Perth, Australia

Highgate sits just north of the Perth CBD, bridging the energy of the city with the more relaxed, character-filled streets of Mount Lawley. It’s one of those rare inner suburbs where you can walk almost everywhere, yet still feel a sense of neighbourhood calm.

At its southern edge, Highgate flows directly into Northbridge — Perth’s cultural and nightlife hub. This means some of the best Asian food in the city is effectively on your doorstep. From late-night dumplings to casual ramen and classic Chinese eateries in Chinatown, it’s an easy walk when you want something vibrant and social. But unlike staying in Northbridge itself, Highgate gives you a step back from the noise — close enough to enjoy, far enough to sleep.

To the west, you’re only minutes from Hyde Park, one of Perth’s most loved green spaces. It’s a defining feature of the area — especially in the mornings. Wide paths loop around twin lakes, lined with paperbark trees, making it ideal for walks, light exercise, or just a reset. It softens the urban feel and gives Highgate a lifestyle edge that’s hard to replicate closer to the CBD.

Speaking of the city, Perth CBD is just a short walk or quick bus ride away. Whether it’s work, shopping, or events, you’re effectively living on the fringe of the city without being fully inside it. That convenience is one of Highgate’s biggest strengths — especially if you value time and walkability.

Heading north and east, Highgate blends into Mount Lawley, which brings a slightly more polished café and retail strip along Beaufort Street. This is where the neighbourhood really shines day-to-day. Cafés, small bars, and local spots create a steady rhythm throughout the week rather than just weekend peaks.

A standout is Chu Bakery — a destination in itself. Known for its Japanese-inspired pastries and consistently strong coffee, it draws people from all over Perth. It’s the kind of place that elevates the whole area — busy, but still very local in feel. Around it, you’ll find a mix of other cafés and casual spots that make mornings and weekends feel easy and social.

For something more classic and a bit rough around the edges in a good way, there’s the Brisbane Hotel. It’s a long-standing local pub with a beer garden and live music, and it anchors the neighbourhood socially — a place that feels genuinely “Highgate” rather than overly curated.

Overall, Highgate is defined by balance. It’s close to everything — the city, nightlife, food, and culture — but retains a quieter, more liveable character. You can start your morning in a park, grab coffee at one of Perth’s best bakeries, walk to work in the city, and finish the night with Asian food in Northbridge or a drink at the local pub — all without needing a car.