Perth Bell Tower Chiming Experience

Bells tell a surprisingly good story. The Perth Bell Tower Chiming Experience combines a hands-on lesson with the unusual story of twelve historic bells that came from 14th-century London. I especially like the chance to ring one yourself and the open-air views across the Swan River, Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and the Darling Range. The main drawback is that the visit lasts only about 45 minutes, so some people may find the guided explanation a little brief for the $15.78 price.

Set in Barrack Square, the Bell Tower gives you more than a photo stop. You can learn how bell ringing works, watch the 6,500-kilogram ANZAC Bell, play melodies on a 26-bell carillon, and collect a chiming certificate. Guides such as Howard, Angela, Jeff, and Liliana have helped make the lesson lively, though the quality of the commentary may vary by guide and by group.

Key things to know before you go

• You get to ring a historic bell yourself: The hands-on lesson is the heart of the visit, and it takes more strength than it first appears.
• The bells came from London: Twelve bells once hung in St Martin-in-the-Fields church near Trafalgar Square before reaching Australia.
• The 12pm ANZAC Bell ringing is worth timing: The huge bell can be seen and heard from the level 5 viewing platform.
• The top deck gives broad Perth views: Look over Barrack Square, the Swan River, the city, Elizabeth Quay, and the Darling Range.
• The schedule needs checking: The site is currently listed as open Thursday through Sunday from 10am, while chiming demonstrations are listed Monday through Saturday.
• The price is fair for an interactive stop: It works best if you value the lesson, the certificate, and the views, not just a quick look inside a tower.

Why the Bell Tower makes a good Perth stop

The Bell Tower sits in Barrack Square, linking central Perth with the Swan River. Its glass-and-steel structure is very different from the old church bells inside it. That contrast is part of the appeal: this is a modern building holding objects with centuries of use behind them.

I like attractions that give you something to do rather than asking you only to read signs. Here, you learn the basics of bell ringing, watch a demonstration, and then take your turn. It is a small activity, but it changes the visit from a standard lookout stop into something you will remember.

The bells are also a fine piece of international history. Twelve of them were made in the 14th century and were later housed at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Learning why these bells came to Australia gives the building a clear purpose. You are not simply standing in a tall glass tower. You are seeing an old European bell collection presented in a modern Perth setting.

The attraction is family-friendly, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The visit is also close to public transportation, though transportation to and from the attraction is not included.

From 14th-century London to modern Perth

The bell story is the strongest reason to choose the guided option. The bells were once part of a London church, and their journey to Perth is explained as you move through the public areas of the tower. You get context for the objects before being asked to handle the ringing ropes.

That order matters. Bell ringing can look simple from a distance, but the lesson shows that it calls for timing, coordination, and strength. One person described the physical effort as greater than expected, which is useful to know if you picture a gentle tug on a cord. The certificate at the end adds a light, family-friendly touch.

The Bell Tower gives access to all five public areas. Displays explain the bells and the art of ringing, while the building itself gives you changing views as you move upward. The setup is easy to follow, although the total visit is not long enough for an extended museum-style examination of every display.

Some guides have made a particularly strong impression. Howard is praised for his humor and clear explanations, while Angela is remembered as an excellent bell-ringing teacher. Jeff and Liliana are also noted for making the experience friendly and engaging. Since the guide shapes much of the 45-minute visit, a good session can make the price feel very reasonable.

The caution is that the spoken commentary may feel uneven. If your guide gives only a short explanation, you may feel that the admission cost is paying mostly for the views and the bell turn. The physical exhibits are interesting, but this is not a full-day museum.

The chiming lesson is the main event

Chiming demonstrations are scheduled every half hour from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Monday through Saturday. During the demonstration, you learn how the bells are operated and hear the sound inside the tower. You then have the opportunity to ring a bell yourself.

The hands-on part is where the experience earns its keep. Each person in a group may ring a different-sounding bell, giving you a quick sense of how several bells combine into music. You do not need to be a trained musician, but you do need to listen carefully to the guide and use some physical effort.

I would allow time for the group to take turns. One useful criticism is that the practice period can feel short, especially if you want to repeat the motion and improve. The lesson is designed as an introduction, not as a full course in change ringing.

The mechanics are part of the fun. You discover that bell ringing is not just pulling a rope at random. Timing, control, and the weight of the equipment all matter. That small lesson helps you understand the work performed by professional bell ringers.

You can also record a free video postcard to send to family and friends. It is a simple extra, but it suits the attraction well. A bell-ringing certificate is provided as a souvenir, giving children and first-time participants something tangible to take away.

If you want to hear the ancient bells at their best, contact the supplier before setting out. Ringing times can change without notice. Monday and Thursday from 12pm to 1pm are especially important: the bell ringers are scheduled to perform in concert then, so the regular chiming demonstrations do not take place during that hour.

Seeing the 6,500-kilogram ANZAC Bell at noon

The level 5 viewing platform gives you a chance to see the ANZAC Bell, which weighs 6,500 kilograms. It rings at 12pm, making midday a smart time for your visit if the schedule lines up.

This is one of the most memorable parts of the attraction because it shows the scale of the tower’s bells. The smaller hands-on bells help you understand the basics, but the ANZAC Bell provides the dramatic sense of weight and power. You can watch and hear it from the viewing platform.

Several visitors have specifically timed their visit for noon and felt it was worthwhile. I would do the same, but only after confirming the current ringing time. The supplied schedule warns that days and times may change, so do not treat the noon event as guaranteed without checking.

