Mount Lawley, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount LawleyPerth, Western Australia |
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Beaufort Street
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| Established | 1900s | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 6050 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 4.0 km2 (1.5 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 4 km (2 mi) NE of Perth CBD | ||||||||||||||
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| State electorate(s) | Perth, Mount Lawley | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Perth | ||||||||||||||
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Mount Lawley is a suburb located just north of the city centre of Perth, Western Australia. It sits next to the Swan River on its eastern side. Other boundaries include Vincent, Harold, and Pakenham Streets to the south. Central Avenue and Alexander Drive are to the north, and Norfolk Street is to the west.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Before European settlers arrived, the land where Mount Lawley now stands was home to the Yabbaru Bibbulman Noongar people. They used the nearby Boodjamooling wetland, now known as Hyde Park, for camping, fishing, and meeting.
In 1865, the area began to be divided into land lots. These lots were bordered by important streets like Beaufort Street and Walcott Street. By 1870, Vincent Street and Walcott Street became official boundaries of the City of Perth.
The first tramway network in Perth started in 1885. Trams ran through the Mount Lawley area, making it easier for people to travel.
How Mount Lawley Got Its Name
The area was once part of a larger land division called Highgate Hill. Much of the land was owned by William Henry Leeder. Between 1889 and 1901, new housing areas were created, including the Mount Lawley Estate.
The Mount Lawley area was officially named in 1901. It was named after Sir Arthur Lawley, who was the Governor of Western Australia from 1901 to 1902. His wife, Lady Annie Lawley, agreed to the naming. She had one condition: no hotels that sold alcohol could be built in the suburb.
Over time, the trams were replaced by trolley buses in the 1950s. Then, in 1968, diesel buses took over. In the 1970s, more roads were built to handle traffic. This helped Mount Lawley grow and become a busy place again.
Who Manages Mount Lawley?
Mount Lawley is managed by three different local councils. These are the City of Vincent, the City of Stirling, and the City of Bayswater.
For state government, Mount Lawley is part of the Mount Lawley and Perth voting areas. At the national level, it's in the Division of Perth area.
Where is Mount Lawley?
Mount Lawley is located on the Swan Coastal Plain within the Perth Basin. A large part of the suburb used to be wetlands. A lot of work was done between 1832 and the 1880s to drain the water from these areas.
Cool Places to Visit
Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre was built in 1914. It was first called the Lyceum Theatre, then the State Theatre. In 1939, it was redesigned in a cool Art Deco style. It got its current name, Astor Theatre, in 1941. This historic building was added to the State Register of Heritage Places in 1999.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) opened in 1980. It's a special school where students learn about acting, musical theatre, dance, and music. They also learn about managing arts events and designing sets. Many famous people have studied at WAAPA, including Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, and Tim Minchin.
Getting Around Mount Lawley
Mount Lawley is a great place for public transport. It has its own train station and many bus routes.
Public Transport
The Mount Lawley train station is in the eastern part of the suburb. You can catch trains on the Midland railway line from here. Buses also run through the area, with some special lanes on Beaufort Street during busy times. The 950 bus route connects Mount Lawley to the University of Western Australia.
Bus Routes
- 20: From Edith Cowan University Mount Lawley to Morley Bus Station. This bus serves Bradford Street.
- 406: From Edith Cowan University Mount Lawley to Glendalough Station. This bus also serves Bradford Street.
- 980: From Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Morley Bus Station. This is a frequent service that uses William Street, Walcott Street, Longroyd Street, and North Street.
Buses that use Alexander Drive:
- 360 and 361: From Perth Busport to Alexander Heights Shopping Centre (limited stops).
- 362: From Perth Busport to Ballajura (limited stops).
- 960: From Curtin University Bus Station to Mirrabooka Bus Station (frequent service).
Buses that use Beaufort Street:
- 66: From Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Morley Bus Station (limited stops).
- 67 and 68: From Perth Busport to Mirrabooka Bus Station.
- 950: From Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre to Morley Bus Station (frequent service).
Buses that use Lord Street and Guildford Road:
- 40: From Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Morley Bus Station.
- 41: From Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Bayswater Station.
- 42 and 43: From Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Maylands Boat Ramp.
Train
- Midland Line
- Mount Lawley Station
Roads
Most of the roads in Mount Lawley are set up in a grid pattern. This was a popular way to plan towns when the suburb was first developed.
Beaufort Street is the main road in Mount Lawley. It runs north to south, connecting Morley in the north to the Perth city centre in the south. Walcott Street is another important road that leads towards Wanneroo Road. Guildford Road and Lord Street run next to Beaufort Street and connect to major highways. Vincent Street links Mount Lawley to western suburbs like North Perth.
Learning in Mount Lawley
Mount Lawley has several schools and a university campus.
It is home to a campus of Edith Cowan University. This campus also includes WAAPA, the performing arts academy. Right next to the university is Mount Lawley Senior High School (MLSHS). This public high school opened in 1955 and was updated with new buildings in 2005–06.
Other schools in the suburb include Perth College, which is an Anglican school for girls. It offers classes from kindergarten to year 12 for both day students and those who live at the school. There are also two primary schools: Mount Lawley Primary School and St Paul's Primary School.
