Northbridge, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids NorthbridgePerth, Western Australia |
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William Street, Northbridge
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| Postcode(s) | 6003 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 0.5 km2 (0.2 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 1 km (1 mi) N of the Perth CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | City of Perth | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Perth | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Perth | ||||||||||||||
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Northbridge is a vibrant area located right next to the city center of Perth, Western Australia. It used to be separated from Perth's main business district by railway lines. Today, it is a busy hub for food, entertainment, and culture. Northbridge is part of the City of Perth local government area.
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Where is Northbridge Located?
Northbridge is just north of Perth's city center. Its official borders are William Street, Roe Street, Newcastle Street, and the Mitchell Freeway.
Sometimes, people mistakenly call areas east of William Street or north of Newcastle Street "Northbridge." However, these spots, like the Perth Cultural Centre, are actually part of the suburb of Perth.
It's easy to get to Northbridge! You can walk there from Perth railway station and Perth Busport. There's also a free CAT bus service. Plus, there are many public car parks available. This area has a mix of shops, public buildings, and homes.
Northbridge's Past: A Brief History
The land where Northbridge now stands was once covered by freshwater swamps. These swamps were located where the railway station and tracks are today.
In the 1860s, prisoners started draining these swamps. This made it possible to build more permanent structures. During the gold boom of the 1890s, many hotels were built. These hotels provided places for gold prospectors to stay. One famous example is The Great Western Hotel, built in 1896, now known as the Brass Monkey Hotel. In the 1890s, important and wealthy people lived in this area.
Some private schools, like Scotch College (1897) and Presbyterian Ladies' College (1915), were also started here. These schools have since moved to different locations. Around World War I, many European immigrants, especially from Greece and Macedonia, made Northbridge their home.
After World War II, in the 1950s and 60s, more European immigrants arrived. They brought new traditions, creating the outdoor dining and cafe culture that Northbridge is famous for today.
This area was once considered part of Perth's main business district. People called it "North of the Bridge" or "North of the [railway] Line." In 1982, it was officially recognized as its own suburb.
Northbridge Culture: Food, Fun, and Community
Northbridge is a truly multicultural place. You can find all kinds of food here, from Asian to Mediterranean dishes. It's also home to Perth's main nightlife area, especially around James Street and Lake Street. You'll discover small laneway bars, cozy cafes, and large venues like the Brass Monkey and Metro City concert club. Northbridge also has Perth's main Chinatown area, centered on Chung Wah Lane.
The area has strong ties to the Greek and Italian communities. Perth's first Orthodox Church is located on Parker Street.
Russell Square is a large public park in Northbridge. The Northbridge Piazza is another open community space. It's used for free movie screenings, live music, and showing popular sports events.
In March 2018, Yagan Square officially opened. This new public space connects Northbridge with the Perth city center. It features a Digital Tower, a Marketplace, and fun areas for everyone to enjoy.
Northbridge History Project
In the early 2000s, the Government of Western Australia supported the Northbridge History Project. This project aimed to study and record the history of the area. It officially finished in 2010.
During the project, several "Northbridge History Study Days" were held. These were events where people shared research and stories about the area. The project also created publications and an archive of its findings.
Getting Around: Transport in Northbridge
Northbridge is well-connected by public transport.
Bus Services
- The Blue CAT bus runs for free between Perth Busport and Kings Park. It serves Fitzgerald Street and Aberdeen Street.
Other bus routes serving Fitzgerald Street include:
- Route 19: Perth Busport to Flinders Square
- Routes 360 and 361: Perth Busport to Alexander Heights Shopping Centre (with limited stops)
- Route 362: Perth Busport to Ballajura (with limited stops)
- Route 960: Curtin University Bus Station to Mirrabooka Bus Station (a high-frequency service)
Perth City Link: Connecting the City
The Perth City Link project has changed how Northbridge connects to the Perth city center. This project transformed the old railway yard west of Perth railway station into a new urban area. Now, Northbridge is directly linked to the Perth CBD through Yagan Square and Manatj Park.
Famous People from Northbridge
Some notable people who have lived in or are from Northbridge include:
- Gum Yuen (1875 – 1943), a Chinese Australian furniture maker and restaurant owner.
Images for kids
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The Northbridge sign and the Rechabite
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View of the North Metropolitan TAFE buildings
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Russell Square
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Arch, Northbridge
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St Brigid's Church with St Brigid's School
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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helene
