Living In South Perth

Calming atmosphere, smooth riverside strolls, and relaxed mood, only within minutes from the city centre, living in South Perth is ideal to escape the city’s hectic environment and relax. Whether you want to get some fresh air at the foreshore, take a soothing walk by the Swan River, spend your afternoon with fascinating Australian animals at the zoo, or spoil your palate at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered across the area, South Perth has it all.

South Perth Foreshore

One of Perth’s favourite Australia Day (26th January) celebration sites, the South Perth foreshore is popular for its wide open space, where you can take a scenic run along the river, or simply picnic with friends. The largest park of the foreshore, Sir James Mitchell Park, is a popular weekend destination for Perthites. It has separate walk and cycle ways, so you can do either with ease, whenever you’re up for some light exercise!

If you want something more adventurous, you can hire mini sailboats and kayaks and make the most of the Swan River. If you’re looking for some refreshment then we suggest The Bellhouse café which is perfect for those with a budget, as it has a number of great meal specials, including big breakfasts for only $9.50.

Going Wild at the Perth Zoo

Undoubtedly one of Perth’s most popular tourist destinations, Perth Zoo is located on the banks of the Swan River, only five minutes drive from the city centre. The Zoo is, of course, best known for their native Australian animals such as koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, but there are also a wide variety of exotic animals and plants from other parts of the world. You can either walk along the Zoo or ride one of the Zebra Cars available that will take you on a one-hour guided tour around the Zoo for only $5. Perth Zoo offers unique daily eye-to-eye experiences, where you can sign up for a group tour to interact closer with different animals each day. The Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the year, so you won’t have a hard time planning a visit. Entry fee is $27 for adults, and tickets can be purchased at the front entrance, online, or by phone. The perfect activity if you’ve got a couple of spare days during the Christmas break!

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Along with Northbridge and Victoria Park, South Perth is known as the home of some of Perth’s most popular restaurants. Take a stroll along Albany Highway, where you will find wide options of restaurants and cafes, offering many different types of cuisine. Head to That Little Mexican Place, often hailed as the best Mexican restaurant in Perth, for authentic Mexican delicacies.

For refreshments, you can choose either Tutti Frutti with its choices of mouth-watering frozen yoghurts and toppings or Taro Taro with its famous Taiwanese-style milk tea. If you simply want to have a cup of coffee and relax, head to one of the coffee shops available around the area such as Zucchero Espresso Bar and Antz Inya Pantz. Most of these coffee shops offer free wi-fi, so you can easily catch up with friends back home whilst you get caffeinated.

Pubs and Bars

When you’re up for a few drinks, nearby Victoria Park offers choices of old fashioned pubs and bars where you can spend a quality time with your friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Located along Albany Highway, these pubs and bars are popular stops for those seeking to escape their daily routines in style, especially on weekends.

The Balmoral Hotel has long been known for their extensive beer and wine menu, and for providing live entertainment such as acoustic performances every Friday night in an intimate setting. For sports fans, head to The Victoria Park Hotel to catch up on everything from football through to UFC while enjoying drinks and mingling with other sports fans. For something more contemporary, there’s also The Causeway Bar which prides itself for providing great entertainment and parties for reasonable prices.

Where to Stay

From budget accommodation to luxurious apartments, South Perth has all kinds of accommodation that suit your needs and budget. If you’re looking for more fresh air and enchanting views, rent an apartment that provides you the view of the Swan River right outside your bedroom window. If you prefer to stay close to various restaurants and bars, there are a number of hotels located along Albany Highway at the heart of Victoria Park where the food options are. It’s all up to you and your preference! A one bedroom apartment will cost you around $250 – $400 per week, and a two bed will be around $375 – $500 per week. If you’re looking for a more affordable option then a house share is probably your best bet and will cost you around $150 – $200 per week.

By Mentari Sandiastri