Your Guide To Joondalup

Want to escape the big city bustle but still in love with that metropolitan vibe? Just grab a train from Perth City or drive the easy 26km up from Perth CBD to Joondalup, the northern suburbs’ stunning lakeside city.
With a range of parks and over 17km of spectacular beaches giving onto the Indian Ocean, not to mention a buzzing nightlife and a hoard of shopping opportunities, Joondalup really does combine the comfort of city life with the casual and relaxed atmosphere of the idyllic Sunset Coast.

Where to Go

Hillarys is Joondalup’s award-winning boat harbour and a favourite place for locals and visitors alike to wander and sample the city’s best boutique shopping, fine dining and memorable attractions: the harbour is home to the Aquarium of Western Australia, a favourite for families with a glass tunnel and plenty of sharks, The Great Escape Leisure Park and Sorrento Quay Boardwalk, ideal for an evening stroll as you watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.
The city, with its easy access to freeways and public transport, is an excellent base for exploring tourist hotspots such as the Swan Valley wineries, Rottnest Island and the Yellagonga Regional Park. A number of bushwalk tours, coastal walks and ocean cruises are available from Joondalup itself.

Where to Eat, Drink and Shop

As capital of the North Suburbs, Joondalup boasts a vibrant nightlife. The Bailey Bar & Bistro, on Reid Promenade is an eclectic pub with regular bands, DJs and live sports viewings. Down the Hatch, in the lakeside city centre also has some great tapas served by friendly staff in industrial-chic surroundings.
Shopaholics have nothing to fear here, with two major shopping centres guaranteed to satisfy your needs: The Westfield Whitford City branch back in Hillarys, and Lakeside Joondalup, soon to be WA’s largest shopping centre and conveniently located less than a minute from the train station.

Where to Relax

Whether you’re looking for some R&R or just an excellent old health reboot, Freedom Hot Yoga offers a fantastic range of classes taught by dedicated practitioners Bec and Heidi. Their studio is just off central Boas Avenue and just minutes away from Lakeside Joondalup shopping mall and the beautiful lake.

Where to Stay

The Joondalup City Hotel, in the centre of Grand Boulevard, is a great value boutique hotel, comfortably located at an easy walk from the shopping area and lakeside. The city also offers several upmarket hotels and resorts, serviced apartments and bed and breakfasts, as well as a couple of caravan parks, such as Burns Beach Sunset Village and Cherokee Village, for those looking for the best views and affordable rates.

Images courtesy of the Joondalup City Hotel