The Old Observatory — Attraction in West Perth

The former Government Astronomer’s Residence and Offices, a free–standing red-brick two storey building with clay tile roof in Federation Free Classical style has cultural heritage significance for the following reason:

It is well resolved work exhibiting a classical sense of repose with simplified forms ornamentation. The asymmetrical form is harmoniously balanced by a prominent tower and a range of decorative accents that form a distinctive skyline;

The separation of functions (staff offices and residential quarters) is elegantly executed in terms of both the planning and the form of the building and is a significant design achievement;

As an important and well-known landmark it contributes to the community’s sense place by its prominent location overlooking the city of Perth. It forms part of the historic heritage precinct including Parliament House (1904), Old Hale School (1914-46) and Dumas House (1966) and has high townscape value relative to this historic precinct, and also as a vestige of a significant landmark in the city of Perth;

It is significant for its association with Western Australia’s earliest purpose built Observatory and with the observatory functions, in particular the recording of astronomical and meteorological data from the early 1900s to the 1960s. The Perth Observatory was designed as one of the few well-equipped observatories functioning in the southern hemisphere in the 19th and early 20th century. The Perth Observatory was a rare example of such a facility in Australia from that time period, and for surviving (until 1963) continued attempts by the State Government to reduce its effectiveness as a scientific institution;

It has a close association with major figures in later nineteenth century Western Australian and Australian history such Premier John Forrest, colonial architect and engineer, George Temple Poole, the first Government Astronomer, W.E. Cooke, and South Australian Government Astronomer and Post Master-General, Sir Charles Todd;

It is one of the rare examples of residential design by George Temple Poole and is representative of his work in the Federation Free Classical Style;

It is a manifestation of the long-term and visionary planning that was a feature of John Forrest’s Premiership. The place is representative of the type of public institutions established during the 1890s by the Forrest government of Western Australia, approved for funding at the same time as the Perth Mint and the museum; and,

It is important as a place that was highly valued by the community for reasons of its contribution to the scientific and intellectual life...

Such a shame you didn't update your Google hours for the Christmas/New Year break! Says you're open. Travelled there yesterday only to be disappointed by the sign on the doors. Was really looking forward to exploring. We live out of town, don't know when we'll get another chance. Very...

Lovely place to check out if you're in the area. Walk around, admire the architecture, read up on the history and enjoy the general peace and quiet as this precinct is almost always empty, especially in...