Secret Places in Perth: The Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out

Perth’s biggest drawcards hardly need an introduction. But beyond the beaches, wine regions and postcard-perfect landmarks lies a city full of unexpected discoveries that you can easily miss if you’re not paying attention. Think hidden listening bars, tiny concept shops, Japanese alleyways, secret swimming spots and neighbourhood gems that locals would rather keep to themselves. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekend or simply see the city through fresh eyes, these are some hidden gems worth seeking out.

Lawson Flats Chess Club

On the first Thursday of every month, the polished interiors of Lawson Flats (Perth’s design-led private members club) open for a unique night of socialising. Players of every skill level gather around communal tables for an evening of zero-pressure chess matches, good conversation and banging food and drink. There’s also a DJ on deck to keep the unserious vibes strong. Whether you’re dusting off a childhood hobby or learning for the first time, it’s an unexpectedly enjoyable way to spend an evening in the city. Oh, and did we mention it’s free to attend? You just need to RSVP beforehand.

4 Sherwood Court, Perth

Not Random Magazines

This tiny magazine shop in the Piazza Fremantle celebrates the kind of magazines you won’t find lining supermarket shelves. Architecture journals from Copenhagen sit alongside independent food magazines from Tokyo, niche fashion titles, photography publications and beautifully designed travel journals sourced from around the world. Even if you’re not buying, it’s an easy place to lose half an hour flicking through stories and discovering publications you never knew existed. Why not pair your visit with fellow Piazza Fremantle finds like Basket Studio, a curated fashion boutique with a cool minimal aesthetic, and Morso Conti Shop, the precinct’s new Italian sandwich pop-up?

36 South Terrace, Fremantle

Cafe Music

The fact that evenings at this bar feel so fleeting is part of what makes Cafe Music feel so special. Created by the team behind Wines of While (easily one of Perth’s finest wine bar examples), the pop-up transforms an empty Fremantle shopfront into the sort of neighbourhood bar you’d happily visit every week, pouring mini martinis, natural wine and cold beers while patrons spill out on the street and DJs spin vinyl late into the evening. It’s already returned for a couple of successful encore runs since its Arrival Festival debut, but there’s no word on when the doors will open again. Your best chance of catching the next one? Keep a close eye on Instagram and prepare to cancel plans immediately.

7 Phillimore Street, Fremantle

MCQ DIY Noodle Bar

For a cheap feed with a side of novelty, this new DIY noodle bar hidden within one of Perth’s best Asian supermarkets is worth tracking down. Tucked inside MCQ Supermarket in Subiaco, you’ll find shelves lined with instant ramen from across Korea, Japan, China and Thailand, ready to be customised with everything from cheese slices and fish cakes to dumplings, eggs and fresh vegetables before being cooked at one of the self-serve stations.

375 Roberts Road, Subiaco

Omusubi Natchan

On select market mornings, Omusubi Natchan prepares traditional Japanese rice balls using premium rice, crisp nori and simple fillings like salted salmon, tuna mayo and ume plum. Wrapped to order so the seaweed stays perfectly crisp, the wholesome grab-and-go brunch bite sounds simple but is wildly comforting. Keep an eye out for their velvety slices of basque cheesecake too!

Perth City Farm every first and third Saturday, from 8am to 12pm
Mount Claremont Farmers Market every second and fourth Saturday, from 7:30am to 11:30am
Hinata Cafe every Tuesday, from 10am to 3pm

The Revival House

Movie nights here come with a little more personality. Housed inside a beautifully restored heritage building, The Revival House screens everything from cult classics and indie favourites to documentaries, live performances and one-off themed events. The program changes constantly, giving locals plenty of reasons to return, while the intimate setting makes every screening feel a little more memorable than a night at the multiplex.

16 Preston Street, Como

Astral Weeks & Ah Um

Few places encourage you to lean in and talk softly quite like Astral Weeks. Hidden behind an unsuspecting facade in Chinatown, the listening bar plays vinyl through a meticulously tuned hi-fi sound system, rewarding anyone willing to sit back and give the music their full attention (natural wine in hand, of course). Deeper within, the venue’s intimate restaurant, Ah Um, carries the same attention across its immaculate share-plate style dining. Consider it your date night cheat code.

Shop 12/60/66 Roe Street, Northbridge

Ginza Nana Alley

Slip beneath the glowing lanterns and the city suddenly fades into the background. Inspired by the narrow yokocho laneways of Japan, Ginza Nana Alley is lined with intimate bars and eateries serving ramen, yakitori, sake and whisky in compact spaces where conversations spill onto the walkway. Visit in the evening when the lights come on and the aroma of charcoal grills drifts through the air for the closest thing to a Tokyo side street you’ll find in Perth.

Shop, 3, Ground Level, 100/104 Murray St, Perth

Bicton Baths

Locals have been cooling off at Bicton Baths for years, but for the wider population of Perth, it still feels like a secret. Opening in 1979, the heritage-listed river baths are protected by limestone walls, creating calm water that’s perfect for leisurely laps. There’s also a tranquil bay made for stand-up paddleboarding and lazy summer floats, and shaded lawns practically begging for your next beach read moment. Pack a picnic, stretch out beneath the peppermint trees or arrive early to catch the river at its glassiest before boats begin passing by.

