Location
The hub of Western Australia’s oldest wine region, Guildford invites you to enjoy its colonial charm, arts and fresh local flavours following the heritage trail past grand 19th century architecture to the banks of the Swan River and the Swan Valley vineyards beyond.
It’s a leisurely 20 minute drive or train ride east of the city to reach Guildford and the Swan Valley. Or, you can arrive in style aboard a full or half day Swan River cruise from Barrack Street Jetty.
History
Guildford was originally the political centre of what is now called the City of Swan. The original council chambers have been converted to a library. Alongside the library stands the Town Hall; behind this is the stables built for the councilors while attending meetings and as a depot for council equipment. These stables have been converted and are now the home of The Garrick Theatre which is the oldest operating theatre group in Western Australia. The original structure is still visible. Inside the roof has its original shingles still in place, though from the outside they have been covered by corrugated iron.
Guildford was established in 1829 on the Swan River, being sited near a permanent fresh water supply. During Captain Stirling’s exploration for a suitable site to establish a colony on the western side of the Australian continent in the late 1820s, the exploration party of boats found a fresh water stream across the river from the site of Guildford which they called Success Hill. Guildford was primarily the centre of the Swan River Colony before Perth succeeded in being the dominant location on the Swan Coastal Plain.
Guildford was the home of Lew Whiteman and his family. The Whiteman family were responsible for the establishment of various industries. The Whiteman family established Mussel Pool as a picnic area for their employees. This land and the purchase of surrounding land by the State Government in 1978 was used to create Whiteman Park. The original home of the Whiteman family is now Tea rooms; the house is one of the oldest standing homes in Western Australia.
Transport
Well served by a bus service and train at Guildford Train Station, and the International Airport terminal and Domestic Terminal are only 10 minutes by car.
Community Events
Each year, the City of Swan presents a range of events for the community. For information on what is happening now, visit their website: www.swan.wa.gov.au
