Keen to catch the State of Origin in Perth but don’t know where to post up? Don’t stress—we’ve got the lowdown on where to watch every tackle, try, and questionable ref call. From classic no-fuss pubs with a TAB in the corner to slick spots pouring craft brews and streaming every kind of code on screens the size of your garage door, Perth’s got options.
Whether you’re into NRL, AFL (obviously), UFC, cricket or something a little more niche, there’s a venue for it—just make sure you suss their socials or website to confirm they’re showing your game of choice.
Here’s where to head for live sport in Perth, no matter what team you’re backing.
The Camfield
1 Roger MacKay Dr, Burswood WA 6100
If you're after some atmosphere you're sure to find it at The Camfield—the southern hemisphere's biggest pub. Right next door to Optus Stadium and boasting enough space for 2,500 people, this is the place to be if you can't get tickets to a game at the stadium. Whether you're an AFL, rugby or soccer fan, grab a beer—they've only got 175 beers on tap—at one of their six bars and then find a seat in front of one of the screens. There are 20 of them so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one. And specially for the granny, The Camfield is doing an all-inclusive food and bev package from 12pm.
Backroom
440 Murray St, Perth WA 6000
If you like your footy with a side of fried chicken and froths, Pirate Life’s Backroom is calling. Tucked behind the beer precinct's main brewery, this vibey little offshoot is the city-centre sports bar we didn't know we needed. Warm up with a drink at the main bar, before heading in to Backroom for kick-off—think huge screens, icy fresh beers straight from one of the country’s most hyped craft breweries, and a menu stacked with game-day eats (hello, bottomless fried chicken). Between the match replays, arcade games and an always-rotating tap list, there’s more than enough to keep you and the crew well entertained—even if your team cops a loss.
Last Slice
226 Great Eastern Hwy, Midland WA 6056
Midland might not be the first suburb that comes to mind for sports bars, but Last Slice is changing that fast. Equal parts pizza joint and low-key sports den, it’s slinging stacked pies, beer towers, and a big screen setup that’s ideal for watching the game without the inner-city chaos. The vibe is ultra-casual and family-friendly by day, with enough energy to rival your uncle’s lounge room once kickoff hits.
The Claremont Hotel
1 Bay View Terrace, Claremont WA 6010
Since undergoing its glow-up, The Claremont has really levelled up its sports offering. Upstairs you'll find a whole dedicated sports bar wing of the pub, with walls wrapped in local memorabilia and plenty of screens. It helps that the pub food here is top notch too. And the AFL granny is no different—live and loud with half time games and giveaways, and an epic rooftop party for kick-ons.
Johnny Fox's
205 James St, Northbridge WA 6003
It might not be a dedicated sports bar, but when there's a big game on, Johnny Fox's pulls out all the stops. For the AFL Grand Final, the venue has four huge projectors running on the go, meaning you’re pretty much guaranteed good views no matter where you perch. Doors open from 10am and an extra spesh brekky menu is served from 11am. Then look forward to some seriously good bites to soak up the grog with the Crispy Combo share platter (spicy popcorn chicken, chicken wings, onion rings, battered fish, battered enoki mushrooms, and chips).
Varsity Bar
Multiple Locations
With seven locations from Joondalup to Freo and everywhere in between, there's a Varsity Bar for everyone in Perth. Whichever location you end up at, you'll be well catered for in the screen and capacity department. They're known for screening plenty of the American stuff—everything from major league baseball to competitive fraternity and sorority games like ping pong and Buck Hunter—but they still give the local games plenty of coverage too. It doesn't hurt that they're also dishing up some of the best burgers in Perth and put on epic events for big games.
BrewDog
16 Gordon St, West Perth WA 6005
There's no shortage of space at this craft beer behemoth in West Perth. They've got all sports, and all codes covered, from rugby, AFL and football, to Wimbledon, F1 and the upcoming Olympics. They even do siren-to-siren packages, with unlimited wings and beers. Oh and they're doing a special AFL Grand Final package with tap beers, house vino, hibiscus spritz plus a share platter fit for a feast for jus $69pp.
Good Company
200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup WA 6018
Good Company consistently impresses with its modern pub grub and large group-friendly space. Inside, there's loads of TVs around while out in the courtyard, you'll find a massive projector screen if that's more your jam. If there's a game on—including the AFL Grand Final 2024—they're airing it.
The Wembley Hotel
344 Cambridge St, Wembley WA 6014
The screen in The Wembley’s gorgeous courtyard is way too big to go without a mention. Catch all the live AFL action you can handle every weekend, then wrap up the season at their epic Grand Final party.
Crown Sports Bar
Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100
When you’re after non-stop, 24/7 sports, Crown Sports Bar has well and truly got you covered. They’ve got not one, but two bars, TAB facilities and big screens spaced over an impressive 130 metres. Prefer something a little more intimate? Hire ‘The Box’ for a private view of major sporting events, or throw a sports function all of your own.
