Zero Latency Perth brings cutting-edge free‑roam virtual reality to the heart of Northbridge, and it’s a brilliant option for tech‑loving tweens, teens and their parents. Unlike seated or cable‑tethered VR, this is a walk‑around experience: up to eight players share a 128m² arena, moving freely through the space while the system “reuses” the floor area with clever mapping, so the virtual world feels much larger. Once you lower your headset, the plain room disappears and you’ll see your teammates as customised avatars, hear each other through built‑in microphones, and work together to complete missions.
Most of the Zero Latency game library is geared towards players aged 13+ years, but there are also more family‑friendly options that suit confident younger gamers. Experiences such as the mind‑bending puzzle world of Engineerium are ideal for kids around 10+ who are at least 130cm tall, and they’re designed to be non‑gory, with a focus on teamwork, problem‑solving and exploration rather than jump scares. As always, it’s best to check the current game line‑up and age/height guidelines when you book, as titles and requirements can change over time.
The gear feels impressively high‑tech but is simple enough for first‑timers. Each player is fitted with a lightweight backpack PC, VR headset, over‑ear headphones and a controller shaped like a futuristic blaster. A dedicated Gamemaster stays in contact through your headsets, guiding the group, pausing play if anyone needs help and keeping an eye on safety.
Built‑in alerts let you know if you’re getting too close to a wall or another player, so even nervous parents can relax and enjoy the immersion. The sensation of walking across twisting bridges, riding moving platforms or standing on the edge of a virtual drop is incredibly realistic, and the shared “wow” moments are a big part of the fun.
Zero Latency Perth is also home to The Detour – a retro arcade and café that makes the venue much more than a one‑and‑done activity. When you’re not in the VR arena you can battle it out on classic pinball tables (it’s one of Perth’s largest pinball collections), jump into nostalgic favourites like Daytona and Time Crisis, or chill on the lounges with a coffee, cold drink or snack from the café.
Non‑playing family members can watch the action through viewing windows, which is handy if you’ve got younger siblings who are too small for VR but still want to be part of the outing.
Sessions are pre‑booked, so it’s essential to reserve your VR game time online, particularly on weekends and during school holidays when spots fill quickly. The arcade and café are more flexible – you can usually just wander in to play a few pinball games or grab a drink. With its mix of state‑of‑the‑art VR, classic arcade fun and a relaxed hang‑out space, Zero Latency Perth works just as well for a special family day out as it does for birthday parties or a memorable tween and teen catch‑up.
Zero Latency Perth
Address: Zero Latency Perth at The Detour, 248 Newcastle Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
(Opening hours may vary on public holidays and for special events; check the website for current session times.)
Official website: https://zerolatencyvr.com/en/locations/perth
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
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