About The Court
The Court is a multi-level pub and nightclub in Perth’s cultural heart on the corner of Beaufort and James Streets. Housed in an 1888 heritage building, it blends Victorian and Art Deco architecture with modern club design (thecourt.com.au ) (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). Originally known as the Court Hotel under publican Con O’Brien (a turn-of-the-century labour leader), it later became an important meeting place for Western Australian unions (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). Since the early 1990s The Court has reinvented itself as a premier all-inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly venue, famous locally for drag shows, dance parties and community spirit. It features six bar counters, three separate dancefloors and one of the city’s largest open-air beer gardens, all operating under one roof (www.tripadvisor.ie ). With its rainbow façade and history of welcoming diversity, The Court has become a cultural landmark – a favourite spot for locals and visitors looking for a safe, vibrant night out.
Events and Programming
The Court offers a packed calendar of weekly and special events for all kinds of entertainment. Every Wednesday night is “Drag Factory,” a free weekly drag show (with two performances around 9:30pm and 10:30pm) that draws a lively crowd of all ages (thecourt.com.au ). Thursdays host stand-up comedy (Fluffy Duck Comedy) from 7pm onward, usually with a $10 cover for a big lineup of local comics (thecourt.com.au ). Friday and Saturday nights are the main party nights – DJs spin dance, pop and house music on each floor until late, and rotating themed parties (silent disco, bingo, etc.) are often on the roster. The venue runs daytime events too: a monthly Saturday **Drag Brunch** (2pm–4pm) with bottomless drinks, drag performances and games for about $85 a head (thecourt.com.au ), and cocktail masterclasses (Wed–Sat afternoons) where groups learn to mix three drinks (thecourt.com.au ). The Court also hosts one-off and seasonal events – for example, its annual *Pride Street Party* (the official Pride parade after-party) featuring international drag stars and DJs (thecourt.com.au ), New Year’s Eve bashes (recently a “Bubblegum Blast Off” pop-music theme (thecourt.com.au )), charity fundraisers (like a firefighters’ calendar launch), and festival-style daytime raves for an older crowd (e.g. the 30+ “Bed By 10” dance festival with 80s/90s hits). In 2020–2025 The Court remained an active hub for music and queer culture in Perth – from weekly drag nights to major parties with big-name performers, ensuring there’s something on most nights of the week.
Tickets and Booking
For most nights The Court has free entry (it’s a pub/tavern licence), especially on weekdays and regular DJ nights. You generally only need a paid ticket for special events – things like large concerts or festivals. When shows are ticketed, The Court sells access via its official site or ticket outlets (look for “Book Tickets” links on event listings). Prices vary by event: for example, the Drag Brunch inclusive package is about $85 per person (thecourt.com.au ), while cover charges for themed parties or visiting DJs might range from $20–$40. In general, classic weekly acts like the Wednesday drag show or open DJ nights have no door charge. There is no separate box office on site; most tickets must be booked online in advance. Popular events do sell out quickly, so keep an eye on The Court’s website or social media for on-sale announcements. Insider tip: downloading The Court’s loyalty app (The Pass) can get you $10 off ticketed events and earn drink discounts, so it can pay to join before big nights. Finally, it’s smart to arrive early for busy shows – both to find good spots near the stage and to take advantage of drink specials, since lines can form on peak evenings.
