Female trailblazers: self-guided women’s history tour of Perth

Are you ready to see Perth through a different lens? For $16.97 per group (up to five people) and around 1 to 4 hours of your time, you can explore the city’s hidden stories of women who left their mark—from notorious figures to inspiring artists. Led by engaging commentary and multimedia, this self-guided tour takes you from Elizabeth Quay to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, revealing layers of Perth’s past most locals don’t know.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and flexible it is—you set your own pace, and every stop is packed with visual and auditory content that makes history come alive. The augmented reality experience at Raine Square is a standout, offering a glimpse into the city’s heritage in a vivid, modern way. Plus, the tour is packed with thoughtful storytelling, shining a light on women’s contributions across diverse sectors like arts, politics, and even the underground trade scenes of Northbridge.

One thing to consider is that this is a self-guided experience, meaning you won’t have a live guide to answer questions on the spot. If you’re the type who prefers personal interaction, you might miss that human touch. However, if you enjoy the flexibility of exploring on your own, this tour will suit you perfectly. Ideal for history buffs, locals wanting a fresh perspective, or visitors eager to uncover Perth’s lesser-known stories, this tour offers a meaningful way to spend a few hours.

Flexible and affordable—cost just $16.97 for up to five people.
Immersive multimedia content—audio, photos, videos, and AR make history engaging.
Self-paced exploration—spend more time at the stops that interest you most.
Focus on women’s stories—covering a broad range from politics to arts to underground trades.
Easily accessible starting point—begin at Elizabeth Quay, close to transport.
Great for locals and visitors alike—reveal Perth’s hidden stories and connect with the city in a new way.

When it comes to uncovering the stories of women in history, monuments and plaques are few and far between. That’s why a self-guided tour like this offers a fresh, personal approach. It’s not just about ticking off sights; it’s about understanding the stories behind the streets, buildings, and public spaces that we often walk past without a second thought.

Perth’s diverse history is on full display, from the entrepreneurial spirit of enterprising women to the pioneering efforts of indigenous artists. The tour begins at Elizabeth Quay, a lively hub of Perth’s waterfront, where you’re greeted with a curated introduction to seven women who shaped Western Australia’s past, each with a story of resilience, innovation, or notoriety. What’s refreshing is how these stories break the mold of traditional history, highlighting figures like brothel owners and underground traders as well as politicians and artists.

The multimedia aspect is particularly effective. With your phone, you’ll access historical footage, audio commentary, and even AR experiences, such as at Raine Square. One reviewer described it as “really well designed,” and another called it “fabulous” with “great value for money.” You’ll also get venue suggestions and references that let you explore further if a particular story piques your interest.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Elizabeth Quay

This is where your journey begins. The app guides you through the narrative, setting the stage for Perth’s often overlooked female figures. The stories are both inspiring and eye-opening, emphasizing women’s entrepreneurial efforts and their impact on the city’s development. Expect to see footage and hear commentary that make these stories come alive, turning a simple walk into a layered exploration.

Raine Square and The Queens and Wentworth Buildings

Next, you’ll head to Raine Square, where the story dives into two women connected to these historic buildings. The highlight here is the augmented reality feature, which makes history feel tangible and immediate. It’s a fun, modern touch that adds a layer of engagement, especially suited for those who love tech and history combined.

Yagan Square

From there, the tour moves to Yagan Square, a bustling urban space, where a story of a prominent Indigenous woman is told against the backdrop of modern Perth. It’s a reminder of the city’s diverse cultural fabric and the important stories that often go untold.

Northbridge

The route then takes you through Northbridge, revealing tales of women involved in sly-grog trade and the area’s red-light history. It’s a more gritty, less polished part of Perth’s story, but one that offers authentic insights into the city’s underbelly. These stories add depth and nuance, making this tour more than just a sanitized history walk.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)

The tour wraps up at AGWA, where an indigenous artist’s work is showcased. The gallery is a perfect place to reflect on the stories you’ve heard, and you can enjoy the art while contemplating the contributions of women—both historically and in contemporary Australia.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The value here is clear: for just under $17, you get a personalized, multimedia-rich experience that highlights women’s stories across Perth’s landscape. The app’s turn-by-turn navigation and media integration make it easy to follow without fuss. Plus, the fact that it’s bookable nine days in advance shows how popular this tour is among locals and visitors alike.

The reviews echo this sentiment, with travelers praising the excellent design of the app, the new perspective it offers on familiar surroundings, and the fascinating stories of women who changed Perth. One reviewer even mentioned how they walked through their hometown with “new eyes,” highlighting the tour’s ability to offer fresh insights in a familiar environment.

A key strength is how it caters to spontaneity—you can spend extra time at spots that grab your interest or breeze through parts that aren’t as compelling to you. It’s an arrangement that respects your curiosity and pace.

Practical Considerations: What You Need to Know

This is a self-guided tour, so there’s no live guide or group involved, making it ideal for those who prefer independence. You’ll use your own phone or tablet, which means you should be comfortable navigating with digital media. The meeting point at Elizabeth Quay is central and well-connected by public transport, making it easy to start your exploration without stress.

The tour is designed for most travelers, and service animals are permitted. The duration varies from 1 to 4 hours, giving you flexibility. If you’re pressed for time, you can cherry-pick the highlights, but if you want a full experience, settle in and enjoy the depth of stories at each stop.

This self-guided women’s history tour is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace and want to discover local stories that aren’t covered in traditional sightseeing. It’s perfect for locals who want a fresh perspective on their city, as well as visitors eager for an authentic, narrative-driven experience. If you’re interested in women’s contributions to society or love multimedia storytelling, this tour offers great value and a meaningful way to connect with Perth’s past.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate tech-enhanced experiences, with its AR feature and multimedia content. However, if you prefer guided tours with personal interaction, you might find this format less satisfying. Still, for a flexible, budget-friendly way to enjoy Perth’s hidden stories, this tour hits the mark.

How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each stop and your pace.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided tour that you navigate using your phone or tablet. You get multimedia content, but no live guide.

What’s included in the price?
You get access to immersive narration, turn-by-turn navigation, media content like photos and videos, and social media sharing options.

Can I do this tour with a group?
Yes. The price covers up to five people per group, making it good for small groups or families.

Where does the tour start?
At The Island at Elizabeth Quay, a central Perth location close to public transportation.

Are there any physical tickets I need to show?
No, it’s a mobile ticket, and everything is accessed via your device once booked.

Is this suitable for kids or all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the content is geared toward adult interests, especially with stories about historical women.

Will I need internet access?
Yes, since the tour uses digital media and navigation, a reliable internet connection is recommended.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start, receiving a full refund.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it’s a walking tour through city streets, those with mobility challenges should consider the route and stops beforehand.

Whether you’re a Perth local or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a compelling alternative to traditional sightseeing. It sheds light on women’s stories that have shaped the city, all while allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. A fascinating, budget-friendly way to broaden your understanding of Perth’s past and celebrate its trailblazing women.