Join us at the event
Everything you need to plan your visit - who can attend, what to expect,
transport and logistics, and answers to your most common questions.
What is Christmas Lunch in the Park?
Christmas Lunch in the Park (CLIP) is an event designed to bring hope, compassion, celebration and a sense of community to Perth’s most marginalised and disadvantaged people each Christmas Day.
Since 1975, Christmas Lunch in the Park (CLIP) has been more than a meal, it’s a place of connection and compassion for people in Perth experiencing homelessness, vulnerability or disadvantage.
It’s a welcoming space for people who may be experiencing homelessness, isolation or hardship – an opportunity to enjoy a shared three-course lunch, companionship, live entertainment and access to a range of community support services.
Each year, volunteers, supporters and guests come together to share food, friendship and hope, creating a community where everyone belongs and no one spends Christmas Day alone.
Centred around a traditional shared lunch, CLIP also helps connect individuals with support beyond the day, offering care that lasts well into the future.
People who may be experiencing homelessness or disadvantage.
25 December
10am - 2pm
Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington
Square, East Perth, 6004
Supportive and welcoming
Key event details
All the logistics you need to plan your day - date, time, location, and what's
on.
- Location: Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square, East Perth, 6004
- Date: 25th December 2026
- Time: 10am - 2pm
Getting there
We recommend you use the Transperth Journey Planner to get to either Perth City Train Station or Claisebrook Train Station, to use the Event Shuttle Bus
Operate on a standard Public Holiday timetable. The nearest bus stop or train station:
- The nearest bus stop on Wellington Street is Stop Number 12911.
- The nearest train station is Claisebrook Train Station, Claisebrook Road, East Perth (approximately 800m from CLIP).
Use the Transperth Journey Planner to find the most efficient public transport route.
The morning Shuttle Bus runs between 9:30am - 12:00 noon, picking up and dropping off at the following locations:
- Russell Square (near Ruah Community Services), Northbridge
- Perth City Train Station
- Claisebrook Train Station
- Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square (Bus stops on Bennett Street)
To utilise this service, look for out for our bright pink Event Bus signs. You will be greeted by volunteers (wearing Mission Australia Volunteer T-shirts), who will direct you to the bus.
The afternoon Shuttle Bus runs between 1:00pm - 3:00pm only, picking up and dropping off at the following locations:
- Russell Square (near Ruah Community Services)
- Perth City Train Station
- Claisebrook Train Station
- Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square (Bus stops on Bennett Street)
Please note that shuttle bus times are indicative only and may be adjusted on the day.
Street parking is available within the surrounding area, and street parking is usually free on Christmas Day. Please check street signage before parking and leaving your car.
The following City of Perth paid car parks are within approximately 500m of the event:
- CPP Royal Street,158 Royal Street, East Perth
- CPP Goderich Street, 133 Goderich Street, East Perth
- CPP Saunders Street, 9 Saunders Street, East Perth
You can find additional paid parking options at City of Perth Parking
Note: Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square itself is strictly a NO PARKING ZONE. Any unauthorised vehicle parking within the park may be issued with a parking infringement notice from City of Perth and risk being towed.
Frequently asked questions:
- Anyone needing support: CLIP is created especially for people who may be experiencing homelessness, hardship, loneliness or social isolation.
- A safe and supportive place: We know Christmas can be an extremely difficult time for many in our community, and CLIP offers a warm, welcoming space to spend the day.
- Open to all ages and backgrounds: Individuals and families from every culture, age and walk of life are invited to join us for connection, companionship and a shared Christmas meal.
- A welcoming atmosphere - a friendly, inclusive space for anyone experiencing homelessness, loneliness or marginalisation to feel connected on Christmas Day.
- A shared three‑course Christmas lunch enjoyed in the company of others.
- Gifts for children and care packs for adults, including personal care items and non‑perishable food.
- Live music and festive touches with beautifully decorated tables and a games tent.
- Access to community services to help guests connect with support beyond Christmas Day.
- Community, connection and conversation throughout the day.
- A visit from Santa to bring a little extra Christmas joy.
No ticket required - Christmas Lunch in the Park is an unticketed event.
Wristbands are available through referral partners and community service organisations who help distribute wristbands and flyers during December to help streamline entry.
Everyone is welcome, if you don’t have a wristband, that’s absolutely fine. No one is turned away.
- Use public transport - services run on a reduced timetable on Christmas Day, so plan ahead.
- Hop on the CLIP event bus: Free shuttles collect guests from Claisebrook Train Station and Perth City Train Station and near RUAH at Russell Square in Northbridge.
- The guest entry point has large, purple banners saying “Welcome”.
Guests
- Guest entry gate is near the south end of the site - look for the white dome tent and purple WELCOME signs.
- Gate opens at 10am
Volunteers
- Volunteer entry gate is at the north (Wittenoom St) end of the site – look for the magenta VOLUNTEER ENTRY signs.
- Volunteers should arrive prior to the commencement of their designated shift, and head to the Volunteer Hub to register and sign on.
- The show must go on, rain, hail or shine! Lunch is served under a large marquee for protection.
- Dress for the weather, Christmas Day is usually hot and sunny, so check the forecast, wear a hat and feel free to use the sunscreen available on site.
Absolutely! We love seeing festive flair, bring on the sparkle, tinsel and Christmas cheer.
Click the link to download the event flyer
Get the complete event guide as a PDF - including programme, site map, transport timetables, accessibility information, and emergency contacts. Print it or keep it on your phone.