The Old Mill South Perth - a brick building with a sign that says innnors mill
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The Old Mill South Perth

4.5
·283 reviews·South Perth, Australia

Explore WA's oldest colonial structure, a restored 1835 tower mill offering free entry and historical insights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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The Old Mill South Perth - a brick building with a sign that says innnors mill

The Old Mill South Perth

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore WA's oldest colonial structure, a restored 1835 tower mill offering free entry and historical insights.

4.5
(283 reviews)

"An interesting piece of history to look at off Mill Point Road."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Donations

:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help preserve this historic site.

Check Opening Hours

:clock: Operated by volunteers, so check official hours before visiting.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tower Mill

The Tower Mill

South Perth

Explore Western Australia's oldest colonial structure, a restored tower mill built in 1835. Discover its fascinating history and former operations.

Interactive Displays

Interactive Displays

Inside the Mill and Cottage

Engage with informative signs and labeled objects that bring the mill's past to life. Learn about its flour-grinding days and later uses.

Cottage Exploration

Cottage Exploration

Adjacent Cottage

Step inside the adjacent cottage to get a feel for historical living conditions and the site's broader heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Donations Welcome

The Old Mill South Perth offers free admission, making it an accessible historical site. While entry is free, donations are encouraged to support its upkeep and preservation efforts. Consider bringing some cash or checking for online donation options.

Check Opening Times

This historic landmark operates with specific opening hours, often managed by volunteers. It's crucial to check the official schedule before your visit to avoid disappointment, especially if you're planning a guided tour.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Volunteer availability
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We accidentally stumble across this wee Irish village based in the Perth hills - in a place called mason mill - how cool is it with all the wee Irish shops 🇮🇪☘️🫶🏻🇦🇺 #irisihinaustralia #irishinoz #ireland #australia #westernaustralia #irishinperth
@caithilinhughes_
12.5K likes • 257K views

Free Entry & Donations

:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help preserve this historic site. Reddit

Check Opening Hours

:clock: Operated by volunteers, so check official hours before visiting. Reddit

From the charming Masonmill Gardens to the breathtaking views at Mundaring Dam, this is your sign to explore Perth’s hidden gems! 🌿💙 🎥: @teamjcl811 #welcometoperth #perth #westernaustralia #bucketlist #explorewa #destinationwa #fyp #tiktokperth #perthhills #mundaringdam #masonmillgardens
@welcometoperth
9.9K likes • 271.1K views
Living in Australia 81 . . . . #humor #funny #laugh #smile #laughs #haha #comedy #humour #joke #jokes #standup #lol #standupcomedy #hehe #amusing #silly #hahaha #newcomedy #hahaha😂😂😂 #laughoutloud #iliveinaustralia #livinginaustralia #liveinaustralia #british #complain #iliketocomplain #iliketocomplainalot #oldmill #windmill #southperth
antmeczes
16 likes • 1.3K views

Guided Tours Available

:walking: National Trust guided tours offer deeper historical insights for a small fee. Reddit

Bus Access

:bus: Bus 35 from Perth bus station stops very close by. Reddit

Print & Installation of 12 new interpretive signs to acknowledge First Nations and European History. Built in 1835 the Mill produced 680kg of Flour per day! The Site has local and state cultural heritage as the Old Mill is the oldest surviving colonial structure in the Perth area. Signage @snapprintsolutionswestperth @snapprintsolutions.au
snapprintsolutionswestperth
12 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Donations

:moneybag: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help preserve this historic site. Reddit

Check Opening Hours

:clock: Operated by volunteers, so check official hours before visiting. Reddit

Guided Tours Available

:walking: National Trust guided tours offer deeper historical insights for a small fee. Reddit

Bus Access

:bus: Bus 35 from Perth bus station stops very close by. Reddit

Historical Significance

:scroll: Learn about WA's oldest colonial structure, built in 1835. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(283 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The Old Mill South Perth for its historical significance as WA's oldest colonial structure and its engaging, free-to-enter format. The informative displays, accessible cottage, and friendly volunteers contribute to a positive experience, making it a worthwhile quick visit for history enthusiasts and families alike.

"This was a great experience! I really enjoyed reading all the signs and finding out interesting titbits of history from the area. There is some great information to be learned! 💡

It is a pretty interactive place as you can go in and up the first floor of the windmill and also into the cottage.
The signs are very easy to read and are informative. The objects dotted around are also labelled which is helpful! 🏷

Entry is free but donations 💰 are an option which is easy. Lovely friendly volunteers and well kept area.

There are benches, a water fountain and toilet 🚻 facilities.

It was very enjoyable to learn about the history of the area :)"

Emily Keye

"One of the oldest structures in South Perth, built in 1835 & operational until 1859. Used for grinding flour. Well worth a look around, it's now operated by the National Trust who do guided tours for a small fee. Open only at certain times"

Diana Waines

"Worth a visit to appreciate the history and thanks to South Council to protect the history.
A very small set up. 30 minutes is sufficient for viewing. Free entrance. Donation is appreciated.
We took bus 35 from Perth bus station.
The bus stop is only a very short 50 meters away from the Oil Mill entrance.
Please click LIKE for support. TQ."

Surjit Rai

What People Like

Historical significance
Free entry
Informative displays

What People Dislike

Limited opening hours
Short visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach The Old Mill South Perth by car or public transport. Bus route 35 from Perth bus station stops very close to the entrance, making it a convenient option. Reddit If driving, there is parking available nearby. Some visitors have noted it's visible from the freeway when driving south. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available near The Old Mill South Perth, though it can be limited during peak times. It's advisable to arrive a little early if you're driving.

