Swan Bell Tower

There are six floors in the Swan Bell Tower, the top being the observation deck which overlooks the Swan River and the city. The tower is surrounded by an artificial lake with water features. The footpath from Barrack Street is directly adjacent to the water feature.
The Swan Bell Tower, one of Perth's main tourist attractions, is 82.5 metres tall and contains the 12 bells of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London. They were originally cast in the 14th century, and then recast in the 16th century by Elizabeth I. The Swan Bell Tower is situated on the Barrack Street Jetty, overlooking the Swan River and is a major landmark on the city skyline.

Location: At the end of Barrack Street in Barrack Square on the banks of the Swan River.

Summary:

Lift access to all levels
Unisex accessible toilet on Level 1
Display signs are low with large, clear lettering - some signs have poor colour contrast and are reflective

Opening hours: 10am to 4.30pm.
Bells ringing times: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm - 1pm.
Bells handling demonstrations: Wednesday and Friday: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $10.00 adult, $7.00 children and pensioners.
Pedestrian access: Access for all is available; refer to Barrack Square information for specific details of access from the city and across the Square

Accessible parking: Two accessible bays are available within Barrack Square; additional bays are a five-minute walk away to the Terrace Road ‘A’ Car Park that has four accessible bays.

Pedestrian access: Across a level boardwalk over a water feature.

Foyer: Seats within this area are 350mm high and have no armrests. The reception counter is at sitting height and the queuing area is delineated with bollards and ropes that are set at approximately 1000mm high. There is space for all wheelchair types to move through the foyer and merchandise displays are low.

Information: There is no ‘Better Hearing Card’ on display. There is minimal directional signage however a staff member is always available to give directions.

Features:
Ringer viewing displays: The viewing gallery has heavily tinted windows and can be slightly more easily seen where the background light is lower. Wall displays are low and have large clear lettering. The displays on glass have low colour contrast with some glare and reflection while the others can be read more easily.

Belfry: Displays of bells can be easily viewed through the glass. Wall displays are on the same glass panels as described on the ringer viewing level.

Observation Deck: This open air deck overlooks the Swan River on one side and the city on the other. The external lift landing is 1300mm wide with an offset doorway to the deck. Users of larger wheelchairs and scooters may have difficulty negotiating the change in direction required.

Lift: Located behind the reception desk, adjacent to the stairs and provides access to all levels. Lift car size is 1040mm x 1900mm and has two sets of internal controls. The door width is 890mm. External controls are free of obstructions and positioned 1000mm high, internal controls are between 1000-1200mm high. There is directional visual information both inside and out, but no auditory information. The external landing on level 6 (the observation deck) is 1300mm wide with an offset doorway to the deck. Larger wheelchairs and scooters may have difficulty negotiating the change in direction.

Accessible toilet and shower: A unisex facility is located on level one near the lift.

Toilet:
- level entry
- door heavy to operate, closes slowly
- doorway 760 mm, D style handle and large snib
- toilet pan height 490mm high
- basin 760mm high with clear open space underneath

Shower: The shower facility is fully accessible with level access, a generous shower seat and transfer space as well as a shower rose on a sliding rail.

Information prepared by: City of Perth, October 2004

Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information however no guarantee is given that the facility is fully accessible.

Please advise the City of Perth of any access changes since publication.

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