Perth is filled with a whole heap of suburbs which are buzzing both during the day and into the midnight hour, Northbridge being one of them. It’s super close to the CBD, connected by Yagan Square and Perth Cultural Centre, and has its big city quirks, minus the skyscrapers. From cute cafes and hidden bars to famed wholesale stores and galleries; Northbridge has got the lot. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best things to do in Northbridge while you’re visiting the inner-city locale.
1. Vintage Retail
Truth be told, we’ve found some of our greatest op-shop pieces in Northbridge. Although the vintage stores are few, they deliver the goods. Vinnie’s never fails to pull through with the dope fits, and nor does Fi & Co. Threads Boutique Op Shop often has some gems on display, and of course Retro 66. And if old stuff is your thing, don’t go past Safaris Record Shack, and Sgt. Peppers Vintage and Vinyl Collective.
2. Kakulas Brothers & The Re Store
If you’re a bit of a foodie, there’s no going past Kakulas Brothers and The Re Store. Both wholesale stores offer a massive selection of international goods from Greece and Italy, respectively. At the old-timey, 1929 Kakulas Brothers you’ll find big old vats and hessian bag filled with everything from chocolate coated almonds and celery salt to continental groceries, and a wee coffee bar slinging delightful cups o’ Joe.
The Re Store on the other hand is commonly known in Perth as the home of the famed continental roll; a sandwich born last century from Italian families who migrated to Perth with their delicious deli meats and preserved veggies. The yesteryear lookin’ store has been in operation since 1936 and sells everything from Italian cookbooks to Venetian choccies, coffee pots and heaps of pasta, of course. Sit in store an indulge in something fresh from their deli.
Where: Kakulas Brothers (183 William St), The Re Store (72 Lake St)
3. Perth Cultural Centre
The Perth Cultural Centre is a peaceful hub which brings together the Art Gallery of WA, WA Museum Boola Bardip, State Library of WA, The Blue Room, PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts), State Theatre Centre of WA, and Urban Orchard. Immerse yourself in spectacular exhibitions, and up your history knowledge. Find a peaceful nook in the library or enjoy the fountain out the front. Sit amongst fruit trees and fresh vegetables in the lush Urban Orchard, and explore all that the Perth Cultural Centre has to offer.
4. Small Bars & Clubs
While Northbridge may be quite chill by day, come sundown the suburb can get a little crazy. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who like wild nightlife and cool drinking houses, then N-Bridge is the place to be. Our favourite places to sink a cocktail or vino are: Northbridge Brewing Co, Frisk’s Small Bar, Mechanic Institute, Vincent Wine, Joe’s Juice Joint, Toots, Alabama Song Bar, Wines of While, Ezra Pound, The Rechabite, Picabar, Shadow Wine Bar, and of course Sneaky Tony’s; you wouldn’t even know it’s there if you didn’t know that it’s there, very cool.
5. Cafes & Restaurants
Food, food, and more food – one of Northbridge’s star qualities. Cuisine from all over the globe can be found in the precinct with options for the omnivorous and herbivorous alike. Although we can’t name them all, these are our top picks for the best food in Northbridge: Ramen Ichiraku (incredible), Bivouac Canteen and Bar, Francoforte Spaghetti Bar, Hoodburger, Flora & Fauna, La Cholita, Zonts Bakehouse, Lucky Chan’s Laundry & Noodle Bar, Authentic Bites Dumpling House, No Mafia, Pretty Good Pizza, and Hong Kong BBQ House.
6. Chinatown
Indeed there’s a vast range of restaurants serving different Asian cuisines all around Northbridge; from huge yum cha halls to tiny Korean dessert bars. But there’s always a Chinatown in each Australian city bringing an authentic ambiance. At Northbridge’s Chinatown you’ll find Chinese architecture and lion statues welcoming you to the lanes of the 1980s development built to mark the presence of the Chinese community in WA since the 1840s. While you’re there, have a seat at Little China Girl or Old Lane Street Eats for a darn tasty meal. Further, Chinatown and Northbridge are also the venue for the annual Chung Wah Perth Chinese New Year Fair, where over 20,000 people are expected to flood the streets each year in January.
Where: Roe St
7. Rooftop Movies
Movies are pretty good as is, but whack in an open-air rooftop, high above the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle with sweeping views of Perth City, and you’ve got yourself a mighty fine cinema situation. Atop a six storey building on Northbridge’s busy Roe Street, Rooftop Movies provides the whole kit and kaboodle when it comes to watching the latest flicks and banging throw-back films. Open from November to April each year, Rooftop Movies is the cinema with it all – find out more about Rooftop Movies here.
Where: 68 Roe St
8. Timezone & Holey Moley Golf Club
If you’re looking for a bit of family-friendly fun or perhaps a cute date idea, then Timezone and Holey Moley are the Northbridge attractions for you. Find rows and rows of arcade games at Timezone where you can race to the finish line or dance it out in an epic battle; shoot some hoops and win a stuffed bear. Whereas Holey Moley is the golfers mini dream, complete with a number of themed courses and golfing obstacles with a bar to boot.
Where: Timezone (31 Lake St), Holey Moley Golf Club (53 Lake St)
9. Northbridge Piazza
A spot to take it all in – the Northbridge Piazza. Located on the corner of two main strips, the piazza offers a grassy space to sit back and soak in a slice of open space amidst the busy pockets of Perth. During the warmer months, free movies are screened here for community gatherings, as well as live music and exhibitions. The piazza becomes a popular Fringe World destination during January and February, and a hub for spectacular Christmas lights during December.
Where: 142 Lake St
10. Karaoke
Let it all out via the medium of song. While a good old fashioned cry in Perth might not be your go-to for emotional outlet, singing just might be. Luckily Northbridge is home to a number of karaoke joints where you can book yourself and perhaps your friends in for a private and solid jam. Hit up: Crown Karaoke Restaurant, Hit Studio, Galaxy Lounge, Dragon Palace, or Mirage Karaoke Bar for the time of your life.