While heading ‘up north’ might conjure up images of dusty red plains and days filled with driving, there is an ‘up north’ way closer to home and filled with just as much to explore.
With everything from crystal blue beaches, delicious food, drinks with an ocean view and retro fun, we've teamed up with City of Stirling to uncover all that can be found just up the road in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Eat (And Drink) Up
There are three main meals every day, and there is certainly no shortage of opportunities to fill your tum with the goods in the northern suburbs. Clarkes of North Beach has been a staple on Perth’s fine dining scene for years, and you’ll be guaranteed plenty of old school charm and classic flavour combos. Beachside dining at Island Market Trigg is always a winner. If you’ve got the appetite the chef’s tasting menu is well worth it – watch the sunset as you succumb to five courses of deliciousness. Nearby Canteen and North Beach Café will also tickle tastebuds alongside an ocean view if you are after daytime dining.
There’s a long list of healthy (and not so healthy) brunchy, lunchy options in the northern suburbs. The ever-popular Drift Kitchen in Scarborough is hard to go past for an epic breakfast, lunch or brunch. If you're a self-confessed veggie-lover, make sure you don't miss the cute as a button vegan eatery, the ‘Pear’fect Panty in Wembley. After more of a cosy inner city or international bistro buzz for your evening? Le Rebelle on Beaufort Street is the answer, with a concise and carefully thought out wine list accompanied by a top-notch European menu. Finish up the eve with doughy goodness from Sinamon; their Sinamon Buns are so moreish you’ll want to grab a few extras to take home with you (we recommend the Cookies & Cream and Maple N Pecan) . And finally, back in action from the 14th October is the much anticipated Inglewood Night Markets with a hub of food trucks, market stalls and shops spilling out on the pavement of Beaufort Street every Monday. There’s never been a better reason to eat out!
Retro Hotspots
The silver screen at Event Cinemas in Innaloo is a hot contender for date night — who can go past the luxury of Gold Class when it comes to catching the latest release? Not only can you wine and dine in front of the screen, but there are even the next-level daybeds.
The Iconic Astor Theatre is also filled with memories and has seen a wide range of entertainment since it opened in 1915. The atmospheric heritage building is still being used as a performance venue, with everything from music, comedy, and even burlesque gracing its stage. Another little gem of a day is found in Balcatta at the Stirling Miniature Railway Museum. Normally open on the last Sunday of the month, the museum is run by a team of volunteers and train enthusiasts from the Northern Districts Model Engineering Society. It’s a super cute day out, complete with a ride on a miniature steam train, and while it’s currently closed due to COVID, the team anticipate reopening in the next couple of months.
Take The Credit Card Out For A Spin
Whether you are after a one-stop mall shopping expedition or a half-day spent browsing the isles of a quirky bookshop, you’ll find it in the northern suburbs. Hit up Karrinyup Shopping Centre for all of the biggest brands and stores. There are over 120 in total, from H&M, Country Road, and Cotton On, through to David Jones and Myer and plenty of lunch options to keep up energy levels throughout the spree. Back towards Perth is Westfield Innaloo, another mall for shopaholics, with lots to pick from under one roof.
Of course, the charm of independent retailers can’t be overlooked, and the City of Stirling is home to some of the state’s best finds. Foodies will need to take a big bag when they head to Dunn and Walton in Doubleview, it’s a heaven for health nuts hunting out organic produce; they have a huge range alongside the store’s café and takeaway vegetarian kitchen. Just down the road sits The Herdsman Market — another food lovers find — where you’ll struggle to walk out empty-handed. Awarded WA Fresh Produce Retailer of The Year Award in 2019, the isles abound with ready meals and inspiration for your next meal. A trip to Yokine is well worth it for the goodies found at The Kosher Providore. The small-sized deli packs a punch and operates as a bakery, a grocer and a butcher. Folks in the know flock here for Perth’s best and most authentic bagels. Of course, The Stirling Farmers Markets are a no brainer when it comes to the weekly shop, in operation every Sunday at the City of Stirling Administration Building and only selling produce direct from the grower or maker — not a middle man in sight.
Indulge In A Staycation In Scarborough And A Coastal Crawl
There are so many top-notch options for a mini-break in Scarborough. Take your pick from the relaxed and stylish serviced apartments of Quest Scarborough, the hi-rise, beachfront views from the Rendezvous Hotel, the laid back vibe of Seashells self-contained apartments, or the sleek serviced apartments of Ramada Vetroblu Scarborough Beach.
Once you’ve got your bed for the night sorted, it’s time to hit the sandy shores and take a coastal crawl for the day. Don’t miss a dip in the idyllic Mettams Pool and a caffeine break at Tropico down the road before hitting the shores of Scarborough Beach and the fabulous redevelopment of the area. The parks and open spaces ensure that kids have lots of room to stretch their legs and a sunset stroll or vino is within easy reach.
Who knew there were so many hidden gems to uncover in Perth’s northern suburbs. To learn more about the City of Stirling and all it has to offer, click here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by City of Stirling and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.