Seating and Layout
The Court’s interior is largely open-plan with a mix of standing and bench seating rather than fixed auditorium chairs. On the ground level you’ll find the main dancefloor and bar areas, plus the huge retractable-roof Beer Garden courtyard (often used for daytime festivals or beer-garden parties). Immediately adjacent to the Beer Garden is the main bar counter and lounge zone. Upstairs is “The Verdict” bar – a big open room with its own stage, DJ booth and dancefloor – as well as the elevated open-air Roof Deck with covered cabanas for private groups. There are also smaller spaces like “The Chambers” (an intimate mid-floor lounge) and a Balcony overlooking the Beer Garden. Essentially, there are three main party spaces (courtyard, upstairs bar, and verandah) plus several smaller nooks, all stocked with drink rails or benches to perch. Because much is general admission and standing, the best viewing spots depend on your needs: to catch a DJ or drag show up-close, head to the front of the dancefloor or courtyard stage well before the act starts. If you want a break from dancing, any of the bar counters or balconies offer a sit-down refuge with a view of the action. Acoustics are punchy and bass-heavy, so keep that in mind (and consider earplugs for sensitive ears on loud DJ nights). The roof deck provides a breezy vantage on warm nights, but it’s open-air, so in cooler weather or rain the roof retracts overhead, keeping the party dry (thecourt.com.au ). Overall, The Court’s multi-level layout means there’s always a spot to suit your vibe – energetic dancefloor fun down low, or a more laid-back booth upstairs – but it’s a good idea to explore a bit to find your favourite area on your first visit.
Getting There and Parking
Address: The Court is at 50 Beaufort Street, Perth (corner of Beaufort and James). This places it in Northbridge, just north of Perth’s Cultural Centre and not far from the CBD proper.
Driving: Street parking is very limited around Beaufort and James in the evenings (and much of Perth CBD is paid parking). The nearest public car park is the free City of Perth Cultural Centre car park (Ground level of 251 Hay Street, 320 spaces) which offers a couple of hours free and is about a 5-minute walk (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Otherwise there are paid commercial lots nearby (e.g. Barrack Street Bridge Car Park on Barrack St, about two blocks away) and metered bays along adjacent streets. Rideshares and taxis can usually drop off at the front door on Beaufort Street (ask the driver to stop at James Street since that corner can be busy). If you arrive by car, plan to walk a block or two from parking or a drop-off point.
Public Transport: The Court is very well served by Perth’s public transit. All Perth train lines (Armadale, Midland, Fremantle, Joondalup, etc.) stop at Perth Station or Perth Underground, about a 5–10 minute walk away up Wellington Street and then north. Alternatively, you can take the Central (purple) bus routes like the 950, 960, 970 or the free CAT buses – for example, the FREE Blue CAT and Yellow CAT city shuttle buses stop just a couple of minutes’ walk from The Court (William Street at the Cultural Centre or Beaufort Street stops) (moovitapp.com ). Many regular Transperth bus routes on Beaufort Street (Route 82 to Nedlands/Maylands, 935 to Guildford, or the 176 to Mirrabooka, etc.) stop within a minute’s walk. In short, whether you’re coming from the suburbs or the airport, you can easily catch a train or bus to the Perth city centre and either walk a few blocks through Northbridge or hop on a local route that goes right along Beaufort Street. Once the night is over, trains run until around midnight (later on weekends) and night buses continue after that; a taxi rank and rideshare picks-up are also conveniently close to William and Wellington streets.
Inside the Venue
When you walk in, expect a lively nightclub atmosphere. Security staff will check your ID at the door (everything is 18+ under WA liquor laws) and may glance at bags for safety (big bags are often discouraged). After that you’re in a cavernous space: polished wooden bars, neon lights and disco fixtures (The Court’s lighting rig includes rotating beams, LED tubes and fog machines from a past renovation (alia.com.au ) (alia.com.au )). Six separate bar counters are scattered through the venue (inside and open-air areas), so you’ll rarely be far from a bartender. The decor mixes the old brick-and-beam charm of a classic Perth pub with modern club furnishings – think tall stools, lounge booths, QR-coded taps and pride-themed art. The overall vibe is friendly and flamboyant; locals often comment the staff are welcoming and many patrons come dressed ready to party.
