The Palace Arcade stands as a pioneering entertainment destination at 84 Beaufort Street in the heart of Perth's vibrant Northbridge district. This innovative venue represents Western Australia's first dedicated arcade bar, seamlessly blending nostalgia-inducing retro gaming with contemporary hospitality offerings. Since its establishment, The Palace Arcade has carved out a unique position in Perth's entertainment landscape by bringing together authentic arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s alongside New York-style pizza and craft beverages.
When discussing gaming at The Palace Arcade, it's essential to understand the fundamental difference between classic arcade machines and pokies (electronic gaming machines or poker machines). The Palace Arcade specializes exclusively in vintage arcade games rather than pokies, which reflects Western Australia's distinctive regulatory environment regarding gambling entertainment.
Western Australia maintains one of Australia's strictest stances on poker machines. Since 1985, pokies have been completely banned from pubs, clubs, and bars throughout the state, with their operation restricted solely to Crown Perth Casino. This legislation makes WA unique among Australian states and territories, where pokies typically proliferate in hospitality venues. The Electronic Gaming Machines Policy enforced by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries explicitly prohibits poker machines, fruit machines, and similar gambling devices outside the casino environment.
Instead of pokies, The Palace Arcade offers an impressive collection of over 100 original arcade machines that defined gaming culture during its golden age. These classic cabinets include legendary titles such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and numerous other iconic games. Unlike pokies, which are gambling devices designed around chance and monetary wagers, arcade games emphasize skill, reflexes, and pure entertainment value.
The pricing structure reflects this entertainment-focused approach. Games at The Palace Arcade operate on a rechargeable card system, with individual plays costing approximately 99 cents per game. This pricing model makes extended gaming sessions affordable, with most patrons typically spending between A$20-40 during a visit according to venue statistics. The venue runs special promotions throughout the week, including Wednesday's unlimited games offer for A$10 all night and Sunday's discounted 50-cent games.
|
Gaming Features |
Details |
|
Number of Machines |
100+ original arcade cabinets |
|
Game Era |
1980s and 1990s classics |
|
Pricing System |
Rechargeable card (99 cents per game) |
|
Special Offers |
Wednesday: A$10 unlimited; Sunday: 50¢ games |
|
Machine Types |
Fighting games, shooters, racing, pinball |
The Palace Arcade has garnered substantial positive feedback from patrons across multiple review platforms, maintaining a 4.5-star rating from over 1,176 reviews on Google Maps. Visitors consistently praise the venue's authentic atmosphere, quality food offerings, and the well-maintained condition of the arcade machines.
Chris Winter, a frequent visitor, shared his enthusiasm: "Fantastic place. Original arcades. Excellent food. Craft beer. And now they've started the gaming tournaments up again. What's not to love? Loved the Mortal Kombat 2 tournament but...I did come third lol. Can't wait for the next one." This testimonial highlights one of The Palace Arcade's distinguishing features—regular gaming tournaments that create a competitive community atmosphere around classic arcade titles.
Tai Newman emphasized the family-friendly nature of the venue: "Cool spot to hang out, have a slice of pizza and play some games. Two levels, kids friendly of course and the arcade games are actually well priced. Lovely friendly and attentive patient staff." The venue welcomes families with children until 8:00 PM, after which it transitions to a more adult-focused bar environment.
Arthur Felipe Andrade described the venue's ambiance: "The Palace Arcade has a cozy and diverse atmosphere with walls adorned with various artworks and a wide range of games to keep you entertained. There is a great selection of drinks and snacks available. Overall, it's an excellent spot to get together." The artistic touches throughout the venue complement the retro gaming theme, creating an immersive nostalgic environment.
Corporate clients have also praised the venue's event capabilities. Nicole organized a work function at the venue and reported: "Organised a work drinks here last week and the palace arcade staff were so helpful with sorting out prepayments for game cards & food. The duo who served us on Wednesday night were so lovely, attentive and ensured our food was ready."
