Walking Tours

When John Septimus Roe, naval officer, surveyor and explorer, first laid out the City of Perth in 1829, he envisaged a powerful city at the centre of a strong economy. St Georges Terrace was the focus of this design, a broad avenue running parallel to the shores of the majestic Swan River. Today, St Georges Terrace continues its role as the city’s powerhouse. Follow this trail to discover the history of the city through its iconic places of influence. As you walk along, keep your eyes out for plaques placed in the pavement that recognise the many people who have influenced the growth of Perth and Western Australia.

Visit our interactive online map or download PDF

This historical walk through Perth city will highlight the ‘boom’ created by gold and the surge of growth, wealth and prosperity in Western Australia that followed. The City’s population swelled from 8,500 to over 27,000 in a decade and it seemed Perth would ‘bust’ as this remote town turned into a buzzing cosmopolitan city.

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Although the Swan River Colony was established as a free settlement in 1829, convict transportation was introduced in 1850 to answer the demand for a cheap and plentiful supply of labour for the small population.

The introduction of these reluctant immigrants caused much debate and controversy amongst the residents, who feared that their free colony would be forever tainted by the convict class. Whilst convict transport lasted only 18 years, the legacy of this period is embedded in the streets of the city and the folklore of the State.

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Built between 1867 and 1870, the Perth Town Hall is a landmark and an important building in Perth’s history, unique in several ways. It is the only major Australian town hall designed in a Medieval style. It is also the only Australian town hall built by convicts, providing evidence of their workmanship and technical skills which, during this time, were superior to those of free citizens. From the beginning, it was conceived not as Council offices, but as a venue for civic events, private and community gatherings and celebrations. Major works completed in 2005 restored the Town Hall to its place as a popular Perth venue for the new century.

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Public art can stimulate thinking, deepen sense of place and transform how we engage with spaces. Within Perth city there are more than 200 public artworks reflecting the city’s identity, both past and present. This curated art trail includes a selection of public artworks that showcase our evolving CBD. Immerse yourself in our city.

Visit our interactive online map or download PDF

The first of two Karla Yarning maps, This city is Whadjuk country, explores Whadjuk Nyoongar history before the arrival of white settlers in 1829. On this walk participants will get a feel for the way Whadjuk people lived before white settlement.

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The second Karla Yarning map, Fighting for families, country, rights and recognition, explores Aboriginal history in Perth after 1829. On this walk, participants can learn about important events and developments including the resistance of Whadjuk leaders Midgegooroo and his son Yagan in the 1830s, the Prohibited Area zone in place between 1927-1954, Aboriginal protest rallies held in the 1930s and 1940s and the establishment of important Aboriginal organisations.

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One of the best ways to see a new place or rediscover a destination is by foot. Walking allows you take in the small details, duck down laneways, and stop to smell the roses or take in a piece of street art.

With its abundance of beautiful parks, green reserves and leafy streets filled with rich history, Subiaco is the ideal place for a walking tour.

Take things at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour, or meet like-minded people on a guided ‘See Subi on Sunday’ tour.

See Subi on Sunday

This free walking tour program is held bi-monthly from July to May. Each walk explores a different area or aspect of Subiaco and participants are encouraged to share their own stories to add to the experience.

The walks lasts run for 90-minutes and are predominately focussed on the history of the area. Suitable for all ages.

Self-guided tours

Go on an adventure to discover traditional hunting grounds of the Noongar people, the first free university in the British Commonwealth of Nations, beautiful leadlight windows and doors, and much more on a self-guided walking tour of Subiaco and its different areas and attractions.

With a range of tours available to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

• Crawley and UWA
• Jolimont and Daglish
• Shenton Park
• Subi Centro
• The City Centre
• The Commonage
• The Triangle
• Leadlight

For more on walking tours in Subiaco, visit the City of Subiaco’s website.

Kensington Bushland Walk

Kensington Bushland is a pristine bush park in Perth’s inner east. It is the best preserved urban bushland between the Swan and Canning Rivers. There are walk trails through the pristine jarrah and banksia woodland for the community to enjoy.

For those looking to escape their urban surrounds, and walk through one of the few remaining inner city bushland reserves, then the Kensington Bushland walk is a perfect option. The bushland is close to shops, restaurants and cafes on Albany Highway and only 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bus from the Perth CBD. 

Universities sometimes have a reputation for being serious and stuffy, but not Curtin Uni in Bentley.

The campus has a surprising treasure box of art, gardens, architecture and activities, and exploring these riches is not just for students!

The campus is famous for its open spaces and giant pine trees, as well as tranquil outdoor spots like the Japanese Garden and Sculpture Garden.

A self-guided audio tour is available, including appearances from the campus horticulturalist and notable artists Stormie Mills and Hayley Welsh.

If you are heading out with the family, the “Curtin Nature Trail” on the Nature Play WA app might be more your style, featuring a kid-friendly outdoor adventure on the campus grounds. Alternatively, there’s a downloadable map of whimsical “Whozits and Whatzits” including the Music Mushrooms, Wall Scrabble and koi pond that are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained.

No matter which Hidden Treasures adventure you choose, why not round out your visit with a coffee at the Hammock Hotel or picnic from the rotating selection of Perth’s fav food trucks?

Just be sure to check out the Curtin Uni website or socials first, as some activities and food trucks are only available on certain days.

Find out more here.

The Claisebrook Village Art Trail has been curated by local artist, Andrew Hawes. As a parent and grandfather, he appreciates that families have different needs to other groups and has hand painted 160 small gecko sculptures that also acts as a 'treasure trail.'

Follow the gecko pointers and pavement stickers for an artists eye view of our Village. See how many geckos you can find!

For more information and to download the guide click here.