In partnership with the City of Swan.
Just 20 minutes by train or car from Perth, Guildford Mandoon is one of Western Australia’s most walkable and atmospheric historic towns. Declared a historic town in 1984 and added to the State Register of Historic Places in 2019, it retains one of Western Australia’s most intact town plans dating from 1829.
Set on an island surrounded by the Swan and Helena Rivers, Guildford Mandoon is made for exploring on foot. Four self-guided walking trails lead through historic precincts, cottage gardens and streetscapes, revealing stories of Noongar culture, early settlement and convict history.
Explore the heritage
Visit the Guildford Heritage Precinct on Meadow Street, including the historic Old Gaol (circa 1841) and courthouse (circa 1866), built with convict labour. Interpretive signage throughout the precinct provides insights into the history of its buildings.
The Swan Guildford Historical Society offers regular museum and walking tours of the Old Gaol and heritage precinct, providing fascinating insights into Guildford’s past. For bookings, visit swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au/tours.
The Cradle of the Colony exhibition, housed in the Guildford Courthouse, shares the story of Guildford Mandoon and the Swan Valley through items from the Swan Guildford Historical Society collection.
Stirling Square, in the heart of town, features towering sugar gums, historic rose gardens, the 10th Light Horse statue and the Kaleep Aboriginal Hearth Artwork. Guildford’s established private gardens, many dating back generations, add to its distinctive village atmosphere.
Browse, dine and stay
James Street has been Guildford Mandoon’s commercial heart since the 1880s. Today, its antique and homeware stores offer vintage wares, rare books, collectables, art, gifts and locally made treasures. Be sure to discover Padbury’s Store on Terrace Road, built in the 1860s by Walter Padbury, Guildford Mandoon’s first mayor, and now home to a popular brunch spot and boutique shop.
The town’s cafes, pubs and restaurants offer everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner, while its cosy historic pubs and specialty shops showcase Guildford’s long tradition of hospitality. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in a heritage hotel or quality accommodation.
Discover Noongar culture
Plants traditionally harvested by Whadjuk Noongar people for thousands of years still grow in the area, including yanget (bull rushes), djiridji (zamia seeds), warrine (yams) and wattleseeds. Follow the Swan Valley Bush Tucker and Beyond Trail from Guildford Mandoon into the Swan Valley to discover more.
Just a short drive away, Australia’s second oldest wine region the Swan Valley brings heritage, hospitality and harvest together, offering a taste of something truly Western Australian.
With history, culture, food, shopping and village charm, Guildford Mandoon is a unique destination and ideal base for exploring the Swan Valley.
For more information, visit swanvalley.com.au/guildford or head to the Swan Valley Visitor Centre (open seven days, from 9 am to 4 pm).
