July marks a pretty rainy patch in Perth. It’s a time of year when most choose to hibernate away for the winter avoiding the rain and cold weather outside. Most opt for home activities to keep themselves busy. But, with so much on offer, Perth boasts its fair share of indoor activities to keep you busy over the darker months! To help you plan your next weekend activity, our team has put together a list of the very best activities that will keep you dry, warm and smiling this winter.
Explore Perth’s Cultural Centre
Earlier this year, Perth unveiled a pretty big completed project – the classy renovated WA Museum Boola Bardip. This museum showcases some of Australia’s top indigenous artists and international feature instalments. It’s a good move to check out their website to see what’s on, as they have a variety of rolling instalments. It’s also a fantastic place to get out of the rain and explore some of Perth’s newest architectural designs. If the new museum isn’t enough, you can also visit the Art Gallery of WA and take a stroll through the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art for good measure. Time your run in the afternoon and pick up a glass of wine from Pica bar after!
Eat your way through Northbridge
If food is a central highlight in your weekend plans, a solid food and drinks tour of Northbridge is a great idea to stay dry if it’s raining. We promise the following route is a route that can be traversed undercover thanks to shop fronts. Start things off strong at La Cholita for a Tommy’s Margarita and a range of interesting and vibrant tacos. Once warming up, jump down to Pica Bar for a quick gin before hitting Suma for the best Indian cuisine in Perth. If an after-dinner nightcap is also on the cards, Bivouac has a serious wine/ digestive menu!
Experience the Fremantle Markets
Ok, when we think of markets, most think it’s outdoors where the natural elements can play a big part. However, the established Fremantle Markets are completely enclosed and an awesome alternative on a rainy day. Here you’ll find some of the state’s best cheese, honey, local produce and artisan stalls. Get lost in the smaller laneways of the markets, followed by a feed in the food market area. It’s a highly worthwhile exercise! If you also plan to spend the day down in Fremantle, check out our guide here of top restaurants, activities and accommodation if you choose to stay the night.
Experience Friendly Competition (Indoors)
Ok, if you have a group of friends who are fairly competitive, what better combo than arcade games and drinks? Palace Arcade and the Nostalgia Box in Northbridge offer original arcade machines from the ’80s and ’90s. We’re talking gamers such as Mario Kart and Tekken. Both venues can reserve a section if you have a larger group and the staff are always on hand to chat games. It’s safe to say those working at both venues are arcade game aficionados. We do recommend booking these to ensure you secure a spot.
Go Trampolining
If you want to connect with your inner child, a trip to a trampolining centre is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. The team at Bounce have a variety of locations where you can book particular sessions such as freestyle or even lessons if you want to perform that elusive backflip in style.
Join a Creative Workshop
Another perfect rainy day activity is booking in for a creative workshop! First up could easily be a clay-making pottery session at Studio P in Mt Hawthorn. Here you’ll be taken through a series of demonstrations before trying your luck at creating your own design. The best part is if your design is a little worse for wear, you can always purchase a pro piece from the gallery next door! If pottery is a little out of the wheelhouse, another option is a cooking class! The guys at The Cooking Professionals are your answer with a variety of classes up for grabs covering a wide range of cuisines from Italian to Vietnamese.
Go to the Movies
When we think of winter, heading to the movies is a pretty common one. Although this is certainly the case, the new Hoyts at Karrinyup is the new kid on the block. Here you’ll find extra comfy recliner seats and the new Extremscreen, which boasts the biggest sound system. To add to this, some cinemas include moving seats that pair with scenes in the movie! The candy bar is also super extensive with a vintage flair.
Book a Staycation
If you have a bit of extra cash to splash and are keen to make a weekend of it, a Perth staycation is a great idea where most of your activities can be inside. Our pick of the bunch this winter is the QT. Located right in the heart of Perth CBD, the QT hotel offers boutique-style rooms with local jarrah flooring and velvet and brass designs. You can also stay 100% dry if you decide to eat on site with Santini Grill on level 2 and a fantastic speakeasy bar!
Experience a Self-Care Beauty Moment
Another fantastic indoor activity is some well overdue self-care. Bodhi J in Highgate or within Westin Perth is a fantastic option! These guys know a thing or two about relaxation with personalised rooms and a seriously extensive menu. For a smaller option, Lemon Spa in Leederville offers some great facial treatments where you’ll be graced with a skin consultation first, followed by an hour of bliss. Following treatment, their retail space is jam-packed with organic products for you to take home and try.
And there we have it! A variety of fun Perth weekend activities that are all indoors and will keep you warm during the colder months! If you are a large group looking to organise any of the activities above and would like to also stay dry getting to and from the venues, we can organise private transfers. Chat to one of our team today who can help you map out an itinerary.