When you think of Perth, its excellent beaches, stunning nature and emerging dining scene tend to dominate the limelight. But did you know that this capital of Western Australia is also home to a thriving nightlife scene? Here are seven destinations to check out if you’re looking to dance the night away:
1. Party under an LED rooftop at Magnet House
This nightclub in Perth’s city centre pulls the crème de la crème of the party world. With a guest list of serious dancers and VIPs, Magnet House is the perfect venue for those looking for a decadent nightclub experience. In 2020, it underwent a multimillion-dollar facelift, which resulted in a luxurious spectacle of canopied lights in the main hall that reverberate with the bass and LED displays throughout the venue. The overall vibe is immersive, trippy and fun.
Located in Perth’s city centre among plenty of bars and pubs (try the nearby Prince Lane for pre-dance drinks), Magnet House is easily accessible by public transport and open only on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Channel Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace on the dance floor at Jack Rabbit Slim’s
Nestled in Perth’s cultural epicentre, Northbridge, the iconic Jack Rabbit Slim’s is inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic film Pulp Fiction. Start your night in the friendly 1950s diner-style room with cosy booths and neon signage out front. Then, step through the retro fridge doors to find a large performance hall with its own bar. Here, light projections fall upon Pop Art wall illustrations by local artist Sean Morris as you cut up the dance floor to everything from live Australian indie bands to international DJs.
Quench your thirst with the popular PowerRave, a fluorescent blue vodka-based mixer that has become the venue’s signature drink. You won’t find food here, but there are a handful of Korean and Japanese eateries nearby that close just before midnight.
3. Get electrified at Barbes
Flanked by the Swan River, the laid-back inner suburb of East Perth is home to great shopping, dining and plenty of green spaces. And in 2020, it sprouted a venue that took its nightlife credentials to the world stage. Barbes hosts some of the coolest local and global electronic DJs, and its roster has included South Africa’s popular amapiano DJ Romeo Makota and UK’s dubstep talent Laurence Guy. Pair that with a state-of-the-art sound system and laser lights that electrify the space and you’ll have a wild night to remember.
4. Eat, drink and dance like you’re in Italy at Si Paradiso
Located on eclectic Beaufort Street, the enigmatic Si Paradiso defies labels given how it dishes out food as good as its beats. Some of the best local DJs can be found at its Amalfi coast-inspired courtyard on the weekends, playing everything from Balearic beats and amapiano to soulful house and oz-wave. In the basement space, Perth’s best tastemakers from the music scene curate special nights of underground bass, rap, techno and more, with the party going until 1am. Their bites are equally spectacular, with 96-hour-fermented dough pizza and Italian-style dishes like gnocchi and beef short ribs.
5. Soak in festival vibes all year round at Spring
Freshly opened earlier this year in a heritage building on bustling Queen Street, Spring is a vibrant venture by the people behind Seasons, Western Australia’s beloved music festival, and hospitality pros Sneakers & Jeans. The result is a modern restaurant, bar and late-night dance spot that channels a festival feel all year round.
The multi-level venue has something for every taste and age group. The main dining and bar area on the ground floor boasts a giant artificial wisteria tree centrepiece and plenty of natural light. Things get moodier on the first floor, with its intimate dance floor and neon, cocoon-shaped DJ deck.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Spring is frequented by those seeking post-work dinner and drinks, while on Fridays and Saturdays a younger crowd streams into the club entrance accessible from the outdoor garden area to sweat it out to high-energy house music. Fuel up with Italian-American flavours on the food menu.
6. Let your inhibitions fly at no-judgement Toots
Step inside Toots, and you’ll find a secret disco within a bar. Tucked away in Sneaky Tony’s in bustling Chinatown, getting into Toots is part of the whole experience. Head to the front bar and ask, “Is Toots in?” and get your golden ticket with directions to a secret door.
Housed in a former restaurant, this retro chic disco opened post-pandemic to bring a touch of Studio 54 wildness to its patrons. Whether you’re 18 or 60, have daggy moves or wild disco outfits, let your inhibitions dissolve on the dance floor at this welcoming space.
7. Revel in the spectacle at Metropolis
Fremantle, a 30-minute drive from Perth’s city centre, is a port suburb with lots of old-world charm. You can spend a day or a whole weekend here, enjoying its pristine beaches, eateries and shopping. And if you fancy a night out, you can’t miss Metropolis, one of the biggest nightclubs in Western Australia. Prepare for a sensorial feast as DJs play a symphony of party bangers from dusk to dawn – and don’t be surprised if live horns, flamethrowers and dancers accompany the sets.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Perth, check out our Perth City Guide.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Perth, visit the official website.
