The Belltower

The Bell Tower, with its famous Swan Bells, is an iconic Perth landmark on the Swan River foreshore. Visit its three viewing platforms, see a ringing demonstration, or simply look up at the distinctive design of the modern tower. Take a stroll along the shoreline of the Swan River to see the tower against the backdrop of Perth’s historic buildings and modern office towers.

The 271-foot (82.5-metre) concrete Bell Tower is encased with glass and copper sails. It was constructed to mark the start of the new millennium. It houses 18 bells, 12 of which once rung in the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. The bells are the only Royal Bells ever to have left England and once rang to welcome home Captain Cook upon his first return from Australia.

The current set was re-cast in the 18th century and gifted to the city of Perth to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary. The remaining six bells were cast from metals mined in Western Australia.

Visit at noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or the weekend to hear all the bells in action. The chiming goes on for one hour. Watch the ringers and learn the art and techniques of bell ringing. To get a bell-handling demonstration, using just one bell, drop by an hour before noon on Wednesday or Friday. Chime the historic bell and get a certificate to prove it!

Board the enclosed glass lift and make your way up to the highest viewing platform for a 360-degree view of Perth, the Swan River and the Darling Range in the distance.

The Swan Bells Bell Tower is in central Barrack Square. It’s open daily, except Good Friday and Christmas Day.