Things to do at night in Perth to experience the city like a local

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the country’s sunniest major city with about 8.8 sunshine hours per day. You’d like to spend your days out on the beach, basking in the sun and enjoying the clear blue skies, but when the sun sets, more adventures await with tons of exciting things you can only do in Perth at night.

Like in many places in Australia, most retail shops in Perth close at 5 p.m., so the only spots you might see open are bars, nightclubs, taverns, restaurants, and other venues that offer unique nightlife experiences. People are friendly, and they’re at all these places for laughs and a good time. You can bring your friends or even go alone and make friends with the warm and welcoming locals.

If you’re looking for night activities that don’t involve eating or drinking, you can have a relaxing stroll along the Elizabeth Quay, play a round of mini golf, catch a show at His Majesty’s Theatre, or attend a free concert or festival at Burswood Park. No matter how you want to fill your evenings, there are numerous amazing things to do at night in Perth. If you’re out from work or shopping, store your bags with Bounce and dive straight into Perth’s nightlife. Enjoy the freedom and make the most of your nighttime escapades.

What to do in Perth at night if you’re looking for…

A romantic night out

Wine and dine

Whether you want to take your partner out for the first time in ages or impress someone new for a romantic date night, you can't go wrong with good food and wine. Lucky for you, Perth is home to numerous restaurants and unique venues that ensure a perfect evening for you and your loved one.

Book a table at The Heritage Perth, an award-winning restaurant and wine bar housed in a 1920s building. Its venue is European-focused and has over 50 wines poured by the glass. Order beef striploin or fish and chips as sides to share.

If you’re in Northbridge, visit Shadow Wine Bar for top-quality food, a cozy ambiance, and a fantastic wine selection. It specializes in European and Italian dishes like mushroom risotto, spaghettini, and beef carpaccio.

Pro tip: If you forgot to make a reservation, walk-ins are welcome at Shadow Wine Bar, which is open from noon until late from Monday to Saturday.

Perth dinner cruise

Level up your evening and join a dinner cruise to see some of Perth’s major attractions from the water. There are several evening tours in Perth but the Swan River dinner cruise is a favorite for anyone celebrating a special event, those who want to have a dinner in style, or a group who wants to have a memorable night out.

Most scenic Swan River cruises last for 2.5 hours and include live entertainment or a DJ and a sumptuous buffet dinner. It's the perfect way to end your Friday night, especially if you have no bags or important belongings to worry about. So, drop off your non-essential items at a nearby luggage storage facility before you embark on a river cruise.

Pro tip: This activity can be great for groups with varied food restrictions or preferences. For example, the tour by Captain Cook Cruises has a menu clearly labeled for things like vegan and gluten-free.

An energetic night out

Enjoy live music

If your idea of fun things to do at night in Perth involves live entertainment and pumping music, then you have to stop at Perth’s live music venues. The top ones on our list are the Rechabite, housed in a century-old heritage hall, offering free and paid shows every week. Lyric’s Underground, which hosts a variety of genres is another must-visit, and bustling Mojo’s Bar, a beloved music venue in North Fremantle has free live music every Monday. Mojos is cool and a bit old school, but you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of people dancing to the tunes.

Remember: a great show deserves your undivided attention, so don't let your bags distract you. Stow your stuff and hit the dance floor.

Pro tip: Too busy during the week? Head to Bob’s Bar for Spaghetti Disco. Bob’s Bar is your typical rooftop bar in Perth, but on a Saturday night, it transforms into a spicy dance floor where you can let loose and dance the night away. Entry is free, while cocktails and pasta specials come with a reasonable fee.

Secret bars

Why go to the same old bars you've been to multiple times when there are hidden gems in Perth for a drink if you know where to look? Start your bar hunt at Northbridge, where you’ll discover Sneaky Tony’s, a little speakeasy you wouldn’t know existed if you walked down its street. You have to search for the unmarked door and be sure you remember the password (available on their social media) if you’re entering on Friday and Saturday nights.

Varnish on King isn’t as sneaky as Sneaky Tony’s but its underground sophistication is not to be missed. It’s a place for whiskey lovers, with an extensive selection of bourbons, Tennessee and Canadian whiskey, and ryes. Try their Bacon and Whiskey flight or whiskey tasting to sample different fine whiskeys. If you’re not into whiskey, they also have a good wine list.

Pro tip: Many secret bars in Perth are tucked away in small, intimate spaces. Large bags can take up valuable room, so leave your luggage somewhere safe to fully enjoy the night.

A recharging night out

Night Sky Tours - Perth Observatory

Night Sky Tours is one of the best family-friendly things to do at night in Perth. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteers will guide you on a two-hour tour of the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders. Watch the planets, moon, dying stars, nebulas, and the enormous clusters of stars through the telescopes and marvel at the breathtaking Perth city night sky. Be sure to book your tour and check in your bag in a nearby storage location to explore the museum hands-free and discover artwork, historical instruments, astrophotographs, and more.

Pro tip: If you want to have dinner nearby before the tour, Embers Restaurant in Gooseberry Hill is a great option for tasty wood-fired pizza.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Catch a bus to Kings Park if you’re in Perth CBD for an evening walk and embrace the refreshing atmosphere. It’s a great place to escape the city bustle and take a break from those wild weekends and Friday nights.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the magical Lightscape, which typically opens every night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lightscape features dazzling light installations, live performances, and festive entertainment. Buy a ticket before going there for this light spectacle.

Rooftop movies

Film enthusiast or not, you’ll have a fun night at Rooftop Movies, a car park turned cinema, which has been a summer favorite in Perth. It’s the ideal social venue to relax, chill out with friends (and strangers), and of course, watch a movie while soaking up the city’s balmy summer nights.

This pop-up movie destination is set atop a multi-story carpark above Northbridge’s busy environment. It’s open during the summer months, (usually between October and April) and screens different films, from classic favorites to recent releases. With comfy bean bags, excellent food options from snack bars and food trucks nearby, and a relaxed atmosphere, Rooftop Movies is one of the best spots for a fun night out in Perth.

These ideas only scratch the surface of the available things to do at night in the city and Tourism Western Australia is full of other ideas if you need more! From bar hopping to catching live music and exciting shows, Perth's nightlife is best enjoyed if you're free from the burden of your backpacks or bags. Instead of worrying about your belongings or lugging your things around, use our luggage storage service in Perth for a much-deserved memorable night out.