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Delve into Western Australian Culture with the 5 Best Cultural Sites in Perth
There’s no denying that the sleek lines and towering heights of modern buildings are charming, but I’ve always been more drawn to the stories cultural sites have to offer. I believe that to experience a place truly, you must first dive into the culture and history.
That’s why I’ve made it a mission to visit as many cultural sites as possible in Perth. From eerie cemeteries to historic prisons, the city has so much culture and history that often gets overshadowed by its beautiful beaches and buildings.
So, if you’re also a curious soul like me, Perth’s cultural sites will make you happy. Don’t believe me? Just check out my top picks below and see for yourself on your next trip!
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen
From @sarahtonkinphotography
Location: Francis St & Parker Street, Northbridge
Website: http://www.greekorthodox.org.au/
Contact details: (02) 9690 6100
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If there’s one thing that you’ll always find in every list of cultural sites, it’s churches. And for Perth, one of the most iconic churches you can visit is the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helene in Northbridge.
Constructed from 1935 to 1937 by the Greek community in Perth, the church boasts a Byzantine architecture style. The striking red bricks on its exterior are impossible to miss, making it a standout landmark for miles around.
But just when you thought the exterior was impressive enough, wait until you step inside. The bright religious paintings on the walls and the ornate altar are a lot different from the interiors of other churches in the city.
Pro Tip: If you’re thinking of asking Perth locals about the church, ask them about “the red church” instead of just saying Greek Orthodox church. There’s another Greek Orthodox church in the city, so they may get confused if you don’t specify.
East Perth Cemeteries
Location: Bronte St, East Perth
Website: https://www.ntwa.com.au/places-to-visit/east-perth-cemeteries/
Contact details: (08) 9321 6088, [email protected]
Operating hours: Sunday: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee:
National Trust Members – FREE
Adults – $10.00
Adult / Student Concession – $7.00
Children (5 years old and above) – $5.00
Children (under five years old) – FREE
Family group of four – $25.00
Group bookings (10 or more people) – from $7.00 per person
Listed on the Western Australia Heritage Register, East Perth Cemeteries is a cultural site that has almost two centuries of history. It’s the burial site of over 10,000 people who died in colonial Perth, but only around 800 have been identified so far.
Now, I know visiting a cemetery may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but trust me, it’s worth the trip. Our guide shared lots of historical information and stories about the cemetery, giving us a glimpse of the early days of Perth.
Plus, where else can you take a leisurely stroll and read tombstones from different eras? Not to mention, the place also has the only mortuary chapel ever built in Western Australia, giving you more reasons to explore it.
Pro Tip: If you’re driving to the cemetery, you can park in Bronte and Wittenoom Streets. There’s also ticketed parking available in Queens Gardens if you can’t find a good spot in the streets.
For those who won’t be driving, there’s a free yellow CAT bus that can take you to the cemetery. Just check their schedule on the Transperth website and wait at Stop 6 or 32.
Perth Mint
Location: 310 Hay St, East Perth
Website: https://www.perthmint.com/
Contact details: (+61 8) 9421 7222, (+61 8) 9421 7376 (for visits); [email protected], [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Perth Mint Gold Tour fee:
Adult – $24
Child (5 to 15 years old) – $14
Australian concession – $21
Small group (2 adults and two children) – AUD 65
One of the most popular tourist spots in Perth, the Perth Mint is one of the places you can’t miss when in Perth. As the oldest operating mint in Australia, it holds stories and experiences that are just as valuable as the gold it houses.
The tour will walk you through the history of the mint courtesy of some of the funniest tour guides you’ll find in Perth. You’ll also get to explore the Gold Exhibition and see the world’s largest gold bullion coin.
But the real highlight for us was witnessing a traditional gold pour in the mint’s 1899 melting house. From a close distance, you’ll witness how gold is melted into a liquid and turned into gold bars.
Pro Tip: There’s a shop inside the mint where you can buy bullion-grade coins. Just make sure to bring an ID with you because you’ll need it to purchase the coins.
The Round House
Location: 15 Captains Ln, Fremantle
Website: http://www.fremantleroundhouse.com.au/
Contact details: 08 9336 6897, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Before Fremantle Prison, it was The Round House in Captains Lane that housed prisoners from the Swan River colony. Today, the building stands as a popular cultural site for tourists to visit.
As the oldest standing building in Western Australia, it holds a rich history that’s well worth learning. The volunteers inside will guide you through its history, sharing various informative stories about the building.
The best part, though, is the cannon firing at 1:00 PM (despite how startling it was at first). A time ball is suspended in the air, and when it drops, the cannon is shot – just like how it was done in the 1900s to signal the time to seafarers.
Pro Tip: A shipwreck museum is about four minutes walk away from the Round House. You can visit it before or after the ball drop event for another adventure!
His Majesty’s Theatre
Location: 827-905 Hay St
Website: https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/his-majestys-theatre
Contact information: +61 8 6212 9292 (tickets), +61 8 9265 0900 (administration); [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Built from 1902 to 1904, His Majesty’s Theatre is one of the city’s oldest-running theatres. It was once the largest theatre in the country, and though it may have lost that title over time, it remains a majestic cultural site you must visit when in Perth.
The Maj is Australia’s only remaining working Edwardian theatre, so it’s a must-see for huge architecture fans. The exterior of the theatre aside, the red walls and intricate designs inside are what really made us see just how majestic the theatre is.
Plus, the operas and ballet shows performed here never disappoint. The West Australian Opera show we went to exhibited more than just exceptional singing; it also gave us a glimpse of Perth’s beautiful art scene.
Pro Tip: If you’re just interested in the theatre’s structure, come in the morning or early afternoon. It’s less crowded, so you can explore it more comfortably and take better pictures.
