ANZAC Cottage was built in one day by the community of Mount Hawthorn as a home for returned soldier Private Porter and his family, and as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the tragic Gallipoli landing.
ANZAC Cottage is located on Whadjuk Country, Mount Hawthorn. Built by the community on Saturday 12 February 1916, ANZAC Cottage was constructed as a home for a returned wounded soldier and his family, and as a ‘practical memorial’ for those who lost their lives in the tragic Gallipoli landing.
Private John Porter was the first returned soldier to live in Mount Hawthorn, a member of the famous 11th Battalion C Company which took part in the historic landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Private Porter and his family lived in ANZAC Cottage until the 1960s and their descendants still maintain a close connection with the cottage.
The earliest First World War memorial to be built in Western Australia, ANZAC Cottage was made possible by donations of money and building materials from the community, and generous commitment of skills by tradesmen and labourers.
The Cottage was State Heritage listed in 2000 and is also recognised on the Register of the National Estate and classified by the National Trust.
The Cottage is now a museum, dedicated to telling its unique story and honouring the service of the men and women who have fought for Australia in battlefields far from home.
The National Trust of Western Australia opens ANZAC Cottage on the second Wednesday of every month for a guided tour, or for personalised tours for groups of 10 or more. Pre-bookings are essential.
A new education program suited to Year 3 students is now available. Get in touch to find out more.
Friends of ANZAC Cottage also offer a children’s program focussing on the Porter Family’s lived experience at ANZAC Cottage. Please submit a group enquiry via the button below.
Group bookings & Education enquiries
Special events are run by the Friends of ANZAC Cottage on ANZAC Day, 25 April, Remembrance Day, 11 November, The Anniversary of the construction of ANZAC Cottage, 12 February, and the National Day for War Animals, 26 February.
