Owen - Anyone caught wearing a Sydney Swans hat, in Perth, is regarded as a total loser, after the AFL Grand Final ..
Best viewpoint for the races is the East, SE and S sides of the escarpment in Kings Park. Plenty of walk trails around the escarpment, that will give an excellent elevated view of the action (approx 500' - 800' above river level).
There is virtually no pubs in the CBD .. except for Rigby's Bar and Bistro, at rear of 221 St Georges Tce, in the West End of the CBD.
Rigbys caters pretty much to the city workers, and is only open from 12 midday to late, Mon to Fri.
Friday nite, the 17th Nov, Rigbys would be about the closest boozer, and a reasonably good place as well.
My choice, would be the Vic .. over the back of Kings Park, heading down Hay St to Subiaco.
Nice pub .. however, it can get packed Friday and Sat nights.
Another good choice would be the Windsor, on Labouchere Rd, in Sth Perth. Big old pub, with a big bar and eatery with excellent food. The pub, and the area, is getting a little pricey, though.
Back in the City, if you don't go to, or don't like, Rigbys .. Northbridge is the drinking/eating side of town, that lights up after 6:00PM. The Brass Monkey is a good pub, on the cnr of William and James St.
Other directions to head, are down into Subiaco itself (couple of good pubs/plenty of eateries) .. or out along Albany Hwy into Victoria Park. A number of pubs/bars out that way, plus plenty of eateries. There's always the Casino, too, just over the Causeway.
Here's a venue guide for the city ..
http://www.theguide.com.au/events.ph...2006&t=2&cal=1 ..
There's numerous venue menus .. you can search by venue types, region and suburb .. move the dates (months) .. and clicking on the venue gives a drop-down menu that gives venue details, address, and pics ..
City map ..
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr...ch&sa=N&tab=wl