Why Murray Street Perth Is the Perfect Getaway for the Whole Family

From the bustling Twilight Hawkers Markets to retro gaming nostalgia, follow us through Murray Street to uncover a fresh take on Perth’s family centre.

Perth, through no fault of her own, is often overshadowed by Australia’s flashier eastern hubs. A good slice of the world forgets about Western Australia’s capital, but with nineteen perfect beaches, an incredible culinary scene and more sunny days each year than any other major city, Perth is definitely worth getting to know. 

One strip in particular, Murray Street, steadily hoists the city’s banner. It’s central, walkable, spilling over with good food, cultural spots, and a well-thought-out urban design. From some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Perth to hidden gems in Murray Street mall, this is your guide to the city’s best street for families. 

Novotel Perth Murray St is situated in the thick of the action, this family-friendly hotel in Perth offers family rooms, and a big, heated pool to wear out the rugrats. There are family suites ideal for travelling with little ones, and it’s an easy access point to the best of the city, including a tidy five minute walk to RAC Arena for world-class concerts and sporting events. The hotel also has one of the best day spas Perth has to offer, the award-winning Keishi Spa. Draw straws for who gets to stay back for one of their globally recognised massages or spa treatments.

Locals love: When staying at Novotel, children aged up to 16 stay and eat breakfast for free when sharing a family room with their parents.

Address: Novotel Perth Murray Street, 388 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000

The first thing you’ll notice about Murray Street is how the central portion has been transformed into a pedestrian only hub. This traffic-free zone is part of Perth’s main shopping precinct, flanked by boutiques, family restaurants, and buskers all the way along the walk, adding the perfect soundtrack.

If you’re lucky enough to be there during the warmer months, head to the Twilight Hawkers Markets in Forrest Place, the lively piazza at western end of Murray Street Mall.

Every Friday evening from early October through to late March, this lively pocket of Perth turns into a global grazing ground, where budget-friendly cuisine from every corner of the world tempts post-work crowds to linger. 

Perth, being the multicultural nucleus it is, goes all out for these markets, from sizzling cauldrons of seafood paella at Kamal’s Quarter to hai egg noodles with pork belly from Baan Baan and every dish in between. Children play in the interactive water sculpture by famous artist Jeppe Hein, as you settle in for a makeshift family picnic as you people-watch.

Locals love: The completely over-the-top birria tacos from Taco Daddy. Crunchy, gooey, and dripping in rich dipping sauce goodness.

Address: Twilight Hawkers Markets, 1/7 Forrest Place, Perth WA 6000

Sure, there are plenty of beautiful beaches and the big-name attractions skirting the CBD, but you’ll also find plenty to explore just a short stroll from Murray Street. Head towards the Perth Cultural Centre, a ten minute walk from Novotel Perth, which houses the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) and the WA Museum Boola Bardip, two institutions that know how to welcome young culture vultures.

If your kids usually only last two minutes in an art gallery, AGWA will surprise you. The gallery regularly hosts engaging programs designed specifically for children, letting them draw, paint, or craft their own interpretation of the exhibits. It's a hands-on introduction to Western Australia’s art scene that might just nurture the next rising talent in your household.

Just around the block, WA Museum Boola Bardip, which roughly translates to “many stories” in the Noongar language, is a trove of stuff kids love. From science to Aboriginal history, dinosaur skeletons to digital installations, this museum combines interactive elements with cultural significance.

Perth Cultural Centre is where you’ll find the State Library of Western Australia, the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, and Playspace, a quirky little nook for hands-on learning with tactile elements like wooden sculptures, spinning wheels, and artful objects that encourage exploration.

Fifteen minutes walk from the hotel you’ll also find The Nostalgia Box, Australia’s only dedicated video game console museum. Spanning more than four decades of digital history, it’s a fascinating array of hard-to-find retro consoles, as well as an interactive zone where kids can try a hand at classic titles from yesteryear and parents will be horrified to see their childhood described as yesteryear.

Right next door is Scitech, the hands-on science discovery centre that’s been sparking curiosity in kids and grown-ups for decades. Inside, you’ll find a constantly evolving lineup of interactive exhibits,  robotics demos, optical illusions, and live science shows. 

Locals love: Now that you’ve had your culture fix, trek ten minutes down the road to Elizabeth Quay, a magnet for families where kids frolic in the BHP Water Park, take gondola rides on the Swan, or just wander along the boardwalk and soak in that trademark West Australian sunshine.

Address: Elizabeth Quay, The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000

Murray Street has no shortage of food spots, and plenty that even manage to cater for kiddos without losing grown-up appeal. Early risers and caffeine aficionados can roll into Murray Mews from 6:30am each morning. It’s a big friendly space, with a menu that’s straightforward and delicious (classic fluffy pancakes and breakfast wraps abound) while the coffee is by award winning roasters, Five Senses Coffee - bliss for parents who need to jump-start their morning.

Turn off Murray Street onto William and you’ll find another morning gem at Little Willy’s, an offbeat café that gives you that superior sense of going where the locals go. It’s small, laid-back, and the baristas have no problem whipping up a babyccino.

For lunch, Hifumiya Udon Noodle House is a big hit with kids. The casual canteen-style seating means no one will raise an eyebrow if your toddler gets a little rowdy and the noodles are delicious, bouncy, and great fun to slurp. For something a little more refined, Samuels on Mill is near Murray Street and specialises in modern Australian dishes of well-sourced local produce. They even have a "Little Samuels" menu for kids, with things like the Sammy Mac burger, pasta, pizza, and chicken bites, all for $16 and including dessert and a drink.

At dinner time The Aviary, also on Williams Street, transforms into a breezy rooftop bar and restaurant where families are welcome. There’s a kids’ menu, but they also serve some creative share plates that might convert your children into fearless little foodies.

Locals love: If you’re just after a comforting plate of pasta to end the day then Tony Roma’s, a three minute walk from Novotel Perth Murray Street, has put down roots. It’s family-friendly, the portions are generous, and you can guarantee something for even the pickiest of eaters. Ask about the ‘onion loaf - you won’t be disappointed.

Address: Tony Roma’s, 919 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000

Murray Street is the perfect little microcosm of Perth’s laid-back charm and in one central, family-friendly street. Whether you’re inspecting dinosaur bones Boola Bardip, slurping up on noodles, or pampering yourself at Novotel’s day spa, this slice of the city packs both sophistication and kid-appeal in equal punch.