It starts with one heavy bell sound, then it turns into real hands-on fun in Perth’s Barrack Square. This Bell Tower experience lets you hear a chiming demo, learn the Swan Bells story from 14th-century London to modern-day Australia, and take in serious views from the observation deck.

I especially love getting to ring the bells myself (it’s harder than it looks), and I like that you’re not stuck staring at a plaque—you get the sound, the technique, and a certificate souvenir. The ANZAC Bell moment at 12pm is also a great anchor for planning your visit.

One possible drawback: if you come specifically for a regular chiming demonstration, there are scheduled no-demo windows every week (more on that below), so you’ll want to time it right.

Key things to know before you go

• You choose your entry time, and the visit runs about 45 minutes.
• Chiming demonstrations run Monday through Saturday every half hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
• You can ring the historic bells during the tour, not just listen.
• Go for the 12pm ANZAC Bell if you can; it’s a standout moment from the viewing level.
• Observation deck views stretch over the Swan River, the city, and Elizabeth Quay.
• Free video postcard option and a bell chiming certificate for the souvenir pile.

Barrack Square to the top level: the flow of the visit

This is a short, punchy experience, about 45 minutes from start to finish. You make your own way to Barrack Square and enter at your chosen time using your mobile ticket. Once you’re inside, you’re guided through multiple public areas of the tower and you finish with the chiming and bell-ringing parts that make this more than a look-around.

The pacing is built for families and first-timers. You’ll get enough background to understand what you’re hearing and why it works, but you’re not stuck in a lecture hall. The tower’s design also helps. You get to move through spaces where sound changes as you go higher, so the experience feels physical, not just informational.

Small practical tip: plan to arrive a few minutes early for your entry time so you don’t feel rushed before you start hearing bells.

The Swan Bells story: London to Perth, bell by bell

The Bell Tower is home to the Swan Bells, a set of twelve bells with an origin story that’s surprisingly dramatic. These are 14th-century church bells that were made in London for St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. Later, they ended up in Australia, and Perth now treats them like living instruments rather than museum pieces.

What I like about the story is how it connects craftsmanship and travel. You’re not just learning a date. You’re learning that these bells were built to work as a system, and that when you ring them, you’re participating in a skill that has been passed down for centuries. That’s why the tour includes hands-on instruction instead of only audio playback.

Even if you’re not a bell-nerd, you’ll probably find yourself listening more closely afterward. The tour gives you a way to understand the difference between chiming, ringing, and what changes when you alter technique.

Chiming demonstrations timing: how to avoid the no-demo trap

Most days, you can catch a chiming demonstration while you’re there. Demonstrations run Monday through Saturday, every half hour from 10:30am to 2:30pm. That’s ideal if you like a predictable schedule and want your visit to line up with a demo without much fuss.

But here’s the weekly wrinkle: every Monday and Thursday from 12pm to 1pm, the bell ringers ring the bells in concert. During that hour, no chiming demonstrations take place. That means you can still have a great time—especially if you want the big midday ring—but you may not get the same demo format at the usual times.

Because days and times can change without notice, I recommend you confirm your timing with the operator before you commit to a specific entry slot—especially if you’re traveling with kids and you want one clear plan.

Ringing the bells: the hands-on part (and why it surprises people)

This is the section that most improves the value of the ticket. You don’t just stand nearby. You get guidance on how to ring, and then you ring historic bells that are physically heavy enough to make your arms think twice.

In the feedback, a repeated theme is that it’s more effort than most people expect. That checks out with what the tower teaches: bell ringing isn’t about magic sound. It’s about leverage, timing, and strength. One person even pointed out that ringing required more muscle than it seems from a distance—good reminder that you’re doing real work here.

You’ll also get the chance to ring in an organized way, with different bells producing different sounds. That’s useful for your ear because you can compare tones during the same session instead of relying on memory.

If you have kids, this part is a big win. It gives them something active to do while still feeling safe and structured under staff instruction. Just remember: children must be accompanied by an adult.

The ANZAC Bell at 12pm: the star moment from level 5

One of the clearest reasons to plan your entry time is the ANZAC Bell. From the level 5 viewing platform, you can see the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell and watch it ring at 12pm.