Not every review is entirely positive, though most criticism focuses on minor operational issues rather than fundamental problems with the venue concept. Amy Beard noted: "Absolutely loved this place!! What a vibe!! We would have given 5 stars but the arcade game machines wouldn't take our cards for payment so we didnt get to play." Such technical hiccups appear to be isolated incidents rather than systemic problems.
|
Review Platform |
Rating |
Number of Reviews |
Key Strengths |
|
Google Maps |
4.5/5 |
1,176+ |
Atmosphere, staff, games |
|
TripAdvisor |
4.5/5 |
Various |
Nostalgia, food quality |
|
Yelp |
5.0/5 |
Limited |
Authenticity, pricing |
Perth gaming enthusiasts and entertainment critics have consistently recognized The Palace Arcade as a standout venue. The Perth Gaming Crew, a local gaming community, praised the establishment: "What made the Palace Arcade a complete experience for us though was the friendly staff who clearly love just being there. It was an absolute pleasure spending our time at the bar." This observation about staff enthusiasm appears repeatedly across reviews, suggesting strong employee engagement and knowledge about both games and hospitality.
The venue has been featured in multiple Perth entertainment publications, including The Urban List and Broadsheet. The Urban List described it as "a very welcome addition to Perth's Beaufort Street when it took over the spot that was once Dominion League," noting how the venue revitalized a former nightclub space into something more community-focused and family-friendly.
Broadsheet Perth highlighted specific gaming recommendations, creating a "hit-list of five games we're dying to play, plus what we'd match them with from the Palace Arcade drinks list." This kind of curated pairing between specific arcade titles and cocktails demonstrates the venue's sophisticated approach to the arcade bar concept, treating gaming and hospitality as complementary rather than separate experiences.
Entertainment industry analysts point to The Palace Arcade's success as evidence of Australia's growing "experiential entertainment" trend, where venues offer immersive activities alongside traditional food and beverage service. This model has proven particularly successful with millennial and Generation X demographics who have nostalgic connections to 1980s and 1990s arcade culture.
While The Palace Arcade pioneered the arcade bar concept in Perth, several other entertainment venues operate in the surrounding Northbridge district, each offering distinct experiences.
Barcadia (located nearby on Beaufort Street) presents a similar concept, blending bar service with classic arcade gaming. With a 4.7-star rating from 99 reviews, Barcadia offers a more intimate setting compared to The Palace Arcade's expansive two-level layout. The venue features both arcade games and board games, creating a versatile gaming environment.
Planet Royale operates as a traditional bar at 84 Beaufort Street (in the same building complex as The Palace Arcade). With a 4.5-star rating from 455 reviews, Planet Royale focuses primarily on cocktails and bar games rather than arcade machines, catering to patrons seeking a more low-key social atmosphere.
Timezone Northbridge represents the commercial arcade alternative, located minutes away from Beaufort Street. As part of a national chain, Timezone offers modern redemption arcade games alongside some classic titles. With a 4.4-star rating from 764 reviews, Timezone targets a family demographic during daytime hours, differentiating itself from The Palace Arcade's bar-focused evening atmosphere.
Archie Brothers Perth provides a circus-themed entertainment experience combining arcade games, bar service, and dodgem cars. Located in the wider Perth area, this venue (4.7 stars, 327 reviews) represents a more theatrical approach to the arcade bar concept compared to The Palace Arcade's focused retro aesthetic.
Zeroverse (Zero Latency Perth) offers virtual reality gaming experiences rather than classic arcade machines. With an impressive 4.9-star rating from 538 reviews, Zero Latency appeals to patrons seeking cutting-edge gaming technology rather than nostalgic entertainment.
|
Venue |
Type |
Distance from Palace Arcade |
Rating |
Distinguishing Feature |
|
Barcadia |
Arcade Bar |
Same street |
4.7/5 |
Intimate setting, board games |
|
Planet Royale |
Bar |
Same building |
4.5/5 |
Cocktail focus, bar games |
|
Timezone Northbridge |
Commercial Arcade |
5 minutes walk |
4.4/5 |
Family-oriented, modern games |
|
Archie Brothers |
Entertainment Complex |
Perth CBD area |
4.7/5 |
Circus theme, dodgem cars |
|
Zeroverse |
VR Gaming |
Northbridge |
4.9/5 |
Virtual reality experiences |
The Palace Arcade enjoys an excellent location in terms of public transport accessibility and walkability. Situated at 84 Beaufort Street in Northbridge, the venue sits approximately 500 meters from Perth's central train station, representing an easy 8-minute walk via Wellington Street and Barrack Street.
