Perth by design: 15 beautiful restaurants, stores and landmarks to visit in the Australian city

Empire Home

Hockin considers Empire Home “the OG of Perth homewares and furniture”. Take a peek at its wares, and it’s easy to see why; since its establishment in 1994, this venue has been stocking a tasteful mix of designs by emerging and established Australian makers, and it’s where Hockin would recommend sourcing for both ready-made pieces and custom creations.

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Arrival Hall

As both a café and a furniture store, this design venue offers homeware and furniture from a “refined selection” of both Scandinavian brands and local names, says Hockin. These include notable international brands such as Carl Hansen & Søn, Hay, and Muuto, alongside collaborations with local talents such as Australian designer-artist Aurelio Costarella.

Editeur

Another must-see is Editeur, curated by a fellow Australian design maestro, which Hockin recommends for seekers of one-of-a-kind finds and unexpected delights. “All killer, no filler—interior designer Christian Lyon’s superb selection of unique objects and exclusive brands,” says Hockin.

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Angove Street Collective

Another design store worth visiting is Angove Street Collective, says Hockin. “Its considered collection of furniture, lighting, art, and objects perfectly comes together through thoughtful curation and custom design of locally made pieces.”

Como The Treasury

Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, Como The Treasury is a stunning hotel housed in one of the old treasury buildings in the city. “The sensitive restoration and design are exceptional, rooms are generous, and the service is impeccable yet perfectly relaxed,” says Hockin.

The hotel is also part of The State Buildings, an inner-city complex that Hockin recommends dining at. Others in the complex include the Kerry Hill Architects-designed fine dining restaurant Wildflower, Thai venue Long Chim, and the casual yet stylish Petition wine bar. “You really can’t go wrong [dining here],” adds Hockin.

The Alex Hotel

Designed by Fremantle-based Spaceagency Architects, and with interiors realised by Sydney-based Arent & Pyke, Hockin describes this stylish venue in the Northbridge Precinct as one that is “exactingly embedded in its urban setting, environmentally minded, and generously communal in its spirit”, while revitalising a 1950s heritage structure that formerly housed a bank.

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The Westin Perth

With interiors realised by Bar Studio, Hockin is certainly well familiar with this Perth property, which opened in 2019. “Responding to the quality of light and the natural colours of the Perth environment, this hotel is a celebration of Western Australia’s landscape. Unique, place-based design responses include sculptures by Robert Bridgewater and the adaptive reuse of the heritage Hibernian Hall with its brick and jarrah timber interiors; [it’s] now the hotel’s restaurant, Garum.”

Council House

Situated in the city centre is Council House, a 13-storey modernist landmark that Hockin considers a must-see. First constructed and designed in the 1960s by Howlett and Bailey Architects, Hockin shares that the structure incorporates innovative elements that were ahead of their time. These include the “tiled, T-shaped shade structures still providing the building with its distinctive facade identity and full-height double-glazing [that coats the facade]”.

Although the building was almost demolished in the 1990s, it has been thoughtfully restored; it now houses the city council and is illuminated at night with vibrant colours.

Fremantle Arts Centre

You can’t visit Perth without making a trip to Fremantle. The port of Perth, often referred to as ‘Freo’ by the locals, has a laid-back charm that comes from its cosy mix of shops and dining destinations nestled in Victorian and Edwardian-era limestone buildings, which date back as far as 1862.

Among the must-sees in the maritime area is the Fremantle Arts Centre, an interdisciplinary hub that hosts contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and events, while organising classes and artist residences. “These limestone buildings date [back to] 1864 and provide a great example of Australian Gothic architecture. The buildings do have a dark history, originally built by convict labour and used as an asylum, but since 1973, they have housed a vibrant arts organisation,” says Hockin.

Beach kiosk at South City Beach

“I might be biased but I believe Perth has the best beaches in the world. They are the perfect combination of white sand and crisp Indian Ocean waters,” quips Hockin.

Another convenient bit about these pristine sandy stretches is how most of them come equipped with a changing room or kiosk. Although most of them are utilitarian in design, one in particular stands out—a brutalist pavilion built in the 1970s. Wrapped in fluted concrete and topped with a “floating, fluid-form roof”, this unique structure was thankfully saved from the wrecking ball.

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Lawson Flats

This three-storey members’ club in Perth’s central business district is housed in a much-loved Art Deco landmark from 1937. “This creatively inspiring gathering place brings together artistic workspaces, a gallery, fitness facilities, and dining and drinking venues,” says Hockin.

While most of the amenities are not open to the public, visitors can consider making a trip to the restaurant and wine bar Balthazar, which is located in the same building.

Adds Hockin: “Balthazar is a restaurant and wine bar with a sophisticated yet relaxed air, a great wine list and an excellent selection of cocktails!”

Bread in Common and Coogee Common

Designed by Spaceagency Architects, Bread in Common and Coogee Common boast stunning interiors and intriguing menus. “Bread in Common is a bakery and dining space with deliciously moody interiors, housed in a heritage brick warehouse in Fremantle,” Hockin shares.

On the other hand, “Coogee Common [is housed in the] transformed 19th-century limestone Coogee Hotel, [and features] recycled elements, new and natural finishes, and a ‘garden-to-plate’ dining experience.”

Tonic + Ginger

Perth is really upping its game with heritage landmarks that have been transformed into hospitality venues. Tonic + Ginger is housed in The Old Synagogue in Fremantle, alongside three other venues, including the basement cocktail bar L’Chaim. The restaurant occupies a double-height space, with exposed limestone and brick walls, black steel elements, and handblown glass pendant lights filling the volume.

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Mrs Brown

Considered “one of the trailblazers of Perth’s ‘small bar licence’ scene”, this bar is another popular spot in Fremantle that also boasts design credentials with its heritage architectural elements. “It continues to do a lot with a little—a tight floor plan includes a front bar, a colonial Victorian-style parlour with an open fireplace, and a so-very-Fremantle courtyard. It caters to every mood,” says Hockin.

The Rechabite

First constructed in 1924 as a temperance hall—a hotel that prohibits alcoholic beverages, dating to the Temperance movement in the 19th and 20th centuries—this building designed by Edwin Summerhayes has been restored, though contrary to the original intent of the structure. It now houses an eclectic array of dining and drinking dens, which include a rooftop bar, performance space, a Korean-inspired restaurant, and a basement club.

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