Choose your own Christmas adventure

When the shopping’s done, reward yourself with a drink or a sumptuous meal. We’ve got QT Rooftop for sunset drinks with a view, Hunter and Barrel for hearty fare and wine, and The Reveley at Elizabeth Quay with three floors of riverside cocktails and quality cuisine. Cathedral Square is also home to a number of dining options amongst treasured heritage architecture.

You can catch the enchanting City Lights Trail, starting at Elizabeth Quay and finishing up on the corner of William and Hay Street (or vice versa!). Our pick: try Angel Wings in the Hay Street Mall for your ‘gramming delight, Christmas Projections lighting up Cathedral Square and the Hot Air Balloon at Stirling Gardens.

For the Urban Adventurers

When you roam north of Wellington Street, you’ll discover a whole new side to the city — literally and figuratively! As you saunter through Yagan Square into Northbridge, you’ll catch both the Northbridge Lights Trail and a wide range of dining options at once. 

Then, heading up William Street, you will happen upon stylish boutiques and bits and bobs for stocking stuffers and vintage finds. Who says you can’t buy your own Christmas gift? Indie favourites like Cha Chi — which stocks sustainable designers — mingles amongst other boutiques like Ruck Rover and Periscope, while The Butcher Shop and Planet Books hold even more treasures for savvy urbanites.

Your options for dinner and drinks in this neighbourhood are endless; with every cuisine and palate catered for. Why not try the new rooftop bar at newly opened live venue and eatery The Rechabite (and catch a show there while you’re at it)? Or for tapas favourites, you can’t go past Lucky Chans, Hummus Club or Bivouac to get your om-nom-nom’s on (easier done than said!). 

The Northbridge Lights Trail starts (or finishes, whichever you like) at the Murray Street Mall — trailing all the way, in a roundabout way, to the Perth Train Station. For even more entertainment, there’s Festive Flicks and Rooftop Movies to cater to all tastes.

For the Riverside Wanderers

This Christmas take the opportunity to discover a different side to the City. We recommend hitting the CBD shops for those last-minute gifts and then catching one of our free city CAT buses to East Perth for the Lotterywest Lights Trail.

The charming Royal Horse and Carriage is a must-see, along with the Christmas Trikes and Giant Bauble. As you wander the trail, enjoy a riverside walk which creates a magical backdrop all of its own. For a little more of a laid-back celebration, open your ears and picnic baskets at our free Brass on the Grass concert at Victoria Gardens for good ol’ Christmas tunes. Someone jolly might even make a visit!

Follow up with dinner and drinks at The Royal complete with waterfront views and Australian pub classics with a modern twist.