Food & Drinks: The Court has a full tavern menu served all day. You can grab bar snacks like loaded fries or burgers, and they’ve recently opened “Who The F*** Knew The Court Had Food?” – a pizzeria serving pizza and pub classics until late (thecourt.com.au ). In fact, their pizza kitchen is open daily from noon, so you can enjoy meals before or during the party (or on the Beer Garden patio). The drink list includes all the usual suspects – local and imported beers, wines, and creative cocktails (often given drag-themed names). If you arrive for a late-afternoon or early-evening event, watch for the daily happy-hour from 4–6pm (usually $10 pizza specials and discounted drinks) (thecourt.com.au ), which is a popular way to kick off the night. Once inside, note that The Court uses plastic drink cups during big events (for example, one guest observed budget-looking plastic pint cups on a comedy night) (www.tripadvisor.com.ph ) – this is a safety measure to avoid broken glass in a crowded space.
Facilities: There are restrooms on each level (including at least one accessible toilet). TripAdvisor users confirm The Court is wheelchair-accessible – there is a “largish lift” to the upper floors and level areas on the main level (www.tripadvisor.com.au ). The venue does not have a cloakroom, so small bags or coats must be held by guests or returned to tables. Wi-Fi may be available for customers on request, though in practice people rely on mobile data. After a few drinks you might want to freshen up – bathrooms are clean, and there are handwash stations throughout. Finally, merchandise and souvenirs aren’t a big feature here (don’t expect official t-shirts or hats), but the bathrooms often have life-size posters of upcoming shows, and staff wear The Court-branded shirts, so you can feel the point of it.
Nearby Amenities
Dining: Northbridge is Perth’s nightlife precinct, so you’ll find plenty of pre-show dinner options just a block or two from The Court. On Beaufort Street itself there are casual eats like Deborah’s Cafe (for sandwiches, pizzas and all-day breakfast) and Little Antony’s (bar snacks and pasta). A few minutes’ walk south on William Street brings you to other favourites – e.g. Durty Nelly’s Irish pub, Govinda’s vegetarian restaurant, and fast eateries in the State Buildings. Chinatown (50m away) offers Chinese and hotpot restaurants. For quick bites, many people end up just grabbing the pizza or chicken parmigiana at The Court itself – they pride themselves on having one of the best late-night pub food menus in town.
Bars & Entertainment: If you want something quieter or different before The Court’s doors open, Northbridge has dozens of cafes and bars. On James Street you have places like Bar Lafayette (speakeasy cocktails) and Sneaky Tony’s (brewpub with a rooftop). If you fancy less drag and more live jazz, the Ellington Jazz Club is 200m west. For after-parties, Perth taxi ranks are along William Street, and Ubers converge near nearby bars like the Yard Bar or Madrid Hernandez. Keep mind that last trains run around midnight (later Friday/Saturday), and Transperth runs a night bus service after that – so if you plan a big night, check the timetables or have a taxi app ready.
Accommodation: Visitors often stay in CBD/Northbridge hotels because they’re so close. The closest hotels include the Novotel Perth Langley or ibis Perth (both on William Street, about a 5–10 minute walk), the Rendezvous Hotel on Murray Street, or the best Western 922 on James Street. These are all within 10–15 minutes’ walk. Staying downtown means you can stumble home after 2am by foot or catch a short taxi ride.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Court stands out for its blend of history, community and non-stop party atmosphere. First, it’s one of Perth’s oldest continuously operating pub buildings (open since 1888) (thecourt.com.au ) (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ). Many locals remember it as a gathering place for activists and workers in the mid-20th century, and later as a traditional hotel under the O’Brien family. That legacy adds character – it’s not a “glossy new club,” but a living piece of Perth’s heritage, complete with an elegant old facade and vintage vibe. Architecturally, it boasts Victorian/Regency and Art Deco touches from different eras (thecourt.com.au ) (inherit.dplh.wa.gov.au ), making the interior quite distinctive among city nightspots.
