Midland Railway Workshops
Discover art, heritage and culture in one location with the Midland Railway Workshops. Operating for 90 years, these restored buildings offer modern public art and insights into the past industrial culture.
Art, culture & heritage
Be inspired by the art, culture and heritage of Western Australia's contemporary artists, settlers and Indigenous Australians.
Stop by galleries and studios to admire the decorative, functional or quirky art work of local Western Australian artisans and craftsman - often with the opportunity to meet the artist themselves.
Aboriginal artworks are a great way to learn about the indigenous culture, with artworks that are not just beautiful but tell a story. Stop by the gallery in the Swan Valley for indigenous artworks and crafts.
A number of art centres also provide opportunities for budding artists to showcase their work, and keep an eye out for visiting artists-in-residence giving something back to the community.
Ellis House Community Arts Centre in Bayswater is an art gallery housed in a restored settler's home, blending new creativity with living history. Visitors can enjoy the quiet, welcoming ambience of this beautiful old house and there is a new exhibition showing every three weeks showing the artworks of local artists.
Mundaring Arts Centre is a must visit for creative visitors to the Perth Hills, with craftworks like jewellery to stunning sculptures, the changing exhibitions offer you a new surprise each visit.
Whiteman Park in Whiteman is host to passionate artists and craftspeople, with a pottery centre, art studio, print shop and handcrafts studio.
Midland Railway Workshops have beautiful public art on display, with many interesting pieces along the streets between the Midland town centre and Midland Railway Workshops.
Search our events calendar for current exhibitions.
Nyoongar Aboriginal people of the Wadjuk tribe have inhabited the region for at least 40,000 years. They have a strong connection with the land and the Swan River, believing that a Dreamtime serpent, the Wagyl, travelled across the country carving out the river, and resides deep within today.
Learn more about the Aboriginal culture through Indigenous art galleries, take a guided tour or stroll along interpreted trails.
As the first settlers expanded along the Swan River, the history they have left behind provides links for us to explore our heritage.
Heritage buildings are often run by volunteers, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead and confirm opening times.
Tranby, situated on a rise above the banks of the picturesque Swan River in Maylands, is a unique example of colonial farmhouse architecture. Enjoy high tea at the Peninsula Tea Gardens overlooking the beautiful English gardens, or wander the museum for a small fee.
On your way to an Australian football game at Steel Blue Oval in Bassendean, stop by the original 1929 heritage gates on Old Perth Road.
Pensioner Guard Cottage in Bassendean is a faithfully restored basic dwelling that would house the Pensioner Guard and family in the 1800s. The Pensioner Guards, retired soldiers of the British Army, were employed to guard convicts and to carry out other military duties.
The Rail Transport Museum in Bassendean is a must-see for railway and history buffs. It offers a superb collection of locomotives and railway historical memorabilia that charts the opening up of the western third of the continent.
Midland Railway Workshops are a collection of restored railway workshops built from 1897 to 1905, and the economic powerhouse of the region. Now the most intact example of an early 20th century railway workshop in Australia, the Midland Railway Workshops are home to new endeavors, including the Midland Atelier.
Guildford was established as the market town of the Swan River colony in 1829, with the entire town now classified by the National Trust as heritage listed (one of only two WA towns to receive this recognition). Explore the town's fascinating history along the Historic Guildford Heritage Walk Trails, starting from the original courthouse that now houses the Swan Valley Visitor Centre. Discover a treasure on the James Street antique strip, or stop in for lunch at Western Australia's oldest continually operating pub (c. 1841).
Near Guildford you will discover Woodbridge (1885), an impressive two story heritage building now managed and restored by National Trust (WA). Woodbridge's rich history includes Captain James Stirling, colonist and parliamentarian Charles Harper, and the early days of Guildford Grammar School.
Up in the Perth Hills, be amazed by the incredible feat of the CY O'Connor pipeline. Called a "scheme of madness" at the time, the pipeline carries freshwater 560 kilometres from the Mundaring Weir to Kalgoolie goldfields. Appreciate this accomplishment by visiting the 100 year old Number 1 Pump Station, walk or ride the Kep Track, or walk across the Mundaring Weir dam.
Explore these heritage attractions by taking a stroll along heritage trails, or search for heritage markets on our online events calendar.