The newly refurbished Perth Central Fire Station characterises both past and present emergency services’ through displays dedicated to the history of Western Australian fire services and a natural hazards and disasters education gallery. The building stands as a permanent and majestic reminder of Perth’s rich social and architectural history.
Location: 25 Murray Street, Perth Western Australia 6000, Australia (situated on the corner of Murray and Irwin Streets, Perth, near Royal Perth Hospital)
Opening Hours: Tue to Thu | 10am to 3pm (Closed for Dec/Jan Holidays)
Admission: Free
Photo Credit: Kids Around Perth
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Education and Heritage Centre is located in the original Perth Central Fire Station. The building was commissioned under the authority of the Western Australian Fire Brigades Act of 1899 and was the first purpose built fire station in Western Australia.
This building of historical diversity boasts a Federation Romanesque architectural style, it was registered on the Western Australian State Register of Heritage Places in 1989.
Today, the centre houses a large archive of emergency services’ historic documents and photographs. Each room in the building also showcases its own unique heritage.
The centre is open to the public. Tours, open days, holiday activities and curriculum-linked education programs are available free of charge.
Here's a list of things you can look forward to when you visit the DFES Education and Heritage Centre:
1. Real Fire Truck Exhibits & Dress Up As A Firefighter
Photo Credit: Flickr
The first stop just beyond the front desk is the Engine Room. Upon entering, you will be immediately be greeted by a restored, vintage fire truck. Children are welcome to explore the cabin of the fire engine, touch the buttons, turn the water valves, and pretend to drive.
Photo Credit: Australia's Guide
Here, kids can also find helmets and jackets to dress up as a firefighter!
In a smaller room adjacent to the Engine Room is the Heritage Gallery, which showcases more examples of equipment emergency workers have used (such as breathing apparatus and pumps for accessing smoke-filled buildings), as well as more uniforms, radios and medals firefighters have been awarded.
2. Kids' Activity Area & Interactive Displays
On the second storey of the building (which can be accessed by lift), there is an activity corner for children. This space includes fire engine toys, jigsaw puzzles, colouring sheets, and even a magnetic dress-up doll. There is also a shelf of books for all ages with some comfortable seating - a rather nice quiet spot to take a little breather.
3. Learn Fire Safety Techniques & Climb A Wall!
Photo Credit: Australia's Guide
The next section is the All Hazards Gallery, which features several hands-on and educational displays about weather hazards, bushfires and house fires, fire prevention, and what to do and pack in an emergency situation.
Here, the kiddos can also practise simple fire safety techniques, such as crawling low in smoke and testing the door to see if it’s hot in the house fire section.
There is also another section, which explores what you’d need to survive if you went out into the bush. This area also features a scaling wall with lots of useful facts. Here, you can let your little ones have a go at rock climbing while following the three quests outlined on the wall.
4. Test Out A Real Fireman's Pole
Photo Credit: Kids Around Perth
Visitor Facilities
There is no parking available at the centre.
Public car parking is available at the City of Perth Fire Station Car Park and Pier Street. The cost is about $3.80 per hour.
The centre is within walking distance of both the Perth and McIver train stations, or can be reached via the Red Cat bus (disembark from Stop 27 -Royal Perth Hospital).
There are public toilets, including disabled facilities and a baby change table in the building. The centre is also accessible to wheelchairs. There are no refreshments available at the centre; however, there are cafes nearby.
