How to Time Travel in Perth – A Little Slice of History

How to Time Travel in Perth

A Little Slice of History

Gabrielle Fitzpatrick

Perth has an intensely rich history. The city was founded in 1829 by British settlers. But its history extends for thousands of years before this. Nyoongar of Beeliar (what we now call the Swan River) supported life for the First Nations. Architectural gems, despite being protected by the state government, are often overlooked. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the historic value of the city we know and love.

Below are my top three must-see locations to visit if you want to take a trip back in time.

3. VICTORIA PARK

You don’t need to look very far to understand why the eastern suburb of Victoria Park has made this list. Established in the 1890s prior to federation, the town prides itself on its balance of old and new. Walking down the streets, it isn’t long before you are greeted by the architectural finesse of grandiose front facades. Preservation of this domestic history is what makes the Vic Park community special and unique. Here, heritage oozes from the eclectic housing market into its streets, creating a vibrant culture. For example, local high schools hold true to their past through the safeguarding of old structures. Elements of their campuses, such as the fully maintained facade of St Joachim’s at Ursula Frayne College, which greets Albany Highway, or the original 1930s buildings within Kent Street High School that preserve the Inter-War Classical style defined by exposed brick, tiled floors, and mature greenery. The local police station and post office still operate under the original infrastructure. You can even dine in the style of the 1800s at the Broken Hill Hotel on the main Albany Highway strip, designed by the first mayor of the town. Overall, this innercity suburb is a must-visit for those seeking an immersive historical day trip.

2. THE PERTH CBD ITSELF

Yes, I know what you are thinking. With the hustle and bustle of the business and technology sector, this seems like an odd mention. However, dig a little deeper, and you might find some gems buried in this concrete jungle. Perth City has twenty-eight listed heritage sites earning its rightful spot at number three. From the Town Hall, which has stood in the heart of the city since the 1870s, to the St Mary’s Cathedral built fifty years later. The architecture exemplifies the best of each decade. Even the Royal Perth Hospital consists of eight heritage buildings, each marking distinctive features of the eras in which they were built. The hospital in itself is an ancestral icon. It has its own museum detailing the history of medicine in Perth.

For those who are more nature orientated, the Supreme Court Gardens are delightful, with mature age trees that have been growing since 1903 such as the flooded gum and marri eucalyptus. We must not forget the kangaroo paws, the roots of which are a part of the traditional Nyoongar diet. Each Perth highlight mentioned offers official tours for those wanting to unleash their inner tourist. There is even the “Historic Heart of Perth Web App”, which allows you to go on a self-directed heritage walk of the city centre

1. FREMANTLE

The Fremantle Prison and Fremantle Market complexes alone give this community a heavily weighted heritage factor. It is home to one of the oldest buildings in Perth, The Round House - which was an active part of the Fremantle Prison in the 1830s.

For those who are more arts orientated, The Fremantle Arts Centre explores the art history of the city, establishing its permanence through its characteristic limestone. Culturally, Fremantle is very diverse due to East and Southeast Asian immigration in the 70s and 80s. It is also home to a lot of Indigenous Artists. I would advise anyone reading this list to not miss out on all this seaside settlement has to offer. Fremantle’s historical roots span deep and wide. There is something sure to appeal to everyone, from the Freo Social, which while accommodating up and coming local bands, also rests on the site of an old Artillery Drill Hall. For old souls, you can have a cup of tea at Mr Chapple in the Old Synagogue complex. For all these reasons and more, Fremantle has well and truly earned its winning position.