Subiaco

Subiaco is one of Perth's most thriving inner suburbs, home to shopping centres, markets and a wealth of cafes and restaurants. An alternative to Northbridge, Subiaco is alive every day and night. Before European settlement, Subiaco was a significant site for Aborigines. The nearby lakes, Lake Monger in Wembley and Lake Jualbup in Shenton Park, were important sources of water and food. Many fine old buildings such as the Subiaco Hotel and the Regal Theatre have been sympathetically restored and updated, and many homes in the area are heritage listed to preserve their historical value. The Subiaco Museum, located on Rokeby Rd between the Council chambers and the library, is the only remaining original municipal building in Subiaco, dating back to 1911. The 'Subi', as local pub-goers call it, is the most popular meeting place in the area, while the Regal Theatre regularly hosts live performances including musicals and stand-up comedy acts. Another popular nightspot is the Red Sea Nightclub, located opposite the pub on Rokeby Rd.

Not far from the train station you will find Subiaco Oval, home of Australian Rules football in WA. The ground seats more than 40,000 spectators, and has floodlights for night games. If you hear a chorus of cheers or boos echoing around the streets of Subiaco, you'll know there's a game of footy on.

When shopping in Subiaco you'll find almost every type of store including jewellery, homewares, art and craft and technology. The Colonnade Shopping Centre on Hay Street, with its designer label shops, is a haven for the fashion conscious. The Station Street Markets are centrally located right next to the train station. These fascinating markets are home to over 100 independently-owned stalls featuring clothing, shoes, jewellery, art and craft, souvenirs and much much more. Relax and treat yourself to a massage or healing session with an expert practitioner, or find out what the future holds - several resident 'readers' provide a variety of services. Enjoy a snack or a meal in the undercover or alfresco garden food court, with its array of international food shops and live entertainment. Open Friday through Sunday plus public holiday Mondays, 9am to 5.30pm. Station St Subiaco. Phone +61 8 9382 2832.

Subiaco is also a mecca for those seeking to satisfy their gastronomic desires; you may find it hard to choose from numerous tempting restaurants and cafes. Ranging from a la carte dining in restaurants and cafes to quick and easy take-away food, you can find Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Greek, Italian, Australian and many other cuisines.

The easiest way to get to Subiaco is to catch the train operated by Transperth Subiaco is only the third stop out from Perth on the Fremantle line. The Subiaco train station is built underneath the Subi Centro shopping centre. For an overview showing a 5km radius from the city centre look at the inner city suburbs map.

If you're driving, the Hay Street exit from the Kwinana Freeway takes you through to Subiaco. Coming from the north along Wanneroo Road, join Thomas Street then turn left into Hay Street; from the Mitchell Freeway, the Vincent Street exit takes you to Thomas Street; from the east, exit the Graham Farmer Freeway on to Thomas Street. Parking in Subi can be tricky, but there are a good number of car parks tucked away in side streets.