In that moment when the glow of golden hour dims the lights in Australia’s sunniest capital city, the air feels electric with anticipation of the set list. 

Feature by Jo Baker

From mega-stellar stadium events (VVIPs Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Eminem, U2 and Coldplay have all played P-town) and the hottest touring acts to homegrown stars on the rise. From banging dancefloors with the full red-carpet treatment, to beachside acoustic sets, intimate jazz clubs and grungier vibes, Perth/Boorloo gets you on your feet and lifts you up.

Perth / Boorloo’s top playlist

To the gentle rhythms of Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), the city’s cultural heart pulses loud and strong from deep within its laneway small bar scene to its reimagined heritage spaces and expansive glittering arenas. Feel it lift and carry you on a fully immersive journey that transcends music genres.

A roll call of roof-raising all-time greats have headlined sing-a-longs at the award-winning Rosemount Hotel in North Perth. And there’s a good chance you’ll discover some new favourites, with DJs and local breakout bands regularly gigging here.

_{Rosemount Hotel, North Perth by Sethan Sheehan-Lee}

The capital’s “mecca of dance and diversity”, Magnet House draws some huge acts to its stage and a big clubbing crowd under its $1.5 million kinetic lighting system. But if it’s something more hardcore you’re after, Amplifier has got the dial turned up to 11, with rock and punk bands tearing up the stage.

Smoother sounds emanate from The Ellington, Perth’s cosy, cabaret-style jazz club where you can schmooze into the wee small hours. Or there’s more of a festival vibe to be found in the beer garden and kooky cave-like interior of Badlands Bar.

_{The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth by Mel Gall & Shaun Davis Photo Vin Trickeriotis}

Fremantle / Walyalup’s eclectic mix

Where Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) flows into the Indian Ocean, a colorful blend of history, heritage and boho style feeds a rich breeding ground for creativity in the playfully artsy port town of Freo. First landing on the world music map as the early gigging ground of AC/DC legend Bon Scott, today it rocks every genre at its revamped heritage hotels and halls.

The line-up’s always switching up at Freo.Social, with touring and local artists, comedy shows and dance music blasting out of its cutting-edge sound system and craft beers flowing from its microbrewery. And every music taste can be quenched at Mojos Bar, a small gig with a wide mix of live performances every night of the week.

Amping up the outdoor music scene, the Fremantle Arts Centre’s shady South Lawn hosts big-name acts, and its courtyard is a blissful spot for Sunday afternoons soaking up the free summer concert series.

_{Mojos Bar, Fremantle}

Northbridge / Yandilup nightlife

Dip into the multicultural melting pot of Northbridge (just a four-minute walk from the CBD) and you’ll find a potluck of live beats, with a different vibe every day of the week.

Taking urban cool to another dimension, some of Northbridge’s treasures are hidden in plain sight behind refrigerator doors. Sip on an alcoholic milkshake at Jack Rabbit Slim’s 1950s diner, then slip into the fridge for a feast of live rock, indie, hip hop, R&B and electronic music. Or head for the Convenients, run by musicians with a talent for creating the best mix of burgers, beer and rock.

Scaling it up, The Rechabite is three storeys of top-tier entertainment packed into a former dance hall, with glittering city panoramas from its rooftop and the best acoustics down in the basement club. Scaling it down, The Birds’ cosy band room has good vibes and a packed calendar of underground music.

_{The Rechabite in Perth by Matthew Gedling}

Belting out across Whadjuk country

The beat goes on into Perth’s inner-city burbs, with vibrant village vibes to be found on main streets and coastal strips.

A stalwart of buzzing Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, The Astor has entertained crowds for over a century and still rocks its original art deco aesthetic, bringing a theatrical backdrop to big touring acts and local talent of all styles. While tucked behind Inglewood’s iconic Civic Hotel, one of Perth’s premier big band rooms – Milk Bar – draws an impressive line-up of Australia’s finest, from Karnivool to The Kill Devil Hills.

^{The Astor Theatre, Mt Lawley}

Over on the sun-drenched surfing hotspot, Scarborough is where the pool party’s at. Local legend, the Indian Ocean Hotel, lays beats on the sea breeze from bands on the up and up and the likes of John Butler Trio and Luke Steele. And right on the beachfront, El Grotto serves tacos, tequilas and killer cocktails with a big side of live rock and indie music and DJ sets five nights a week.

Published December 2023.