Even if you’re visiting for the general bell experience, timing around noon gives you a built-in highlight. It also makes the schedule feel purposeful: you’re not waiting around wondering when the good part happens. The midday ring is basically your fixed point.

A practical note: if you don’t want to risk missing it, aim to be in the tower and ready before 12pm. The tower takes you upward in stages, so don’t stroll in right at the last second and assume you’ll arrive on the right level in time.

Observation deck views: Swan River, city, and Elizabeth Quay

After the chiming and ringing, the top deck is your reward. The Level 6 Observation Deck is open-air and gives sweeping views over the Swan River, Perth city, and Elizabeth Quay.

This is where the tower stops being only a sound experience and becomes a “put it in your camera and remember it later” experience. The tower’s location in the heart of Perth also helps. You get both water and city lines, which makes the photos look good even if the light isn’t perfect.

If you can choose entry times, I’d consider doing it when you can see both day energy and water reflections. But if your only realistic window is midday, the views still work. You’ll just share the deck with more people around your ring time.

Price and value: is $15.78 for 45 minutes fair?

At $15.78 per person for roughly 45 minutes, this isn’t a bargain like a free city lookout. But it also isn’t a long, expensive production.

The value comes from three things you can’t fake with a self-guided audio app:

• Live chiming within a scheduled demo window
• Hands-on bell ringing instruction
• A real public-instrument moment (including the ANZAC Bell at 12pm)

If you only wanted photos and a quick look, you might feel like it’s not long enough for the price. Some visitors did mention that they wished they got more spoken commentary time. But when the tour hits well for you, you end up leaving with a story, a skill you practiced, and a souvenir certificate.

So my honest take: it’s good value if you enjoy interactive experiences and you like learning-by-doing. If you want quiet, unguided time and zero effort, you might prefer another Perth stop.

Who this experience is perfect for (and who should skip it)

I’d put this high on your list if you’re traveling with:

• Kids who need an active, guided moment
• Adults who like history but prefer it to come with sound and action
• Anyone who wants a unique Perth landmark experience beyond beaches and galleries
• View-seekers who still want something hands-on

It’s less ideal if you’re sensitive to short tours and want a deep, long-form lecture. Also, if your main goal is hearing bells at a specific time, you should build your plan around the 12pm no-demo concert window on Monday and Thursday.

Bottom line: this isn’t just a history stop. It’s a practiced-skill stop.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Perth Bell Tower chiming experience?

It runs for about 45 minutes (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is $15.78 per person.

Where do I go for the tour?

You’ll go on your own to Barrack Square to enter the Bell Tower.

What do I get with the ticket?

You get an entrance ticket with an experienced tour guide, history of the bells, and the chance to chime the historic bells. You also receive a bell chiming certificate, and there’s an option to record a free video postcard.

Are bell chiming demonstrations included, and when do they happen?

Yes. There are chiming demonstrations Monday through Saturday, every half hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm.

What happens during the Monday and Thursday 12pm to 1pm time window?

During 12pm to 1pm on Monday and Thursday, bell ringers ring the bells in concert and no chiming demonstrations take place. You should contact the supplier to reconfirm ringing times.

Is there a chance to ring the bells myself?

Yes. The experience includes instructions and you can try ringing the bells as part of the tour.

What views can I expect from the top?

From the Level 6 Observation Deck, you can see the Swan River, the city of Perth, and Elizabeth Quay.

Can children attend?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include transportation or pickup?

No. Transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off aren’t included.

Is there anything special about tickets or entry?

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you can choose multiple entry times for the family-friendly experience.

Should you book the Perth Bell Tower chiming experience?

Book it if you want a short, memorable Perth stop that mixes hands-on bell ringing with skyline-style views from the tower. The ticket price makes more sense once you factor in that you’re not only listening—you’re actively participating, and you’re aiming for real scheduled moments like the 12pm ANZAC Bell.

Skip it only if you’re mainly seeking a long history talk or you can’t work around the Monday/Thursday 12pm–1pm concert window. If that timing matters to you, confirm your slot first, then go. This is one of the few Perth experiences where the sound is the point—and you get to make it.