore. Return for dinner in Northbridge, or walk up to Kings Park for sunset.

With children

The water playground at Elizabeth Quay is popular in summer. The WA Museum Boola Bardip has displays children love. Perth Zoo, opened in 1898 in South Perth, is a ferry ride away.

Food and drink

Elizabeth Quay has restaurants and bars along the water. Northbridge has a wide range of cuisines and late-night venues. The CBD has food courts and cafes. Prices and hours vary.

Is it worth it?

Yes. Elizabeth Quay and the CBD are central, free to explore and well connected. They make a great base for exploring Perth.

Nightlife

Northbridge is Perth's main nightlife district, with bars, clubs and live music. Small bars dot the CBD laneways. Check age and ID requirements.

Shopping

The CBD malls have department stores, fashion and souvenir shops. For local designers, explore arcades and laneways.

Accessibility

Elizabeth Quay and much of the CBD have flat, accessible paths. Trains and buses are generally accessible. Check individual venues.

Safety

Perth's city centre is generally safe. As in any city, be aware of your surroundings at night and keep valuables secure.

Events

Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square and the Perth Cultural Centre host events, particularly in summer during Fringe World and Perth Festival. See our festivals guide.