The Bell Tower, Perth

Immerse yourself in a little history at The Bell Tower Perth! One of Perth’s most recognisable structures is home to the bells from the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square, London. These very bells were the first to ring to mark historic events over the last 600 years: the victory of world war two, the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and Captain James Cook’s homecoming – Australia’s very own connection to the bells. As the weight of the bells were damaging the historic churches’ structure, they were going to be melted down, before businessman Laith Reynolds stepped in. The bell enthusiast saved the bells by bringing them to WA.

The Bell Tower Perth is open to visitors every day. On the ground floor there is a gift shop. For an extra charge, you can enjoy the experience of chiming the bells. The chiming experiences are held at regular intervals. An instructor will meet you at Australia’s oldest bell. It can’t be used as it’s cracked, but they do say it’s good luck to rub the crack of a broken bell!

Inside the bell ringing chamber, the ropes that are connected to the bells, are hanging from the ceiling. The guide will share an interesting history of the bells. Afterwards, anyone can try their hand at bell chiming. Even the smallest of the Swan Bells are pretty heavy! As you pull the ropes, you’ll hear them ring and see them moving up in the belfry on a TV screen. My Grandson loved it.

A gallery is found next level is a gallery. Here there’s an exhibition of very old, traditional bells from all around the world, as well as the fascinating story on how the Bell Tower was built. The belfry is located on level four. All eighteen St. Martin-in-the-Fields bells can be seen through windows. Be there on the hour, so you’ll see the bells chime. A very special 19th bell, the ANZAC “great bell”, weighs a whopping 6.5 tonne and makes the Swan Bells one of the largest collection of bells in the world.

The observation deck is found on level six. Here you have a beautiful view of the Swan River, as well as peeking at Elizabeth Quay and Perth city through the Ritz building. There is a coin-operated telescope overlooking the river.

The Bell Tower is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. There is a lift to all levels for easy access and there are toilets located on level three. A visit to the Bell Tower is a great Perth experience. We’d suggest about 45 minutes to an hour to visit the Bell Tower.

Find The Bell Tower at Barrack Square, Riverside Drive, Perth.

Get more information on the website.

Find more things to do in Perth City

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About Stella B

Stella is loving retirement! Besides her loves of gardening, reading and painting, she adores spending time with her family and being out and about in Perth. Living in the Perth Hills, her time is often spent brunching with her husband at one of Kalamunda’s many cafes or enjoying a food platter over a glass of wine at a Bickley Valley winery.