Only a few years ago it was common to hear West Australians bemoaning the lack of things to do in Perth — so much so the city was branded with the damning nickname "Dullsville".

But as projects from a long-since departed mining boom finally come to completion, the state is shrugging off its Dullsville tag in spectacular fashion.

There is no shortage of diverse dining and small bar options to suit all tastes, thanks in part to the relaxation of WA's draconian liquor licensing laws that required patrons at most venues to buy a meal in order to enjoy an alcoholic drink.

And, just as in Melbourne, many of Perth's hipster bars and eateries are tucked away in laneways.

During the warmer months Perth's vibrancy is enhanced by the many quirky offerings of the Fringe World festival, which opens this weekend, and the more established and more upmarket Perth Festival, which kicks off early next month.

But it is the taxpayer-funded major infrastructure projects which have and will continue to transform our city.

Some have opened in recent years, others are under construction and another — Yagan Square — is soon to be completed.

'New heart of the city'

Sorry, this video has expired Fly-through shows off Yagan Square ahead of official opening

Yagan Square, near the Horseshoe Bridge, is part of the Perth City Link project that involved sinking the train lines to realise a long-held vision to reconnect the CBD with the Northbridge entertainment precinct.

The focal point of Yagan Square will be a large market hall where up to 20 vendors will offer a range of food and drink options, many showcasing local WA produce.

It is a food hall model that has proved popular in other states and countries, but will be a first of its kind for Perth.

Yagan Square will also offer plenty of public spaces for families, including a rooftop water feature for children and a playground.

The rooftop area also includes an amphitheatre and authorities are promising the square will host regular events and performances.

Yagan Square is expected to open in late February. ( ABC News: Eliza Laschon )

Just as their predecessors did, the McGowan Government is spruiking Yagan Square as a game-changer for the city, with Planning Minister Rita Saffioti pitching it as the "new heart of the city."

"It will also encourage more people into the city and … I hope to see families and everyone from the suburbs coming in to enjoy this part of the city," she said.

Ms Saffioti's high hopes prompted immediate questions from journalists about whether Yagan Square would be an affordable place for families to visit.

The minister pointed out families would be welcome to bring their own picnic to share in the open outdoor public spaces, but she was also confident the market food hall would offer options to cater for all budgets.

Affordability key for families

It is all well and good for governments to invest taxpayers' money in infrastructure projects designed to add vibrancy to the city by enticing families in from the suburbs — but affordability in terms of what's on offer once they arrive is critical.

A common complaint of West Australians is that, despite the mining boom being over, they continue to be slugged the same sky-high prices for coffee, drinks and food as they were when the economy was going gangbusters.

Not all families can afford to eat out in the many restaurants on offer or go to shows at the Perth Arena or the State Theatre. But some of the newer taxpayer-funded projects offer public spaces that families on any budget can explore.

There has been much hype about the new Perth Stadium on the Burswood peninsula, but many may not realise they don't need to fork out for a ticket to a sporting event or concert to access the vast parklands surrounding it, which include playgrounds to cater for all ages.

The parkland area has many shaded areas in which to picnic and is accessible by foot or bike.

Elizabeth Quay on the foreshore may have copped a lot of criticism and doesn't yet attract the crowds it will once the surrounding developments happen, but there is an impressive bridge to walk or ride over, a playground and plenty of public art to view.

Elizabeth Quay's water park has long been bacteria-free and is a popular destination for children. During summer months it is open until 8pm to allow families to make the most of Perth's hot balmy nights.

Elizabeth Quay is expected to attract crowds once the surrounding developments are completed. ( ABC News: Eliza Laschon )

Yagan Square a celebration of culture

Yagan Square has been a long time in the making and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's acting CEO, Veronica Jeffery, says the wait is nearly over.

She said the square, named after the legendary Noongar warrior, would offer an opportunity to celebrate Whadjuk culture and is due to open next month, with a community celebration day planned for March.

"Materials used at Yagan Square — from the building facades to the selection of trees — have been specifically chosen to reflect Whadjuk themes, the strata of Western Australia's geology and our unique coastal landscape," Ms Jeffery said.

The Market Hall food area at Yagan Square is almost finished. ( ABC News: Eliza Laschon )

The multibillion-dollar debt and deficit left behind by the previous Barnett government is no secret and the new projects have certainly contributed to the state's dire financial situation.

But those who have not ventured from the suburbs into the city to explore in recent years might be pleasantly surprised by the transformation they discover.

Being a tourist in your own city can be a lot of fun.

And by experiencing the taxpayer-funded infrastructure first-hand, West Australians may even — at least temporarily — feel a little more at ease about the red ink all over the state's budget books.