Nightlife in Perth: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

Like most Australian cities, Perth's nightlife is generally relaxed and centered on pubs and small bars. Thanks to its recent population growth and geographic isolation, the Western Australian capital is a popular party destination. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, you'll find a thriving after-dark scene in the neighborhoods of Northbridge, Leederville, and Mount Lawley, as well as over by the beach in Fremantle. Most pubs and bars are open until midnight, while the larger clubs are busiest between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Bars

Whether you're after wine, gin, rum, whiskey, or craft beer, Perth has got you covered. For bar-hopping, head to Northbridge and explore the neighborhood's hidden speakeasies. Be warned: a cocktail at one of these trendy establishments doesn't come cheap.

Visit some of our favorite local haunts for a night of top-notch drinks and great tunes:

• Mechanic's Institute: Burgers, beers, and rooftop views in the heart of Northbridge.
• The Breakwater: Looking out over Hillary's Boat Harbour, this spacious bar is perfect for sunset drinks.
• Helvetica: A retro whiskey bar tucked away in the city center.
• Strange Company: Fremantle's favorite wine bar, with a diverse selection of local drops.

Pubs

Perth's pub culture is thriving, from chic gastropubs to sticky-floored gems. Pubs, also called hotels, can be found in every neighborhood, often staying open from midday to midnight and acting as a meeting place for the local community.

Check out these establishments for live music, cheap beer. and good company:

• The Rosemount Hotel: This pub attracts a younger crowd, with live music most nights accompanied by craft beer and burgers.
• Little Creatures Brewery: Fremantle's famous Pale Ale brewery offers tours as well as a sunny beer garden.
• The Rose & Crown: WA's oldest operating hotel can be found in the pretty village of Guildford on the north-western fringe of Perth.
• The Indian Ocean Hotel: Another iconic live music venue, this oceanfront pub in Scarborough in bursting with retro charm.

Clubs

If you're desperate for a dance-floor, Northbridge is the place to be. From intimate spaces to multi-story clubs, this part of Perth is a hotbed of late-night revelry. Arrive before 10 p.m. to skip the cover charge, or wait until the night is in full swing around midnight.

Let your hair down at these late-night hotspots:

• Geisha Bar: A small club that prides itself on underground music and a trendy crowd.
• Connections: Perth's top gay and lesbian club since 1975.
• Paramount: A true all-rounder, the tropical-themed Paramount offers DJs and live music across two levels and a beer garden.
• Air: This mid-sized dance club opens Friday and Saturday nights with guest DJs and affordable drinks.

Live Music

Perth's small but mighty live music scene is known for alternative and heavy rock and has produced greats like Tame Impala and Birds of Tokyo. Most gigs happen on Friday and Saturday nights, ranging from free entry to sold-out tour events.

Check out the events calendar at these venues during your stay in Perth:

• The Mustang Bar: Choose from salsa night on Tuesdays, backpacker night on Wednesdays, and live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at this saloon bar in Northbridge.
• Jack Rabbit Slim’s: In Northbridge, you'll find Perth's top late-night venue for local and international hip hop, indie, and electronica acts.
• Mojo's: This spot has an eclectic live music lineup every night of the week in Fremantle.
• Badlands: Enjoy a beer in the spacious courtyard or catch a gig in the main room on Friday and Saturday nights.

Comedy Clubs

The Perth Comedy Festival takes place annually from mid-April to mid-May, bringing international stars to Western Australia and offering valuable opportunities for Aussie up-and-comers.

For weekly stand up, improv and open mic nights, try the Comedy Lounge or Lazy Susan's Comedy Den.

Festivals

In early February, Australia's longest running-cultural festival kicks off in Western Australia. The Perth Festival features dance, music, theater, comedy, film, and visual arts from around the world, including both free and ticketed events throughout the city.

Starting a little earlier in the year and overlapping with the Perth Festival, Fringe World brings even quirkier performances to the city, alongside outdoor bars, food trucks, and free entertainment.

There are also a bunch of other music festivals during the rest of the year, including:

• Falls Festival: This two-day pop, indie, and hip hop-focused event hits Fremantle in early January.
• St. Jerome's Laneway Festival: A more alternative one-day festival, Laneway takes place in Fremantle in early February.
• Fremantle International Street Arts Festival: A weekend of circus, music, and comedy in April.
• Perth International Jazz Festival: A three-day event in November celebrating all things jazz.

Tips for Going Out in Perth

• Perth's trains run approximately once per hour between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings and then restart around 6 a.m. Check the full timetable on the Transperth website. Some bus routes operate until midnight, while others shut down before 8 p.m.
• Ubers and taxis are readily available in Perth.
• Last call at clubs can range from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. depending on the venue and the night. Bars and pubs usually close at midnight.
• Tipping in Australia is appreciated but not expected.
• Some clubs charge AU$5-10 entry on Friday and Saturday nights after around 10 p.m.
• It is a criminal offense in Western Australia to drink in public, including on the street, park, or beach. Fines start from AU$200.