Maylands

Creative, Diverse, Friendly

Labelled Australia’s coolest neighbourhood by Lonely Planet, Maylands more than lives up to its reputation of being creative, diverse and friendly – with a bit of grit thrown in.

Creative people are the lifeblood of Maylands and its vibrant arts community have more than made their mark. Live music, public art and laneway festivals add to this lively destination, complemented by some of the coolest cafes and bars around.

Blending its colonial heritage with contemporary offerings gives the town centre a unique appeal. Bespoke retail shops and art murals are a nod to the town centre’s creativity, while its walkability and historic architecture make it an incredible place to spend some time.

If heritage buildings are your jam, Peninsula Farm on the Maylands Peninsula is one of the only buildings remaining from the early pioneers of the Swan River colony. The Victorian Institute and Industrial School for the Blind began construction in 1898 and is now home to the WA Ballet, and the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra can be found in the Maylands Hall built in 1920.

#imaginemaylands

Highlights

Food and beverage Food and beverage

#1 Food and beverage

The Whatley Crescent café strip is one of the best in Perth. A slight roughness around the edges blends with high-quality artisan eateries and quirky stores to make this an enticing destination.

The Woodfired Baker
You get a hefty slice of history with your loaf of bread at this local hotspot. Owner and artisan baker, Andrew Ritchie, discovered a dilapidated wood-fired oven in the back of an art gallery in Maylands that hadn’t baked a loaf since 1967. The oven, circa 1920, was carefully restored and now churns out more than 1,500 loaves of authentic artisan sourdough each week.

Smoults Larder
A corner store and café rolled into one, Smoults is the place to head for all things delicious. With foodie gifts, hampers, cheeses and treats, there is much to feast your eyes upon while you enjoy something from their famous breakfast menu. You can also grab some healthy takeaway food.

Sherbet Café and Bake Shop
Inspired by the cupcake bakeries of New York City, Sherbet is one of the sweetest places in town. Using the best quality ingredients, their freshly baked goods are made on the premises in small batches. With a spacious café and alfresco seating, this is a great spot to people watch while enjoying something decadent and delicious.

Steam Haus
The smell of coffee will draw you in to this dog-friendly café that makes its home in the former Station Master’s house. The café spreads invitingly through the rooms of the house and onto the back verandah.

Chapels on Whatley
This warm and friendly place is a delight for your senses. In a century-old building with an ornate façade and a charming alfresco area, Chapels offers a unique range of tea from the finest tea gardens in China, as well as Eurasian cuisine and cocktails.

Mrs S Café
Eclectic is the word of choice at the hugely popular Mrs S Café, with menus stapled inside picture books, mismatched furniture and a huge chalkboard with a handwritten drinks list. You can grab a coffee and a slice of one of their delicious cakes, or settle in for breakfast or lunch. 

Top tip

Whatley Crescent isn’t the only place for incredible food in the town centre. Make sure you check out the Lyric Lane and Ellard laneway precincts, the restaurants and bars on Eighth Avenue, and newcomer Silly Goose on Railway Parade – their awesome vegetarian and gluten free options and outdoor area make the short trip across the tracks worth it!

Laneways Laneways

#2 Laneways

Maylands is famous for its laneways. In particular, the precinct between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, encompassing Lyric Lane and Ellard Lane, is vibrant, engaging and the perfect place for an urban adventure. 

The Seasonal Brewing Co
If you’re looking for authentically brewed beer and food made with local produce, head to Seasonal Brewing off Ellard Lane. This child and pet-friendly microbrewery is the perfect place to catch up with family and friends.

Lyric’s Bar
In the mood for good food, good drinks and good music? With an underground music venue and an impressive line-up of gigs, people flock here from near and far. Grab some food and drinks, then head downstairs to enjoy live music in the underground basement. 

Rossonero Pizza
Right on Lyric Lane, you’ll find this gem of a pizza shop. Famous for its spectacular menu, the pizzas are full of flavour with toppings to suit every taste imaginable. This is the perfect place to soak up some of that Lyric Lane vibe.

