Tucked alongside the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre on Jull Street, the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum is a charming little gem for families who love hands-on history. This cosy museum offers a wonderful peek into days gone by, with an impressive collection of old machinery and communication equipment that brings the early years of the Perth Hills region to life for kids and adults alike.
From the moment you step inside, children are drawn to the fascinating range of vintage engines and machinery, including Bert’s beloved Hornsby, Sunshine and Lister engines. There are all sorts of contraptions from trades and farms of yesteryear, and it’s the kind of place where kids can really start to picture what life was like before cars, smartphones and modern technology. Rather than slick screens and digital displays, the museum is filled with “real” objects, levers and dials, which makes it a fantastic change of pace for tech-saturated kids.
One of the most engaging areas for families is the Armadale Outpost Telegraph Centre and Museum of Communication, which is attached to the main machinery display. Here, children can explore how people used to stay in touch long before text messages and emails. Old telephones with cords, switchboards, Morse code equipment and historic postal items all help tell the story of early communications. The museum also celebrates Armadale’s first postmistress, Miss Elsie Turner, adding a lovely local twist to the history lesson. Guided tours and Morse code demonstrations are available for booked groups, making it an excellent option for school excursions, homeschool groups or community clubs.
Young visitors will love opening the many drawers and cabinets dotted throughout the space, each hiding interesting artefacts and tools. It’s a very tactile, exploratory experience, perfect for curious minds who like to touch, look closely and ask questions. Parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing memories sparked by the old typewriters, early telephones and vintage office equipment, and it’s a great opportunity for kids to hear stories from older family members about “how things used to be”.
A big bonus for families is that entry to the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum is free. The museum forms part of the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre, so it’s easy to drop in as part of a broader day out in the area. You can pick up maps, local tips and brochures from the friendly visitor centre staff, then head into the museum for a relaxed wander. The central location on Jull Street means you’re close to cafes, shops and nearby parks, making it simple to combine your visit with lunch, a Playground stop or a walk around the Minnawarra Historic Precinct.
The museum is generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 2pm, but it’s always wise to double-check current opening times on the City of Armadale website before you go, especially on public holidays. Because of its size, you can comfortably explore the displays in under an hour, making it an ideal add-on to other adventures in Armadale or a great little outing when you’re looking for something low-cost and indoors.
For families seeking an educational yet fun experience that doesn’t involve screens, the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum is a delightful choice. With its mix of big vintage machines, fascinating communication gadgets and plenty of opportunities for kids to get hands-on, it’s a lovely way to step back in time together and appreciate just how much everyday life has changed.
Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum is next to the Armadale Visitor Centre
Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Sat & Sun 11am-4pm
my.armadale.wa.gov.au/see-and-do/bert-tyler-vintage-machinery-museum/
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
