The Perth region is brimming with rich history, heritage and culture.

Take a self-guided walk and explore historical towns, buildings, jails, museums, parks and more. Step back in time in spring. Here’s our guide to Perth’s best heritage trails to walk among history in WA. 

Perth City

For a local tour delivered right in the palm of your hand, explore with Dark Stry. This innovative app delivers history differently, with self-guided tours featuring immersive stories and a blend of historic photos, videos and audio. Dark Stry offers three self-guided walking routes through its app. Focusing on the history and heritage of Perth City, the app showcases quintessentially Western Australian stories from enterprising women to development, social change and coming of age. 

For an unbeatable day out with friends, the Perth Historical Pub Crawl is a love letter to Perth’s historic and hospitality venues. The tour will lead you to bars and restaurants, weaving in juicy (and informative) hidden stories from Perth’s past and present. It’s the perfect way to inject a little culture into your weekend without skipping on the fun and your fave cold bevvies! Download one of Dark Stry’s three self-guided walking tours and begin your Perth history adventure today.

Dark Stry | Perth City
Dark Stry | Perth City

Avon Valley

Embark on a self-guided walk through the historic townsite of Toodyay in the magnificent Avon Valley. Let The Living History Walk Trail take you on a path of discovery of the town's rich history and heritage.

Explore Toodyay’s historic sites such as mills, cottages, churches, museums and picture-perfect parks. Each of the four walks are between 10 to 60 minutes long (not including the time it takes to stop, learn and marvel), so it’s possible to do them all in a day! Download The Living History Walk Trail brochure here or collect a map from the Toodyay Visitor Centre. Check out more Avon Valley heritage trails here.

Connor's Mill, Toodyay | Avon Valley
Connor's Mill, Toodyay | Avon Valley

Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the most eclectic and spirited seaside destinations in the world. Fremantle or lovingly dubbed 'Freo', is a maritime city filled with spirit and rich heritage.

Learn more about darling Freo on the Fremantle Discovery Trail. The trail includes iconic tourist attractions such as the Fremantle Markets, the Cappuccino Strip, Fremantle Prison, the Maritime Museum as well as precincts and parks including the heritage listed West End and Esplanade Reserve. 

Experience the history of East Fremantle on the Town of East Fremantle Heritage Trail. Originally mapped in 1988 to form part of the WA Heritage Trails Network, this 3km walk features 19 (yes, 19!) points of interest along the way. This two hour trail has been revised in collaboration with the Museum of Perth and Two Feet & a Heartbeat

Trek Through Time with this free, family-friendly walking trail between the WA Shipwrecks Museum and WA Maritime Museum that takes you through Fremantle's historic West End and Victoria Quay. Discover important historical landmarks including Bather’s Beach, The Round House and the CY O’Connor statue. 

Explore more Fremantle heritage trails here

Fremantle Prison | Fremantle
Fremantle Prison | Fremantle

Swan Valley

Visit the historical heart of the Swan Valley on the Guildford Heritage Walk Trails. Guildford is one of three towns established in 1829 when Western Australia was settled. The history-steeped town of Guildford is ideally suited to explore on foot and boasts pristine examples of European settlement buildings. Take your pick of one of the three Guildford Heritage Walk Trails and dive deep into history as you discover the areas captivating heritage buildings, lively characters and wonderful stories. 

Discover more heritage trails in the Swan Valley region here. With a stunning showcase of world class wineries, restaurants, galleries, fresh produce stalls and pretty picnic spots, there are countless experiences to be had.

Perth Hills

Head to the Perth Hills to discover the rail trail! The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail retraces the old Eastern Railway and is suitable for walking and cycling all year round. The trail forms a unique 41km loop plus an additional 18km spur line into the village of Wooroloo at its eastern-most point. 

The trail, which is at its best during spring, takes you on a wonderful journey visiting the many charming villages within the shire. Expect to pass through reserves and discover the individual history, story and character of the settlements that have sprung up alongside the line. 

Railways Reserves Heritage Trail | Perth Hills
Railways Reserves Heritage Trail | Perth Hills

Mandurah & Peel

The Mandurah and Peel regions are alive with thought-provoking history, nature and adventure. The Pinjarra Heritage Walk allows you to experience a slither of this history as you wander through one of WA’s oldest established towns on an easy 1.2km stroll. 

Explore the main street of town viewing the historic buildings and sites that played an important role in the early settlement of Pinjarra. The trail includes multiple stops of interest informed by interpretive signage that shares the significance of these important places and sites. Highlights on this self-guided trail include the old post office, courthouse, church and schoolhouse. Download the trail map here and embark on an adventure like no other through the tall-tree forests of Pinjarra.

Rockingham

The coastal city of Rockingham is a community that is proud of its Aboriginal, European, natural and maritime heritage. Step out in Rockingham and connect with this rich heritage and culture on the Waterfront Heritage Trail. This 4km walking trail features several cultural heritage icons. Interpreted through public art, the icons showcase the region’s history, relationship to the waterfront and its multicultural identity. 

Step back in time and take a wander through history with Destination Perth this spring.