Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Guildford, Perth
- Where is Guildford?
- What is the main street in Guildford?
- How to Get to Guildford
- What to Do
- Discover Australia's wildlife at the Museum of Natural History
- Complete the Guildford Heritage Walking Trails
- Sip vino at Swan Valley Wines
- Know the Colonial Gaol’s history
- Where to Eat
- Padbury's Cafe Restaurant
- The Guildford Hotel
- Locale Mio
- Guildford Milk Bar
- Alfred's Kitchen
- Where to Shop
- Jones of Guildford
- Panache Living
- Guildford Book Exchange
- Guildford Garden Center
- Where to Stay
- Guildford River Retreat
- Rose & Crown Hotel
- The Stirling Arms Hotel
- FAQs
Visiting Guildford feels like a journey back to the 19th century. Many of the OG buildings from its 1829 founding are still intact, and the town’s attractions, shops, and hotels ooze with the same old-world charm.
That’s not all though. The suburb’s stunning scenery, lip-smacking food, and untamed side are more than worth a visit.
You’ll want to keep this neighborhood guide handy to make sure your trip stays epic!
Where is Guildford?
Guildford is 12 km northeast of the Perth city center and is located along the Swan River‘s banks.
What is the main street in Guildford?
Anyone heading to Guildford should make a beeline for James Street, the suburb’s main street. With its colonial buildings, antique stores, cafes, and heritage trails, this is where it all goes down.
How to Get to Guildford
Closest station: You’ll reach Guildford by train through the Midland Line. If coming from Perth, expect a travel time of about 20 minutes.
By taxi: Those opting for taxi services should refer to the fare breakdown below.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
What to Do
Discover Australia’s wildlife at the Museum of Natural History
From theswanvalley
Address: 131 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9377 3884
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
The Museum of Natural History gave us the wildlife experience that connected all biomes and eras. Surrounded by life-size models and taxidermy of the Australian bush, we were face to face with birds, reptiles, and mammals in a preserved heritage-listed space.
Dinosaur replicas of all sizes, from fierce predators to gentle prey also loomed in every corner, including the entrance. A few stunning fossils were also on display, beautifully arranged by renowned taxidermist Michael Buzza.
Complete the Guildford Heritage Walking Trails
From theswanvalley
Nothing tops completing the Guildford Heritage Trails. These consist of 4 trails (each marked by a different color), but we believe the 20-minute Captain Stirling walk is the best.
Simple and scenic, this trail winds through historic Gothic gems, including the Chapel of St Mary and St George. However, it was the 1841-built Rose and Crown Hotel that truly teemed with Guildford’s famous vintage vibes and aesthetics.
Sip vino at Swan Valley Wines
From swanvalleywines
Address: 261 Haddrill Rd
Contact Details: 0450 648 918
Downing glasses of old-vine Swan Valley Wine Scecco proves you can indeed buy bliss in a bottle. This medium-bodied red pops with bright berry notes, darker fruit flavors, and herby undertones—a true taste of rustic Italy.
You can pick it up by the bottle from their shop or enjoy it at their cellar door. We went with the bottle option and were still impressed, especially since it only set us back for 35 bucks.
Know the Colonial Gaol’s history
From swansettlersmarket
Address: 24 Meadow St
Contact Details: (08) 9379 1829
Operating Hours: Tue to Wed, Fri to Sat – 10 am to 2 pm
For something darker (and creepier) than a cellar door, make your way to the Colonial Gaol. History is locked behind its walls, having once served as the town’s lock-up for criminals awaiting their verdicts.
The Gaol’s operations began in 1841 and ran until 1969, sheltering some notorious figures, including Moondyne Joe—WA’s most infamous bushranger. These days, the Gaol is an exhibit that’s been spruced up nicely, yet it still retains an eerie atmosphere.
Where to Eat
Padbury’s Cafe Restaurant
Address: Padbury Store, 114 Terrace Rd
Contact Details: 0402 488 638
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 7 am to 2 pm
- Fri to Sat – 7 am to 2 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 7 am to 2 pm
No self-respecting foodie should ever leave Guildford without experiencing Padbury’s Cafe. Just be warned: this pub-style haunt’s tiger prawn linguine gave us chronic cravings.
With a sweet, herby profile and a kick of chili heat, this tomato-based pasta has earned its place as a staple among both Guildfordians and visitors like us. Its robust flavors get even better once balanced with the cafe’s toffee-like and nutty pudding!
The Guildford Hotel
From theguildfordhotel
Address: 159 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9460 9966
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 11 am to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 11 am to 12 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 10 pm
The Guildford Hotel’s 2016 reopening marked a new chapter for this 1800s watering hole, but some things never change—like their legendary cheeseburger spring rolls. Best devoured in the beer garden, this iconic bite is sought after for mouth-watering reasons.
We savored it during our trip, and the dish’s smoky patty wrapped in a crispy shell totally lived up to its fame. The gooey cheese deliciously contrasted with the crunch, while the tangy pickles added a refreshing side to this umami-filled bite.
Locale Mio
From localemio
Address: 159-161 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9379 8476
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 5 am to 9 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Locale Mio’s holy trinity consists of pizza, tapas, and pasta. However, it’s their tapas that have a special kind of pull, with the Polpette Pomodoro as the money-maker.
