Old Perth

Perth's remaining heritage buildings live a shadowy existence.  Being surrounded by modern high rise office buildings, the sun rarely shines on them.  Finding them today is a challenge, so Life On Perth mounted a special "lunch hour" expedition, to rediscover the historic buildings of "Old Perth".

Follow the links into Old Perth

 

Take me to the Perth Wesley Church. Take me to the Cloisters. Take me to the Perth Town Hall. View of Old Perth around the 1870's.

 

 Old Perth around the 1870's.

Old Perth was unfortunately destroyed sometime between 1960 and 1990, when the city expanded during the Mineral Boom of the 1960's, and throughout the corporate empire building of the 1980's.  Most of our historic buildings were demolished by bulldozers, explosives, and those big iron balls they swing from cranes.  Luckily a few were saved by a group of people who recognised the historical significance of these early Perth buildings.  Today they are protected by special legislation, and assorted waterproof adhesives.

 

Why not check out what we found, and let us know if you stumble across any other ones.  Searching without success?  Here are a couple of handy hints to locating and photographing a Perth heritage building.

  • Most are usually surrounded by modern skyscrapers, and live in a permanent twilight world where the sun never shines.  During the Southern Summer Solstice at around midday, the sun and skyscrapers align for a brief moment, providing the best possible conditions to locate a Perth heritage building.  Perth Heritage Building Day falls around the 22nd of December each year.
     

  • Many have various forms of road signage, or a nice big bus shelter placed just outside the front door.  These obstructions make taking a photograph difficult, and in some cases dangerous.  Always check for road traffic, otherwise you'll be history as well.
     

  • Some are missing a few of their original parts, like 120 rooms for example.  Others may now include a few non-genuine parts, such as a 50 storey skyscraper attached to their rear.
     

  • Access to many buildings is restricted, unless you conform to it's current use.  If you wish to check out the interior, you may have to order a gourmet lunch, or have your hair cut.

Good Luck!

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