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Jump Into Week One of the 2026 Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival

Visit Perth30 Mar '263 min read

Royal Perth Hospital Museum

The Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival returns for 2026, bringing Boorloo (Perth)’s stories to life through a city-wide program of exhibitions, tours, talks and hands-on experiences.

Whether you’re uncovering hidden histories, planning a family day out or exploring the city from a fresh perspective, week one offers plenty of ways to get involved.Here are some highlights to kick off the festival.

Arts & Culture Highlights

Pioneering Spaces: Four Women Who Shaped Perth’s Art Scene

Monday – Friday | 11am-4:30pm | Gallery Central

This compelling exhibition celebrates four influential women who helped shape Perth’s arts landscape between the 1950s and 1980s. Through the artists and works they supported, discover how their vision helped transform the city’s cultural identity. Find out more about the exhibition here.

Explore Local History

A Major Operation - The Growth of Our Longest Serving Hospital

Wednesday and Thursdays throughout April | 9am-2pm | Royal Perth Hospital Museum

Gain insight into the evolution of one of Perth’s most important institutions. This exhibition explores the people, services and behind-the-scenes operations that keep a major hospital running. Discover more about the Royal Perth Hospital Museum here.

Discover Iconic Landmarks

Perth Town Hall Tour

Thursday 2 April | 10:15am-11:15am

Step inside one of the city’s most recognisable heritage buildings and learn about its architecture, craftsmanship and the stories held within its walls. Book the Perth Town Hall tour here.

Meet: iCity Kiosk, Murray St Mall, Perth.

Family-Friendly Events

The Bell Tower Kids Day

Monday 6 April | 10am-4pm | The Bell Tower

A full day of children’s activities including games, entertainment and a special kids tour—ideal for a school holiday outing in the city. Discover more about the Bell Tower here.

Tin-can Telephones

Tuesday 7 April | 9am-10:30am or 11am-12pm | City of Perth Library

In this hands-on workshop, kids can build their own tin-can telephone while learning how sound travels. A fun mix of creativity and discovery. Book into the workshop here.

Suitable for ages 5 to 12.

Two children playing with a tin-can telephone outside in a park.

Music & Cultural Conversations

Music in the City - Early Rock & Roll in Perth

Wednesday 8 April | 6pm to 7.30pm

Hear from industry experts as they explore how rock & roll shaped Perth’s cultural and entertainment scene from the late 1950s onwards. Book your free ticket to the talk here.

Talks & Unique Experiences

The Bell Tower - History Talks with Richard Offen

Wednesday 8 April | 12:30pm | The Bell Tower

Local Perth author and historian Richard Offen will show case a behind-the-scenes of The Bell Tower and chat about all thing bells and bell ringing. Book in the history talk here.

For ages 15+. Tea and coffee provided.

Truth-Telling & Community Stories

Family History Services and Truth-Telling Projects

Wednesday 8 April | 10:30am-11:30am | State Library of WA

Learn about important initiatives sharing Aboriginal histories, including Nyoongar place names across the CBD and stories of Aboriginal servicemen from WWI. Read more about this exhibition here.

Plan Your Visit

Week one is just the beginning, with events taking place across the city throughout the festival period.

Browse the full program, plan your itinerary and secure your place at your favourite events early, many have limited capacity.

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