The Best Pubs In Perth Right Now | Australian Traveller

Gather your mates at these top spots.

There’s something quietly brilliant about Perth’s pub scene. From riverside beer gardens and sun-drenched decks to reimagined heritage pubs with sommelier-level wine lists, the city has mastered the art of the modern public house.

Whether you’re after steak and trivia in Mount Lawley, oysters in West Perth, or a casual pint by the water, these are the venues that define pub culture in Perth.

In short

If you only visit one pub in Perth, make it The Camfield. It’s not just Australia’s largest pub – it’s a sprawling, sun-drenched destination next to Optus Stadium with multiple bars, a microbrewery and a sharp menu of crowd-pleasers like house-made pizzas and Wagyu beef burgers, plus a killer selection of local beers on tap.

1. Steve’s

people enjoying drinks al fresco at Steve’s, Perth — Laze away the afternoon with alfresco drinks by the Swan River. (Image: Steve’s)

A long-standing Nedlands institution reimagined for the discerning drinker, Steve’s offers the best of both cellar and kitchen. Wine lovers will be drawn to the boutique bottle shop, but linger for the menu of modern pub classics. Alfresco seating by the Swan River seals the deal. Head there on a Monday for steak night.

Address: 30 The Avenue, Nedlands

2. The Camfield

people enjoying beer at The Camfield pub in Perth — Immerse yourself in Perth’s elevated pub culture at The Camfield.

A giant with soul, The Camfield’s six bars, on-site microbrewery and prime riverside real estate make it a destination in its own right. The kitchen keeps things elevated yet accessible with pulled beef sliders, chicken parmis and steak sandwiches. It’s Perth pub culture at its most polished and most fun.

Address: 1 Roger Mackay Dr, Burswood

3. The Royal

the Billiard room at The Royal Perth — Dial up the good vibes at The Royal Perth.

A bright, breezy pub perched on the banks of Claisebrook Cove, The Royal mixes deco heritage with contemporary flair. The menu leans fresh and local, featuring pub classics as well as mod Aus dishes. Best enjoyed soaking up the sun on the waterfront terrace, with a WA sauv blanc in hand.

Address: 60 Royal St, East Perth

4. Subiaco Hotel

After a loving restoration, the Subi is back to its full swagger. It’s part heritage hotel, part sleek gastropub and all atmosphere. The menu is confident and crowd-pleasing, with a rotating specials menu for almost every day of the week. Wednesday is Parmi Day, with six different chicken parmigiana options to choose from.

Address: 465 Hay St, Subiaco

5. The Elford

a glass of cocktail at The Elford pub, Perth — The Elford crafts cocktails with a twist.

Mount Lawley’s newest old pub, The Elford has been artfully reimagined with leafy interiors, a rooftop deck and a firm commitment to craft beer. Visit on a Wednesday night for Perth’s best pub trivia night, with $20 chicken parmi specials and $9 pints of their rotating beer of the month.

Address: 639 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley

6. The Inglewood Hotel

This unpretentious local delivers on all fronts – heritage charm, a sprawling beer garden and a menu that swings from comfort food to contemporary fare. It also has arguably one of the best wine lists in Perth, featuring the who’s who of WA winemakers, with a peppering of other Australian labels.

Address: Cnr Fifth Avenue and Beaufort St, Mt Lawley

7. Mayfair Lane

a look inside the Mayfair Lane gastropub in Perth — Mayfair Lane is one of the best gastropubs in Perth. (Image: DZuks)

A Brit-accented gastropub with serious wine cred, Mayfair Lane is where you go for perfectly cooked steak frites, triple-cooked chips and oysters shucked to order. Their 250+ wine list is curated with sommelier precision, and the Thursday night steak special is worth planning your week around.

Address: 72 Outram St, West Perth

8. The Queens Tavern

This grand old dame of Highgate combines Federation-era charm with modern finesse. Built in the 1880s, it’s one of Perth’s oldest pubs, blending good food, great service and top service. On the plate, expect pub classics, fresh seafood and succulent steaks. The covered veranda is a prime perch come sundown.

Address: 520 Beaufort St, Highgate

9. The Belgian Beer Cafe

people enjoying drinks al fresco at The Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth — The Belgian Beer Cafe is a great spot to gather mates. (Image: The Belgian Beer Cafe)

Charming and a little cheeky, this Euro-style haunt offers more than just an encyclopaedic beer list. The alfresco tables under the shade of umbrellas are a great spot to pull up, cold one in hand, and watch the bustle of the CBD go by.

Address: Cnr Hay & King Streets, Perth

10. The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar

The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Perth — Secure a prime waterfront table for sunset drinks. (Image: Supplied)

One of Perth’s most laidback waterfront venues, The Lucky Shag is ideal for a casual session with mates. Expect jugs of beer, live music and an easygoing menu of burgers, seafood and pizzas. No frills, just good vibes by the water.

Address: Barrack Square, Perth (located in Old Perth Port)

11. Market Grounds

clinking wine glasses over dinner at Market Grounds, Perth — Settle in for a share-style plates complemented by wine. (Image: Market Grounds)

Once a fresh produce market, now a bustling bar and eatery, Market Grounds bridges the old and new with flair. Its food game is strong – freshly shucked oysters, beef skewers and ricotta gnocchi are favourites – while DJs and cocktail pitchers keep the party going.

Address: 10 Telethon Ave, Perth

12. Edward & Ida’s

pub grub at Edward & Ida’s, Perth — The extensive menu at Edward & Ida’s features much-loved pub grub.

A charming throwback with a modern twist, Edward & Ida’s is a charming small pub in the heart of Northbridge. In the tradition of great classic pubs, you’ll find a simple yet slick wine list, a good pint of beer on tap and nostalgic counter meals from the mind of esteemed chef Blaze Young.

Address: 269 William St, Northbridge

13. The Stables Bar

Hidden behind a laneway facade, The Stables Bar is a CBD favourite for date nights and after-work hangs alike. The menu is contemporary Australian – think pan-roasted barramundi,  crispy pork shoulder and scotch fillet – and the leafy courtyard is hard to beat on a balmy evening.

Address: 888 Hay St, Perth

14. The Shoe Bar

Set in the heart of Yagan Square, The Shoe is a versatile two-level venue that swings from breakfast to late-night. Expect pub staples like pizzas, burgers and chicken wings, plus a smart selection of local brews and a stellar all-star cast of WA wines.

Address: Yagan Square, 376-420 Wellington St, Perth

15. The Generous Squire

clinking glasses over dinner at The Generous Squire pub, Perth — The Generous Squire pairs hearty fare with house-made beer.

This James Squire flagship celebrates the brewer’s legacy with house-made beer, hearty fare and a warm, communal atmosphere. They pride themselves on their epic burger menu, which has an impressive 14 different pub-style burgers. The Sailor, featuring beer battered fish, pickles, lettuce, ranch dressing and burger sauce is a stand-out. Wash it down with a pint brewed metres away.

Address: 397 Murray St, Perth

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

The best pubs in Perth, according to a local