Perth is blessed with a remarkable collection of historic homes and heritage buildings that bring Western Australia’s past vividly to life. Many were once private family homes; others were working farms, schools or civic buildings. Today, they are peaceful, welcoming places to wander at your own pace, soak up the stories of those who lived there, and enjoy shady gardens and quiet corners to sit and reflect.
For those who remember some of the “old ways” themselves, visiting these properties can feel a little like leafing through a family album – familiar objects, traditional building materials, and glimpses of a slower, more hands‑on life. They also make lovely outings with visiting grandchildren, offering something to interest both generations: history and nostalgia for the adults, and discovery and exploration for the younger ones.
Below is a guide to some of Perth’s most charming historic homes and village-style museums, with a focus on comfort, accessibility and the sort of practical details that make for an enjoyable, unhurried visit.
Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House
Set in a quiet Wanneroo street, Buckingham House is a cosy late‑1800s cottage that offers a wonderfully intimate look at life for a local farming family of nine. The rooms are small and simply furnished, with household tools, crockery and linens that many visitors will recognise from their own childhoods or their parents’ homes. It is the sort of place where you can stand in the kitchen and almost imagine the sound of the kettle on the stove.
Beside the house, the Old Wanneroo School House re‑creates an early 20th‑century classroom, complete with wooden desks and slate boards. If you are visiting with grandchildren, they will enjoy seeing just how different school life once was, while older visitors often find themselves comparing the strict rules and cane‑wielding teachers of their own school days.
There is room to stroll outside, and the displays are compact enough that you do not need to walk long distances. When planning a visit, it is worth checking opening days and times with the City of Wanneroo, as the house is generally staffed by volunteers and may not be open every day. Parking is usually straightforward on surrounding streets, and there are public toilets nearby.
Address: 10 Neville Drive, Wanneroo WA 6065
Opening Hours: Check current opening times via the City of Wanneroo website
Website: https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/buckingham_house
Cockman House, City of Wanneroo
Cockman House, built in 1860, is one of the oldest surviving homes in the former Swan River Colony and a delightful place for a leisurely visit. The stone house has thick walls that help keep it cool, and its simple rooms are furnished in a way that tells the story of the Cockman family, who lived here across several generations.
For those who enjoy architecture and craftsmanship, the building itself is a highlight, with its sturdy construction and thoughtful design to suit the local climate. Volunteers are often on hand to share stories about the family and the challenges of early farming life.
Families with younger visitors can use the Nature Play “Play Trails” app to follow a story through the house, bringing to life the characters who once lived there. For older visitors, there is pleasure in simply moving quietly from room to room, taking in the details. The grounds around the house are pleasant for a short stroll, and outdoor seating offers spots to rest.
There is usually parking close by, but the house may not be open daily, so checking ahead with the City of Wanneroo is advised. If mobility is a concern, you may wish to enquire in advance about access to the interior, as some heritage homes have small steps or narrow doorways.
Address: Ancestor Retreat, off Woodvale Drive, Woodvale WA 6026
Opening Hours: See the City of Wanneroo website for current public opening times
Website: https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/cockman_house
Woodloes Homestead – Historic House Museum
Woodloes Homestead in Cannington is Canning’s oldest residential building, built in 1871 in a Victorian‑Georgian style. Tucked away near the Canning River, this elegant but homely residence offers a fascinating look at life for a well‑established colonial family. The house features six ground‑floor rooms, an attic and a cellar, with period furniture, household items and children’s toys on display.
Visitors can wander through at a gentle pace, taking in details such as timber joinery, fireplaces and original fittings. Those who grew up in mid‑20th‑century Perth will recognise many of the items from their own parents’ or grandparents’ homes, from enamel cookware to hand‑operated tools.
The gardens are another pleasure. Mature trees, including figs and a rare Bunya Pine, offer pockets of shade and interest for garden lovers. It is an inviting spot for quiet reflection or for sitting with a coffee after your tour. The nearby remains of the Blacksmith’s Workshop and the quaint “Church with a Chimney” chapel add further points of interest within a relatively small, walkable area.
Parking is available close to the homestead, and it is worth checking with the City of Canning or the local historical society for open days, special events and tour times. Some events include morning teas or community activities, which can be a nice social outing.
Address: Woodloes Street, Cannington WA 6107
Opening Hours: Open on selected days and for special events – confirm via the City of Canning website
Website: https://www.canning.wa.gov.au
Samson House, Fremantle
Samson House, managed by the National Trust, is a gracious 1888 residence that once belonged to one of Fremantle’s most influential families. Located just a short distance from the centre of Fremantle, it provides a calmer, more reflective counterpoint to the bustle of the Port City.
Inside, visitors step into grand but welcoming rooms with chandeliers, polished timber and decorative furnishings that speak of comfort and status in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours, often led by knowledgeable volunteers, share stories about the Samson family, their role in Fremantle’s development and the wider changes that swept through Western Australia over the decades.
