FOR years, the heart of Maylands has been easy to define. 

Along Eighth Avenue and Whatley Crescent sit a tight strip of cafes, bars and shops that helped shape its reputation as one of Perth’s more interesting pockets. 

But look a little further out, and progress is bubbling. Along Guildford Road and into surrounding pockets, operators are building spaces for atmosphere, that people want to spend time in. 

“Maylands is transforming, with old, dilapidated leases being replaced by thoughtful spaces like Zoe Barbera Hair and Modern Ritual Yoga. Being so close, we’ve built strong connections, supporting each other and our shared clients,” said Annabel, Maylands Healthcare Hub. 

• Annabel at Maylands Healthcare Hub

Oasis

Sheng Works offers acupuncture in a peaceful oasis on a main road, while Pure Soul Wellness reflects a broader shift towards more intentional, high-quality services. 

While some clients are local, many travel from across Perth to access these services. 

These operators are choosing locations that give them room to define their own experience, rather than competing for the same foot traffic along the main strip. 

“Most people think of Maylands as a food and drink strip,” said Mandy, Sheng Works. “But when you look at what’s actually trading here, it’s far more diverse. Its mixed use makes it so resilient.” 

• Mandy at Sheng Works

Beyond what’s immediately visible, there’s another layer. Maylands is home to a growing mix of service-based and creative industries, from recording and film studios to co-working spaces, printers and professional services, alongside beauty and jewellery businesses. 

This doesn’t mean the traditional strip is losing relevance. It’s still the starting point people know, but it’s no longer the whole story. 

Peninsula Farm Cafe, set within one of the area’s oldest heritage sites on the river, offers open space, history and a slower pace. 

Newer venues like Juni are growing their own following, just as Amore Mio and Noggo’s did before them. 

What’s emerging is a more layered version of Maylands, a network of smaller clusters, each with its own audience and rhythm, gradually expanding what the suburb offers. 

For visitors, the experience is completely changing, Maylands is a place you can explore. 

One stop leads to another and the edges aren’t as fixed as they once were. 

This isn’t being driven by large-scale development or major infrastructure, like the $52 million Lyric Lane apartments, which have been in the works since 2019 and most recently delayed by the war in the Middle East. 

It’s happening through small business owners, each investing in a slightly different version of what Maylands can be.