As any Perth local knows, there’s more than one way to enjoy summer in the city, from fish and chips at Cottesloe to long, languid days on Rottnest Island and rooftop cocktails in the CBD. In addition to these summer staples, Australia’s western capital serves up a plethora of special events and outdoor activities throughout the warmer months. Here are our top picks.
Yoga with a difference
What better way to embrace the bright summer mornings than with a spot of Rooftop Yoga in Northbridge. Perfect your salute to the sun above the hustle and bustle of the CBD, surrounded by palm trees and the city skyline, before popping down to one of the many nearby cafes for an expertly brewed cup of coffee. For a different outlook, pop along to the Aquarium of Western Australia for yoga with the fish every Thursday morning. We’re feeling peaceful just thinking about it.
Floating Fridays
For Friday drinks with a difference, make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and hop on the Elizabeth Quay Floating Pop-up Bar. It’s free to board and makes regular loops back to the jetty, perfect for those just after a cocktail or two. This is without a doubt our favourite way to see the city skyline after sunset.
Night Markets
Perthites are well and truly across the fact that balmy nights and outdoor dining are a match made in heaven, with numerous night markets popping up across the city during the summer months. Head to the Twilight Hawkers Markets for live music and delicious dinners (we always find it hard to go past Twin Beaks’ confit duck and the creamy caramel churros); pack the kids, a picnic blanket and hungry bellies for family night at Marylands Hawker Markets; and enjoy South Beach SunsetMarkets on the sand at Freemantle, where you can grab a drink from the bar, share some seriously good eats and watch the sun set slowly over the ocean.
Outdoor Cinemas
There’s a certain joy to watching movies out in the open air, especially when it’s done as well as it is here in Perth. Moonlight Cinema allows moviegoers to sprawl, picnic style, on the lush green lawns of Kings Park (Inside scoop - Chris Hemsworth once brought his Valentine's Day date here!); Rooftop Movies in Northbridge specialises in inner-city cool with Astroturf, paper lanterns and wine-selling caravans; andKookaburra Outdoor Cinema is perfect for the more outdoorsy among us, located in the hills next to the state forest and offering overnight camping for those who want to enjoy star-gazing of a different kind after the credits roll.
Hopman Cup
If you’re feeling sporty this January, the Hopman Cup is an excellent way to kick off the new year. The line-up is truly world class, including world number 10 Richard Gasquet, polarising personality Nick Kyrgios and living legend Roger Federer.
Fringe World Festival
The last days of January get a huge injection of fun with the arrival of the Fringe World Festival. This year’s program is yet to be released but, given last year’s festival included more than 700 shows, it’s safe to say it will be an epic selection of comedy, circus, music, cabaret and all kinds of visual arts. Given the slightly left of centre vibe the festival is known for, there’s no better time in Adelaide’s cultural calendar to get adventurous and expand your horizons.
Chinese New Year
On the 28th of January, Northbridge will play host to the city’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations. The streets take on a buzzing festival vibe, awash with hundreds of stalls serving up all sorts of Chinese delicacies, lion dancers, dragon dancers and stacks of other Chinese traditions. Wear your comfy shoes and prepare for a day of pure cultural glory.