The house is surrounded by leafy gardens and historic outbuildings, including stables. After the tour, many visitors enjoy spending a little time in the garden, taking in the roses and established trees. For those visiting with family, Samson House can easily be combined with a coffee in Fremantle, a walk to the nearby Arts Centre, or a wander through the streets to admire other heritage architecture.
As with many National Trust properties, there may be concession pricing, and National Trust members often receive free or discounted entry. It is best to check tour times online and, if mobility is an issue, to enquire about access to upper floors and the availability of seating during tours.
Address: 61 Ellen Street, Fremantle WA 6160
Opening Hours: Guided tours on selected days – check current schedule online
Website: https://www.ntwa.com.au/places-to-visit/samson-house/
Kalamunda History Village
Kalamunda History Village, set around the former Upper Darling Range Railway Station, is the largest local history museum of its kind in Western Australia. Rather than a single house, it is a small open‑air village made up of historic buildings and exhibits that together tell the story of “hills life” over the last century.
Visitors can step into an early 1900s schoolroom, railway station buildings, cottages, a post office, a general store and various sheds and workspaces. For those who remember the steam era, the preserved locomotive and railway platform hold particular appeal and often prompt conversation about earlier train journeys.
The village is a good choice if you enjoy walking short distances between buildings and exploring at your own pace. There are plenty of opportunities to pause, sit and absorb the atmosphere, and the displays are varied enough to suit a wide range of interests – from domestic life and local industry through to communications and transport.
Kalamunda itself is a lovely destination, with cafes, the Zig Zag Cultural & Tourist Information Centre next door, and the surrounding hills offering scenic drives. Combining a visit to the History Village with a relaxed lunch or a coffee makes for a very pleasant day out.
Parking is available nearby, and it is advisable to check opening hours before you go, as the village often operates on set days with volunteer staffing. Some paths are unpaved, so comfortable, supportive footwear is recommended.
Address: Behind the Zig Zag Cultural & Tourist Information Centre, Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076
Opening Hours: Generally open on selected days – confirm via the Kalamunda Historical Society website
Website: https://www.kalamundahistoricalsociety.com
The Azelia Ley Homestead Museum, Hamilton Hill
Located within the greenery of Manning Park in Hamilton Hill, the Azelia Ley Homestead Museum offers a glimpse into comfortable family life in the Cockburn district around the 1920s. The house is furnished much as it would have been in Azelia Ley’s time, with period furniture, clothing, decorative pieces and everyday household gadgets on display.
Visitors often find themselves slowing down as they move from room to room, noticing familiar touches: a sewing machine similar to a relative’s, crockery like that used at family gatherings, or simple toys that pre-date electronics. Volunteers are usually available to share stories about Azelia Ley, the Manning family and the surrounding district, adding depth to the displays.
One of the real pleasures of this homestead is its setting. Manning Park has lawns, walking trails and a lake, making it ideal for a longer visit. You might choose to explore the homestead, then take a gentle walk along the Davilak Heritage Trail to see nearby ruins, or simply find a shady spot for a picnic or quiet sit. For those with grandchildren, the park offers plenty of open space for a run around once you have finished indoors.
Parking is available within the park, and the approach to the homestead is relatively level, though some interior thresholds may have small steps. Opening hours can vary and are often concentrated on weekends, so checking the museum’s website before you go is recommended.
Address: Azelia Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 (near Davilak Avenue, northern end of Manning Park)
Opening Hours: Typically open on selected days, often Sundays – see website for current times
Website: https://www.azelialeymuseum.com.au
Stirk Cottage, Kalamunda
Stirk Cottage, nestling at the southern end of Stirk Park in Kalamunda, is believed to be the town’s first house. Built in 1881 by Frederick and Elizabeth Stirk, this tiny three‑room cottage once accommodated a family of eleven – a fact that never fails to surprise modern visitors.
Constructed from wattle, daub, jarrah saplings and mud, the cottage has a humble charm. Inside, it is filled with everyday objects and simple furnishings that show how families cooked, cleaned and relaxed more than 130 years ago. For many visitors over 55, the cottage stirs memories of earlier, less cluttered homes and a more frugal way of life.
Stirk Cottage is typically open to the public on Sunday afternoons for a couple of hours, with entry by gold coin donation. The short opening window makes it an easy inclusion in a Sunday drive or a visit to Kalamunda, rather than a day‑long commitment. After you have finished exploring the cottage, Stirk Park offers lawns, trees, a lake and play areas, making it ideal for stretching your legs or spending time with family.
Parking is usually available nearby, and the cottage is only a short, level walk from the car park. The interior is compact, so mobility aids may need a little manoeuvring, but the visit is brief and does not require extensive walking.
Address: Southern end of Stirk Park, Kalamunda WA 6076
Opening Hours: Generally open Sunday afternoons, 2pm–4pm (gold coin donation) – confirm locally for any changes
Website: Check the City of Kalamunda or local historical society information for current details
These historic homes and heritage villages together form an easy “history trail” across Perth and its surrounds. Whether you choose one close to home for a short, gentle outing, or plan a full day that combines a homestead with a scenic drive, a café and a walk, they offer a rewarding way to reconnect with the past while enjoying the slower, quieter pleasures of the present.
