Glorious Guildford

Quaintly picturesque and brimming with tales from the past, historic Guildford - the gateway to the Swan Valley - will delight with its stunning sights and remarkable stories.

With its colonial buildings, convict history, antique stores, character pubs and village charm, Guildford, truly has the feel of a bygone era. 

One of three towns established during the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, Guildford has been preserved beautifully.

Today it is classified as a historic town by the National Trust of Australia (WA), making it one of only three towns in Perth to enjoy this status. Guildford has also been officially added to the State Register of Heritage Places. 

Visitors can enjoy a host of walk trails(PDF, 3MB) around Guildford that showcase the loveliness and history of the town. The River Ramble passes the historic Rose and Crown Hotel (built in 1841) and Padbury’s Store (1869), while the Stirling Square incorporates the best of the Meadow Street precinct including the Guildford Gaol (1841), the Courthouse (1866) and Taylor’s Cottage. There’s also the Captain Stirling Walk and the Town Walk to enjoy.

Tours of the Historic Precinct are also available Tuesday to Saturday and offer further insight and access to the Guildford Gaol and Taylor’s Cottage.

Feeling peckish? Glorious Guildford is filled with some seriously good dining options including an award winning ice creamery, the iconic Alfred's Kitchen, historic pubs, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, modern Australian fare and cafés offering tasty treats.

Shopaholics will love the James Street antique strip, which offers a colossal range of vintage and second-hand wares. You’ll also discover specialty gift shops, galleries, premium garden centres, chic furniture and clothing stores.

Check out Guildford's ANZAC Heritage

Learn more about Guildford's fascinating ANZAC heritage, an initiative of the Guildford Association. Locate ANZAC homes within the Guildford townsite and access an online database that allows you to search for specific servicemen and discover more about their lives and war records.

You can also visit the 10th Light Horse Statue(PDF, 13MB) situated in Stirling Square, which honours the courage of those who served in World War I and II, the between wars militia and the 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment of today.