A day in our city
Spend a day exploring the City of South Perth and you’ll discover why the people who live here love it so much.
The unique mix of leafy residential streets, contemporary urban design and a thriving shopping, café, restaurant and bar scene is complemented by physical beauty in its spectacular location, just minutes from Perth’s CBD.
One of WA's most loved destinations for local visitors and international tourists alike, the City of South Perth is jam packed with places to discover and explore.
For those who haven’t visited the City before, or if it’s been a while since you last stopped by, here are some handy hints and suggestions to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the hotspots.
Sir James Mitchell Park
Start your day off with a morning stroll through Sir James Mitchell Park along the Swan River foreshore. The park offers panoramic river and city views and it’s a popular picnic spot for friends and families all year round. If you feel like getting physical, jump on one of the catamarans, kayaks or stand up paddle boards available for hire at the Coode Street Jetty.
Mindeerup
Mindeerup (Min-dee-rup) at Mends Street Jetty is the gateway to South Perth. The pedestrian-friendly piazza is filled with eye-catching public artworks, plenty of seating, feature lighting and landscaped areas. It’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends or simply enjoy stunning views of the Swan River and Perth city.
After dark, a spectacular sound and light show comes to life. Conceived by Yondee Shane Hansen and Art + (Art Coordination), Karl Kep Ngoornd-iny (meaning Fire and Water Dreaming) is an innovative display that combines projection technologies and an evocative soundscape to share ancient stories and represent the cycles and rhythms of country from a First Nations perspective.
Mends Street
On Mends Street you’ll find a mouth-watering selection of fantastic coffee and breakfast options. Dotted with cafes, bakeries and patisseries, the tree-lined street has a relaxed village feel that makes it one of the area’s most loved destinations for locals.
Perth Zoo
No visit to the City would be complete without a trip to Perth Zoo. It’s home to 170 species and 1300 animals from Australia, Asia, Africa and South America. Wander through the exhibits nestled amongst native gardens or take a tour and learn about the conservation program. Established in 1898, the zoo’s grounds include an impressive collection of local flora including Western Australian wildflower displays in spring (from September through October), as well as a Rainforest Retreat containing more than 5,000 plants and one of the finest collections of palms in Australia.
The Old Mill
Continue your exploration and delve into the history of South Perth with a visit to the Old Mill, one of Perth’s best known and most recognisable landmarks. Built in 1835 and operating until 1859, the mill produced 680kg of flour per day at its peak. Guided tours run four days a week.
Angelo Street
Looking for lunch? On Angelo Street you’ll find uber trendy cafes and bars, specialty coffee shops and gourmet European food stores. There’s no shortage of lunch options to choose from. Angelo Street is also known for its luxe boutiques and gift shops so make sure you take the time to peruse the fashion, jewellery and homewares.
Preston Street
Preston Street in the suburb of Como is another popular precinct. Lined with cool cafes, restaurants and bars, it’s home to the Cygnet Cinema. Originally named The Como Theatre, the building was designed by architect William Leighton for cinema pioneer James Stiles and was officially opened in March 1938. Drop in and catch a movie or simply admire the Art Deco styling and architecture. Don’t miss the impressive street art mural of Alfred Hitchcock at the rear of the building. Take a short stroll down the street and you’ll stumble upon one of Perth’s best ice cream shops. It has a cult following and indulging in a gelato here is a must if you have a sweet tooth.
South Perth Foreshore
There’s no better way to end your day in the City than by spoiling yourself with a meal at one of the many restaurants dotted along Mill Point Road and South Perth’s foreshore. These eateries boast sophisticated dining options and sweeping river views across to Perth’s city skyline. It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of a busy day in the City.
Take an audiowalk through history
Why not take an audio journey while you discover some South Perth local history? Access this free Audiowalk to guide you while you walk from Coode St Jetty to Mill Point and beyond.
