Perth Upmarket has firmly cemented itself as Perth’s premier design and handmade market, and it continues to be a brilliant day out for families. Held quarterly in the stunning grounds of The University of Western Australia (UWA), the market brings together over 180 local makers, creatives and gourmet food retailers. The setting alone – with heritage buildings, leafy courtyards and expansive lawns – makes it feel like a special outing, and the high standard of stalls means it’s ideal for finding unique gifts or treating yourself.
One of the key things that sets Perth Upmarket apart is its strong focus on Western Australian talent. To have a stall, products must be made in WA or designed in WA, so you’re genuinely supporting local small businesses and creatives. The line‑up changes from market to market, which keeps things fresh; even if you go every season, there’s always something new to discover.
Expect a wide mix of fashion, jewellery, art, photography, ceramics, plants, skincare, gourmet food products and more. The stall presentation is consistently excellent and very Instagram‑worthy, which adds to the sense that this is a curated, high‑quality event rather than a standard weekend market.
The market is spread across several zones, which makes exploring with kids much easier if you plan your route. Winthrop Hall – the grand building with the clock tower – is the main hub and houses a large number of stalls over multiple levels. Families with prams will be pleased to know there is a lift to access the upper levels, so you don’t need to battle stairs. This area is great for browsing fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and older kids often enjoy spotting quirky prints, handmade toys or interesting plant displays.
Junior Upmarket, held in Hackett Hall, caters especially for children and those shopping for little ones. Here you’ll find toys, kids’ clothing, accessories, décor and other goodies created with youngsters in mind. It’s a fun spot to hunt for birthday gifts, nursery décor or something special for baby showers. Many of the stallholders are parents themselves, and there’s often a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that helps if you’ve got kids in tow.
Food is a big part of the experience, and Perth Upmarket does this very well. On the lawns to the north and south of Winthrop Hall you’ll find a mix of food stalls and food trucks, serving everything from good coffee and cake to more substantial options and international flavours such as Indian or Japanese.
The university’s gorgeous, well‑kept lawns make a perfect picnic spot to spread out with the kids and enjoy an easy lunch. There’s plenty of space for little ones to have a wriggle and stretch their legs between browsing sessions, which can really help break up the day for younger children.
In addition to the main quarterly markets, the Perth Upmarket team also hosts special themed events, including Wedding Upmarket and Art Upmarket. These spin‑off events are ideal if you’re planning a wedding and looking for local suppliers, or if you’re particularly interested in art and design. Dates for all upcoming markets – including the general Perth Upmarket days in March, June, September and November – are listed on their official website and social media, and it’s a good idea to check these before you go so you can plan around nap times and other weekend commitments.
Perth Upmarket has also introduced a VIP mailing list, which is worth knowing about if you’re a regular visitor. By joining the list, you can receive VIP entry to the March, September and November Upmarkets from 9am to 10am. That earlier access can be handy for families who like to arrive before the main crowds, particularly with prams or toddlers. As always, it’s free to enter the market, and free parking is available on site at UWA on market days, which helps keep the outing budget‑friendly.
Overall, Perth Upmarket remains a fantastic family outing: it’s pram‑friendly, relaxed and full of inspiring local creativity. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, supporting WA makers or just enjoying a wander and a bite to eat in beautiful surroundings, it’s well worth popping the upcoming dates in your calendar.
Perth Upmarket
Address:
The University of Western Australia, Winthrop Hall, Hackett Hall and surrounding lawns, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009
Opening hours:
Quarterly Sunday markets – check the website for specific dates and times (including VIP entry times).
Official website:
https://www.perthupmarket.com.au
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
Please tell me when the next mkt is going to be