East Perth Cemeteries

Stories of life and death written in stone

East Perth Cemeteries sits on Whadjuk Noongar Country in an area known as Martellup, on a sandy hill overlooking Western Australia’s capital city.

In 1829 this was the site of the first colonial burial ground in Perth when a general cemetery was established. This was followed by six more of different denominations, plus one for felons, until the closure of the eight cemeteries in 1899.

More than 10,000 people who died in colonial Perth are buried here, from the wealthy and prominent to the poor and unknown.

In the middle of the Church of England Cemetery stands a simple Gothic church, designed by colonial architect Richard Roach Jewell. Built in 1871, St Bartholomew’s is the only example of a mortuary chapel constructed in Western Australia. It became a parish church in 1888 and was almost doubled in size after extensions in 1900.

Despite a period of neglect, St Bartholomew’s is still a consecrated church and is used for church services, weddings, and other religious events.

Since the closure of the Cemeteries, the majority of the grave headstones and markers have been lost through decay, neglect, vandalism, and well-intentioned ‘cleanups’. The remaining 800 however, now cared for by the National Trust, offer a unique opportunity to tell and explore stories of bravery, tragedy, illness and accident, of success, suffering and loved ones lost.

East Perth Cemeteries audio trail

From the murder of Rosalinda Fox near Gallop House in Dalkeith to the treatment of early Chinese migrants and heartbreaking tales of infant mortality, East Perth Cemeteries hold thousands of stories from Perth’s past.

Now visitors and passers-by can hear a selection of these intriguing tales.

Thanks to funding from Lotterywest, the National Trust has developed a series of engaging audio stories focusing on some of the people, colonial histories and mysteries connected with East Perth Cemeteries.

New signs along the boundary fence include QR codes that, when scanned with a phone or device, play a short audio story. Learn more

A precious discovery to share

Beneath the Bitumen: Discoveries from the Chinese Cemetery, East Perth

An online version of our recent exhibition ‘Beneath the Bitumen: Discoveries from the Chinese Cemetery, East Perth’ is now available. View the document here.

Awards

REST at East Perth Cemeteries won a 2019 MAGNA Award for Interpretation, Learning & Audience Engagement and was a finalist in the 2020 WA Heritage Awards in the Interpretation Project category.

The National Trust won a 2017 MAGNA Award for Interpretation, Learning & Audience Engagement for Sound from the Ground.

See, do, explore

Originally located on the edge of the town, the Cemeteries today are a tranquil haven within the bustling inner-city East Perth, perfect for a Sunday stroll. No matter how wealthy, famous, or admired we are, what is most important in life is that we have people who love us and will miss us when we are gone.

Stroll through East Perth Cemeteries on a Sunday afternoon, reflect on loved ones lost and appreciate the stories this place has to offer.

Volunteers on site are incredibly knowledgeable and can help you search the extensive database of burials and locate graves.

Find out more about the history of East Perth Cemeteries, search the database of burials, plan your visit, or access a school education program.

A number of recent initiatives at East Perth Cemeteries aim to share these stories through drama, music, and interactive tours.

A dedicated East Perth Cemeteries walking tour by Perth’s own Two Feet & a Heartbeat has also been created enabling you to explore along with expert commentary of the place.

Please be mindful that parking might be restricted due to events held within inner City neighbouring suburbs. Both the Red and Yellow CAT buses‘ pass the Cemeteries frequently.

And there is plenty more to see, do and explore in Perth when you finish your visit to East Perth Cemeteries.

Book tickets online

Group bookings & Education enquiries

Plan your Visit

East Perth Cemeteries

Address:

Bronte Street
East Perth 6004 WA

Open:

Sundays 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Please be aware that the terrain on the grounds is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Due to the nature of the grounds, there is limited accessibility off the main paths. We ask that you get in contact via trust@ntwa.com.au or call (08) 9321 6088 to make arrangements prior to booking. 

Closed:

Christmas Day
Please note, East Perth Cemeteries will close if the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for East Perth is for 38 degrees or above. You will be able to use your tickets on another day or request a refund.

Phone:
(08) 9321 6088
Website:
https://eastperthcemeteries.com.au/
Entry Fees:

National Trust Members - FREE
Adults - $10.00
Concession - $7.00
Children (5yrs and over) - $5.00
Children (under 5 yrs) - FREE
Family group of four (2A and 2C - children 5-17 years) - $25.00
Companion card holders - FREE
Group bookings (10 or more people) - from $7.00 per person
(Schools by appointment)

Please note:
If you purchase a member or concession ticket, you must show your proof of concession or membership card upon arrival.

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Learn more about this incredible place

Learn more about this great place, explore the database and discover who was buried here.

Visit the East Perth Cemeteries website

Commemorate someone buried here

You can purchase a plaque to be attached to one of the denominational fences throughout the Cemeteries to commemorate those that are laid to rest there that do not have a grave marker.

Memorial plaques at East Perth Cemeteries

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East Perth Cemeteries

Plan your visit

Book online now

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