Public Transport Options:
Perth's train network provides the most convenient access, with Perth Station serving as the primary arrival point for visitors from across the metropolitan area. From the station, patrons simply walk east along Wellington Street before turning left onto Barrack Street, which becomes Beaufort Street in Northbridge. The Transperth bus network also services Beaufort Street extensively, with multiple bus routes stopping within one block of the venue.
Driving and Parking:
For those arriving by car, street parking along Beaufort Street and surrounding streets offers metered spots, though availability varies significantly depending on time and day. The venue recommends arriving early on Friday and Saturday evenings due to Northbridge's popularity as Perth's primary entertainment district. Several paid parking facilities operate within walking distance, including the Northbridge Piazza car park.
Cycling Access:
Perth's growing cycling infrastructure extends to Northbridge, with bike lanes along major approach routes. The venue area includes bicycle parking facilities on Beaufort Street, making cycling a viable option for environmentally conscious patrons.
The venue's location in Northbridge places it at the center of Perth's cultural precinct, surrounded by the Western Australian Museum, Perth Cultural Centre, and numerous other entertainment venues. This concentration of attractions makes The Palace Arcade an ideal component of a larger evening out in Perth's most vibrant neighborhood.
|
Transport Mode |
Details |
Travel Time from Perth CBD |
|
Walking |
Via Wellington St & Barrack St |
8 minutes (500m) |
|
Train |
Perth Station to venue |
10 minutes total |
|
Bus |
Multiple Transperth routes |
5-15 minutes |
|
Car |
Via State Route 53 |
2 minutes drive |
|
Bicycle |
Bike lanes available |
2-3 minutes |
The Palace Arcade distinguishes itself through several unique operational and design elements that set it apart from typical Perth entertainment venues. The venue occupies two levels, with the ground floor housing the main bar, kitchen, and dining areas, while the lower level contains the extensive arcade game collection. This spatial separation allows patrons to choose between focusing on food and drinks or immersing themselves in gaming.
Licensing and Regulations:
Operating under License No. 638208251616, The Palace Arcade holds proper licensing from Western Australian authorities as The Palace Arcade Pty Ltd. The venue maintains compliance with all relevant liquor licensing requirements, food safety standards, and entertainment venue regulations. This licensing enables the venue to serve alcohol until late hours while maintaining the arcade gaming component.
Interior Design and Atmosphere:
The venue's aesthetic deliberately evokes 1980s and 1990s gaming culture through strategic design choices. Walls feature artwork from classic video games, vintage gaming posters, and neon lighting that recreates the ambiance of original arcade parlors. The authentic arcade cabinets themselves serve as major design elements, their illuminated screens and colorful side art creating a distinctive visual atmosphere that photographs exceptionally well for social media sharing.
Sound Environment:
Managing the acoustic environment represents a significant challenge for arcade bars, as each game machine produces its own distinctive sound effects and music. The Palace Arcade addresses this through strategic machine placement and acoustic treatment, creating zones where gaming sounds dominate while maintaining areas where conversation remains comfortable. This balance allows the venue to function simultaneously as both an active gaming space and a social bar environment.
Tournament and Events Programming:
Regular tournaments for games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and other competitive titles create recurring events that build community among regular patrons. These tournaments typically feature prize packages, bracket systems, and sometimes entry fees, transforming casual gaming into structured competition. The venue's social media channels announce upcoming tournaments, which often fill available slots quickly due to strong demand from Perth's retro gaming community.
The Palace Arcade operates on an accessible model without mandatory membership fees or complicated loyalty structures. Patrons simply purchase rechargeable game cards at the venue, which they can reload as needed. These cards remain active indefinitely, allowing return visitors to retain any remaining credit from previous visits.
While the venue doesn't offer a traditional membership program, the rechargeable card system effectively functions as a simple loyalty mechanism. Regular patrons maintain their cards and reload them during subsequent visits, with staff occasionally offering bonus credits for larger recharge amounts, particularly during promotional periods.
The venue's function and event booking services provide another layer of engagement for corporate clients and private groups. By pre-purchasing game credits and arranging food packages, organizations can create customized experiences for team building events, birthday parties, or corporate celebrations.
|
Card Type |
Function |
Cost |
Benefits |
|
Standard Game Card |
Rechargeable gaming credit |
Variable (patron chooses amount) |
Permanent card, retains credit |
|
Function Package |
Pre-arranged group booking |
Customized pricing |
Reserved space, pre-paid games & food |
|
Event Booking |
Private venue hire |
Quote-based |
Exclusive access, custom arrangements |
The Palace Arcade's culinary program centers on New York-style pizza prepared in-house, complemented by a focused menu of American-influenced bar food. This strategic menu design ensures kitchen operations remain manageable while providing substantial food options that pair well with extended gaming sessions.
