ALLA 2008: The Art of Information

Perth Information

As your stay in Perth may be short, we've gathered some of the best places to dine, shop and keep yourselves entertained in both Subiaco (near the conference venue) and Perth's CBD. There are also a couple of great Festivals on in Perth during the month of September if you have time for a longer visit.

See also: Transport and Accommodation options

Subiaco

This year the conference will be held in Subiaco. Known locally as "Subi", it is a stylish and cosmopolitan suburb, just a few kilometres west of the city. Here you will find some of Western Australia's finest fashion and restaurant scenes. The main street of Subiaco is Rokeby Road and the other important commercial road is Hay Street.

Shopping

If you're tired of the same old stores, head to Subiaco where the streets are lined with art galleries, cafes, markets and unique boutiques.

The Colonnade shopping centre at 388 Hay Street has several Aussie fashion designers in its Studio 388 section. Open Monday to Saturday, you'll find a selection of quality fashion retailers including Lisa Ho and Saba.

Rokeby Road Various shops line Rokeby Road. Stop in at Linneys, which is recognised as one of the most prized jewelry stores in Australia and is famous for its use of pearls and Argyle diamonds.

Museums & Art Galleries

Gallery 360 360 Hay Street, Subiaco. Framing services are complemented by a collection of original artworks by local artists, reproductions, decorative wall art, mirrors and other specialised art services.

Kanvas Interior Art Unit 1/382 Rokeby Road Subiaco. Contemporary designs on canvas.

Linton & Kay Fine Art Gallery 99 Railway Road (Cnr Nicholson Rd), Subiaco. One of Western Australia's leading commercial art galleries

LK Galleries 123 Hay Street, Subiaco. Features modern and contemporary Western Australian and Australian fine art.

Restaurants

Subiaco is home to many fine restaurants, cafes and bars. Some of our favourites are:

The Subiaco Hotel Restaurant & Bar (08) 9381 3069, 465 Hay Street, Subiaco. The Subi Hotel has become something of an icon. A great place for quality wine, beers on tap and a range of cocktails and culinary delights.

Delizioso Cafe Shop 4, 94 Rokeby Road (Cnr Churchill Avenue), Subiaco. Voted best pizza in the State with a laid back atmosphere.

Rialto's Restaurant (08) 9382 3293, 424 Hay Street, Subiaco. Dazzling decor and fine Italian fare.

Funtastico (08) 9381 2688, 12 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. As the name would suggest, this place is popular, casual and fun. Delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Bistro Felix (08) 9388 3077, 118-120 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. Contemporary cuisine with European flare.

Chapter One Brasserie (08) 9388 1323, 292 Hay Street, Subiaco. Chic European style cafe.

Coffee

Cafe Cafe Subiaco Square Shopping Centre Shop 20, 29 Station Street, Subiaco (Opposite Subiaco train station).

Cino to Go Shop 1, 20 Square Road, Subiaco.

Rokeby Road is also lined with many other cafes just waiting to be discovered.

Central business district

The central business district of Perth is bounded by the peaceful waters of the Swan River to the south and east, with Kings Park on the western end. It is twenty kilometres inland of the Indian Ocean. St George's Terrace is the prominent business street of the area and this is where most law firms have their offices.

Shopping

The Perth city centre offers a variety of shopping opportunities from department stores and shopping centres to cafes, restaurants and food halls. Some of the most popular shopping areas to visit include the parallel Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Malls, which have most of the retail facilities with a network of arcades running off them such as Plaza, Carillon and the Tudor-style London Court. Off the Murray Street Mall on Forrest Place is the Forrest Chase shopping complex, housing the Myer department store and various other shops on two levels. Ultra-chic King Street is the centre of Perth's sophisticated West End. Here you will find a handful of shops, including international designer brands Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

Museums & Art Galleries

The City of Perth's Art and Culture Guide is a good place to find information about art in Perth. A highlight is Art City - a guide to Perth's public art.

Perth Cultural Centre in central Perth is the collective name for the main buildings of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australia Museum, State Library of Western Australia, State Records Office and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

The Western Australia Museum holds an extensive display of Aboriginal artifacts and has numerous zoological and social exhibits.

The Art Gallery of WA houses the State's premier art collection and admission to most exhibitions is free.

PICA and many other smaller venues offer art exhibits regularly across Perth.

Greenhill Galleries is located in the heart of King Street in central Perth and is "committed to showing Western Australian Artists".

Restaurants

Perth has more restaurants per capital than any other city in Australia and you can find a large range of establishments to suit your budget. If you're looking for a nice place for dinner in the CBD our recommendations are:

Balthazar (08) 9421 1206, The Esplanade, Perth. Splendid menu. Enjoy tapas in the wine bar or a full course meal with a glass of wine chosen from the 400 options available. Well catered for vegetarians.

C Restaurant (08) 9220 8333, Level 33, St Martins Tower, 44 St George's Terrace, Perth. Revolving restaurant offering spectacular views and a range of international dishes.

Nine Mary's (08) 9226 4999, 16 Milligan Street, Perth. Specialises in tasty Indian treats.

Matsuri (08) 9322 7737, 250 St George's Terrace, Perth. Top quality sushi, sashimi and other Japanese favourites with an elegant but simple atmosphere.

Halo (08) 9324 4575, Barrack Street Jetty, Perth. Wonderful riverside location with plenty of seafood options and a great wine list.

Coffee

Rosso Espresso Shop 1, 89 St George's Terrace, Perth. For many of us who work on the Terrace, Rosso Espresso is part of our daily routine. Family run, this place has great coffee, juice and light snacks.

The Secret Garden Cafe Shop 7, 329 Murray Street, Perth. Good coffee and there really is a secret garden at the back!

Night Life

Full of restaurants, cafes and bars, Northbridge is the main centre for nightlife in Perth, with something for everyone.

Box Deli 918 Hay Street, Perth. Great place to stop for a drink on Friday night. Delicious cocktails & a restaurant.

1907 26 Queens Street, Perth. The newest bar and restaurant in the CBD, housed in a 100-year-old rag-trade factory.

The Library Nightclub 39 Lake Street Northbridge. Late night venue, 4 bars over 2 levels, stylish decor and a thumping sound system. Of course.

Festivals

Kings Park Festival, 1-29 September 2008

Over 3000 flowering native plants and wildflowers will be on display in Perth's favourite garden. There are free events to suit all ages and interests, including workshops, art displays and tours.

Perth Fashion Festival, 4-12 September 2008