The ANZAC Bell is also a good reason to avoid rushing through the building. If you arrive close to midday, make sure you have enough time to reach level 5 before the bell rings. If you visit at another time, you can still see the bell and learn about it, but you may miss the biggest sound of the day.

Level 6 views over the Swan River and Perth

The open-air Observation Deck is on level 6. From there, you can look across the Swan River, Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and the Darling Range. The views are one of the most praised parts of the visit, and they give you a useful sense of how Barrack Square relates to the city.

The deck is especially good for photographs. The Bell Tower’s position beside the river puts water, city buildings, and distant hills into one broad view. It is not just a lookout at the top of an isolated tower. You can see the connection between the riverfront and central Perth.

A 26-bell carillon is also located on the Observation Deck. It plays several melodies, and you may have the chance to play a selection of tunes yourself. This gives the upper level a musical purpose rather than making it only a place for pictures.

The height is modest compared with a skyscraper lookout, but that is not a weakness here. The riverfront setting keeps the view open and gives you a close look at Perth’s central area. I would bring the camera, but I would also pay attention to the sound and structure of the tower.

How much value do you get for $15.78?

At $15.78 per person, the ticket is reasonably priced for a short attraction with a guide, historic displays, bell ringing, a certificate, and observation decks. The price feels strongest when you use the interactive parts and time your visit for the ANZAC Bell.

It is less convincing if you only want to walk in, take photographs, and leave. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, and the amount of spoken instruction can vary. One person considered the time with the guide too limited for the cost, while others found the hands-on lesson and views easily worth the admission.

Your best value comes from treating it as a compact activity in a larger Barrack Square outing. Pair it with other Perth sights near the river, rather than making it your only planned stop for the day. A visit to the Perth Mint may also be combined for an extra discount, according to the information provided.

The included experienced tour guide, history of the royal bells, and opportunity to chime the historic bells help distinguish this ticket from a basic entry pass. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to Barrack Square.

Timing your visit around the opening schedule

The current itinerary lists the Bell Tower as open Thursday through Sunday from 10am. At the same time, chiming demonstrations are listed Monday through Saturday every half hour from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Because those details do not perfectly match, you should confirm the opening and ringing schedule before you go.

This is particularly important if your main goal is to ring the bells. A building visit may still be possible at one time while the guided chiming lesson is unavailable at another. The supplier specifically advises checking the ringing times in advance.

For the fullest visit, aim for a time that allows you to:

• Enter after opening
• Join a chiming demonstration
• Reach the level 5 platform for the noon ANZAC Bell, if it is scheduled
• Spend time on the level 6 Observation Deck
• Try the carillon melodies
• Browse the displays and souvenir shop

The shop carries souvenirs, and the prices were considered reasonable compared with other shops around Perth. That is a modest advantage, but it makes the certificate and other keepsakes easier to supplement without spending heavily.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend the Bell Tower to families, first-time visitors to Perth, people interested in musical traditions, and anyone who wants a short activity with a clear local setting. Children may especially enjoy the chance to ring a bell and receive a certificate, provided an adult accompanies them.

It also suits people who like unusual attractions. Bell ringing is not an everyday tourist activity, and the lesson shows how much effort goes into producing a controlled sound. You come away with a better understanding of a craft that is easy to overlook.

Photography fans will appreciate the upper levels and the views over the river and city. History enthusiasts will get the most from the London connection and the displays about the royal bells. If you are already a bell ringer, the chance to see and play bells connected with London and Ascot racecourse may be especially meaningful.

I would be more cautious if you want a long, detailed museum visit or a substantial guided tour. The attraction is compact. Some commentary may feel uninspiring, and you may want more practice time after your first attempt.

Practical details before booking

You make your own way to Barrack Square and enter at your selected time. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Most people can participate, and the attraction is near public transportation. Children need an adult with them, and service animals are permitted. Transportation and hotel transfers are not part of the ticket.

The experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Perth time.

Should you book the Perth Bell Tower Chiming Experience?

Yes, if you want an affordable, unusual Perth activity that combines history, music, participation, and river views. The best version of the visit includes a lively guide, a proper turn at the bells, time for the Observation Deck, and the 12pm ANZAC Bell ringing.

I would book it as part of a half-day around Barrack Square, not as a major day-long attraction. Confirm the opening and chiming schedule first, especially because the listed operating days and demonstration times differ. If you value doing something rather than simply looking at something, the Bell Tower earns its place on your Perth plan.

FAQ

Where is the Perth Bell Tower located?

The Bell Tower is in Barrack Square, Perth, beside the Swan River and close to the city.

How long does the Bell Tower Chiming Experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes.

How much does admission cost?

The listed price is $15.78 per person.

Do I get to ring the bells?

Yes. The experience includes instruction and the opportunity to chime the historic bells yourself.

When do the chiming demonstrations take place?

Demonstrations are listed from Monday through Saturday every half hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Are there times when no chiming demonstration takes place?

Yes. Monday and Thursday from 12pm to 1pm are scheduled for bell-ringer concerts, so regular chiming demonstrations do not take place during those times.

Can I see the ANZAC Bell ring?

The 6,500-kilogram ANZAC Bell can be seen from the level 5 viewing platform, and it is scheduled to ring at 12pm. Confirm the current schedule before visiting.

What can I see from the Observation Deck?

The level 6 Observation Deck looks over the Swan River, Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and the Darling Range. It also has a 26-bell carillon.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes, it is described as family-friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is transportation included?

No. You must make your own way to the Bell Tower. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I receive anything to take home?

Yes. You receive a bell chiming certificate, and you can also record a free video postcard to send to family and friends.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.