Remember last year, when we were so excited at the prospect of the AFL Grand Final being hosted in Perth? Oh, if only we knew what 2021 would hold for us.
The biggest day on the AFL calendar is upon us, and if you weren’t among the 60,000 fans lucky enough to score themselves a ticket to the game, wipe away those tears. Bars and pubs across Perth will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate this unforgettable day, and no doubt you’re going to want to get amongst the action.
We’ve done the hard yards and rounded up the best places to catch the big game. Bounce down is at 5.15pm on Saturday 25 September, don’t be late.
The Camfield
The Camfield is Australia’s biggest pub and you can count on it being at capacity on game day. With six bars, a microbrewery, beer garden, container bar and restaurant, not to mention the close proximity to Optus Stadium, this is one of the best spots to really feel the roar of the crowd. Arrive early and channel that game day energy while you dance to tunes by DJ Buda and DJ Elise, then secure yourself a spot for the evening—with big screen views from every seat in the house, you can’t really go wrong. Plus, there’s no need to book—everyone can walk right in.
Planet Royale
There’s no place fresher than The Royale Theatre to catch all of the action of this year’s Grand Final. Perth’s newest theatre features a huge 8 metre by 4.5-metre screen, so get ready to see every blade of grass and bead of sweat on the ground, and they’ve even got VIP booth seating so you can feel like you’re sitting in a box at the game. To top it all off, their Siren to Siren package includes bottomless craft beer, cider, Aperol spritz cocktails and wines, plus a gourmet burger or hotdog with chips—need we say more?
The Raft
Pre-game ahead of the big game aboard The Raft with free-flowing drinks, canapes, an all-inclusive bbq lunch, a live DJ and of course, some stellar city and river views. If you’ve got tickets to the game, why not go all out and add a private ferry transfer to your booking so you can arrive in style?
The Old Synagogue
This Grand Final Day, round up your team and get ready to soak up the sunshine at The Gog. With six big screens across The Arbor and Mr Chapple, you’re guaranteed to catch every single bit of action. Settle in with your favourite pint and fill your table with pizzas, burgers, fries and other tasty snacks and you’re in for a good time no matter who wins.
Market Grounds
Bounce down to Market Grounds to catch the biggest game of the year. With half time entertainment and prizes up for grabs, it really is a no brainer. Go all out with a siren to siren package which includes free-flowing tap beers, ciders, wine and Aperol spritz, plus a fully loaded AFL platter stacked with beef sliders, pork sausage rolls, pumpkin arancini and buffalo chicken wings. Then after the final siren wails, stroll into The Night Market for an after party of epic proportions.
The Globe
Fill your belly with gourmet pies, chicken, chips and plenty of beer while you and your crew catch every moment of the big game live and loud at The Globe. Bookings are essential and will guarantee you a screen-side table, so what are you waiting for? Lock in your spot here.
The Wembley Hotel
What better way to round out the season than at this old favourite? It will be one hell of a party at The Wembley, with indoor and outdoor bars, footy food and plenty of screens for a good view of the game. Entry is free but we suggest booking a VIP package to secure your spot—for $120 you can score yourself three hours of free-flowing drinks plus gourmet canapes.
The Leederville Hotel
With a big beer garden, live entertainment all day long, food and drink specials plus more big screens than you could poke a stick at, The Leederville Hotel is the perfect place for your game day celebrations. Don your team colours (whether they’re playing or not) and wander on in from 11am.
Samuels On Mill
Those with a more sophisticated approach to Grand Final celebrations will want to make their way to Samuels on Mill. Order your favourite vino or a snazzy cocktail followed by a bite to eat from the contemporary dining menu, then settle in for an evening of historic AFL action.
Quarter Acre
The crew at Quarter Acre Hotel want to assure you that if you missed out on tickets to the big dance, their contemporary beer garden is the next best place to be—and with their finger-lickin’ chicken wings, craft tinnies, jug specials and cosy deck vibes, we reckon they’re right. You’ll want to get here early to secure yourself a spot in front of the big screen!
Looking for more of Perth's best pubs? Search Pubs in The Directory.
Image credit: The Camfield