Cradle of the Colony

Learn the story of Guildford.

Cradle of the Colony is a story of Guildford and the Swan Valley featuring items from the Swan Guildford Historical Society collection and housed within the Swan Valley Visitor Centre.

The exhibition is designed to give an overview of the history of Guildford and the Swan Valley, commencing with recognition of occupation by the Swan River Aboriginal People and detailing their first contact with Stirling’s party in 1827.

Unique Aboriginal artefacts feature in the display.

It further explores the development of Guildford as the inland port servicing the Swan Valley and surrounding agricultural land, colonial hardship, convict arrival, the gold rush era and migrant contribution to the vine industry.

The exhibition is a partnership project between the City of Swan and the Swan Guildford Historical Society, support funded by Lotterywest.

We welcome you to contact our Visitor Centre staff to assist with planning your visit to the exhibition, Guildford and the Swan Valley.