Pizza Offerings:
The menu features both small (16-inch) and large (22-inch) pizzas available whole or by the slice (A$8 per slice for pepperoni or margherita). Signature varieties include the Margherita (napolitana sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, basil), Pepperoni, Hot Boi (with jalapeños and hot honey), Hawaiian, Spud King (featuring potato and feta), Conti (vegetarian with peppers and artichokes), Three Little Pigs (triple meat), and Butter Chicken (an Australian-Asian fusion option). Small pizzas range from A$22-26, while large versions cost A$33-37. Gluten-free bases add A$28 to any order, and vegan cheese options are available for an additional A$3.
Appetizers and Shares:
The shareable appetizers menu includes fries (A$13), curry disco fries (A$15), garlic knots (A$12), chicken wings or cauliflower wings with various sauce options (A$17-18), lasagna spring rolls (A$17), jalapeño and cheddar croquettes (A$18), and Nashville chicken strips (A$18). These portions are designed for sharing among gaming groups, with most items arriving quickly to avoid interrupting gameplay.
Beverage Program:
The bar program emphasizes craft beers and creative cocktails designed to appeal to the venue's demographic. Signature cocktails (A$18-22) include the Apple Pie Sour (spiced rum and Fireball), Spicy Mango (tequila-based), Honeycomb Old Fashioned (featuring Crunchie bar), Cheat Mode (espresso martini variant), and Limoncello Spritz. The venue also offers rotating slushie flavors (A$18) that prove particularly popular during Perth's hot summer months.
Beer selection features Australian craft breweries alongside imports, with options like Peroni Red, Balter Cerveza, Alby Crisp, Guinness, Better Beer, and Bertie Cider ranging from A$11-15. Wine options include local Western Australian producers from Margaret River and Great Southern regions, available by glass (A$12-19) or bottle (A$50-56).
Special Promotions:
The venue runs daily drink and food specials: Wednesday features A$6 beers, A$7 wines, and A$8 spirits from 4:00-6:00 PM, plus A$10 unlimited games all night; Thursday offers A$12 pizzas all night; Friday highlights A$12 espresso martinis and slushies; and Sunday presents A$12 spritz cocktails alongside the 50-cent game promotion.
|
Menu Category |
Price Range (AUD) |
Notable Items |
|
Pizza (Small/Large) |
$22-26 / $33-37 |
Hot Boi, Butter Chicken, Spud King |
|
Appetizers |
$12-18 |
Wings, Nashville Chicken, Croquettes |
|
Cocktails |
$18-22 |
Honeycomb Old Fashioned, Cheat Mode |
|
Beer |
$11-15 |
Craft selection, imports |
|
Wine |
$12-19 (glass) / $50-56 (bottle) |
Margaret River, Great Southern |
|
Daily Specials |
Variable |
Thursday: $12 pizzas; Sunday: 50¢ games |
Primary Contact Details:
The Palace Arcade operates across three Perth metropolitan locations, with the Northbridge venue serving as the flagship location. The central phone number +61 8 6558 1611 handles inquiries for all three locations. Email communications can be directed through the venue's website contact form at www.thepalacearcade.com.au.
Booking System:
The venue accepts reservations through its online booking system accessible via thepalacearcade.com.au/book-now. While walk-in patrons are welcome, reservations are highly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings when the venue reaches capacity. Group bookings of six or more should contact the venue directly to ensure adequate space allocation.
Social Media Presence:
The venue maintains active Instagram (@arcadepalace), Facebook (facebook.com/thepalacearcade), and TikTok accounts that announce special events, tournaments, menu updates, and promotional offers. Following these channels provides the most current information about limited-time offerings and event schedules.
