South Perth, Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Perth Perth, Western Australia
South Perth as viewed from Kings Park
Established	1830s
Postcode(s)	6151
Area	5.2 km2 (2.0 sq mi)
Location	3 km (2 mi) from Perth (suburb)
LGA(s)	City of South Perth
State electorate(s)	South Perth
Federal Division(s)	Swan
Suburbs around South Perth: (Narrows Bridge) (Swan River) South Perth Victoria Park Como Kensington

South Perth is a lively suburb located very close to Perth, the main city in Western Australia. It's part of the City of South Perth area.

The beautiful Swan River separates South Perth from Perth's city centre. You can easily get there by crossing the Narrows Bridge. This bridge carries roads and a train line. You can also take a fun ferry ride with Transperth from Mends Street Jetty in South Perth to Elizabeth Quay Jetty in the city.

South Perth is mostly a place where people live. It also has shops and businesses along main roads like Canning Highway. The suburb has a long riverfront area, including the South Perth Esplanade and Sir James Mitchell Park. Here, you can see tall buildings and amazing views of the Perth city skyline. South Perth is also home to the famous Perth Zoo and the Royal Perth Golf Club.

South Perth's Past: A Look Back

Early Days and First People

Before Europeans arrived, the area we now call South Perth was home to the Noongar people. They lived off the land and had their own unique culture. Early explorers from Europe, like the Dutch and French, saw them but didn't make contact. In 1697, a Dutch expedition led by Willem de Vlaming discovered the main river. They saw many black swans and named it the Swan River.

European Settlers Arrive

A map of South Perth from 1845, showing early land use.

After the British started the Swan River Colony, most new towns grew north of the Swan River, like Perth and Fremantle. The area south of the river was known as "South Perth" but stayed mostly wild. By 1831, some land along the river was given to seven people. They started using it for farming and dairy cows. A mill was built in 1833, and a ferry service began to cross the river.

Growing as a Community

There were some disagreements between the European settlers and the Aboriginal Australians. One important Aboriginal leader was Yagan. After his death, another chief named Galute or Kalyute led more resistance. However, this resistance ended after a conflict.

By the 1850s, South Perth continued to grow. More ferry routes were added, and important bridges like the Causeway and the Canning Bridge were built. More land was measured out and given to retired soldiers. By 1858, "South Perth" was officially on maps, and some roads were built.

In the 1860s, people realized that large-scale farming wasn't working well here. But dairy farming, cutting timber, and growing vegetables continued. By the 1880s, many Chinese gardeners arrived. They set up market gardens along the riverfront. They grew fresh fruits and vegetables that people in Perth loved to buy. These market gardens were very successful for many years, even with challenges from local authorities. They finally closed in the 1950s.

With the help of convict labour, more people settled in the area, and the roads improved. Still, South Perth remained a small community for a while.

The 1880s Land Boom

The beautiful South Perth foreshore today.

In the 1880s, there was a big increase in land sales, especially after gold was found in the Kimberley region. This led to a slow but steady growth in the number of people living in South Perth. Many wealthy citizens of Perth saw South Perth as a calm and peaceful place to live. By the late 1890s, about 400 people lived there, and many elegant homes were built. The Zoological Gardens and the Royal Perth Golf Club opened in 1898. This made South Perth a popular spot for tourists visiting from Perth city.

Fun Places to Visit in South Perth

Perth Zoo: Meet the Animals

The Perth Zoo is a major attraction located right here in South Perth. It's open every day of the year. You can see amazing Australian wildlife, as well as many unique and rare animals from around the world. The zoo is usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with longer hours during summer and for special events.

Other Cool Spots to Explore

The historic Old Mill building in South Perth.

The Old Mill is a historic building that you can easily spot when driving south over the Narrows Bridge. It's a reminder of South Perth's early days.

The Old Mill Theatre is a local theatre group that puts on plays. You can find them on Mends Street.

Sir James Mitchell Park is a huge park area along the riverfront. It has lots of picnic spots, barbecue areas, and lovely views of the Swan River. The park stretches between the Narrows Bridge and the Causeway. It has separate paths for people who want to bike and those who want to walk.

The Mends Street Jetty is where you can catch a regular ferry. This ferry connects South Perth directly to Perth's city centre. It's a great way to travel and see the city from the water.

Important Buildings and Places

South Perth has several buildings that are important for their history. These include:

• The Old Mill at 833 Mill Point Road.
• The South Perth Post Office at 103 Mill Point Road.
• The Wesley College Chapel & Memorial Rose Garden at 20 Coode Street.
• The Windsor Hotel at 112 Mill Point Road.
• The Old Mill Theatre building on Mends Street, which was once a Mechanics' Institute.

Learning in South Perth

South Perth is home to several schools, helping young people learn and grow. These include:

• Wesley College
• South Perth Primary School
• St Columba's Primary School