Second, The Court’s cultural impact is significant. It long ago became Perth’s flagship LGBTQ+ venue – a safe space where the queer community could celebrate freely. Over the decades it’s hosted countless legendary performance nights (from early drag talent shows to visits by international names). Even high-profile celebrities have performed under its roof – past acts include Spice Girl Mel C and TV personality Ruby Rose (thecourt.com.au ) – underscoring its place in Perth’s entertainment scene. It also has an award-winning reputation: its 2007–08 renovation won the Australian Hotels Association’s Community Service Award (baltinas.com ), highlighting how it serves the city’s culture (for example, through charity fundraisers and Pride events). In essence, both artists and audiences love The Court because it’s long been more than “just another nightclub” – it’s a colourful landmark of inclusivity, where dozens of rainbow flags and plays sign the door every night, and where being part of history is as easy as walking in and partying.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue is friendly to guests with mobility needs – it has an elevator to the upper levels and mostly flat walkways (www.tripadvisor.com.au ). If you require an accessible restroom, ask a staff member; it likely has one on the main floor.
What to Bring: Always bring your valid photo ID. The Court is 18+ only, and IDs will be checked at the door. On busy nights, bring only a small bag because large backpacks may be turned away. It’s also wise to carry cash and cards, since you’ll want to buy drinks or grab food (bars always take credit cards, but some attendees prefer a few dollars for quick service or tips). If you tend to overheat on dancefloors, consider a light jacket – the Beer Garden roof is retractable, so it can get cool if it’s dropped or if it’s windy outside.
Dress and Style: The Court leans casual but neat. The staff ask that patrons wear decent attire – for instance, no Ugg slippers or bath-thong flip-flops after dark (www.tripadvisor.ie ). In other words, go for comfy clubwear or smart casual. FYI, Queensland/UK readers: “thongs” means flip-flops. If you’re hitting a Pride event or themed party, feel free to dress up in campy, colourful outfits – drag venues here tend to encourage costume and glitter.
Arrival: The Court’s doors generally open at noon (Wed–Fri) or late afternoon (Sat), and major DJs start around 9–10pm. Arriving early is a good move on big nights: you can avoid long queues outside, secure a good spot near the stage or bar, and take advantage of food and drink promos (for example, on Wednesdays you might get a pizza & $10 beer deal on drag show nights). There are often long waits after about 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Don’t Bring: Aside from ID, avoid bringing outside liquor or food (WA law forbids it). Leave bulky items and umbrellas at home – space is tight when it’s crowded. Most folks also don’t bring tablets or professional cameras; phones and small personal cameras are fine for snapshots, but filming entire shows can be frowned upon (and the lighting plus moving crowds make footage dicey anyway). Also, remember the night can get loud: if you’re sensitive to volume, earplugs can improve comfort.
Atmosphere: Expect a high-energy, inclusive party. Everyone from seasoned clubbers to first-time drag-show-goers tends to feel welcome here. Staff are usually friendly but keep a professional eye on the crowd (security presence is visible on busy nights). On special pride-style evenings, you’ll see the street outside filled with dancing revellers, so be prepared for a festive scene – it’s all part of the fun. Lastly, if you enjoy nightlife culture, it takes pride in being part of Perth’s community: you might see donation tins or charity-collection boxes for causes like the Perth Children’s Hospital, especially around big events. It’s just one way The Court shows it cares as more than “just a bar.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What days and hours is The Court open?
The Court’s schedule is a bit unusual. It is open Wednesday (from 12pm) through Saturday (closing around 2am on Fri/Sat). Specifically, Wed 12:00pm–12:00am, Thu 12:00pm–10:00pm, Fri noon–2:00am, Sat 3:00pm–2:00am (thecourt.com.au ). It is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. (Always double-check the latest hours on The Court’s website or social before visiting.)
Where exactly is The Court located?
The Court’s address is 50 Beaufort Street (corner of James Street) in Northbridge, Perth. It’s in the city’s cultural precinct – just north of the Perth Cultural Centre and a short walk from the CBD. In terms of landmarks, it’s right down the road from the State Library and near the Northbridge hotel district.
Is The Court wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Court has an elevator that serves its upper floor, and the downstairs areas are mostly flat and step-free. A attendee review confirms there is a “largish lift” that can easily take a wheelchair (www.tripadvisor.com.au ). To be safe, you could call ahead, but in general it is one of the more accessible clubs in Perth.
