Mount Lawley Suburb Profile

Centred around busy Beaufort Street lined with cafés, bars and boutiques, Mount Lawley is one of Perth’s favourite tourist precincts. This eclectic street is also the neighbourhood’s main thoroughfare generating a buzz day and night for those on the prowl for their next gastronomic adventure.

Wandering off the main drag to the leafy side streets provides a history lesson in Perth’s architectural revolution ranging from Federation, Colonial, Tudor, Art Deco and Californian Bungalow style homes and public buildings. Some even have enviable riverside locations, so no wonder this highly sought-after postcode has attracted the affluent since its establishment in 1901, when it was named after Western Australia’s former governor, Sir Arthur Lawley.

Jump to homes

Situated just four kilometres north of Perth’s CBD and with excellent transport links along Beaufort Street and the train line, Mount Lawley is always busy, with many seeking out this destination for its range of cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques. Living in Mount Lawley means enjoying the vibrant energy of a suburb that offers the perfect blend of convenience and charm. Once you venture away from the main drag, this compact neighbourhood rewards with tree-lined streets adorned with architecture through the ages. The iconic Astor Theatre proudly punctuates the intersection at Walcott and Beaufort streets in Art Déco decadence. There are many other examples of grand designs, often undergoing restoration by the owners savvy enough to have invested in this affluent suburb.

Bound by the Swan River to the east, Mount Lawley is compact enough to be enjoyed on foot, with ample café stops along the way keeping the locals replenished. Living in Mount Lawley also means you’re just steps away from a vibrant cultural scene, with dining and shopping options aplenty. Just in case there was any chance of running out of dining and shopping options, this fancy suburb borders Inglewood to the north and Highgate to the south, teeming with more shops, cafes, bars and restaurants leading all the way into Northbridge and the city.

Area Features

Astor Theatre

Originally named The Lyceum when it first opened in 1919, it received an Art Deco facelift and its new Astor Theatre name in 1939. This multi-purpose venue has been run as a dance hall, theatre and more recently as a performance venue hosting live music, comedy acts, movie screenings and community events. It’s worth visiting if only to sink into its red velvet seats to admire its magnificence.

Beaufort Street

With a wide range of cuisines to choose from, Beaufort Street serves up an international menu every day of the week. Whether you’re after Italian, French, Mexican, burgers, Asian, gelato, seafood, vegetarian, cafes and even handcraft cookies, you can probably find it here and down the arcades. The Elford should hit the spot if you’re after libations and pub grub. With your hunger satiated, you’ll be primed for a browse at the many cutting-edge boutiques, Planet Books or Beaufort Street Books.

Banks Reserve

Situated on the banks of the Swan River, as the name suggests, this reserve is a family favourite for its nature-based playground. This pretty park also has an amphitheatre popular for weddings and functions thanks to its riverside location and views.

Forrest Park

On almost any day or night of the week, die-hard sports fanatics can be admired for flexing their muscles and skills in this leafy park. But even if you’re not there to work up a sweat, the dog exercise area is a local favourite for parents of the human and furry variety.

Oozing old money and prestige, many of the locals were born and bred in Mount Lawley, while newer money protectively guards their status and their luck at being in the catchment zone for Mount Lawley Senior High School or affording the prestigious all-girls Perth College. Interestingly, amongst the stately homes, there are several apartment complexes and shared houses accommodating arty students attending the nearby Edith Cowan University.