Historic Attractions

The past and present meet in the Swan Valley region of Perth, boasting many unique historic attractions.

See the History, Heritage and Culture page for more information about the region’s fascinating past and check out the following list of top historic attractions in Perth’s Swan Valley to plan your visit.

Historic Guildford

The historical village of Guildford was one of three towns established during the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. Perth was the administration centre, Fremantle the port and Guildford the market town. Today Guildford is one of only two towns in Perth on the National Trust register and many fine colonial buildings from the township’s earliest days continue to grace the streets.

Heritage Trails

You can step back in time on the Guildford Heritage Walk Trails. Each trail starts and finishes at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre and meanders by heritage buildings, cafés, historic hotels and antique stores. The trails come complete with interpretive signage informing you of the region’s rich history. If cycling is more your thing, you can learn interesting facts about the heritage of the Swan Valley on the interpretive trail located along the Swan Valley Cycle Path.

Museums

History and motoring buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to Whiteman Park, with its new Revolutions Transport Heritage Museum, the Motor Museum of Western Australia and the Tractor Museum of Western Australia. Revolutions displays a fascinating collection of more than 2,000 artefacts demonstrating the far-reaching impact that transport choices have made on Western Australian lives.

The Motor Museum boasts beautifully restored displays ranging from the horse-drawn carriage to the vehicles of today and the Tractor Museum features dozens of relics from Western Australia’s agricultural past.

Other must-see historic attractions

• Take a boat cruise from Perth city along the Swan River and retrace the historic journey taken by Captain James Stirling in 1827.
• Visit All Saints Church (c. 1841) – one of Western Australia’s oldest Churches and open seven days.
• Learn more about the heritage of Guildford and the Swan Valley from the displays at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre – housed in the old Guildford Courthouse (c. 1866) and open seven days.
• Visit some of Western Australia’s oldest wineries – Water’s Edge (the oldest), Houghton, Sandalford, John Kosovich, Talijanich and Twin Hill Wines.

Contact the Swan Valley Visitor Centre for more information about historic attractions in the Swan Valley region of Perth.