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Walking Tour

Walking Tours

If you love to walk and want to discover Perth city’s icons, arts and cultural history our walking tours could be just the ticket. With a variety of guided or self-guided tours, there's something for everybody.  

Perth Trails App 

The Perth Trails app offers informative walking trails designed to showcase Perth history, heritage, art and cultural points of interest, curated by City of Perth.

The walking trails are suitable for people of all ages, from curious residents to seasoned travelers, and families alike. Using the Perth Trails app you can discover fun facts and interesting stories about Perth along the way.

All trails have been planned with accessibility in mind, and feature public transport access as well as private transport access throughout. You'll also be spoilt for choice with an array of food and beverage options across all routes. With ample access to public toilets, refreshment locations and playgrounds, too!

Download the app

App Store

Google Play

FREE Guided City Tours 

Knowledgeable volunteer Tour Guides offer free 90-minute orientation, history and art tours from the Perth City Visitor Kiosk.

To register for a group tour of over 15 people, please email walkingtours@cityofperth.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9461 3333. Two weeks' notice is required for group bookings, and tours are subject to volunteer availability.  

Please note that our qualified iCity volunteer tour guides are not available on public holidays, and tours may be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions, low numbers, or subject to volunteer availability.
 

Icons of Influence Tour
Monday at 10:15am
Learn about the influential individuals and institutions that influenced the development of Perth in the 1800s.

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The Big Boom Tour
Tuesday at 10:15am
Highlights of the 'boom' created by gold and the surge of growth, wealth and prosperity in Western Australia that followed.

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Convicts & Colonials Tour 
Wednesday at 10:15am
Be transported back in time and experience the period of the convicts in the Swan River Colony. 

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Perth Town Hall Tour
The first Thursday of every month at 10.15am
Explore this iconic landmark and discover the history, workmanship and stories of the people who walked through the Town Hall walls.

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Art City Tour
Friday at 10:15am
Discover the City’s public art works reflecting the city’s identity, both past and present. 

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Orientation Tour
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday's at 9:45am
Ideal for City newcomer’s eager to explore Perth! Join a local volunteer guide to navigate and discover the City!

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Self-guided Walking Tours

With a range of self-guided tours on offer you can discover architecture and City visionaries on ‘Icons of Influence’, the ups and downs of the local economy with ‘The Big Boom’ and the history of Perth with ‘Convicts and Colonials’.

You can also get creative on the ‘Art City’ walking tour or discover our Indigenous roots on the ‘This City is Whadjuk Country’ tour.

Get your walking shoes ready…

These self-guided trails can take up to two hours. 

You can join in or depart from the trail anywhere along the way. The trail intersects with the city’s free CAT buses servicing East Perth, Northbridge, West Perth, central Perth and the foreshore (except Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day).

 
  • Icons of Influence Walking Tour

    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

  • The Big Boom Tour

    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.

    Visit our interactive online map or download PDF

  • Convicts and Colonials Walking Tour

    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.

    Visit our interactive online map or download PDF

  • Perth Town Hall Tour

    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.

    Download PDF.

  • Art City Walking Tour

    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

  • This City is Whadjuk Country Walking Tour

    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.

    Download PDF

  • Fighting for Families, Country, Rights and Recognition Walking Tour

    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.

    Download PDF

  • Walking Subiaco: self-guided walks

    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.

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

  • Walking Victoria Park: Self-guided walks

    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. 

    Windan Bridge Loop

    Located on the banks of the beautiful Swan River in the centre of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, this urban walk takes you past Herrison Island, Burswood Park and the Chevron Parklands near Optus Stadium. On the eastern bank you will walk through Claisebrook Cove with its public art and cafés. You can shorten the trail by crossing at Matagarup bridge.

    Causeway to Windan Loop

    The Bridges Walk is one of Perth’s most iconic urban walks, attracting hundreds of pedestrians each weekend. The walk is bookended by the Narrows bridge in the west and the Causeway bridge in the east and traces the Swan River shoreline. 

    With spectacular views across the City and back to the South Perth city centre this walk is a stunning way to take in Perth City and the beautiful Swan River. There are multiple café’s along the way, beautiful parks and easy to navigate paths. Join the weekly throng of walkers, joggers, cyclists and meanderers and experience Perth in all its beauty. 

     

     
  • Curtin University Hidden Treasures Self Guided Tours

    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.

  • Claisebrook Village Art Trail

    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.

Discover East Perth

Historic Heart of Perth Inc is a community organisation who excel in all things East Perth. 

The Historic Heart of Perth is an area spanning from Barrack Street in the west to Hill Street in the east. 

The name ‘Historic Heart’ is designed to bring together the history of the urban environment (Historic) and the community and natural environment (Heart). It is the premise that the physical and cultural landscapes are intertwined - a city is not just about buildings but about people and their experiences within it.

Checkout all the East Perth highlights and hidden gems.

  • Laurel Nannup - First Contact
    Pictured: Prohibited Area

    Danjoo Kaartdijin: Together Knowledge

    Dispersed across Perth lies deep untold stories living in the four walls of many iconic Perth buildings.

    This story map will uncover the chilling secrets of their past. Listen as Aboriginal people speak about the places in Perth which have shaped their lives.

    Based on oral history interviews from the City of Perth's Cultural Collections.

    Find out more

Other Perth Tours

Hidden de Tours

Hidden deTours offer unique and well-crafted bus and walking tours in Perth and beyond for locals and visitors to this beautiful city and its surrounds. Hidden gems are ready for the taking on each tour, as they explore Perth like no other. Check out their tours here.