Old Perth

Perth is a relatively young city, with a limited number of heritage buildings. It is not uncommon to find older items on supermarket shelves. Though just like most supermarket products, very few of our early buildings ever reached their effective "use by dates".

Much of Old Perth was unfortunately destroyed between 1960 and 1990. The city expanded rapidly during these years. There was the Mineral Boom of the 1960's, followed by some greedy corporate empire building during the 1980's. Most of our historic buildings were demolished by bulldozers, explosives, and those big iron balls they swing from cranes. They were replaced by office towers, and modern shopping malls.

Is this evidence of Perth's first hoon driver?

The Wesley Church and William Street - 1870's.

Luckily a few survived. A dedicated group of people had the foresight to recognise the historical significance of these early buildings. Today they are protected by special legislation, and assorted waterproof adhesives.

Heritage Perth

To celebrate the heritage buildings remaining in the city, Perth embraces all things old with its annual Heritage Weekend. There is an extensive programme of guided tours, which open up buildings generally closed to the public. The weekend is co-ordinated by an organization called Heritage Perth. They are actively involved in promoting Perth's heritage places, and in supporting projects to preserve our heritage sites for future generations.

SIXTY IN THE CITY

You can actually view the entire Perth heritage catalogue in a sixty minute lunch break. We did, and even had some time left for shopping.

OK....so it might only be correct twice every 24 hours.

Spend sixty minutes in the city, and you can visit all these heritage classics.

WESLEY CHURCH

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

OLD COURT HOUSE

BARRACKS ARCH

PERTH TOWN HALL

PALACE HOTEL

LONDON COURT

OLD PERTH BOYS' SCHOOL

CLOISTERS

PERTH IN THE 1870'S

WESLEY CHURCH CLOISTERS TOWN HALL

They are not technically buildings, but these two Perth icons still hold some heritage value.

JACOB'S LADDER

RECLAIMED RIVER FORESHORE

Grab a stopwatch, the South Perth Ferry, and a fast train to Fremantle. Then you can add these two favourites into the lunch hour mix!

THE OLD MILL

THE ROUND HOUSE

How to locate a Perth Heritage Building.

Most are usually surrounded by modern skyscrapers, and live in a permanent twilight world where the sun never shines. Choose a day during mid-summer for the best possible lighting conditions. May we suggest the Southern Summer Solstice.

Many have various forms of road signage, or a nice big bus shelter placed outside the front door. These obstructions make taking a photograph difficult, and in some cases dangerous. Always check for road traffic, otherwise you'll be history as well.

Some are missing a few of their original parts, like 120 rooms for example. Others now include a few non-genuine parts, such as a 50 storey skyscraper.

Access to many of the buildings is restricted, unless you conform to its current use. If you wish to check out the interior, you might have to order a gourmet lunch, or have your hair cut. If you're not feeling hungry, Perth Heritage Weekend is the best option.

Barracks Arch

Just to confuse things further, some of our heritage buildings have been renamed. Even Perth's oldest building has a new title. The Francis Burt Law Education Centre, is in fact the Old Perth Court House.

One more thing............LOOK UP!