Function Inquiries:
Corporate events, birthday parties, and private functions require separate arrangements through the venue's function coordinator. The venue offers customizable packages including pre-paid game cards, reserved seating areas, and set menu options. Function inquiry forms are available at thepalacearcade.com.au/functions.
|
Contact Method |
Details |
Best For |
|
Phone |
+61 8 6558 1611 |
General inquiries, reservations |
|
Website |
www.thepalacearcade.com.au |
Online booking, menu viewing |
|
|
Via website contact form |
Non-urgent inquiries |
|
|
@arcadepalace |
Updates, promotions, photos |
|
|
facebook.com/thepalacearcade |
Events, community engagement |
|
Function Booking |
thepalacearcade.com.au/functions |
Private events, corporate bookings |
The Palace Arcade's Northbridge location positions it within Perth's primary cultural and entertainment precinct, surrounded by numerous complementary attractions that make the area ideal for extended outings.
Cultural Institutions:
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, one of Australia's most significant state museums, sits less than 500 meters from The Palace Arcade. This world-class institution offers free general admission and houses extensive collections covering Western Australian history, natural sciences, and Indigenous culture. The Perth Cultural Centre, which encompasses the museum along with the Art Gallery of Western Australia and State Library, creates a concentration of cultural attractions within easy walking distance.
Dining Options:
Beaufort Street and surrounding Northbridge streets contain Perth's highest concentration of diverse dining options. Vietnamese restaurants like Le Vietnam (rated 4.8/5) offer exceptional Southeast Asian cuisine. The area features Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Indian restaurants within a few blocks, allowing patrons to enjoy dinner elsewhere before or after visiting The Palace Arcade.
Bar and Nightlife:
Northbridge functions as Perth's premier nightlife district, with dozens of bars, pubs, and clubs operating within walking distance. Notable nearby venues include Sneaky Tony's (cocktail bar), Mechanics Institute (craft beer specialist), Northbridge Brewing Company (brewpub), The Standard (small bar), Ezra Pound (literary-themed cocktail bar), and numerous others. This concentration allows bar-hopping itineraries that can include The Palace Arcade as one component of a larger evening.
Performance Venues:
The State Theatre Centre of WA, located within the Cultural Centre precinct, hosts theater productions, dance performances, and other live entertainment. His Majesty's Theatre, a heritage-listed venue dating to 1904, presents larger-scale musical theater and performing arts productions. These venues create opportunities to combine cultural performances with arcade gaming in a single evening.
Shopping and Markets:
The Northbridge Piazza hosts regular markets and community events, while numerous independent retail shops line Beaufort Street and surrounding areas. Specialty stores covering books, records, clothing, and various niche interests give the neighborhood a distinctive character compared to Perth's more commercial retail districts.
|
Nearby Attraction |
Type |
Distance |
Highlights |
|
WA Museum Boola Bardip |
Cultural Institution |
500m |
State museum, free entry |
|
Art Gallery of WA |
Cultural Institution |
600m |
Australian and international art |
|
State Theatre Centre |
Performance Venue |
400m |
Theater and dance productions |
|
Northbridge Piazza |
Public Space |
300m |
Markets, events, open space |
|
Beaufort Street Dining |
Restaurant District |
0-200m |
Diverse cuisine options |
|
Various Bars & Clubs |
Nightlife |
100-500m |
Perth's main nightlife district |
Standard Operating Schedule:
The Palace Arcade maintains a Thursday-through-Sunday operating schedule with extended weekend hours. Wednesday and Thursday hours run from 4:00 PM until midnight, allowing after-work crowds to enjoy arcade gaming and dinner. Friday hours extend from 12:00 PM (noon) until 2:00 AM, accommodating both lunch crowds and late-night entertainment seekers. Saturday operates on the same 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM schedule. Sunday hours run from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing a more family-friendly timeframe. The venue closes Monday and Tuesday, using these days for maintenance, deep cleaning, and restocking.
Peak Times and Capacity:
Google's popular times data reveals distinct traffic patterns throughout the week. Saturday evenings between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM represent the venue's busiest periods, with occupancy reaching 93-100% of capacity during the 8:00 PM hour. Friday evenings see moderately high traffic (60-71% capacity) between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Wednesday evenings attract steady crowds due to the unlimited gaming promotion, with 6:00 PM hitting 69% capacity. Sunday afternoons remain relatively quiet (33-45% capacity) until early evening.
Optimal Visit Strategies:
For families with children, Sunday afternoons between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM offer the best experience, providing ample machine availability, shorter wait times for food, and a relaxed atmosphere before the 8:00 PM age restriction takes effect. Adults seeking competitive gaming experiences should target Wednesday evenings for the unlimited games promotion or attend scheduled tournaments announced via social media. Couples looking for a more intimate date experience might prefer Thursday evenings (4:00-7:00 PM) when the venue operates at lower capacity.
