Tucked away in Perth’s historic East End at 25 Murray Street stands a remarkable piece of Western Australian history – the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre. This heritage-listed building, which served as Perth’s first purpose-built fire station from 1901 to 1979, now offers visitors a captivating journey through 125 years of firefighting history.
A Station Born from Gold Rush Growth
The story begins in the 1890s when Perth’s population was booming thanks to the gold rush. The Fire Brigade had been operating from cramped quarters in the undercroft of Perth Town Hall since 1885, but the growing city desperately needed a proper fire station.
Architects Cavanagh and Cavanagh designed an impressive two-storey Romanesque building with rusticated limestone walls and a distinctive red-tiled roof. When it opened on New Year’s Day 1901, it was a technological marvel, complete with electric lighting, sliding poles, and trapdoors that opened automatically when the alarm sounded.
The spacious engine room could house two large steamers and two hose carts, doubling the brigade’s previous capacity. For nearly eight decades, this station served as the heart of Perth’s fire protection, adapting and expanding as the city grew around it.
More Than Just Looking – A Hands-On Experience
Today’s Heritage Centre breaks the traditional museum mould. Visitors don’t just observe history – they experience it. Children can dress up in authentic firefighter gear, slide down the iconic brass fire pole, and take the wheel of a real Scania Medium Pumper for that perfect photo opportunity.
The centre’s crown jewel is the beautifully restored 1921 Dennis Light Pumper, which faithfully served Perth from 1923 to 1969. This vintage beauty sits alongside rotating displays from the DFES Heritage Fleet, showcasing how firefighting technology has evolved over the decades.
Galleries That Tell Perth’s Story
The Heritage Gallery houses an impressive collection of antique brass helmets, vintage hoses, and uniforms that chronicle how firefighting has transformed over the past century. Knowledgeable volunteers – many with decades of emergency services experience – bring these exhibits to life with fascinating stories and historical insights.
The All Hazards Gallery takes a contemporary approach, educating visitors about Western Australia’s diverse natural challenges – from devastating bushfires and cyclones to floods and tsunamis. It’s particularly relevant for those who’ve witnessed Perth’s changing climate patterns over recent decades.
Following the Heritage Trail
Stainless steel plaques throughout the building guide visitors on a self-guided tour, revealing what daily life was like for the firefighters who lived and worked here. The upstairs balcony – accessible by lift or stairs – was once the firefighters’ relaxation area between calls.
Don’t miss asking a volunteer about the old fig tree visible from the balcony. The stories surrounding it blend fact with local legend, adding a touch of mystery to your visit.
Special Experiences and Events
The centre offers several unique programs throughout the year. Heritage Highlights tours provide intimate 30-minute guided walks through the building, with no two tours ever quite the same thanks to the volunteers’ wealth of stories and knowledge.
For those interested in exploring beyond the station walls, the Fireman Jack Heritage Trail takes visitors through Perth’s historic Murray Street East neighbourhood. This self-guided walking tour, narrated through the eyes of a retiring firefighter in 1930, reveals the rich collection of late 19th and early 20th-century heritage buildings that still serve their original purposes today.
The annual Family Heritage Day in April transforms the centre into a festival of hands-on history, complete with vintage fire truck rides, old-fashioned games, and the mischievous Igor the Spider making appearances from the balcony.
Accessibility and Practical Information
The centre welcomes visitors of all abilities, with lift access to all public areas and universal access toilets with baby change facilities. For those seeking quieter moments, afternoons after 1pm tend to be less crowded (except during school holidays).
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30am – 2:00pm
- First and third Saturday of each month: 9:30am – 2:00pm
- Closed on all public holidays
Getting There:
Public transport is highly recommended. The centre is within walking distance of Perth, Perth Underground, and McIver train stations. The Red CAT bus stops at Royal Perth Hospital (Stop 26), just a short stroll away.
Entry: Completely free, though donations to local volunteer emergency services are welcomed.
A Living Connection to Perth’s Past
What makes the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre truly special is how it connects Perth’s past with its present. The building itself tells the story of a city’s growth and adaptation, while the DFES Heritage Collection – featuring over 3,000 objects including photographs, documents, and firefighting equipment – preserves the cultural and technological evolution of Western Australia’s emergency services.
For Perth residents who remember when this station was still operational, or newcomers curious about the city’s heritage, the centre offers a unique window into how our community has protected itself through more than a century of change. It’s a reminder that behind every historic building are real people with real stories – stories that continue to resonate today.
Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia, curiosity about local history, or simply looking for an engaging free activity in the city, Perth’s Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre offers a memorable journey through time that celebrates both our past and the ongoing dedication of those who keep our community safe.
