Heritage Centre

Ignite your curiosity and discover 125 years of stories at Perth’s Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre!

Discover over 125 years of fire brigade history at the heritage-listed Old Central Fire Station. Perth’s first purpose-built fire station is now a Heritage Centre and offers fascinating displays of historic firefighting equipment, vintage fire trucks, and captivating tales of firefighter antics!

Children and the young at heart can gear up as firefighters, pose on our iconic fire pole, and take the wheel of an authentic fire truck.

Located in Perth’s historic East End, the Old Central Fire Station is the perfect venue for history enthusiasts and families looking for a fun trip into the city. Ignite your curiosity and visit us today!

Acknowledgement of Country

DFES acknowledges the Aboriginal peoples throughout the state of Western Australia as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, work and volunteer. We recognise Aboriginal peoples’ continued connection to land, waters, and community, and pay our respects to Elders both past and present.

Old Central Fire Station is situated within Boorloo (Perth) the traditional land of the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation.

Image: Kookynie Fire Brigade, c1900. PH2004.001

​Karla (Fire)

What you’ll see and do

Plan your visit

Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre welcomes visitors of all abilities and ages. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please use the information below to help plan your visit and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Location
Getting here
Open hours
Entry is free
Visitor and accessibility information

Activities and events

School excursions and group bookings

From students and Scouts to seniors and community groups, a visit to the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre offers a unique blend of fun and learning that engages visitors of all ages and abilities.

Whether you're exploring history, learning about emergency preparedness, or simply enjoying a memorable outing, a group visit to the Centre promises an enriching experience that’s both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Group booking requests are now done quickly and easily online.

Join us as a volunteer

Do you have a passion for WA history and Perth’s much-loved heritage-listed buildings? Perhaps you’re technological minded and would like to share your knowledge on our historic and modern fire appliances and firefighting equipment? Or maybe you just want to drive an old fire truck?

If one or more of the above sounds like you might like to become involved with one of our volunteer programs! See below for current opportunities.

Our volunteers are proud members of the registered Education and Heritage Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) unit.

Front-of-house volunteers
Behind-the-scenes volunteers
Heritage Fleet volunteers

DFES Heritage Collection

The heritage-listed Old Central Fire Station is home to the DFES Heritage Collection and Fleet. Through this collection, we bring the station's rich history of firefighting to life.

This vibrant history is preserved and shared through ongoing research and care, thanks to the dedication of volunteers. Their passion and commitment ensure that the stories of Western Australia’s firefighting legacy continue to inspire and educate visitors for generations to come.

Firefighters Memorial Grove

On 23 July 2000, the Firefighters’ Memorial Grove in Kings Park was unveiled to mark the centenary of fire services in WA and honour the contribution of career and volunteer firefighters in protecting our State.

Located on Forrest Drive, the memorial includes a granite arc representing the base of a burnt out tree and a ten tonne rock symbolising a flame, which reflects the impact and role of fire.

More about the Firefighters Memorial Grove

Fallen Firefighters Honour Roll

Kevin Corbey
(1967-2015)
Grant Cowper
(1953-2012)
Ian Ding
(1956-2006)
Ian Oliver
(1973-2006)
Maurie Parker
(1968-2015)
David Parkin
(1961-2019)
Ian (Gary) Peat
(1945-1997)

Contact us

Phone

+61 8 6381 1110

Street Address

25 Murray St

Perth WA 6000

Postal Address

GPO Box P1174

Perth WA 6844

More Information

Education and heritage overview

The history of disaster response in our State.

Learn more

Schools and young people

Research shows a large number of young people in Australia want to learn more about natural hazards.

Learn more

Young people misusing fire

To reduce fire risk behaviour, children should be taught from a young age that fire is not a toy.

Learn more