This page has been designed for Jewish tourists and those who are visiting Perth and wish to avail themselves of Jewish community facilities.  Also, a little information about how to get around and what to see.

1)  Minyanim

The Perth Jewish community has four Orthodox Shules, and also operates Shabbat Services at the old age home.  On any given morning there are at least three minyanim to choose from (6.15 to 6.30 AM start), and on Sunday morning there are options to daven at 7.00 AM and 8.00 AM.  In the afternoon there are Mincha/Maariv services at Zman, and a late Maariv at 9.00 AM.  Shabbat morning tefillah commences at the various shules at 9.00 AM, 9.30 AM or 10.00 AM.  As yet there is no hashcama minyan, but we are working on it!  For the Shule contacts please visit the websites:

Perth Hebrew Congregation

Dianella Shule  (also known as the Beit Midrash of WA)

Northern Suburbs Hebrew Congregation

Chabad House

To arrange Shabbat hospitality please email the shules using the contact links on their respective websites.  To see a map of the Eruv click here.

2) Food

There are two kosher bakeries in Perth, and several places to pick up packaged kosher foods.

The Kosher Food Centre is adjacent to the Perth Hebrew Congregation. A butcher with local and imported meats, a bakery and grocery items are available.

Simbucks is a  bakery with some prepared foods.  In addition to buying freshly prepared salads and baked goods, you can also obtain burekas.  Pizzas are soon to be on the menu.

One of the lessor known travel tips for kosher consumers is to pick up kosher meals on wheels from the Maurice Zeffert aged home.  These are ready prepared single portion frozen meals that are wholesome, economical, and there is a wide variety of options available.  For more information email kmow@perthjewishaged.org.au or visit the Maurice Zeffert Home website

There are two major kosher catering specialists.  Whilst generally focussed on preparing functions, both companies deliver to hotels and also have shabbat orders available for pick up.  This only works when booked in advance, and bear in mind that the crockery and freight added to meals that are delivered to hotels makes this an expensive option.  However arranging to collect from the caterer is an effective and easy way to move around.  The Kosher Caterers are:

Aviv Catering – Phone 9276 6030

Yofi’s Catering – Phone 9375 3822

For general food supplies, most supermarkets have a sufficient range of kosher products including canned foods, pasta and rice, crackers, tinned fish, smoked salmon, and occasionally dips and other locally produced and imported kosher items can be found.  If you are in Australia for an extended period it is worth buying a Kosher Food Directory (available through the Perth Hebrew Congregation office) as you do need to know what to look for.  Some more information is available from KAWA.  General Kashrut information is accessible from Kosher Australia, and the NSW Kashrut Authority also has an online products directory that can assist to identify many kosher products on the shelves of Perth supermarkets.  In writing this we should also mention that one of the frustrations of being in Perth is that the large supermarkets are not open on Sunday (excepting Perth City and Fremantle) due to outdated and antiquated trading laws.  It pays to be organised for the weekend.

 

There are a number of Baskin and Robbins stores that stock kosher ice creams and cones.  In particular the Subiaco branch has well marked lists of kosher items.

3) Mikveh

The community operates one Mikveh which is onsite at the Perth Hebrew Congregation.  A roster of attendees applies.  Please contact the Shule for more information. 

4)  Accommodation

It is difficult to find hotel or motel accommodation within the Eruv area or close to the Jewish community centres.  Hotels in the Central City are a good hour’s walk from the Jewish area and therefore difficult for Shomrei Shabbat travellers.

One popular option is the Knutsfords Apartments, which are about a 20 minute walk to the Perth Hebrew Congregation or a 40 minute walk to Dianella Shule.

Another place called the Dianella Hotel is a little closer.  One visitor described this as pub accomodation, and not suitable for a Shomrei Shabbat visitor, however this is second hand information.  The address of this place is 164 Alexander Drive ph 9276 7077. 

5)  Sites of Interest

There is a Jewish war memorial at Kings Park which is quite unique.  Occasional heritage tours regarding Jewish life in former districts such as Fremantle or Northbridge are hosted by community groups.  Aside from this, there are no signifant tourist attractions of a specifically Jewish nature.

In general, Perth tourism is centered around our coastline, from Mandurah and Rockham in the South, to Scarbourough and Hillary’s Boat Harbour in the north.  A trip to Fremantle is a must, as is a visit to the central city, inclusive of Kings Park.  Sport at Subiaco Oval or the WACA, arts in the City or at Burswood, and landmark drives to Midland and the Swan valley provide a range of tourist locations.  Regionally, the wildflower season often attracts visitors, and camping/fishing holidays are popular with the locals.

6)  Events

For community events, pick up a copy of the Maccabean newspaper.  You can buy one at any of the kosher outlets.  Most events are advertised, and there is not a week that goes by where there isn’t some form of communal activity, presentation, or festive occasion.

 

We hope you enjoy your visit to Perth.  To connect to the Jewish community, visit a Shule and you will be assured of a warm welcome.