Vintage and bespoke retail Vintage and bespoke retail

#3 Vintage and bespoke retail

Whether you’re a window shopper or shopper on a mission, you won’t be disappointed with what Maylands has to offer. From vintage finds to plants and gifts, you’ll be as enchanted by the range as you are by the characters you meet along the way.

Vintage Emporium
The perfect place for some retail therapy after you grab a coffee on Whatley Crescent, Vintage Emporium sells furniture, clothing, accessories and collectables. If you’re looking for something retro, vintage, mid-century or kitsch, you’ll find it here.

Firefly Gifts
Right next door to Vintage Emporium, this homewares and gift shop is a veritable treasure trove of goodies. If you’re after something a bit bohemian and quirky, handmade and artisan, or something special for a friend, this place is well worth a visit.

The Mosaic Collective
You will always be greeted with a smile at the Mosaic Collective. The Mosaic family is a collective of quirky and original makers who produce and sell locally handmade products, including clothes made with vintage fabrics.

Commune Wine Store
Selling natural, lo-fi and organic wines, this neighbourhood wine store champions small and independent producers from Australia and abroad. Drop in every Friday from 4pm to 7pm to meet local wine makers and enjoy complimentary tastings.

Rabble Books and Games 
Everyone is welcome at this independent, family-run book and game shop that prioritises representation and community. Open 7 days a week, keep an eye out for book launches and Drag Queen Storytime at the back of the store, and pop in to see how you can contribute to their incredible Pay-it-Forward program.

Stop Being Boring 

Stop Being Boring is a place where you can find beautiful things, old things, weird things, art, fashion - all of the thing that Janey (the owners daughter) would have loved and been inspired by. It's a place where you can find things that aren't....boring. 

The Subshine Lane

Offering a creative and welcoming environment where all walks of life can come together to learn, collaborate, and express themselves freely, The Sunshine Lane offers creative workshops for children and adults. 

Arts and culture Arts and culture

#4 Arts and culture 

Artistic creativity is synonymous with Maylands and you’ll quickly see its influence everywhere you look.

Street art
Maylands is home to works by some of Australia’s foremost street artists, including Perth locals. It’s an ever-expanding collection, so grab a coffee and take a stroll to see work by Daek William, Anya Brock, Jodee Knowles and Graeme Miles Richards.

WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO)
WAYJO is one of Western Australia’s oldest performing arts companies, building the future of Australian jazz and offering opportunities for emerging jazz performers and composers. Based at the corner of Guildford Road and Eighth Avenue, WAYJO musicians regularly perform in Maylands and are frequently at Lyric’s Underground.

West Australian Ballet
The West Australian Ballet  is the oldest ballet company in Australia. Located in the beautiful heritage Royal West Australian Institute for the Blind building on Whatley Crescent, the ballet regularly opens its doors on Fridays for visitors.  

Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association
Maylands is full of history and heritage and the Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association, based in the Old Police Station on Guildford Road, is bursting with local information. With regular exhibitions and a vast collection of photos and historical items, make time to drop in on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

 

Getting there and around

There are plenty of ways to get to Maylands, which is only 4.5 kilometres from Perth’s CBD.

Train
Maylands is on the Midland and Airport Line, which run between Perth City and Midland. Trains run every 10 minutes for most of the day and it only takes 8 minutes to get to Maylands Train Station from Perth CBD. View the Midland Line timetable and Airport Line timetable

Bus
Maylands is well served by Transperth’s bus service. Main bus routes travelling to Maylands are Bus 42 or Bus 48 from Perth City, Bus 55 from Bassendean and Bus 950 from Morley. 

Cycle or walk
Cyclists and pedestrians can easily access Maylands via the Perth-Midland Principal Shared Path - a protected cycle path alongside the train line. The path also caters for prams, scooters, skates and wheelchairs. 
This dual-use pathway continues to the café and retail precincts in Bayswater and historic Guildford, as well as Perth’s premier railway museum and Bassendean. Find out more information and trail guide advice.

Car
If you choose to travel by private car rather than rideshare or other modes of transport, street parking is available throughout the town centre. Main parking areas include Ninth Avenue (off Whatley Crescent), which leads to a City of Bayswater car park, and Seventh Avenue between Whatley Crescent and Guildford Road. Public parking in the town centre is free of charge.
 

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