64 Blackwall Reach Parade, Bicton

Perth City Farm

An urban sanctuary in East Perth, Perth City Farm is a community-run space dedicated to sustainable living and urban agriculture. This hidden gem features organic gardens, a bustling farmers market, and a cosy café serving delicious, locally sourced food and coffee. The farm also hosts a variety of workshops and events (you can hire it for your own event, too), making it a fantastic place to learn about sustainability, connect with the community, and enjoy a slice of green tranquillity in the heart of the city.

1 City Farm Place, East Perth

DaRawNature Studio Gallery & Cafe

A narrow laneway off Henry Street gives little away, but follow it through and you’ll arrive in a lush terrace overflowing with vines, leaves and all things green. Here, coffee is served alongside rotating exhibitions by local artists. The cafe spills into a light-filled gallery, making it easy to linger long after breakfast browsing paintings, ceramics and photography. Keep an eye on the events calendar too, with regular life drawing sessions, live music and creative workshops bringing the space to life after dark.

Rear/5 Henry Street, Fremantle

Perth Observatory

You don’t have to be a space nerd to enjoy the Perth Observatory. Hidden away in the hills outside the city, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s not about knowing every constellation, but about slowing down and soaking in the vastness of the night sky. With its vintage telescopes and serene atmosphere, the observatory invites you to pause, breathe, and look up. A hidden gem for those seeking a quiet connection with something bigger—just you, the stars, and the silence of the universe.

337 Walnut Road, Bickley

Last Drop Elizabethan

Half an hour from the CBD, the Last Drop Elizabethan looks as though it has been plucked from an English village and dropped into the Perth Hills. Timber beams, leadlight windows and Tudor-style façades are all remnants of the ambitious Elizabethan Village built here in the late 1970s. Today, crackling fireplaces, house-brewed beers and sprawling gardens make it an inviting place to settle in for a long lunch, particularly on a cool winter afternoon.

25 Canns Rd, Bedfordale

Bold Park

While Kings Park often hogs the spotlight, Bold Park remains a lesser-known native bushland. Tucked away in City Beach, the expanse features over 15 kilometres of walking trails, lookouts with panoramic views, and an amazing amount of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The Reabold Hill Summit Boardwalk offers one of the highest points in the metro area, providing sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Perth’s skyline. It’s a serene retreat not far from the city, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply connecting to nature. 

Perry Lakes Drive, City Beach 

Lake Leschenaultia 

Lake Leschenaultia is a hidden gem in the Perth Hills. This stunning lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, surrounded by beautiful bushland and walking trails. The clear, calm waters are ideal for a refreshing dip or a leisurely paddle, while the surrounding area offers plenty of space for a picnic or barbecue. Lake Leschenaultia is a great little spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

 2135 Rosedale Road, Chidlow 

Secret Fairy Door Trail, Kalamunda

Tiny fairy doors are tucked beneath tree trunks, hidden among stone walls and peeking out from the front of local businesses throughout Kalamunda, turning an ordinary stroll into one seriously magical treasure hunt for curious little eyes. There are more than 20 to discover, each handcrafted with its own tiny letterbox, windows or painted details. Pick up a trail map from the Visitor Centre or simply wander through town and see how many you can find before rewarding yourself with coffee and cake at one of the nearby cafes.

Sneaky Tony’s and Toots

Hidden ‘somewhere in Northbridge’, Sneaky Tony’s is a speakeasy-style bar that transports you back to the Prohibition era. With its dim lighting, vintage decor, and shelves lined with rum, it’s bursting with old-word charm and exclusivity. To gain entry, you’ll need to find the unmarked door and, on weekends, provide the nightly password—a clever nod to its speakeasy roots. Once inside, you can sip away on expertly crafted cocktails and relish a cosy, intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve discovered one of Perth’s best-kept secrets.

Once inside, you’re also one step closer to Toots, a secret disco bar dripping in mirror balls, red velvet and disco bangers. Simply head to the bar and ask if Toots is in, and your bartender will point you in the right direction.

Somewhere in Chinatown, Northbridge

The Blue Room Theatre

Inside the Perth Cultural Centre, The Blue Room Theatre is a vibrant hub for independent and experimental performances. This intimate venue showcases a huge and diverse range of productions, from contemporary plays to innovative performances, offering a platform for emerging artists and unique storytelling. With its cosy atmosphere and attached bar, The Blue Room Theatre is an absolute treasure for theatre enthusiasts hoping to experience the creative pulse of Perth.

Perth Cultural Centre, 53 James Street Mall, Perth

When you’re ready to take a break from exploring Perth’s hidden gems, why not pop into one of Perth’s best cocktail bars for a refreshing sip, or enjoy brunch at one of Perth’s hottest brunch spots?