WA's oldest operating pub, free heritage walk trails and streets full of antique shops. Here's my guide to a day exploring historic Guildford.
One of Perth’s oldest towns
Founded in 1829, Guildford is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. Its heritage streetscapes, historic pubs and antique shops make it a lovely place to spend a slow day, and it’s the gateway to the Swan Valley.
Here’s my guide to exploring historic Guildford.
“Guildford feels like stepping back in time. I love wandering the antique shops with no plan at all, then stopping for a coffee and a pie.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Walk the Captain Stirling Walk
Guildford has four free, self-guided heritage walk trails, with around 50 interpretive panels about the town’s historic buildings and characters.
The best place to start is the Captain Stirling Walk, a 2.25km loop that takes 60 to 75 minutes. It starts and finishes at the Old Guildford Courthouse and is marked with gold arrows. Highlights include:
- The Rose and Crown Hotel (c. 1841), described as WA’s oldest continually operating pub.
- Padbury’s Stores (c. 1869).
- Charming cottages, cottage gardens and a London plane tree-lined avenue.
- Views across the Woodbridge Estate on the Swan River floodplain, once owned by Captain James Stirling.
- The Chapel of St Mary and St George at Guildford Grammar School, considered one of Australia’s finest Gothic-style chapels. It isn’t open to the public, so admire it from outside.
Pick up trail brochures at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in the Courthouse, on the corner of Meadow and Swan Streets. It’s open seven days, 9am to 4pm. You can also find visitor information on the official Swan Valley website.
Hunt for antiques
Guildford is best known for its antique and vintage shops, many within walking distance of each other. Shops worth visiting include Jones of Guildford, Basic Elements, Curio Warehouse and Retrofind.
Take your time and be prepared to dig, because that’s where the treasures are hiding.
Where to eat and drink
- Guildford Hotel: reopened in 2016 and now a favourite for drinks and Sunday sessions.
- Guildford Milk Bar: great coffee and an all-day breakfast menu.
- Guildford Town Bakery: rolls and pies, with alfresco seating among the antique stores.
- Padbury’s Cafe: in the historic Padbury’s Stores, serving breakfast, lunch and high tea.
Guildford Twilight Market
On market nights, Stirling Square, next to Guildford Station, hosts the Guildford Twilight Market under its beautiful old sugar gums. See our guide to Perth’s best twilight markets.
Getting there
Guildford is around 15km north-east of the Perth CBD, and Guildford Station is right in the middle of town. It’s an easy, car-free day trip.
Continue into the Swan Valley
Guildford sits at the doorstep of the Swan Valley, so it’s easy to combine with a visit to the wineries and chocolate makers. See our guide to a Swan Valley day out.
Featured image: the Guildford Hotel. Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Guildford was founded in 1829 and is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia.
