Explore the rich and interesting history and heritage of Perth City on foot.
City of Perth Heritage Walking Trails and Tours
Knowledgeable volunteer Tour Guides offer free 90-minute orientation, history and art tours from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk. You can join a guided tour or pick up a map and follow the trail yourself. Click here for more information about these tours and to download maps.
Icons of Influence Walking Tour
When John Septimus Roe, naval officer, surveyor and explorer, first laid out the City of Perth in 1829, he envisaged a powerful city at the centre of a strong economy. St Georges Terrace was the focus of this design, a broad avenue running parallel to the shores of the majestic Swan River. Today, St Georges Terrace continues its role as the city’s powerhouse. Follow this trail to discover the history of the city through its iconic places of influence. As you walk along, keep your eyes out for plaques placed in the pavement that recognise the many people who have influenced the growth of Perth and Western Australia.
The Big Boom Tour
This historical walk through Perth city will highlight the ‘boom’ created by gold and the surge of growth, wealth and prosperity in Western Australia that followed. The City’s population swelled from 8,500 to over 27,000 in a decade and it seemed Perth would ‘bust’ as this remote town turned into a buzzing cosmopolitan city.
Convicts and Colonials Walking Tour
Although the Swan River Colony was established as a free settlement in 1829, convict transportation was introduced in 1850 to answer the demand for a cheap and plentiful supply of labour for the small population. The introduction of these reluctant immigrants caused much debate and controversy amongst the residents, who feared that their free colony would be forever tainted by the convict class. Whilst convict transport lasted only 18 years, the legacy of this period is embedded in the streets of the city and the folklore of the State.
Perth Town Hall Tour
Built between 1867 and 1870, the Perth Town Hall is a landmark and an important building in Perth’s history, unique in several ways. It is the only major Australian town hall designed in a Medieval style. It is also the only Australian town hall built by convicts, providing evidence of their workmanship and technical skills which, during this time, were superior to those of free citizens. From the beginning, it was conceived not as Council offices, but as a venue for civic events, private and community gatherings and celebrations. Major works completed in 2005 restored the Town Hall to its place as a popular Perth venue for the new century.
Parks & Gardens Walking Trail
Follow this self-guided trail to some of the city's most beautiful parks and gardens. Boasting 26 parkland areas and reserves, the City of Perth is described by many as a parkland oasis. The beautifully crafted green open spaces that cover one tenth of the city area combine heritage, public art and water features to offer a break from the bustle of city life. Take some time out to experience the tranquillity of Perth's open spaces.
Art & Heritage Trail Northbridge
This trail explores the diverse history and public art in Northbridge. The trail offers a snapshot of the rich culture of Northbridge through historical images, public art and street art. Many of the buildings featured in this trail are State Registered as heritage buildings.
Perth Heritage Trails
Pick up informative maps from a local visitor and explore the rich and interesting history and heritage of Perth on foot.
Plan Your Trip to Perth
Start planning your visit by finding out what to do in Perth during the day and night. See all accommodation, tours, attractions, activities, food and drink and retail in Perth.