If you are staying in the South Perth area, walking to The Old Mill is a pleasant option, especially along the foreshore. It's a well-known local landmark. Reddit

Absolutely! Bus 35 from Perth bus station is a direct route and stops just a short distance from the mill, making it very accessible for those relying on public transport. Reddit

The nearest bus stop for Bus 35 is only about 50 meters from The Old Mill entrance, offering excellent convenience for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to The Old Mill South Perth is free! Donations are gratefully accepted to help with the preservation and maintenance of this historic site. Reddit

No, tickets are not required as entry is free. However, if you wish to join a guided tour, it's best to check the National Trust's schedule and availability, as these may have a small fee and specific times. Reddit

The Old Mill is operated by volunteers, so its opening hours can vary. It's highly recommended to check the official National Trust website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the National Trust offers guided tours for a small fee. These tours provide in-depth historical information and are a great way to learn more about the mill's past. Reddit

The education centre is part of the overall site, and entry to The Old Mill South Perth is free. Any associated costs would typically be for guided tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the restored tower mill, step inside the adjacent cottage, and read informative signs detailing the site's history. It's a great place to learn about Western Australia's colonial past. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the site and absorb the historical information. If you opt for a guided tour, allow a bit more time. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy exploring the mill and cottage. The interactive signs and historical context can be educational and engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

Yes, there are toilet facilities available at The Old Mill South Perth, along with benches for resting and a water fountain. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted at The Old Mill South Perth. It's a picturesque historical site, perfect for capturing some memories. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the tower mill itself offers classic shots, especially with the surrounding greenery. The adjacent cottage also provides a charming backdrop. Consider the interpretive signs for unique detail shots. Instagram

Absolutely! As Western Australia's oldest surviving colonial structure, The Old Mill South Perth is a prime location for historical photography, capturing a piece of the state's early history. Instagram

You can access and photograph the first floor of the windmill. The cottage interior is also accessible for photography, offering a glimpse into historical living. Reddit

While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during guided tours. Instagram

Morning light can be lovely for illuminating the mill's structure, while late afternoon can offer softer, warmer tones. Consider the weather for dramatic skies. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Mill South Perth offers a fun and educational outing for families. Children can enjoy exploring the inside of the mill and the adjacent cottage, sparking their imagination about historical life. The interactive signs and labeled objects make learning engaging, turning a history lesson into an adventure. Reddit

With free entry and accessible facilities like toilets and water fountains, it's a practical choice for a family outing. The relatively short visit time also means it's perfect for keeping younger attention spans engaged. Consider a picnic in the nearby parklands after your visit.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those passionate about history, The Old Mill South Perth is a must-visit. As Western Australia's oldest surviving colonial structure, it offers a direct link to the state's foundational years. The guided tours by the National Trust are highly recommended for a deep dive into its construction, operation, and subsequent history, including its repurposing and restoration. Reddit

Pay close attention to the detailed interpretive signs that cover both First Nations and European historical narratives associated with the site. The mill's story, from its flour-grinding days to its later use as a hotel/bar and eventual heritage classification, is a compelling narrative of colonial development and preservation. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Perth

The Old Mill South Perth is an ideal destination for a short and enriching day trip from Perth. Its proximity to the city and easy access via public transport (Bus 35) make it a convenient escape. Reddit You can easily combine a visit here with other attractions in the South Perth area or along the Swan River. TikTok

Allow just an hour or two to fully appreciate the mill's history and explore the site. The free entry makes it a budget-friendly option, and the informative displays provide a satisfying dose of local heritage without requiring a full day commitment. It's a perfect way to add a touch of history to your Perth exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial History

The Old Mill South Perth stands as a significant testament to Western Australia's early colonial past. Built in 1835 by William Shenton, it was originally established as a tower mill to grind flour for the growing settlement. This made it a vital piece of infrastructure in the early days of Perth. The mill operated for several decades before facing profitability challenges and eventually being repurposed. Instagram

Over time, the mill fell into disrepair and was later restored by the State Government and then the National Trust. Today, it is recognized as Western Australia's oldest surviving colonial structure and is classified as a heritage site. Visitors can explore the restored mill, learn about its operational history, and understand its importance in the region's development. InstagramReddit

The site also includes an education centre and an adjacent cottage, offering a more comprehensive understanding of life during that era. The interpretive signs throughout the site provide fascinating details about both First Nations and European history connected to the location, making it an engaging educational experience for all ages. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Site and Its Features

The Old Mill South Perth is more than just a historical building; it's a well-maintained site designed for visitor engagement. You can enter and explore the first floor of the windmill, offering a tangible connection to its past function. The mill's structure and machinery, even in its restored state, provide a sense of its former industrial might. Reddit

Adjacent to the mill is a historic cottage, which visitors can also enter. This provides insight into the domestic life of the period, complementing the industrial focus of the mill itself. The entire area is dotted with labeled objects and informative displays that make learning about the history accessible and interactive. Reddit

For visitor comfort, the site is equipped with benches for resting, a water fountain, and toilet facilities. These amenities ensure a pleasant and convenient visit. The surrounding grounds are also well-kept, making it a peaceful spot to reflect on the history. Reddit

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