Celebrating pop culture in the city

Chelsea Hayes01 Nov '243 min read

It may not be obvious at first, but Perth’s city centre is packed with secret spots celebrating every aspect of pop culture - from graphic novels to gaming and collectibles to comic books. So if you’re after a gift for a fan, seeking a collectors’ item from your favourite franchise, or want to get into a new game, this one’s for you. Welcome to the geekiest (and perhaps funnest) guide to Perth City you’ll ever find.

Comics & books

White Dwarf Books on Wellington Street are science fiction and fantasy specialists. Boasting everything from Joe Abercrombie to Timothy Zahn, and Perth's largest collection of Warhammer and Warhammer40K novels, they’re willing to help you get your hands on any title in their genres.

Stefen’s Books on Murray Street also promise to help find your next favourite read - whether it’s new, old or rare. They specialise in sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comics and more.

And Quality Comics on Hay Street has enough comic books, graphic novels and manga to last a lifetime, from DC and Marvel to newer names. The shop is known for its huge range and helpful staff, so drop in to discover something new.

Gaming

Tactics, Perth’s home of role-playing games, board games and wargames, has recently moved to Barrack Street. This new, larger shop stocks more games than you could dream of, along with books, game accessories and collectibles.

The Warhammer store on Murray Street has everything you need to get started with the game beloved by millions worldwide. Collect, build and paint miniatures, then battle it out with fellow fans.

Gamecity Espresso Bar on William Street is a unique combo of coffee spot and nostalgic gaming arcade. It gets rave reviews for friendly service, delicious drinks and quirky decor.

The Nostalgia Box at City West is Australia’s only video game console museum. They have rare retro consoles from the 1970s to early 2000s as well as an interactive games area where you can race around the tracks in Mario Kart, chase some ghosts in Pac-man or settle that old score in Space Invaders.

Want more? Get your nerd on at the top spots for gaming in Perth.

Collecting, cosplay and more

Al’s Card Shop (now on Queen Street just off Wellington) claims WA’s largest range of collector, trading and gaming cards - from AFL and NBA to Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh via Magic: The Gathering and more.

If you’re obsessed with blind box collectibles, check out Pop & Fun in the Perth Station concourse. They stock heaps of cute collector toys and figurines from POP MART, Sonny Angel, Smiski, 52Toys, Rolife, Heyone and Finding Unicorn. Japanese pop culture fans will also love Shumi Shop at Watertown for their range of manga and anime figures. Another Watertown destination to check out is Dee Pop Culture & Gifts, purveyors of collectibles, toys and gifts for all ages, with action figures, Warhammer miniatures, Pop! vinyl figures and more.

Love dressing up as your fave characters? Hurly Burly on Barrack Street has an enormous range of clothes and costumes. From options to suit any dress-up party to corsets, tights, wigs and contact lenses to complete your cosplay, this is the place to go.

For a bit of everything, head to the EB Games and ZiNG Pop Culture store on William Street. It’s a go-to for video games plus collectibles like trading cards and figurines, board games, graphic novels, clothing and homewares featuring your favourite franchises, and more. Simpsons mug? Star Wars tote bag? You’ll find it here.