Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
A Halal-friendly guide to Perth
From the city to the coast, Perth is packed with Halal-friendly experiences.
By Amy Fraser-Bain
Muslim-friendly things to do in Perth
You’ll find both beautiful beaches and bustling city life in Perth, dubbed “Australia’s sunniest capital city." You can get your creative fix at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA), then hop to the neighbouring WA Museum Boola Bardip to discover the ancient stories of Western Australia.
When nature calls, the stillness of Kings Park – one of the world’s biggest city parks – will be waiting for you. Take a gentle walk among Western Australian wildflowers, admire panoramic views of the city skyline and feel your jaw drop as you stand before a giant 760-year-old boab tree.
For a beach day, there’s no shortage of idyllic stretches of sand to throw down a towel in Perth. But Cottlesloe Beach, lined with shady Norfolk Pines, has it all: powder white sand, calm azure waters and a line-up of trendy restaurants and shops.
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island makes for a spectacular day trip. Allocate a full day to explore the island’s breathtaking beaches and bays (and be sure to bring your snorkel). Don’t leave without snapping a selfie with an adorable quokka – a bucket-list wildlife experience!
Next, the neighbouring port town of Fremantle is well worth a visit. Join a guided Convicts, Culture and Street Art tour to discover the town’s history and Heritage-listed sites. Then, taste your way through Halal-friendly eats and produce at the historic Fremantle Markets.
Mosques in Perth
For a capital city of a smaller size, Perth has a sizeable Muslim population with plenty of mosques and prayer rooms dotted around the city and its surrounding suburbs.
Established in 1905, Perth Mosque is Australia’s second oldest mosque. Located just a short walk from Perth’s big hotels and restaurants, it’s a popular mosque for both travellers and city dwellers. The mosque holds five daily prayers, Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays, and has separate prayer and wudhu sections for males and females.
The city’s second oldest mosque is Rivervale Mosque and Islamic Centre, located across the Swan River in the suburb of Rivervale. This 1970s-style mosque hosts the same prayers as Perth Mosque, with the addition of Eid prayer and a host of religious classes.
Shopping in Perth
If you’re staying in the city centre, you won’t have to travel far to find Perth’s eclectic collection of shops. Start on the cobblestone Kings Street, where heritage buildings house international designers including Prada, Gucci and TAG Heuer. At nearby Haystreet Mall, you can shop for major fashion brands, then stop by Murray Street to visit Perth City Musallah. While you’re in the area, don’t miss browsing along London Court, a laneway reminiscent of Tudor England.
A five-minute walk from the city centre lies the suburb of Northbridge. Known for its cultural and creative scenes, it’s perfect for picking up vintage clothing or shopping for souvenirs at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
To shop local, head to one of Perth’s markets where growers and makers sell the best of the region’s produce, food and crafts.
