Your Saturday Guide to Heritage Perth Weekend

There will be 28 events happening across The City of Perth on Saturday. Start your day in East Perth and take an urban farm tour at Perth City Farm at 10am. Learn about the history of Perth City Farm that transformed itself from a toxic wasteland into a vibrant green community hub. Come early for the Saturday Farmers market from 8am to 12 noon.

Just a short distance from East Perth is the Old Perth Central Fire Station. It just wouldn’t be a fire station without fire engines! DFES Education & Heritage Centre are showcasing their Vintage Fleet favourites - some of which were in service nearly 100 years ago! Children can dress up as a firefighter and sit at the wheel of a real fire engine, plus there will be rides around the block on an original 1960s Bedford! Starts at 10am, no bookings required.

While you’re in the area head to Elizabeth Quay. Let Circus WA's youth performers take you back to the days of circus 'freak shows'. Uglieland by our Colliders youth troupe, is a site specific, immersive performance responding to the 1920’s historic White City carnival space at Elizabeth Quay. The Ugly Men Association emerged out of WW1 as an important fundraising organisation to support those in need. They created White City as an accessible, and fun circus and freak show carnival space on Perth City’s foreshore. Running from 10am to 2pm.

Just a short walk away at the City of Perth Library Join Noongar presenter Olman Walley from Boorloo Aboriginal Cultural Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Noongar culture and the people of Boorloo (Perth) through interactive storytelling with dance, song and artefacts. Back by popular demand for two sessions this year for the whole family at 10.30am and 1pm, make sure you book your free ticket.

Over at Town Hall Sharon Gregory has two Nyoongar Language Workshops for adults and children on offer. Learn about Nyoongar people places and animal names of the Perth area for the adults and for the little ones, learn about Nyoongar boodja, animal names and make a little book to take home. Suitable for age 5+ (under 8 accompanied by adult).

Continue your day in Northbridge with the Chung Wah Association Hall Open House. The Chung Wah Association extends an invitation for visitors to learn about early Chinese history in Western Australia. There will be a historical photographic exhibition, presentations, walking tours, cultural demonstrations and fun-filled games and activities. All hands-on activities will be conducted in English and Mandarin. Presentation and walking tours in English Only. See event listing for bookings and times.

Over at the WA Museum Boola Bardip you can get your craft on with Spinning Yarns - Heritage Crafts Tour & Knitting Circle Under Otto the Blue Whale. Celebrate the stories of West Australian arts and crafts by joining them for a handcrafts tour of the Reflections gallery. See indigenous children’s toys, hand-made furniture from the Perth colonies, a well-loved doll from Narrogin and stunning make-do-&-mend fashions, finishing with a knitting circle under Otto the Blue Whale where you can make your own Otto to take home and complete. BYO knitting needles and bookings essential.

The National Archives of WA located not far from the Museum brings you The Merchant and the Mosque: Faiz Mahomet and the Muslim Community in Early 20th-century Perth. Hear respected historian Dr Criena Fitzgerald discuss the fascinating story of Faiz Mahomet, who with his brother Tagh brought camels to the goldfields from 11am. Dr Fitzgerald draws on her research in the National Archives to recount a tale of murder, betrayal and faith. Before or after the talk, view the exhibition Lasting Impressions: love, family and the White Australia Policy. Complimentary tea and coffee provided.

In the afternoon head to UWA for a Crawley Campus Historical Walking Tour and discover the beginnings of WA’s first university, and the vision the university’s first Chancellor had for the campus. This guided walk describes his vision for a combined entity, and how today, architecture and landscape work in harmony to create a subtly beautiful environment. Tour starts at 2.30pm and bookings essential.

Experience Dreaming in the Quay in the early evening, with the fluorescent lights from Perth city creating a beautiful visual atmosphere. Book in for the guided walking tour with Djurandi Dreaming who will talk about past and present Nyoongar history and give a true historical understanding of the Nyoongar people of the Swan River.