Can minors (under 18) enter The Court?
No. The Court is strictly 18+ only. It holds a Tavern Licence, so all patrons must show valid photo ID proving they are at least 18 to be admitted. The venue’s own materials explicitly note “18+ only” for all events (thecourt.com.au ). (Even if you are under 18, you can attend daytime functions or private events if they’re advertised as family-friendly – but the general club operations are adult-only.)
Is there a dress code or any clothing restrictions?
Yes, The Court expects neat attire. Smart casual is fine, but avoid overly casual or beachwear after dark. In particular, management has requested that customers do not wear flip-flop “thongs” or ugg-style slipper-boots indoors in the evening (www.tripadvisor.ie ). In practice, this just means dress sensibly for a club. Many nights have a colourful, flamboyant vibe (especially drag and themed nights), so costumes or dressing up is welcome on those occasions.
Is smoking allowed inside The Court?
No. Like all Perth venues, The Court is smoke-free indoors by law. You must go outside to their designated smoking areas in the beer garden or entry area. Smoking right at the bar or dancefloor is not allowed (and staff will politely direct you outside).
Are tickets required for entry, and how much are they?
Most evenings at The Court do not require tickets or cover charges – you can usually walk in once it’s open, especially on weekdays. Ticketed entry is only needed for special shows (like major drag competitions, headline DJs, high-demand events). In those cases, ticket prices vary. For example, the Drag Brunch package is $85 for food and drinks (thecourt.com.au ), while big theme parties or concert events might charge $20–$40 on the door (with presales available at a discount). Always check the specific event listing. If you’re going not to a ticketed show, you generally do not need to book anything – it’s first-come, first-served inside.
Where can I buy tickets for events at The Court?
When events are ticketed, The Court usually links the sales on its website or social media. They often use third-party platforms (like local ticketing websites). You should never buy from unofficial sellers, as tickets sell out at events sometimes. The safest route is to click the “Book Tickets” or event link on The Court’s official site when the event goes on sale. There is no physical box office at The Court itself.
Which public transport options are closest to The Court?
The nearest train station is Perth Station/Underground, about a 5–10 minute walk away. You can also take any train that stops in Perth city (Armadale, Fremantle, Midland, Joondalup lines, etc.) and then walk up William or Roe Street toward Beaufort. Many Perth buses run along Beaufort Street; for example, the 950 and 960 buses stop right near The Court’s corner. Free city “CAT” buses (Blue, Yellow or Red CAT) also stop within two minutes walking distance on central streets. In short, The Court is very accessible – just tell the driver “Northbridge” and you’re a short walk or CAT ride from the venue.
Is parking available near The Court?
Street parking in Northbridge is scarce, especially late at night. Your best bet is the Cultural Centre public car park (320 spaces, up to 2 hours free), about a 5-minute walk down James Street (www.parkopedia.com.au ). Otherwise, there are paid lots within two blocks (e.g. Barrack Street Bridge car park, Queensland St car park) but they fill up quickly on weekends. Rideshares (Uber/Taxi) are often more convenient for late nights. Taxis can pick up on nearby William or Wellington streets - just let the driver know you want Beaufort/James.
Does The Court have a VIP area or reserved seating?
No formal “VIP club lounge” exists in The Court like you’d find in a big concert hall. Everything is mostly general admission. However, on the roof deck there are private cabanas that can be reserved (each holds ~8 people), which some groups book for a bit of privacy. Also, during private functions you can sometimes reserve the small “Chambers” room, but that’s only through booking the venue. Generally, regular visitors mingle on the open dance floors and bar areas – so there aren’t assigned seats or table holds unless it’s a corporate event.
Are there late-night food options at The Court?
