Australia is a multicultural nation, and nowhere is this more evident than in our food culture.
Perth and Fremantle are food lover’s paradise, boasting a wide range of fresh produce, excellent wines and a huge number of restaurants.
Deciding where to eat out can be a tough choice – Chinese or Italian? Mexican or Korean? Japanese or Indian? Almost every international taste is catered for, so students should have no trouble finding their favourite foods from back home.
You’ll quickly find that the central restaurant districts in Perth are Northbridge and Victoria Park. Northbridge has many inexpensive and authentic cuisine options throughout and is also home to Perth’s Chinatown on Roe Street, where there are plenty of great options to suit the student budget.
Fremantle has an exciting blend of seafood restaurants, classic pubs and an ever growing list of international cuisines.
Perth’s nightlife is vibrant, and you’ll easily be able to find every kind of entertainment imaginable at some of Perth’s biggest nightclubs.
Each nightlife area has their own unique atmosphere, and you will also find plenty of trendy bars and clubs where you can relax quietly over a cocktail. Both Perth and Fremantle have an impressive selection of pubs, each with their own characteristics and charms.
But nightlife in Australia is not just about drinking, contrary to what some local students might say. The increase in late night eateries and dessert bars around Perth and Fremantle means you can now head out after 10 pm and find a quiet place to unwind.
Perth CBD
Food
The Perth CBD has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a decent meal. There’s almost everything – top notch European dining, to cheap and tasty meals in the malls. For more affordable options in the CBD head to the William St, end of Hay St and Murray Street Mall. Visiting Milligan St or St Georges Tce will take your options to the next level. Head down to the river to find a relaxing dining experience in summer by the piers.
Nightlife
Perth CBD is a place that has all tastes of nightlife entertainment covered. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a crazy party, you’ll find it here. The venues are mostly located to the west of the shopping precinct, towards King St, but you never know where you’ll find the next intimate bar or pub in this city. Hidden down the laneways and arcades in the city centre, you’ll find relaxing venues. If you’re looking to rock out to some live music, be sure to go to Amplifier Capitol on Murray St.
Northbridge
Food
Northbridge is the home of inexpensive, Asian-inspired tasty dining – this area may well be where you find that special place that reminds you of eating back home. Roe St is the Chinatown area of Perth, but you’ll also find some European influences such as The Standard, which can be more upmarket and pricey.
Nightlife
Northbridge is Perth’s party centre with bars, pubs and clubs packed into the streets around William, James, Aberdeen and Parker Streets. Every night of the week is pumping. There are also plenty of other amazing places where you can see live music, have a quiet one with mates or even get a bit crazy with karaoke and entertainment. Many of the restaurants stay open late here, and you can grab a snack between partying, whether you feel like kebabs, burgers or a pizza. There are also plenty of public transport options around here, and many of the venues are open until early morning, so it’s the perfect place to have a big night out on the town.
Fremantle
Food
Fremantle’s atmosphere is casual and relaxed when it comes to eating out and enjoying a glass of wine or a beer. It is home to several breweries and because of the awesome pubs, Freo is one of the top spots to try pub dining. South Terrace is locally nicknamed ‘the Cappuccino Strip’ because it was home to the first outdoor café culture in Western Australia.
You’ll discover lots of gorgeous smaller cafés serving great coffee, cakes and great food in a many of the back streets of Fremantle too. Don’t miss out on experiencing Little Creatures down at Fishing Boat Harbour. Its industrial style décor and beer brewed on the premises makes it a must-do.
Nightlife
Fremantle is one of Perth’s most popular entertainment precincts and at night Freo’s South Terrace gets going. South Terrace is a prime spot for nightclubs and live music. Many of the pubs have shows from some of the best local and international acts touring.
Other spots
Because Perth is so crammed with dining options, you’ll probably find some of your favourites are hidden away in areas that aren’t so well known.
Try Victoria Park for all your cheap and budget style meals. If you’ve got money to spend and a refined palate, try Nedlands where you’ll find some fine dining options with Australian and French influences, or Subiaco where you can expect to find anything from Japanese to Greek cuisine.
10 minutes north-east of the CBD is Mount Lawley, which is an area that is completely packed with pubs, restaurants and little cafés.
10 minutes the north-west of the city is Leederville, where the second hand shops and vintage cafés stay open late, making it the perfect place for a late night coffee catch up.
If all you want is a sea view, head along the coast to Cottesloe and Hillarys Boat Harbour, where you can pull up a stall and enjoy some fish and chips while watching the sun go down.
Have a date? Take him or her to one of the classy restaurants that line the beautiful Swan River! Catch a ferry to these restaurants from Barrack St in the city.
