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Self Guided Walks
City Walking Tours and Trails
Walking tours of the city and the City Walks and Trails maps are the best way to explore the Perth CBD and surrounding areas.
i-City volunteers guide free walking tours each week day, departing from the i-City Information Kiosk in Murray Street Mall near Forrest Place. The tours take up to 2 hours, and you can join in or leave anywhere along the way.
You can also do the walking tours yourself by picking up the walking tour map and comprehensive guide from the i-City kiosk.
The walks and trails intercept the city’s free CAT bus service accessing the foreshore, East Perth, Northbridge and West Perth (excluding public holidays).
- Convicts and Colonials Trail
Although the Swan River Colony was established as a free settlement in 1829, convict transportation was introduced in 1850 to answer the demand for a plentiful supply of cheap labour for the small population. Nearly 10,000 male convicts were transported until 1868. The introduction of these reluctant immigrants caused much debate and controversy amongst the residents, who feared that their free colony would be forever tainted by the convict class. Whilst convict transport lasted only 18 years, the legacy of the short penal period is embedded in the streets of Perth and the folklore of the State.
This trail is also available for download as an i-Walk audio tour.
- Boom or Bust Trail
This historical walk through Perth city will highlight the "boom" created by gold and the resultant surge of growth, wealth and prosperity in Western Australia. The city population swelled, buildings were erected and it seemed Perth would "bust" as this remote town turned into a buzzing cosmopolitan city.
This trail is also available for download as an i-Walk audio tour.
- Icons of Influence Trail
When John Septimus Roe first laid out the city of Perth in 1829, he envisioned a powerful city at the centre of a strong, progressive economy. St Georges Terrace was the focus of this design, a broad avenue running parallel to the shores of the majestic Swan River. Pre-eminent early settlers built their residences along the Terrace and many significant civic buildings were also erected here. St Georges Terrace continues its central role as the city’s powerhouse today. Follow this trail to investigate the history of the city through its iconic places of influence. As you walk along the trail, keep your eyes out for plaques placed in the pavement, in recognition of many people who have influenced the growth of Perth and Western Australia.
This trail is also available for download as an i-Walk audio tour.
- Parks and Gardens Trail
Boasting 26 parkland areas and reserves, the City of Perth offers a wide range of peaceful retreats for residents and visitors. The beautifully crafted green open space that covers one tenth of the city area combines heritage, public art and water features to provide a respite from the bustle of city life.
- Art City
Art City is your guide to Perth’s art in public places. This walking guide features artworks commissioned by the City of Perth and other organisations.
Aspects of Perth’s cultural heritage may be discovered and explored as you follow the walking guide and view the artworks. Central to the Art City walk is Perth’s CBD. Along St George’s Terrace are examples of significant architecture ranging from early colonial buildings to contemporary developments. From the Terrace you can experience shopping in the malls and arcades or visit Barrack Square and Perth’s spectacular foreshore.
On a walk through Perth’s Cultural Centre to Northbridge, you will find the Art Gallery of WA, the WA Museum and the State Library. Renowned for being Perth’s cultural and entertainment district, Northbridge offers a number of fine restaurants, cafes and great galleries to enjoy.
For more information about Perth’s Public Art, please contact the Community Services Unit on 08 9461 3403.
- Bling Trail Discover our city's rich history, shopping and culture!
Embark on an intimate journey to uncover Perth's diverse and well established jewellery stores. Whether you just want to window shop or are in search of a special gift, this trail will delight in every way.
Western Australia, the jewel of Australian states is rich with natural resources such as diamonds, gold and pearls and its capital city, Perth, displays them proudly.