Located right on the banks of the Swan River, the latest addition to Perth’s neverending list of attractions is our crown and glory – Elizabeth Quay. Officially cutting the red ribbon on January 2016, this entertainment precinct has hosted some top events such as the Perth International Arts Festival, Fringe Festival and bands from around the globe. Perfect for sunset drinks, a day out with the family or catching up with mates for Friday night drinks, Elizabeth Quay really has something for everyone.
BHP Water Park
Located right next to Elizabeth Quay train station, the BHP Water Park is a kids paradise and is one not to be missed especially on a scorching Perth summers day. You’ll have to get down early as it is pretty busy in the summer months. Expect exploding water spouts, 450 square metres of winding water stations and a lot of energy. The colourful Pinjah mosaic that forms the backdrop for this space represents the local Dreamtime story and the creation of the Milky Way. There are heaps of grassed spaces available around the water park for you to drop your rugs and enjoy the Swan River while the kids run wild.
Perth Bell Tower
The longest-standing addition to Elizabeth Quay is the Perth Bell Tower. This impressive structure rises 82 metres in the air and offers visitors with an impressive and cultural bell ceremony, where you’ll learn all about the ground on which the tower was built and how to ring the bells themselves. If you want to catch the bells in action, get down any day between 12-1 pm to listen in (trust us, you’ll hear them before you see them) or you can visit the observation deck to witness them first hand over a backdrop of the Swan River.
Barrack Street Jetty & Trip To the South Side
The newly renovated Barrack Street Jetty is your spot to experience the Swan River onboard a local TransPerth ferry or private charter. This is the place where you will most likely depart or arrive at Elizabeth Quay. If you are heading down for the day, we recommend jumping onboard the ferry and taking a trip across the Swan for a quick coffee in South Perth before returning. Its the perfect way to hit two birds with one stone and the kids will love getting on the water, too. If you have a bit more extra cash to splash, there are some phenomenal charter boats on offer that up the anty with drinks, lunch and nibbles. Check out the long list down at the jetty.
The Island Connection Bridge & Promenade
The new connection bridge links the Barrack Street Jetty area to the Island and is our pick for photos of both the Perth skyline and the Swan River. We recommend taking an easy stroll across the bridge for photo opportunities before perching yourself at a table at the Island Brew House for a much-deserved beverage! The best bit is while you are there, the kids can make their way to the giant sandpit or try their luck at ping-pong in eyeshot of the restaurant.
Icecream at Gusto Gelato
No trip to Elizabeth Quay is complete without overdoing it at Gusto for their famous gelato. With over 45 flavours on offer, these guys know a thing or two about ice cream. We recommend two scoops of the salted caramel before sitting back on the steps and watching the world go by.
Drinks at Songbird Bar Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Hotel in all its class and elegance has recently opened at Elizabeth Quay and costs a pretty penny for a nights stay. However, if you are chasing a slightly-more-affordable version of luxury, be sure to make a reservation at Songbird Bar & Lounge for uninterrupted views of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay and South Perth. We always recommend smart casual for this venue as it does have a dress code. Be sure to also get your hands on the Bottlebrush Gin cocktail which pays hommage to true Australian native flavours all wrapped up in a delicious drink.
Night Noodle Markets
For those who work in Perth CBD, heading down to Elizabeth Quay on a Friday to catch the Night Noodle Markets is the best way to start the weekend. Held in the summer months, the markets move between Elizabeth Quay and Yagan Square and offers a bucket load of top Asian food trucks. For a complete list head here. Top tip: make sure you go to Bao Brothers for their pork bao buns. Just wow.
Fringe Festival
Ok, and now for the grand finale. The Perth Fringe Festival is possibly the State’s biggest event and you guessed it, a huge amount of performances are located at Elizabeth Quay. Held between January and February each year, artists, comedians and the like put on a serious show and Elizabeth Quay transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour and festivities with arcades, food and shows spilling out onto the streets! Keep an eye out for next years program.
Getting to Elizabeth Quay
If we’ve convinced you that Elizabeth Quay is worth its weight in gold, transport is the next thing to think about. The best bit is Elizabeth Quay is located right next to both the Elizabeth Quay Train and Bus Stations and the Barrack Street Jetty. If you are a big group who want to add Elizabeth Quay into a Perth day trip, that’s where we can help. We have a fleet of buses on hand and drivers who can help create a personalised itinerary for the day. Let’s chat today!