Guildford Post Office Archaeology Excavation

Guildford’s much loved 1897 Post Office is ready to reveal a new layer of its story — and the community is invited to help uncover it.

Hosted by Bilgoman Property, with support from the Swan Guildford Historical Society and the University of Notre Dame Australia, the excavation will run from Saturday, 8 August to Monday, 10 August, 2026.

Be part of living history and work alongside archaeologists, students, Society volunteers, and heritage supporters in small two-hour sessions exploring Guildford’s past.

Led by Dr Shane Burke, Vice President of the Swan Guildford Historical Society and Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, the excavation will investigate the site of the former Convict Depot Hospital and historic well at the rear of the Post Office.

What lies beneath may reveal the everyday traces of people who lived, worked, recovered, laboured and passed through the site.

WHY JOIN?

• Get hands-on in one of Western Australia’s most historic towns
• Help uncover clues linked to Guildford’s past
• Learn from archaeologists, students, Society volunteers and local heritage champions
• Play a part in bringing a beloved Guildford landmark back to life
• Excavate. Discover. Belong. Explore Guildford’s layered past and help bring a treasured landmark back to community life.

If you don’t wish to participate in the excavation but are interested in learning about archaeology and what is involved in an excavation, you are welcome to come along to view the works.

Register early as places are limited.