Perth is dotted with remarkable historic homes and heritage buildings that bring Western Australia’s past to life in a way no textbook ever could. From humble pioneer cottages to grand riverside homesteads and landmark civic buildings, these beautifully preserved places invite families to step back in time, wander through lovingly restored rooms, and imagine what daily life was like for the people who lived here generations ago. Whether you have a child who’s mad about history, you’re hunting for an educational day out, or you simply love exploring old houses and gardens, this guide to Perth’s best historic homes is the perfect starting point for your next outing.
Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House
Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House offers families a charming window into Perth’s early pioneer days, with a cosy late‑1800s cottage and a turn‑of‑the‑century schoolroom preserved side by side. Kids can wander through the tiny historic home, imagine life for the Buckingham family of nine, try their hand at old‑fashioned washing and household chores, and explore vintage farming equipment outside. In the former school, children sit at wooden desks, write on slate boards and learn about strict old‑style classroom rules, making history feel real and relatable. Friendly volunteers, scavenger hunts and dress‑ups all help bring Wanneroo’s past to life in a fun, hands‑on way. Read the Buggybuddys review of Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House.
Address: 10 Neville Dr, Wanneroo WA 6065
Website: https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/buckingham_house
Cockman House, City of Wanneroo
Cockman House is one of the oldest surviving homes in the Swan River Colony, built in 1860 and now offering families a wonderfully hands-on way to explore Perth’s early settler history. Step inside to find authentic architecture and interiors that tell the story of the Cockman family, who lived here across generations, and use the Play Trails App by Nature Play to bring the house’s characters and stories to life as you move from room to room. Kids can dress up in olden-day costumes, try simple traditional games like bean bag toss and wooden ten‑pin bowling, and even giggle over the outdoor toilet, all while getting a feel for how different everyday life was in the 19th century. Read the Buggybuddys review of Cockman House, City of Wanneroo.
Address: Ancestor Retreat, off Woodvale Drive, Woodvale WA 6026
Website: https://www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/cockman_house
Woodloes Homestead – Historic House Museum
Woodloes Homestead is Canning’s oldest residential building, a beautifully preserved 1871 Victorian‑Georgian home that gives families a real feel for early colonial life in Perth. Designed by British architect Francis Bird, the heritage‑listed house features six ground‑floor rooms, an attic and a cellar filled with period artefacts and vintage toys that fascinate kids as they explore. Outside, families can wander through established gardens with original plantings, including English roses, fig trees and a rare Bunya Pine, then check out the nearby Blacksmith’s Workshop ruins and the quaint “Church with a Chimney” chapel. Read the Buggybuddys review of Woodloes Homestead, Canning.
Address: Woodloes Street, Cannington WA 6107
Website: https://www.canning.wa.gov.au
Samson House, Fremantle
Samson House is a grand 1888 residence in Fremantle that gives families a rare peek into the lives of one of the port city’s most influential families across three generations. Preserved and managed by the National Trust, the house showcases elegant period interiors, from chandeliers and ornate woodwork to old-style kitchens and bathrooms that spark great “then vs now” chats with kids. Guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers share engaging stories about the Samson family’s role in Fremantle’s history, while the leafy gardens and historic stables offer a peaceful spot for children to explore after the indoor tour. Read the Buggybuddys review of Samson House, Fremantle.
Address: 61 Ellen Street, Fremantle WA 6160
Website: https://www.ntwa.com.au/places-to-visit/samson-house/
Kalamunda History Village
Kalamunda History Village is the largest local history museum of its kind in WA and a fantastic spot to show kids what “hills life” looked like a century ago. Set on the old Upper Darling Range Railway Station site, the village brings the past to life with a preserved steam locomotive and station platform, an early 1900s schoolhouse, cosy historic cottages, an orchard shed, blacksmith’s forge, post office and general store. Children can climb aboard the train, sit at old wooden school desks, peek inside settler homes and explore vintage toys, vehicles and machinery, while volunteers and seasonal programs add extra hands-on activities and stories. Read the Buggybuddys review of Kalamunda History Village.
Address: Behind the Zig Zag Cultural & Tourist Information Centre, Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076
Website: https://www.kalamundahistoricalsociety.com
The Azelia Ley Homestead Museum, Hamilton Hill
The Azelia Ley Homestead Museum is a beautifully preserved 1920s home set within Manning Park, offering families a glimpse into the comfortable life of the Manning family in the Cockburn district around a century ago. Inside the heritage-listed house, each room is arranged much as it would have been in Azelia Ley’s day, with period furniture, clothing, toys and household gadgets that spark great conversations with kids about how people once cooked, bathed and relaxed. Friendly volunteers help bring the stories to life, and after exploring the homestead, families can stroll the surrounding lawns, follow the Davilak Heritage Trail to nearby ruins, or enjoy a picnic and play in the park, making it an ideal mix of history and outdoor fun. Read the Buggybuddys review of The Azelia Ley Homestead Museum, Hamilton Hill.
Address: Azelia Road, Hamilton Hill WA 6163 (near Davilak Avenue, northern end of Manning Park)
Website: https://www.azelialeymuseum.com.au
You’ll also find plenty of other fascinating heritage sites around Perth that help bring local history to life. From early colonial landmarks to much‑loved community icons, places like Fremantle’s Round House and South Perth’s Old Mill add extra depth to a family day out. Together with the city’s historic homes, these sites create an easy “history trail” that families can dip into whenever they’re in the mood for a bit of old‑fashioned exploring.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
