Boom-and-Bust: self-guided historical walking tour of Perth

Perth , Australia

Boom-and-Bust: self-guided historical walking tour of Perth

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore 200 years in an afternoon! This tour tells Perth’s story from the struggling Swan River Colony to its coming of age as the City of Light.
Each stop on the tour progressively tells Perth’s story decade-by-decade. The tour includes current-day and historical footage to show how each shift in the State’s fortunes has driven waves of demolition, development and social change.

Boom-and-bust showcases quintessentially Western Australian stories such as:
> The City’s strange obsession with heritage balconies
> The ancient science of indigenous farming practices
> Perth’s ‘scandalous’ modernist art movement
> London Court: the first place in Perth to have air-conditioning
> The rise, fall and rise again of Alan Bond

Rushed itineraries miss the magic. Stories Unseen is the clever way to experience places differently. Our curated, self-guided tours seamlessly bring locations to life with audio & immersive narration from our charismatic companions.

Available options

Boom-and-Bust: self-guided historical walking tour of Perth

What's included

Extended stays: Savour hidden history & wide open spaces. Spend more time where your interest lies.

Audio & immersive narration: our virtual guides make locations come alive with history and anecdotes

Social media integration: capture and share moments with immersive media

Turn-by-turn navigation: seamlessly guided with maps, media & commentary, on-demand, on any device

Detailed itinerary

The Boom-and-Bust tour tells Perth’s story from the struggling Swan River Colony to its coming of age as the City of Light. From First Contact to the present day, each stop on the tour progressively tells Perth’s story decade-by-decade. The tour includes current-day and historical footage to show how each shift in the State’s economic fortunes has driven waves of demolition, development and social change. Each stop is paired with different with hospitality venues across the CBD to showcase the best of the West.

The Boom-and-Bust tour showcases quintessentially Western Australian stories such as:
> The City’s strange obsession with heritage balconies
> The ancient science of indigenous farming practices
> Perth’s ‘scandalous’ modernist art movement
> London Court: the first place in Perth to have air-conditioning
> The rise, fall and rise again of Alan Bond
> Demolished buildings of Perth

This is the starting point of the tour. Your self-guided walk will commence on arrival, including historical footage, audio commentary, venue recommendations and further historical references.

Your self-guided tour continues to His Majesty's Theatre where we feature the story of WA's first gold boom.

Heritage King St is the backdrop for the tale of farming in Western Australia.

The route continues through two stops in Hay Street Mall exploring Perth's Gilded Era and its recovery from the Great Depression.

The tour continues to the Council House where we tell the story of minerals and modernism.

There is no better way to see the impact of Perth's 1980s boom than the buildings along The Esplanade. Explore then-and-now for sites including the Former Esplanade Hotel.

Stop 8

The tour finishes at The Bell Tower, a short walk from Elizabeth Quay. Our last stop tells the story of how Western Australia's boom-and-bust cycle continues today.

What's not included

Private transportation

Self-Guided Tour - uses your phone or tablet

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

BEFORE YOU LEAVE - Make sure that you have the Stories Unseen app downloaded.
START POINT - The First Contact Sculpture is located in Elizabeth Quay

Important notes

CODE TO UNLOCK
VTORE4TGE - this is the only code you need to use to unlock the magic! Please ignore any other codes provided by Viator.

BEFORE YOU START - REQUIRES WIFI
1) Download the Stories Unseen app from the App Store on your mobile device - search 'Stories Unseen' or use the link http://l.ead.me/exploremore

2) Click on Tours > Perth Boom-and-Bust

3) Click on 'Enter Code', enter the unique access code > VTORE4TGE on the VIP screen and then UNLOCK.

4) Download the tour to your device once unlocked - we recommend downloading via WIFI before you go due to the large file size

TO START THE TOUR
Make your way to the first stop on the tour, Elizabeth Quay, to get started.

Don't forget your headphones to enjoy the tour commentary.

HELP & FAQS
Additional information on how to use the Stories Unseen App can be found:
In the App - under the 'Help' icon located at the bottom of the App
Our website - https://www.storiesunseen.com.au/faqs

If you have any issues accessing your tour, please contact us:
Email: hello@storiesunseen.com.au
WhatsApp & Phone: +61 480 606 665

About Perth

Perth is the vibrant capital of Western Australia, known for its stunning beaches, sunny climate, and laid-back lifestyle. With a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication, it's a destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers to culture enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, offering stunning views of the Swan River and Perth skyline. It features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and memorials.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some activities may have a fee)

Cottesloe Beach

One of Perth's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear water, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching sunset.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Perth Mint

One of the oldest mints in the world, offering a fascinating look at the history of gold in Western Australia. Visitors can see the process of gold pouring and handle real gold bars.

Historical 1-2 hours AUD 27 for adults, AUD 13 for children

Fremantle Prison

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Australia's largest and most well-preserved convict buildings. The prison offers guided tours that delve into its dark and fascinating history.

Historical 2-3 hours AUD 25 for adults, AUD 12 for children

Swan Valley

Australia's oldest wine region, offering scenic vineyards, gourmet food, and outdoor activities. The valley is a great place for wine tasting, picnicking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Nature Full day Varies by activity (wine tastings can be free to AUD 20 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

Freshly caught fish, typically snapper or barramundi, coated in crispy batter and served with thick-cut fries. A must-try at any beachside kiosk or seafood restaurant.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made gluten-free or with alternative batter upon request.

Kangaroo Steak

Lean and flavorful, kangaroo meat is a sustainable and traditional Australian dish. It's often served as a steak or in stir-fries with native Australian spices.

Dinner High in protein and low in fat, suitable for those on a low-carb or high-protein diet.

Lamingtons

A classic Australian treat made from sponge cake coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Often filled with jam or cream.

Dessert Can be made gluten-free or with alternative coatings upon request.

Perth's Coffee

Perth is known for its high-quality coffee culture. Try a flat white or long black at one of the many specialty coffee shops throughout the city.

Drink Vegan and dairy-free milk options are widely available.

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Hiking Cycling Caving Beach lounging Spa treatments Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

November to March (summer)

Summer is peak tourist season with warm to hot weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. However, temperatures can be extreme, especially in January and February.

20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F) 68°F to 104°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Aboriginal languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Perth is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Perth Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center

By train

Perth Station

By bus

Perth Busport

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and frequent services connecting the city center to suburbs. The network includes the PERTH Airport Line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Northbridge Fremantle Subiaco Leederville

Day trips

Rottnest Island

19 km (12 miles) from Fremantle • Full day

A beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the iconic quokka, a small marsupial that is often seen as the island's mascot. The island offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, cycling, and hiking.

Swan Valley

25 km (15.5 miles) from Perth • Full day

Margaret River

270 km (168 miles) from Perth • Overnight

A scenic region known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and world-class wineries. The area offers a variety of activities, including wine tasting, surfing, and exploring caves.

Festivals

Perth International Arts Festival • February Fringe World Festival • January Perth International Comedy Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden for stunning views of the city and the Swan River
Try the local seafood, especially rock lobster and prawns, at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city
Explore the vibrant arts and culture scene, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum
Take a day trip to Rottnest Island to see the iconic quokkas and enjoy the beautiful beaches
Visit the Swan Valley for wine tasting and to experience the natural beauty of the area