Western Australia Night-Time Economy Strategy

A framework for vibrant, safe and inclusive night-time destinations across WA.

Five-panel collage showing a large crowd at an outdoor event, a red lion dance costume, a brightly painted building mural, people relaxing on a beach during an event, and Perth's illuminated city skyline at night.

The Western Australia Night-Time Economy Strategy is the State's first coordinated framework for supporting, enabling and growing after-dark activity.

It provides a shared direction for government, local government, industry and communities to work together to create vibrant, safe and inclusive destinations that strengthen local communities, attract visitors and support economic growth.

Already contributing more than 140,000 jobs and generating $23 billion in annual sales turnover in 2024-25¹, Western Australia's night-time economy is a significant driver of prosperity, liveability and community connection across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia.

The night-time economy includes the diverse range of activities, services and industries that operate between 6pm and 6am. It extends beyond bars, clubs and restaurants traditionally associated with nightlife to encompass hospitality, live music and entertainment, arts and culture, festivals, sporting events, tourism experiences, retail activity and the essential services and workers that support our communities after dark.

Recognising that successful night-time economies are shaped locally, the Strategy supports place-based solutions that reflect the unique character, culture and aspirations of communities across Western Australia while showcasing the State's creativity and diversity after dark.

With the right settings, places, events and collaboration, Western Australia has the opportunity to create even more vibrant, distinctive and globally competitive destinations, strengthening local communities while enhancing the State's reputation as a compelling place to live, work, visit and explore.

The vision

To cultivate vibrant, safe and inclusive night-time destinations across Western Australia that strengthen local communities, create jobs, attract visitors and showcase the State’s culture, creativity and diversity after dark.

The strategy brings together policy, reform and delivery to support sustainable night-time activity that works for residents, businesses and visitors.

By strengthening collaboration across government, industry and communities, it will help create more active, welcoming and connected places after dark.

Significant foundational reforms and targeted investment are already helping to strengthen conditions for night-time activity across Western Australia, including:

Guests seated along a long communal table in a warmly lit restaurant during a shared dining event.

Liquor licensing reform

Simplifying approvals, reducing regulatory burden and providing greater flexibility for venues and events to attract investment and foster innovation.

Arts festival crowd gathered along a street at night beneath red lanterns and illuminated event signage

Vibrant precincts

Northbridge has been established as WA’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, offering long term planning and noise regulation certainty for live music and entertainment venues.

Music performers playing guitar and singing on a stage under coloured lights

Investment in live music

Through the Live Music Support Package and the ongoing Contemporary Music Fund, the WA Government is supporting artists, venues, touring, professional development and music events.

Visitors gather at an outdoor evening event with food stalls, seating areas and red lanterns strung overhead

Events and place activation funding

Supporting evening and night-time experiences that drive local spending, attract visitors and activate town centres and precincts across metropolitan and regional WA.

Trees illuminated with colourful lights at an outdoor night-time light installation

Investment in sport and recreation infrastructure

Recognising that sport and recreation contributes to evening activity across local communities, the WA Government is investing in metropolitan, regional and remote sports infrastructure through PlayOn WA: 2030.

Aerial view of Perth city skyline and waterfront at dusk with lights reflected on the rive

Safety and transport coordination

Improving confidence and accessibility for people participating in night-time activity, including workers, residents and visitors.

Crowd gathered outside a multi-storey building featuring a large colourful mural at dusk

Planning and noise reform

Providing clearer guidance for managing the interface between night-time activity, development and residential uses.

WA’s Night-Time Economy Strategy aims to build on what is already being delivered by aligning and strengthening outcomes.

Development of the strategy

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) acknowledges the input of WA Government agencies and industry stakeholders.

This input has helped to shape the Strategy’s overarching vision, outcomes and strategic direction and underpins the ongoing collaborative approach.

Next steps

Through the next phase of partnership and consultation, the WA Government will work with all levels of government and with industry and cultural sectors more broadly to develop the Strategy’s detailed action plan.

The action plan will build on the foundational actions and respond to different local contexts.

WA’s Night-Time Economy Strategy aims to support active, well managed, safe and sustainable night-time environments throughout the State, contributing to economic diversification, improved access to after-dark experiences, and better outcomes for communities and visitors.

View the strategy