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Perth walking tour

Tour of East Perth Cemeteries

4.67· 12 reviews
from$59/ person
★★★★★
“The 2 hour East Perth Cemeteries Tour which I did Saturday 17th September 2022 was most interesting, with Anne as our friendly guide... Some of many highlights included visiting the graves of early WA pioneers such as John Septimus Roe 1797-1878 first Surveyor-General of WA (who married Matilda after whom Matilda Bay is named), John Henry Monger 1802-1867 who became rich with his business dealings including sandalwood and wool (after whom Lake Monger is named), Walter Padbury 1820-1907 philanthropist, Henry Trigg 1791-1882 Superintendent of Public Works in WA from 1839 to 1851 supervising constructions including the Perth Causeway 1843, Canning Bridge 1849, Rottnest Island Light Station 1849 (Trigg Beach and the surrounding suburb of Trigg was named after him)… Jane Barron 1800-1878 who ran the first dairy in Perth... and Tommy Dower 1845-1895 an aboriginal who accompanied Alexander and John Forrest on various expeditions...”

— Greg B·Tripadvisor

4.9 Google (202) · 4.8 Tripadvisor (1,374)

  • ✓ Instant confirmation
  • ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • ✓ Small groups, expert local guides
  • ✓ Perth’s most-awarded walking tours
Duration
2 hours
Max group size
25 guests
Pace
Relaxed
Starts at
East Perth Cemeteries

Overview

Journey back in time through this tranquil and unique group of cemeteries dating to 1829, when Perth was first established. Situated high on a hill above the Swan River, these colonial cemeteries — and the people buried in them between 1830 and 1899 — tell the stories of our city and state across their first seventy years.

As the tour winds through the grounds you'll encounter the graves of notable members of the Swan River Colony alongside lesser-known people who lived extraordinary lives in extremely difficult circumstances: tales of murder, migration, adversity and involuntary transportation to one of the most remote places on Earth.

This tour is run in partnership with the National Trust of Australia (WA); $5 from every tour goes towards the conservation and management of the site. Not suitable for children under 16. The cemeteries are a heritage site with unpaved, uneven paths, so the walk isn't suitable for prams or wheelchairs, and flat closed shoes are essential.

What’s included

  • ✓ Professional local guide
  • ✓ $5 donation to National Trust site conservation
  • ✓ Walk colonial burial grounds dating to 1829, above the Swan River
  • ✓ Hear the stories of the Swan River Colony's notable and forgotten

Not included

  • ✕ Food and drinks

Meeting point

East Perth Cemeteries (Bronte Street gate)

Bronte Street gate, East Perth WA 6004

Street parking is available on Bronte Street. The Ezipark app covers the bays, and there are few cash machines nearby, so set up payment before you arrive. The route has no stairs. Your guide will be waiting in a bright red shirt and will be on the lookout for you as much as you are looking for them.

View meeting point on the map →

Give it as a gift

Buying for someone else? A Two Feet gift card lets them choose the tour and the date.

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Before you book

Questions about this tour

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. Guests need to be 16 or older.

Can I bring a wheelchair or pram?

No, sorry. The cemeteries are a heritage site with unpaved, uneven ground, and the route leaves the paths. Wear flat, closed shoes. Accessibility on our tours.

Are there toilets?

Not at the cemeteries. The closest are in Victoria Gardens, at the river end of Royal Street, so go before you arrive.

Who looks after the cemeteries?

The National Trust of Australia (WA). We run the tour with the Trust, and $5 from every ticket goes to its conservation work at the site.

How do we book it?

As a private tour for your group, on a date that suits you. We also run it for cruise passengers. Ask about a private tour.

All our FAQs: booking, weather and cancellations