Perth's Lost and Abandoned Buildings
Emu Brewery
Like all cities, Perth is in a constant state of change, with new suburbs being developed and old infrastructure either being modified or replaced totally by new. Over the years, many of Perth's buildings, roads, parks and watercourses have fallen victim to progress, either being demolished, built over, or just simply abandoned.
Join us on our quest to uncover the parts of Perth that have been lost or abandoned. More >>
Perth's Lost Lakes
Hyde Park Lakes, two lakes that survived
There are only a few tell-tale signs left that hint at there once being a string of freshwater lakes and swamps to the north of the Perth city centre. In fact it was these lakes that led to the city of Perth being established where it was back in 1829, as they were the only year-round supply of abundant fresh water in the whole of the Swan River basin apart from the Swan River itself. But the lakes stood in the way of progress and, one by one, the majoiry were reclaimed. More >>
Perth's Lost railways
Swan View Railway Tunnel
We uncover the remnants of Perth's lost railway lines, many of which have been turned into walking/riding trails. More >>
The origins of the names of Perth
A look at the various architectural styles than can be seen in and around Perth that make up the built landscape. More >>
Famous Graves
The burial places of famous Western Australians. More >>>
Perth's Bridges
The story behind the construction of the bridges across the Swan River. More >>>
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Defending Perth: Fortifications in and around Perth
In February 1942 after the fall of Singapore, an urgent survey was conducted by the British Admiralty, and Cockburn Sound was selected as an ideal fleet anchorage with its wide expanse of water. Work quickly began on securing the Sound in 1942 and went on 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the two years. Overall the project cost two million pounds. Heavy Artillery was set up along the coast from Swanbourne to Cape Peron, and on Rottnest and Garden Islands, to protect the proposed anchorage and its approaches. More >>
We can see the mount, but where's the bay?
Mounts Bay Road and Mount Eliza (Kings Park) today
Years ago, as drivers approached Perth from Fremantle via the Stirling Highway, they would come around Point Lewis (where the northen abutment of the Narrow Bridge now stands) they were greeted with the site of the city skyline beyond a tranquil stretch of water called Mounts Bay.
Mounts Bay Road still follows the steep hillside of Kings Park, following what was once the shoreline of Mounts Bay, but the bay no longer exists, having been progressively reclaimed over a period of 20 years as the Kwinana Freeway/Mitchell Freeway city interchange was built and extended.
An elderly Bessie Rischbieth famously protested against the project by standing in the shallows in front of the bulldozers for a whole day in 1967. She succeeded in halting progress - for that one day.
The following photos document the shrinking and eventual disappearance of Mounts Bay.
Mounts Bay, 1948
Mounts Bay, 1958
Mounts Bay, 1968
Mounts Bay, 2008
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