It’s loved for tender beef and salty pork meatballs, patiently simmered in a tomato sauce with subtle garlicky flavors. A sprinkle of nutty parmesan seals the deal, making this an authentically Italian dish best savored with a glass of red.
Guildford Milk Bar
From guildfordmilkbar
Address: 197-199 James St
Contact Details: (08) 6114 8596
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 7 am to 1:30 pm
Eggs come in all forms, and the antique-decked Guildford Milk Bar has probably mastered every single one. Prosciutto, spinach, or chorizo on the side, and whether you like them sunny-side up or scrambled, they have it down to a protein-packed art.
Their drinks don’t disappoint either, especially the cappuccino. It’s a smooth blend of espresso bitterness, smooth steamed milk, and just a dash of spice to keep things well-rounded.
Alfred’s Kitchen
Address: Cnr Meadow &, James St
Contact Details: (08) 9377 1378
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 5 pm to 1 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 11 pm
When it comes to roadside burgers, Alfred’s Kitchen is often hailed as Perth’s best. They’ve been slinging simple but flavorful patties and buns since 1946, so good luck challenging that claim.
In addition, the restaurant rarely sees empty seats because of its vibe, especially during the late hours. The cozy fire pit, old-school architecture, and relaxed atmosphere just feel right for both patrons and first-time diners.
Where to Shop
Jones of Guildford
From toreshi_swan
Address: Old Village Markets, 165 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9378 2065
Operating Hours: Mon, Wed to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Jones of Guildford cranks up the suburb’s vintage feels. This collectible store is packed with surprises, from exquisite glassware to retro cigarette cases and timeless toys from decades past.
Their main draw, however, is a showroom teeming with furniture that came straight from your great-great-grandmother’s attic. Antique wardrobes, tables, and cabinets line up, some pristine and others a bit worse for wear, but all perfect for nostalgia.
Panache Living
From panachelivingguildford
Address: Padbury Stores, 112 Terrace Rd
Contact Details: (08) 6460 8299
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Sat – 10 am to 4 pm
- Sun – 10 am to 3 pm
Jazzing up your style is never a problem at Panache Living. Their signature clothing style is all about retro-chic aesthetics; think boldly colored tops with modern fabrics, unique cutouts, and vintage patterns like florals and stripes.
The sparkle doesn’t stop there, with standout jewelry brands like Ayala Bar and Murkani occupying shelves. Plus, you can pick up some aromatic candles made in Perth and soft furnishing that’s ideal for upgrading your space’s panache.
Guildford Book Exchange
From guildfordbookexchange
Address: 189 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9377 3491
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat – 9:30 am to 4 pm
Our bookworms were practically glued to their seats at Guildford Book Exchange. Who could blame them? This reading hotbed boasts an impressive collection that covers every genre bibliophiles can dream of.
Moreover, you can swap books here, as the store’s name suggests. Bring in your old reads, and you’ll get in-store credits to use for purchasing new books with green stamps (books with red stamps are cash-only).
Guildford Garden Center
From guildfordgardencentre
Address: 96 James St
Contact Details: (08) 9279 8645
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Anyone with a green thumb should drive straight to the Guildford Garden Center. Here, nearly 500 Australian native flora bloom, from bulbs and cacti to indoor plants and climbers.
Ornate and artistic garden decor are also on offer, but brace your wallet because they don’t come cheap. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, keep an eye on their Instagram for any current sales or promotional giveaways.
Where to Stay
Guildford River Retreat
From guildfordriverretreat
Address: 18 Victoria St
Contact Details: (08) 9379 1728
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Choosing the eco-friendly and flowery Guildford River Retreat as our crash pad was a bad move—because we didn’t want to leave. We just loved that it was tucked away from the street’s chaos but still kept us close to Guildford’s timeless attractions and diners.
For our room, we went with the balcony option, offering primo panoramas of the leafy surroundings. The amenities are also modern and convenient, featuring air conditioning, an ensuite with a rain shower, and a king-sized bed draped in Egyptian cotton linen.
Rose & Crown Hotel
From roseandcrownguildford
Address: 105 Swan St
Contact Details: (08) 9347 8100
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Built in 1841, the Rose & Crown Hotel proudly holds the title of WA’s oldest operating hotel. It retains much of its original design, featuring vintage brickwork that covers the facade and rooms.
On the topic of rooms, they have a mix of modern and 1900s crash pads. For instance, the go-to king room has classical decor coupled with large double beds and all the modern electronics you could want.
The Stirling Arms Hotel
From stirlingarmshotel
Address: 117 James St
Contact Details: (08) 6142 4352
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
The Stirling Arms Hotel is another standout that embodies the suburb’s Old English culture. Established in 1852, this hotel has stood the test of time and continues to lure guests in with its top-notch pub fare.
Rooms here are no slouch either, especially the 3-bedroom apartment, which boasts a private courtyard, dining area, lounge, and BBQ spaces.
The price can be bank-breaking though, so don’t skip your trip’s budget-planning phase if you’re aiming for this hotel.