Friday and Saturday afternoons (12:00-4:00 PM) present an underutilized opportunity, offering full access to all machines and the complete food menu without weekend evening crowds. This timing particularly suits interstate or international visitors who want to experience the venue without navigating peak-period intensity.
Seasonal Considerations:
Perth's climate influences venue traffic patterns significantly. During summer months (December-February), the air-conditioned arcade level becomes particularly attractive during Perth's hottest afternoon hours. Winter months (June-August) see increased evening traffic as outdoor entertainment becomes less comfortable. The venue's indoor nature makes it a reliable year-round entertainment option regardless of weather conditions.
|
Day |
Opening Hours |
Typical Capacity |
Best For |
|
Monday |
Closed |
- |
Venue maintenance |
|
Tuesday |
Closed |
- |
Venue maintenance |
|
Wednesday |
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
Medium (50-70%) |
Unlimited games night |
|
Thursday |
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
Low-Medium (30-50%) |
Quiet visits, pizza night |
|
Friday |
12:00 PM - 2:00 AM |
Medium-High (60-75%) |
Afternoon gaming, cocktail specials |
|
Saturday |
12:00 PM - 2:00 AM |
Very High (80-100%) |
Full experience (expect crowds) |
|
Sunday |
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Low-Medium (30-45%) |
Family-friendly, 50¢ games |
While the Northbridge location at 84 Beaufort Street serves as The Palace Arcade's flagship venue, the business has successfully expanded to two additional Perth metropolitan locations, each offering similar experiences adapted to their respective neighborhoods.
The Palace Arcade Victoria Park:
Located at 774 Albany Highway in Victoria Park (License No. 6020006726), this location serves Perth's southeastern suburbs. The Victoria Park venue replicates the core arcade bar concept with local variations in atmosphere reflecting the neighborhood's slightly more residential character. Operating under The Palace Arcade No2 Pty Ltd, this location features similar opening hours, menu offerings, and game selections. The Albany Highway location provides convenient access for residents of suburbs like Lathlain, Carlisle, and East Victoria Park who might find Northbridge less accessible.
The Palace Arcade Fremantle:
The Fremantle location operates at 96 High Street, Fremantle (License No. 602214985820) in one of Perth's most historically significant and tourist-frequented areas. Fremantle's unique port-city character and heritage architecture provide a distinctive setting for the arcade bar concept. This location attracts both locals and the substantial tourist population that visits Fremantle's markets, museums, and maritime attractions. The venue benefits from Fremantle's established reputation as a dining and entertainment destination, complementing the area's existing bar and restaurant scene.
All three locations share unified branding, menu consistency, and operational standards while adapting to their specific neighborhood characteristics. The expansion strategy demonstrates the arcade bar concept's viability across different Perth metropolitan markets, from the central entertainment district (Northbridge) to suburban commercial corridors (Victoria Park) and tourist-oriented heritage areas (Fremantle).
|
Location |
Address |
License Number |
Neighborhood Character |
|
Northbridge (Flagship) |
84 Beaufort St, Perth 6000 |
638208251616 |
Entertainment district, nightlife hub |
|
Victoria Park |
774 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park 6101 |
6020006726 |
Suburban corridor, residential access |
|
Fremantle |
96 High St, Fremantle 6160 |
602214985820 |
Heritage precinct, tourist destination |
For interstate or international visitors planning to include The Palace Arcade in their Perth itinerary, several accommodation options offer convenient access to the Northbridge venue.
Hotels in Walking Distance:
The Alex Hotel Perth, located directly in Northbridge, provides boutique accommodation within 400 meters of The Palace Arcade. This contemporary hotel emphasizes design and local art, aligning aesthetically with the arcade bar's nostalgic yet modern approach. The Pensione Hotel Perth, another Northbridge option, offers budget-friendly accommodation in a converted heritage building, appealing to backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
Perth CBD Hotels:
Major hotel chains including the Hyatt Regency, Pan Pacific, and QT Perth operate in Perth's central business district, approximately 1-2 kilometers from The Palace Arcade. These hotels provide easy access via the brief train ride from Perth Station or a 15-20 minute walk through the city center. The elevated service standards and amenities at these properties suit business travelers or visitors seeking higher-end accommodation.
