History Events in Perth

Join architect Fiona Giles for an extraordinary morning of board game playing at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre during the Heritage Festival 2026! Experience something truly special as you play Fiona’s unique board game, designed to tell the spatial stories of people who once lived and worked at the former Fremantle Asylum—the building that is now the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre. This heritage event brings together architecture, history, and interactive gameplay over light refreshments. You’ll engage in meaningful conversations and discover new perspectives on the historical significance of the heritage WFAC building. In this intimate gathering, up to eighteen participants will form three supportive groups to experience ‘Our Horrible Asylum’—a game that sensitively honours the difficult and often traumatic stories of those who lived and worked at the asylum. After gameplay, we’ll come together for a gentle, reflective discussion about how “playing history” creates connections with others and contributes to preserving our shared heritage. Whether you’re a group of friends seeking a meaningful adventure together, a heritage enthusiast, or a board game lover looking for something different, this experience offers something special for everyone.

Discover Mount Lawley’s rich history on a guided 1 km walking tour along Beaufort Street featuring stories of the suburb's landmark buildings, iconic architecture, and notable residents. Witness the changing streetscape and see how local history has been preserved through new bronze plaques. The walking tour departs promptly at 10.30am from Copley Park (south side, near the corner of Regent Street East & Beaufort Street) and finishes at the Astor Theatre around 11.15-11.30am. Bookings essential as places are limited.