Take a trip back down memory lane, to your childhood, or perhaps the days of your parents and grandparents, at the brilliant Kalamunda History Village. The open air museum in the Perth Hills, is located right in the centre of town and is the largest museum of its kind in WA. Many original buildings, vehicles and machinery give a taste of what hills life was like a century ago.
The admission fee, just $6 for seniors, is paid at the Zig Zag Cultural Centre.
Many of the original buildings were relocated to this site (the former Upper Darling Range Railway Station) from the Kalamunda area in the 1970s. The Train Station (1903-1927) was built to service the Zig Zag line. Waiting patiently at the platform is a Locomotive G118. This type of steam train was used on the Kalamunda line, transporting timber from Canning Mills to the Midland Junction, via the Zig Zag.
I loved looking at the old Kalamunda State School House (1905-1970). It triggered fond memories of my old class room set up in the last century with old wooden desks and a blackboard.
I even revisited an old school yard game – hopscotch!
At the school house, there’s a room with a collection toys of the time, including billy carts, a very old monopoly set, wooden toys and more. There’s a beautiful giant dolls house, decked out with lots of furniture and dolls, which is a favourite with children.
McCullagh Cottage (1895) is a walk-through settler’s cottage. It’s fascinating walking through the tiny house and imagining that a large family would have lived there without any mod-cons! It was home to three generations of early settlers – the McCullagh family. It’s set up with furniture and bits and bobs from that era.
Outside is the laundry with a copper and mangle. There’s even a dunny with a spider and newspaper loo paper.
Chamber’s House (1922) is a more up-market than the cottage. It shows a typical pre-World War II home. There’s a well equipped kitchen and a dining room is set up for a posh dinner party.
The Carriage Shed is full of pre-motor car transportation, like horse drawn carriages and a milk cart. There are vintage trucks, busses and a big red fire truck.
The history village is run by knowledgeable volunteers. We were treated to a demonstration of a 80 year old fruit grading machine in the Orchard Shed. The contraption took fruit up a conveyor belt, cleaned and then sorted it into size. The shed showcases orchard industry in the district, which is still very important to this day.
The first official Kalamunda Post Office (1921-1972) has postal, telegraph and telephone displays.
You’ll also find the area’s original Post Office (1901-1921) which serves as the village’s General Store. Here you’re sure to spot some familiar old brands and products. There’s also a blacksmiths, timber sawpit and more to discover at the museum.
A visit to the Kalamunda History Village is a great way to spend a couple of hours and a fantastic insight for grandchildren into the “olden days”. Need refreshments? It’s found next to the tasty Mason and Bird Café. Kalamunda History Village is well worth a visit – thanks for the memories!
Kalamunda History Village – The Details
Address: 56 Railway Road, Kalamunda.
Phone: 9293 1371
Website: www.kalamundahistoricalsociety.com/
Admission: Adults $8, Children $4, Seniors $6
Opening Times: Mon-Wed & Fri 10am-3pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm. Thursdays 12pm to 3pm
Find more things to do in Perth here.
- Mandurah Cruises - April 10, 2025
- Things to do with Grandchildren in the Perth School Holidays - April 9, 2025
- Burns Beach Twilight Markets - December 12, 2024
- Best Outdoor Cinemas in Perth - November 14, 2024
- Weekend Drives in Perth - September 27, 2024
- S&R Orchard Blossom Festival, Walliston - September 4, 2024
- S&R Orchard Autumn Festival, Walliston - May 17, 2024
- Where to Buy Indoor Plants in Perth - November 3, 2023
- Perth’s Best Waterfalls - September 14, 2023
- Amaze Miniature Park, Barragup - September 14, 2023
[…] Grandkids will be fascinated to hear all about school in the “olden days” at places like the Kalamunda History Village. Little fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will love to visit the old steam trains at the Rail […]