Overview
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.
Now refurbished, the old station characterises both past and present emergency services’ through displays dedicated to the history of Western Australian (WA) 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. In 2011, the centre earned a High Commendation (WA Heritage Awards) for outstanding heritage interpretation of a place.
Today the centre showcases a heritage trail offering a history of each room, vintage fire service appliances and exhibition space featuring the history and stories about fire brigades, hazards and emergency responses.
DFES invites visitors to explore the building’s unique heritage and learn about WA’s natural hazards.
Welcoming over 18, 000 visitors a year the centre houses a large archive of emergency services’ historic documents and photographs and a display of vintage fire appliances (engines).
The centre is open to the public and offers an interactive, interesting and fun experience for schools, tourists, families and community groups. Tours, open days, holiday activities and curriculum-linked education programs are available free of charge.
If you would like to know more about the centre access the links below. You can also join the subscription list to be updated on events, displays and other information about the centre.
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Opening Times
Our general opening hours are:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10am to 3pm and
- the first and third Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm.
We are open the following Saturdays in 2022
- Jan 15th
- Feb 5th and 19th
- March 5th and 19th
- April 2nd and 9th (16th closed)
- May 7th and 21st
- June 4th and 18th
- July 2nd and 16th
- Aug 6th and 13th
- Sept 3rd and 17th
- Oct 1st and 15th
- Nov 5th and 19th
- Dec 3rd
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COVID-19 Conditions of Entry
As of the 31st January 2022 the following conditions of entry apply for all visitors aged 16 years and over.
- Do not visit if you are feeling unwell
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and contact tracing registration required
- Wear a mask at all times
- Sanitise your hands and maintain physical distancing
Our team is working hard at keeping WA safe.
Abusive language and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Admission Costs
Entry is Free.
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How to Find Us
The Education and Heritage Centre is situated on the corner of Murray and Irwin Streets, Perth, near Royal Perth Hospital.
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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 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. There are no refreshments available at the Centre; however, there are cafes nearby.
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Special Events
Date: Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 April 2022
Time: 10am - 3pm
Heritage Perth Weekend / Boorloo Kwedjang Bardip Yanginy is an annual event that celebrates Perth City's unique natural, built and social history and heritage. It aims to engender a sense of community pride in our cultural heritage and to promote its value in the contribution it makes to our community now and in the future.
It just wouldn’t be a fire station without fire engines!
This year we are showcasing our Vintage Fleet favourites - some of which were in service nearly 100 years ago! Children can dress up as a firefighter and sit at the wheel of a real fire engine, plus there will be fire engine rides around the block!
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School Excursions to the Centre
DFES is offering two primary school aged education programs.
- Emergency Helpers in the Community and Me! (Preprimary to Year 2)
- Home Fire Safety (Year 2 to Year 7)
More information is available under School Education.
Please contact DFES School Aged Education Officers on 6381 1112 or 6381 1113 (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) or book now with the
Excursion Booking Request Form.
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School Holidays
The Centre welcomes all casual visitors during school holidays.
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Accessibility
DFES’s Education and Heritage Centre is accessible to wheelchairs.
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Contact Us
The DFES Education Centre can be contacted during opening times on (08) 6381 1110 or you can send an email to
educationandheritage@dfes.wa.gov.au.
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