The View Bar & Kitchen
17 Shearn Cres, Doubleview WA 6018
They might not play alllll sports, but if you're chasing somewhere to watch the footy each week, this local bowlo is always a goodie. Head to The View Bar & Kitchen on game days for a chilled, family-friendly atmosphere, big screens, lawn bowls and some very decent priced eats and drinks. Friday nights also happen to be Bistro Nights, with hospo geniuses Anisha Halik and Jacob D’Vauz on the pass.
Inglewood Hotel
803 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6052
If you need a sign to show you the Inglewood is a great place to watch sports, just head to their website. Right smack in the middle of the homepage is a button that says, “OK, just show me the sports!” Yep, you’ve definitely come to the right place. These guys broadcast pretty much everything—from AFL, to cycling, to NBA. Grab a seat near one of the many (many) TVs, order up some pub grub (the steak sanga is insane) and get ready to cheer on your team.
The Victoria Park Hotel
605 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
The guys at The Victoria Park Hotel show pretty much every sport under the sun. AFL, NRL, rugby, UFC, NBA, cricket.... basically if you can name it, they'll be showing it. They've got four big screens out the back, plus an upstairs area with a big screen for major sporting events, and word on the street is that they do some pretty good pork ribs.
Fenway
328 Barker Rd, Subiaco WA 6008
In the spot that was once Paddy McGuire's, Fenway quickly became one of the best sports bars in Perth. Expect 1930s Boston vibes—it's named after the Boston Red Sox' home, Fenway Park—epic burgers, craft beers and an exceptional whiskey selection. But most importantly, the big screens, comfy couches and TAB make it the perfect spot to knock back a drink while the big game is on.
The Galway Hooker
The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
The Galway Hooker regularly fires up the big projector screen out in their beachfront terrace, so you can slide into a table (hot tip: you'll wanna reserve one for big games) and enjoy the live action with a side of Irish craic. They've got heaters to keep you warm in winter and the sea breeze to keep things fresh in summer. Plus, barcodes on the tables so you don't have to miss a moment when it's time for a pint or parmi (with curry sauce, of course). Inside, there's even more tables and screens so you're sure to find a spot somewhere.
Balmoral Hotel
901 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6101
If you're looking for loads of screens and a beer garden that you won't want to leave, head directly to the Balmoral in Vic Park. There are three bars to choose from and screens aplenty no matter which one you're at, so grab a beer and settle in.
Ocean Beach Hotel
140 Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
Head straight to the Public Bar at the Ocean Beach Hotel and stake your claim to a table within prime viewing distance of one of their four big screens, and while you wait for the game to start, have a game of your own at one of the pool tables. With ocean views and all the best from Fox, Sky and everything local, you just know you’re in for a good time.
The Royal
60 Royal St, East Perth WA 6004
Located within walking distance of Optus Stadium, The Royal has to be one of the best places to indulge in a little pre-game socialising. Can’t make the game? Not to worry, they’ve got nine big screens at the ready so you to catch the action, and sports packages available if you fancy hosting a private event.
The Hyde Park Hotel
331 Bulwer St, West Perth WA 6005
The Hyde Park Hotel may have undergone some drastic renovations in the past, but a few things have remained constant, including their love of sports, cheap pool tables, and the trusty TAB. Take a seat, place a bet, and get stuck into your game of choice from the four plasma screens or projector, with a side of beer of course—there are over 20 draught beers on tap.
Patriots Sports Bar
209 William St, Northbridge WA 6003
If you can’t spot a screen at Patriots Sports Bar, well, you might be in the wrong bar. With 22 dedicated screens live-streaming the best global sporting events every week, plus three big screens and two private screening booths, you’ll never have to miss a game ever again. Grab a beer and something tasty from the American-style menu, then sit back and enjoy the show.
The Guildford Hotel
159 James St, Guildford WA 6055
Far from your typical sports bar, the revamped Guildford Hotel has you more than covered when it comes to all the big games, with screens positioned all around the bar (how convenient), and a live Foxtel hook up. Catch everything from AFL to Rugby League in their not-so-traditional sports bar setting.
JB O’Reilly’s
99 Cambridge St, West Leederville WA 6007
Having set up shop in 1993, it’s fair to say that JB O’Reilly’s is in it for the long run. And when it comes to sports they’ve got it all—from rugby to AFL, to things you might not have even heard of, like hurling and Gaelic football. These guys don’t discriminate and are happy to cheer along with you—no matter what your team colours may be. It doesn't hurt that the food is some of the best pub grup in Perth.
The Federal Hotel
23 William St, Fremantle WA 6160
If you've been to the Fed's beer garden on AFL game day, you'll understand how hard the crowd goes here. It's about as close to going to the actual game as you can get in terms of atmosphere, with a massive projector screen outside, plus plenty of extra tellies tucked inside.
Image credit: The Camfield | Supplied
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