Perth’s Bell Tower

Perth plays host to one of the largest musical instruments in the world; the Swan Bell Tower. Comprising 18 bells, twelve of which came from the Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London’s Trafalgar Square. Donated to the state of Western Australia (WA) in 1988 for the Australian Bicentennial celebration, the Saint Martin bells date back to before the 14th century and were said to have been rung as the explorer, James Cook, set sail on his voyage to found (develop settlements in) Australia. The Saint Martin bells are considered to be rare because they are one of only a few sets of English Royal Bells still in existence (Saint Martins is the Royal familiy’s parish church) and the only ones known to have left England. These bells had also been rung to celebrate the coronation of every British Monarch since King George II in1727. The Tower housing the bells is 271 feet tall and offers splendid views of the city skyline.

Perth’s Bell Tower is located on the waterfront just beyond WA’s Supreme Court building.

Its observation deck offers fantastic views of Elizabeth Quay along the harbor...

...as well as the city skyline.

This clock mechanism in the ground floor lobby helps to keep the bells ringing on time.

While the admission fee to the tower is a bit pricey ( twenty dollars per person), you do get to see the bells...

... and the manual bell ringing room, along with the observation deck up top.

Of course, there is a gift shop where you can purchase your own set of bells...

...but if you are lucky and your timing is good, you can be with the bells when they start ringing. Just bring ear plugs.