Yes. The Court’s kitchen is open until closing time. They serve bar snacks and pizzas all the way through the evening (thecourt.com.au ). In fact, many people rave about the pizza – they have an on-site pizza kitchen that’s open daily from noon and until late night, so you can grab a decent meal at 2am if you need a snack. You don’t need to head elsewhere for food once you’re here.
Is free Wi-Fi available inside The Court?
The Court may offer free Wi-Fi for guests, but it’s not heavily advertised. In general, phone reception is good inside. If you need connectivity for directions or booking, most visitors rely on mobile data in bars and clubs like this. If you absolutely need Wi-Fi, check with staff, but assume you’ll use your own data.
Does The Court have accessible restrooms?
Yes, The Court includes an accessible (all-gender) toilet. On the main floor there is at least one restroom designed for people with mobility needs. If you have special requirements, let the staff know and they will guide you to the nearest facility.
What is the seating configuration – is it all standing or are there tables?
The Court is mostly a standing-room venue. There are high-top tables and bar stools along the sides, especially around the edges of each bar and on the roof deck, but the main areas are open dancefloors. You can hang a jacket or purchase a drink and set it on one of the railing bars while sampling the music. For special seated events (like comedy nights), there might be a few front tables, but in general it’s standing/casual seating.
Are there any coat-check or locker facilities?
No, The Court does not have a formal coat-check or lockers. Guests are expected to keep their coats, bags and belongings with them. There are some bench and railing areas to lean items on, but you’ll need to carry what you bring or leave it in your car or at your accommodation.
Does The Court have a coat check or lockers?
No, The Court does not operate a coat check or locker service. It’s best to travel light. If the weather’s cool, leave larger coats in your car or at the hotel and just bring essentials inside with you.
Can I take photos and record video at The Court?
Casual photos and phone videos are generally allowed and common (especially during shows or drag nights). The Court is friendly and respects its performers, so it’s best not to use professional camera gear without permission and avoid distracting photographers. In short, you can capture memories on your phone, but keep it respectful and be mindful of others around you.
Does The Court offer any drink specials or happy hour deals?
Yes. The Court has a happy hour from 4pm to 6pm daily, featuring discounted drinks and food. For example, they often run $10 pizza specials and cheap beers during this period (thecourt.com.au ). Also keep an eye out for night-specific promotions – the Wednesday drag show often has combo deals (e.g. “Wicked Wednesday” specials with pizza and beer) (www.outinperth.com ). These happy hour deals are a great way to start the evening cheaply.
What types of music and shows can I expect at The Court?
It’s a nightclub with a big dance focus and drag entertainment. You’ll hear pop, R&B and house music from live DJs most weekends (think high-energy club anthems and LGBTQ+ favourites). On Wednesdays expect pop-centric drag performances; Thursdays are comedy variety; Fridays and Saturdays are mix-and-match party nights (sometimes with themed parties like 80s or disco). During drag shows, expect live lip-sync or dance routines by local queens. Special nights might feature guest artists or tribute acts. Essentially, the emphasis is on danceable beats and drag cabaret, so come ready to boogie and be dazzled!
Are there age or dress restrictions for special events?
Yes, all regular club events require you to be 18+. Dress is generally casual but neat – as noted, avoid flip-flops (thongs) and Ugg boots at night (www.tripadvisor.ie ). For ticketed themed events, sometimes specific attire is suggested (e.g. on pop or costume nights). Always check the event description – if fancy dress is encouraged, it’ll say so. But in most cases you’ll be fine in your normal clubbing outfit.
What should I do if I feel unsafe or need assistance?
The Court prides itself on being safe and accepting, but it’s still a busy nightlife venue. If you ever feel uncomfortable, look for staff or security – they wear name-tags or uniforms and patrol the floors. There are also 24-hour security cameras. Perth police regularly patrol Northbridge late at night too. In an emergency, step outside and you’re on city streets where any passerby or taxi can help. Essentially, treat The Court like any pub – trust your instincts, stick with friends, and don’t hesitate to ask guards if needed. That said, The Court has a reputation for friendliness, and most guests report feeling safe and respected there.
