Swan Bells Belltower

Perched on the foreshore of the Swan River, you can’t miss this iconic landmark. The 82.5-metre high Swan Bells Belltower has three viewing platforms from which visitors can enjoy perfect, unbroken views across the beautiful city of Perth. Visitors can also hear a bell ringing demonstration and check out the distinctive design of this modern tower. The tower’s presence on the horizon is almost constant as you stroll along the banks of the Swan River. The building’s design is particularly distinctive with the tower being encased in glass and distinctive copper sails.The building was originally constructed to celebrate the start of the new millennium. Its eighteen bells haven’t always been resident in Perth. Twelve of the bells were once stationed in the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. They were also the first bells that rang out to welcome Captain Cook when he returned back home from Australia.The current set of bells was cast in the 18th century and gifted to the city of Perth as a bi-centennial gift, whereas the remaining six, not imported from Britain, were cast from metals mined in Western Australia. The Swan Bells have been consequently rung to mark the coronation of every British monarch since the initial gift.If you happen to be visiting the Bell Tower at noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or at the weekend, you’ll be able to hear the eighteen bells ringing. The chiming of the bells lasts for exactly one hour, and you’ll also be able to watch the bell ringers at work and learn about their craft. Finally, take the enclosed glass lift up to the lofty viewing platforms for views across the whole of Perth.The Swan Bells Bell Tower is located in central Barrack Square, and only closes on Good Friday and Christmas Day.