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As one of Perth’s oldest suburbs, beginning as a Swan River settlement named West Guildford in 1829, Bassendean was renamed in 1922. Bassendean’s time is NOW! It might not be on your radar – but it’s got everything you’re looking for.
Numero Uno is…LOCATION!
Bassendean is close to everything you love. It’s less than 11km from the Perth CBD, less than 20 minutes’ drive to the Swan Valley and less than 3km from Guildford.
Being so conveniently close to the city has its perks, even if you don’t work in the CBD. It means there’s great transport options – within approximately 15 minutes you can be in the city by car or train, or at Morley Bus Station, either about to hit the shops or continue on your journey.
Guildford has so much to offer, with the wonderfully restored Guildford Hotel keeping your thirst at bay, the historic Alfred’s Kitchen making sure you’re warm and fed and the unique shopping experience you can only get in James Street’s eclectic mix of stores. There’s so much history there, but it’s far from daggy and old fashioned.
The Swan Valley is undeniably one of Perth’s best days out with breweries, cideries, wineries and eateries galore - and living in Bassendean means this can be your weekend playground. But it’s not all food and drinks either; there’s art galleries, supa golf, bike riding or take a boat out on the river.
With all this a stone’s throw away, not only will you never be stuck for things to do, you’ll live a connected life without compromise.
1. Shop ‘til you drop
Bassendean has a large Hawaiian shopping centre with plenty of parking, that houses all the usual suspects for your regular shopping needs.
In addition to this, there’s some hidden gems you’ll want to check out too!
Daisy & Rowe is well worth the visit if you’re looking for books, flowers or homewares with a gorgeous modern aesthetic. They stock a range of boutique, local and independent brands meaning you’ll find something different every time. It’s a great place to pick up a gift for that friend we all have who’s impossible to buy for.
Duck & Hunter is another unique store to visit, selling all things pre-loved. Duck & Hunter heroes vintage and aims to honour the beauty, style, innovation and classics of the past. They choose all their pieces by hand, carefully choosing them with the savvy vintage shopping enthusiast in mind.
If you love a bargain and giving something old new life, there’s a couple of awesome op shops to explore! The main strip of Bassendean is home to two nearby op shops so you can spend your afternoon rummaging through the treasures of yesteryear or finding a second-hand bargain.
St Vinnies Bassendean is on Old Perth Road and St Mark's Benefit Shop is located inside St Mark's Anglican Church. Each of these have their own collection of clothes, homewares, and books looking for second homes (or perhaps third, fourth or even more).
And you can feel good about your spending, as it’s also providing the means for these organisations to help people in need.
2. Cafés Count
One of the most enjoyable (and necessary) items in the world might be coffee. This magical elixir can make the impossible achievable at even the tiredest of times. We all have a favourite café – we might travel a bit further to visit for the vibe, the service or the view, but it’s most likely because we prefer their coffee.
Bassendean might not be known for its café culture yet, but it’s certainly got some heavyweight contenders where you can get a great cuppa, and something sweet to go with it.
Stop by Holly Rayes, where you can even trade your home grown lemons for your caffeinated beverage of choice! Holly Rayes is down a side street, but you can’t miss it – mainly due to the larger than life Anya Brock mural of Angus the dog on the side of the building.
They use Micrology Coffee Roasters beans for a serious brew, and their house-made cakes taste as good as they look (and they look GOOD) so this is the perfect place for that mid-week catch-up or weekend brekky date.
You can also check out To The Woods on Old Perth Road. With excellent coffee and a range of great lunch options, this café is themed on the poem by Henry David Thoreau and features the wording on the wall as well as many cute ‘woodsy’ touches to make the space cute and whimsical.
Also on Old Perth Road, O2 Café is another good option when you’re needing caffeine. This ex-warehouse has been stripped bare and filled with vertical gardens, creating an amazing fresh ambiance which underpins its philosophy of locally sourced, seasonal produce. This gives you plenty to look at while you sip your latte and nibble on some house-made cakes and treats.
And try Hedgehogs Café if you’re a fan of the miracle that is the all-day breakfast!
3. Foodies Rejoice!
Number four on our list of reasons to choose Bassendean is the quality and diversity of the food and entertainment options.
Love a great burger? 8 Napkins is a must-visit! This small but comfortable burger joint has some very true-to-form American eats like wings, nachos and ribs! The patties are made with 100% beef with no fillers or preservatives and they make most of their ingredients fresh in house daily. This ensures you get a fresh, juicy burger. There’s vegetarian and gluten free options plus a kid’s menu, so no one misses out.
Cork & Bottle on Old Perth Road is the epitome of Bassendean. It’s local, it’s unpretentious, and it’s really, really good! Its wine list features local Swan Valley and the Perth Hills region’s finest, as well as Australian wines from further afield, and some international beauties peppered in for good measure.
The taps house more than the usual suspects, with some interesting beers and ciders making a rotation to keep you coming back to try new tipples.
They even boast a cocktail list notably reflecting a love of the classics with martinis of various varieties, and other staples like the negroni and whiskey sour.
You’ll need sustenance to fuel your exploration of the beverage list, and Cork & Bottle doesn’t disappoint on that front either. You can feast on salads and seafood, or indulge in comfort food with a side of fries.
To add to these two fabulous venues there’s a slew of smaller restaurants, cafes, and takeaway places that will hold your hunger at bay. And when you’ve tried all the local fare, don’t forget how close you are to the Swan Valley and Guildford’s world class offerings!
4. Swanning Around
Being close to the city doesn’t mean you need to be locked into a concrete box. In Bassendean you can enjoy the Swan River and all the associated activities. The Town of Bassendean has several reserves and parks with river access, and a wide range of facilities open to the public that make them the perfect BBQ or picnic spot.
Water activities are a fun way to exercise and explore the region. There’s places to launch your vessel, and it’s only a short journey by boat (or a slightly longer paddle) to the Swan Valley or Guildford. You’ll even find some great venues along the river (such as Mandoon Estate) with their own jetty to moor at.
Bassendean also has miles of pathway for running, cycling or just a wander with your pooch. Ashfield Flats wetland sanctuary is a nice place to stroll through while watching the river’s slow meander, but there’s many more walking trails you can explore.
5. Getting Around
Bassendean might sound like it’s out in the ‘burbs, but it’s much more connected than you think.
The main thoroughfare is Guildford Road, which will get you to the city, or can be used as an entrance to Tonkin Highway.
Although the Bassendean train station was originally built in the West Guildford days, it’s seen some major updates since then. The Midland line runs from Midland in the east to Perth train station.
If you’re bussing it, jump on the 55 to the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, or the 955 will get you to Morley Bus Station. Check out the Transperth website for more routes and times.
Connectivity, cool cafes and craft brews are in abundance in Bassendean – making it top our list of Perth suburbs for liveability. Because if you can’t stay close to the things you love about life, are you even living?
There’s so many amazing suburbs in Perth that are close to the action! Check out our articles on Rivervale, Scarborough and Maylands. You might think enjoying the vibe of the inner suburbs is just a dream, but there are smart ways to get into the market that don’t involve living in the sticks.