If you ever drive south along the freeway past the city, you may have noticed the white walls or brown sails of a unique icon on your left-hand side — the Old Mill. Built in 1835, it is Perth’s oldest surviving structure and, at its peak, produced up to 680 kilograms of flour per day until operations ceased in 1859.
After milling ended, the building lived many lives, serving variously as a hotel, residence, wine saloon, and even a poultry farm before eventually falling into disrepair. It was lovingly restored in the late 1950s, preserving it for future generations.
Today, the Old Mill stands as a cherished symbol of Western Australian history and a fascinating point of interest for anyone exploring South Perth.
Located on the traditional land of Buryalup, overlooking the Narrows Bridge and the South Perth foreshore, it offers more than just colonial history. Visitors can also learn about the site’s deep cultural significance to First Nations peoples, who used the area for generations as a traditional camping place, fish trap area, and birthing site.
The grounds are open to the public seven days a week; however, access to the mill and the miller’s cottage is available to visitors only on the first and third Sunday of each month during summer, autumn, and spring, between 2 pm and 4 pm, weather permitting.
During our visit, we received a cordial welcome from one of the guides, who provided children with clipboards for a scavenger hunt. This activity engaged the children as they explored the grounds in search of colonial artefacts corresponding to the close-up photographs.
The site is well-maintained, offering public toilets and picnic benches. In warmer months, visitors can play lawn games like ring toss, corn bag toss, and hula-hooping. The mill can even be hired for private affairs through their website.
There is also a public street library and multiple signage along the pathways that explain the fascinating First Nations and European history of the Old Mill.
Regarding the mill itself, while the outside offers excellent opportunities for photography, it is important to note that guests are currently not allowed to ascend the internal spiral staircase. According to a guide, this restriction is due to safety concerns associated with the aged wooden steps; it is anticipated that South Perth authorities will address these repairs in due course. Meanwhile, for those interested in history or engineering, the milling equipment has been relocated to the ground level for visitor viewing.
The site is a convenient starting point to explore South Perth’s foreshore, with nearby parking or ferry access from Elizabeth Quay to Mends St Jetty and a short walk to Narrows Bridge. Parents can let kids run around the grounds while also sparking their interest in WA history and a windmill’s purpose.
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The Old Mill
Melville Place, South Perth
Guided tours: 2-4pm on 1st and 3rd Sunday each month year-round except winter – subject to weather conditions.
https://southperth.wa.gov.au/discover/things-to-see-and-do/old-mill
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Scott Bignell is a proud dad and uncle who’s passionate about exploring Perth with his kids and creating meaningful family adventures. From beach days and nature trails to urban discoveries and local events, Scott is always on the lookout for the best family-friendly spots that Perth has to offer. He captures their adventures on his Instagram page @thatdadgram, sharing hiking trails, WA’s hidden gems and the odd DIY project in the hope of inspiring other dads, mums and guardians to explore, play, and create lasting memories with their kids.