Alternative Accommodation:
Airbnb listings throughout Northbridge and Mount Lawley (the neighborhood immediately north of Northbridge along Beaufort Street) provide apartment-style accommodation. These options particularly suit groups or families wanting self-catering facilities and more space than traditional hotel rooms offer. The residential character of these neighborhoods also provides authentic experiences of Perth urban living beyond tourist-focused areas.
Visitor Resources:
The City of Perth operates a visitor center at the Perth Cultural Centre (adjacent to The Palace Arcade), offering maps, transportation advice, and information about Perth attractions. The Transperth website and mobile app provide real-time public transportation information essential for navigating Perth's extensive metropolitan area. The Tourism Western Australia website (westernaustralia.com) offers broader resources for visitors combining Perth city experiences with regional Western Australian destinations.
The Palace Arcade features over 100 original arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s, including classic titles like Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat, Galaga, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, pinball machines, and many other iconic games. These are skill-based arcade games, not poker machines (pokies), which are prohibited in Western Australian pubs and bars. Games operate on a rechargeable card system costing approximately 99 cents per play, with special promotions offering unlimited games for A$10 on Wednesday nights and discounted 50-cent games on Sundays.
Yes, The Palace Arcade welcomes families with children until 8:00 PM each operating day. The venue provides a family-friendly environment during daytime and early evening hours, with staff described as patient and attentive toward younger guests. After 8:00 PM, the venue transitions to an adult-focused bar atmosphere. Sunday afternoons represent the optimal time for family visits, offering 50-cent games, lower crowd levels, and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu includes items appealing to children, and the arcade games span difficulty levels suitable for various ages.
While walk-in patrons are welcome, reservations are highly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings when the venue reaches capacity. Bookings can be made through the website at thepalacearcade.com.au/book-now or by calling +61 8 6558 1611. Groups of six or more should definitely book ahead to ensure adequate space. Wednesday through Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons typically have better walk-in availability. For functions or private events, advance booking through the dedicated functions coordinator is required.
The Palace Arcade specializes in New York-style pizza available whole or by the slice, with varieties ranging from classic Margherita to unique options like Butter Chicken and Spud King with potato and feta. Small pizzas cost A$22-26, while large pizzas range from A$33-37. The menu also includes appetizers like chicken wings, Nashville chicken strips, fries, and shareable plates. The bar offers craft beers (A$11-15), creative cocktails (A$18-22), Western Australian wines, and rotating slushie flavors. Gluten-free and vegan options are available for additional charges.
Most patrons typically spend between A$20-40 per person according to venue price data, though spending varies based on food consumption and gaming duration. A typical visit might include a rechargeable game card (A$10-20), a small pizza or shared appetizers (A$12-26), and drinks (A$11-22 each). Taking advantage of special promotions can reduce costs significantly—Wednesday's A$10 unlimited gaming and Thursday's A$12 pizzas offer excellent value. For extended sessions on busy weekend nights, budget A$40-60 per person to comfortably enjoy both food and substantial gaming time.
Street parking along Beaufort Street and surrounding Northbridge streets provides metered parking, though availability varies significantly during peak hours. The Northbridge Piazza car park offers paid parking within walking distance. For evening visits, expect limited street parking availability, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Public transportation via train (Perth Station) or bus (Transperth network) represents the most reliable access method. The venue is also bicycle-friendly, with bike parking available on Beaufort Street.
Yes, The Palace Arcade accommodates private functions, corporate events, birthday parties, and group celebrations. Function packages can include pre-paid game cards, reserved seating areas, set menu options, and customized arrangements. Organizations have successfully hosted team building events and work social functions at the venue. Inquiries should be directed through thepalacearcade.com.au/functions or by calling +61 8 6558 1611. The venue's combination of gaming entertainment and food service creates distinctive event experiences different from traditional function venues.
Yes, in addition to the flagship Northbridge location at 84 Beaufort Street, The Palace Arcade operates two other venues: Victoria Park at 774 Albany Highway (serving southeastern suburbs) and Fremantle at 96 High Street (in Perth's historic port district). All three locations offer similar arcade game selections, menus, and operating concepts while reflecting their respective neighborhood characters. Each venue maintains its own operating hours and booking systems, though all share the central phone number +61 8 6558 1611.