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Activity Perth, Australia

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

4.3 (3 reviews) 1–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

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

About this activity

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.

Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration
1–4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–5
Audio guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
Stories Unseen

What is included

Included

  • Included: Extended stays: Savour hidden history & wide open spaces. Spend more time where your interest lies.
  • Included: Audio & immersive narration: our virtual guides make locations come alive with history and anecdotes
  • Included: Social media integration: capture and share moments with immersive media
  • Included: Turn-by-turn navigation: seamlessly guided with maps, media & commentary, on-demand, on any device

Not included

  • Not included: Private transportation
  • Not included: Self-Guided Tour - uses your phone or tablet

Itinerary

  1. Perth

    2 hours

    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

  2. First Contact

    10 min

    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.

  3. His Majesty's Theatre

    10 min

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

  4. Raine Square

    10 min

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

  5. Hay Street Mall

    10 min

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

  6. Council House

    10 min

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

  7. Stop 7

    10 min

    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.

  8. The Bell Tower

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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

End point

  • The latest stop on the tour, The Bell Tower, is located in Barrack Square in Perth's CBD. It is easily accessible from The Esplanade Train Station and the FREE Blue CAT Bus route.

Using your ticket

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: [email protected]

WhatsApp & Phone: +61 480 606 665

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller ratings

4.3 out of 5 · 3 reviews
5
67%
4
0%
3
33%
2
0%
1
0%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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

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