Buckland Hill

Buckland Hill is one of the highest points in the Perth metropolitan area. Being a prominent coastal peak Dutch mariner Willem de Vlamingh, landed a party near here on January 5th 1697. They then trekked through native bushland up Buckland Hill, to determine what lay beyond. From this lofty perch, the expedition discovered a nearby river, which Willem later named the "Swan River".

PERTH ALERT: During World War One, Buckland Hill served as a Battery Observation Post, and a Signal Station for ships at sea. Bigger defences were constructed during the Second World War, when the threat of a Japanese invasion seemed quite real. Guns were mounted, tunnels excavated, barracks built, and coastal search lights installed, to keep an eye out for the enemy. The invasion never happened. Perth was just a bit too far away. Buckland Hill ceased being a military outpost in 1963, and never fired a shot in anger.

Buckland Hill Gun. We don't really fire it at surfers.

Fremantle Harbour with Garden Island beyond.

Today Buckland Hill is surrounded by modern residential homes, and supports a water reservoir. Monthly guided tours of the military tunnel system are conducted for those who want the down under perspective. The panorama from the hill is magnificent, capturing the Indian Ocean, Swan River, Fremantle Harbour and glimpses of the Perth skyline. Buckland Hill has played an important role in the history of Perth, and is today a forgotten landmark just waiting to be rediscovered.

LOCATION: Buckland Hill is located off Stirling Highway in the suburb of Mosman Park. The best time to visit would have been prior to 1830, as most of this limestone peak has ended up in the walls of our early colonial buildings. Check out Old Perth to discover where parts of Buckland Hill can be found today. Buckland Hill is a lonely place. Something that comes with being a forgotten landmark, so always visit it during daylight hours with a friend.

Buckland Hill Today.

Buckland Hill Today. Looking a little flat after all that limestone quarrying, and more recently being levelled for a water reservoir. A group of nearby hills known as the Seven Sisters, were also levelled by quarrying during the 1800's.

An artists impression of Buckland Hill if the limestone had not been excavated.

Imagine if Buckland Hill had never been excavated. While its actual height is open to speculation, this artists impression gives you some idea of its appearance.

Jakob van der Schley's early engraving (1740) depicts the Vlamingh Expedition entering the Swan River. The big hill on the left could be the first picture of Buckland Hill.

Engraving by Jakob van der Schley (1740).

The Vlamingh Expedition entering the Swan River.

USELESS FACT: In 1829 Captain James Stirling had considered Buckland Hill as a possible site for the initial settlement. The elevated position presented great views of the Indian Ocean, Swan River, and the inland. He even liked the cooling effect of the afternoon sea breeze. However, when it came to the crunch, the Arthur's Head site in Fremantle was selected to kick things off. Buckland Hill was considered to be more important as a source of limestone building materials. Stirling's insight has not been lost on the owners of the million dollar houses, which now populate the Buckland Hill precinct.