NORTHBRIDGE
GET TO KNOW
THE AREA
Northbridge retains its gritty edge with a colourful mix of restaurants, nightlife, emerging fashion and an eclectic community. This inner-city tourist enclave was once considered the wrong side of the tracks, but now Northbridge is a drawcard for professionals, artists and the young (and young at heart) eager to invest and delve into inner-city living.
Many who visit and live here immerse themselves in Chinatown, the underground bars, late-night eats and the Perth Cultural Centre filled with galleries, theatres, museums and live performances.
Lifestyle
Situated just north of Perth’s CBD, you can practically dine around the world in Northbridge, catch a live performance or hang out at bespoke bars hidden down laneways only the locals know how to find. Built on the backbone of Western Australia’s European and Asian immigrant population, its multi-cultural heritage stands proud.
Connected to the city by the Yagan Square tourist precinct, Northbridge is laid out in a grid, with Roe Street bordering the rail line and offering easy transport links for the residents, workers and visitors of Northbridge and the Perth CBD.
Read MoreLifestyle
Situated just north of Perth’s CBD, you can practically dine around the world in Northbridge, catch a live performance or hang out at bespoke bars hidden down laneways only the locals know how to find. Built on the backbone of Western Australia’s European and Asian immigrant population, its multi-cultural heritage stands proud.
Connected to the city by the Yagan Square tourist precinct, Northbridge is laid out in a grid, with Roe Street bordering the rail line and offering easy transport links for the residents, workers and visitors of Northbridge and the Perth CBD.
It’s notorious for its thriving nightlife offered by its clubs, live music venues, pubs and unique bars. But when the day breaks, Northbridge resumes an air of respectability with its boutiques, cafes and shops. Many are drawn for the wide range of cuisines and fresh food outlets, including several excellent European and Asian supermarkets.
Northbridge is home to the Perth Cultural Centre’s theatres, outdoor venues, bars, eateries, museums and galleries. This tourist precinct also hosts many year-round festivals and cultural events including the Perth International Arts Festival, Fringe World Festival, food festivals, markets, rooftop movies, pop-up venues, exhibitions and art installations.
Best known for apartment living, many are delighted to discover its heritage district tucked away on the outskirts teeming with stately character homes once housing Perth’s affluent society. Many of these homes have been restored to their former glory bestowing an unexpected elegance to this tourist hotspot.
Neighbours
While many visit for the food and nightlife, most move or buy here for its central location and proximity to the CBD, cultural lifestyle and investment opportunities. Many passing you on the street are young residents preferring to rent who enjoy the lively lifestyle and work locally or in the nearby CBD.
Neighbours
While many visit for the food and nightlife, most move or buy here for its central location and proximity to the CBD, cultural lifestyle and investment opportunities. Many passing you on the street are young residents preferring to rent who enjoy the lively lifestyle and work locally or in the nearby CBD.
Area features
DIVERSE CUISINE
You can practically eat your way around the world in Northbridge. Choose from Italian, Indian, Vietnamese, Greek, Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Korean, Thai, Cambodian, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, Australian cuisine and a few fusions in between. Perth’s official Chinatown is hidden down a maze of laneways; just look for the red pagoda on Roe Street, although it’s not uncommon to see lines forming along William Street and many of the side streets for yum cha.
BARS
Name your poison and there’s probably a bar for that in Northbridge. Tiki, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey and bourbon are just a few of the speciality bars located in basements, concealed courtyards and on rooftops. Some require a password to enter – assuming you can identify their hidden entrances down back alleys and in secret passages accessed from other venues. But don’t despair; all is revealed in their socials.
PERTH CULTURAL CENTRE
Known as the cultural hub of Perth, this enclave houses the State Theatre Centre, Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), Blue Room Theatre, State Library, WA Museum Boola Bardip, eateries and bars. Keep an eye out for public artworks and year-round outdoor events, especially in the Wetland and Urban Orchard in front of the AGWA.
STREET ART
Melbourne might be the street art capital of Australia, but Perth is still in the race, often in the most unexpected of suburban settings. There’s rarely an empty wall in Northbridge - you could spend hours trying to find them all, but here are a few hints - Chinatown, the carpark behind Arcade 189 (off William Street), on the TAFE building, along the Hook and Lock Lanes running parallel to William Street and in many bars, to name a few.
NORTHBRIDGE PIAZZA
This open green space is the place to relax with a picnic on the lawn and a cultural hub for live performances, exhibitions, festivals, events and free movies on the giant LED screen. Open 24 hours a day, this lively spot lies in the heart of Northbridge and is a central meeting spot, just like they do in European cities.
FASHION
Many an emerging label began in Northbridge and it’s unlikely you’ll leave empty-handed at any of the boutiques and vintage shops. Popular shops include Ruck Rover, Periscope, Fi & Co and Temple Muse. It certainly makes a refreshing change from the generic outlets found in many of Perth’s shopping centres.
