One bell can tell a whole war story. The ANZAC Bell Tour gets you into Perth’s Bell Tower for a close-up look at the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell, plus the moment it rings at midday. You also get to hear WWI music on the Carillon and see Swan River and city views from up high.

I love that you don’t just watch from the sidelines. You step behind the scenes into the ringing chamber and even get a chance to chime the ancient bells, which makes the whole thing feel real and physical. I also like the built-in timing: the tour is set up so you experience the bell at the right moment, not later with a photo-only routine.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re hunting for a super detailed, source-tight explanation of every Gallipoli connection, this tour may feel a bit light on that front. The guide is still part of the appeal, but you might want to read a little beforehand if that level of detail matters to you.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Small group (max 14 travelers) keeps the ringing chamber experience from feeling rushed
• Midday ANZAC Bell ringing happens during the tour window, not at some vague time
• Behind-the-scenes at Level 1 lets you chime the bells, not just admire them
• Level 5 viewing puts you near the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell as it rings
• Level 6 Carillon performance pairs WWI music with Swan River and Perth city panoramas
• Take-home ANZAC Bell medallion includes a smart Perth Mint engraving tip

A 60-Minute Tour That Actually Hits the Midday Bell

This is the kind of tour that respects your time. It runs about 45 minutes to 1 hour, starts at 11:30 am, and is designed around the midday ringing moment—so you’re not stuck waiting around while nothing happens.

The Bell Tower itself is already an easy stop for most visitors because it sits near Elizabeth Quay on Barrack Square, Riverside Dr. And because it’s timed daily, you can usually slot it into your Perth day without turning it into a logistics puzzle.

Finding the Bell Tower: Location and First Impressions

Meeting point is straightforward: The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000. The tour starts from there and ends back at the same spot, which is a nice way to keep the day stress-free.

It’s also close to the core riverfront area, so you can pair it with other nearby sightseeing. The tour is listed with a mobile ticket, which helps on days when you don’t want to keep hunting for paper confirmations.

Level 1: Behind the Scenes in the Ringing Chamber

The tour begins on level 1, where you step into the ringing chamber. This is the part I’d call the “wow, that’s real” segment.

Instead of only hearing about how bells work, you get to try and chime the ancient bells with the help of the guide. That small hands-on element changes the whole experience. Bells sound big on the outside. Inside, you feel why they’re heavy, why timing matters, and why a tower carillon is more than a decoration.

You’ll also get history explained here first, before moving up. That ordering is smart: you learn what you’re seeing, then you see it.

Level 5: Watching the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell Ring

Next you move to level 5 for the main event: the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell ringing at midday. This is where the tour earns its premium feeling.

When you’re watching a huge bell move at the right moment, it stops being abstract. The weight and mechanics are the story. You’re not just listening for sound—you’re watching the bell do what it was built to do.

This is also where the tour’s size helps. With a maximum of 14 travelers, you’re more likely to get a good view and not feel like you’re part of a crowd funnel.

Level 6 Carillon Music and Swan River Views

After the bell moment, you head to the level 6 observation deck. The view is the obvious highlight: you can look out over the Swan River and Perth city from up high, which gives you a chance to get your bearings quickly.

Then there’s the Carillon segment. Your guide plays a popular World War I song on the Carillon, using the instrument to connect sound, place, and memory.

One of the best things about this part is how it softens the mood. The earlier sections are about scale and motion. The Carillon music is about reflection—and it gives you something memorable to carry after you leave the tower.

The Take-Home ANZAC Bell Medallion (and the Perth Mint Move)

You finish the tour with an ANZAC Bell medallion to take home.

There’s also a practical tip worth knowing: the medallion can be taken to the Perth Mint for free engraving. If you’re planning to visit the Perth Mint anyway, it’s smart to do the bell tour first so you have the medallion in hand when you arrive.

One note that’s specifically called out: if you’re on a free entry ticket, you don’t receive a medallion (it’s available to purchase at the Bell Tower). So if that medallion matters to you, double-check how your ticket type is handled.

Price and Value: Why $25.10 Often Feels Fair

At $25.10 per person, this tour sits in the “small cost for a big payoff” category—especially because it includes admission and is built around a moment that’s easy to miss on your own.

Here’s what you’re actually paying for:

• Access behind the scenes in the ringing chamber (not just standing outside)
• A live midday ringing experience during the tour window
• Hands-on bell chiming, plus interpretive history from the guide
• A Carillon music performance
• A take-home medallion

You could spend the day doing waterfront sightseeing and museum stops. This gives you one focused hour that’s very Perth-specific and very tied to the ANZAC Bell moment.

And because it’s a small group, the experience feels more personal than the standard “see it, move on, next” style tour.

Group Size and Scheduling: The Practical Advantage

This is capped at 14 travelers, which is a big deal for a tower visit. Tight spaces and stair climbs can turn a “quick tour” into a traffic jam when groups are large. Here, the limited size helps everything feel smoother.

Average booking timing is about 32 days in advance, so if you’re traveling at a busy time (weekends, school holidays), it’s wise to book early. Not because it’s always sold out, but because you’re more likely to lock in the time that fits your day.

What to Expect on the Day: Timing, Movement, and Comfort

Start time is 11:30 am, and the tour is timed to take in the midday ringing. Plan your morning so you’re not sprinting from one place to another. You’ll need to arrive ready to move up through the tower levels.

Bring the basics you’d bring anywhere: water, a light layer if you run cold indoors, and your phone for the mobile ticket. The tour runs daily, so you’re not stuck worrying about missing a rare departure time.

It’s also listed as having service animals allowed, and it’s near public transportation. If you’re relying on transit, you’re in a good spot.

Duration is 45 minutes to 1 hour, so you can usually fit it into a longer itinerary without it taking over your entire day.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and who might want something else)

This tour fits best if you like experiences with:

• Real-world mechanics (huge bell, ringing chamber, chiming)
• A blend of history + sound + views
• A schedule that lands on a specific moment (midday ringing)

I especially think it works well for families who want something educational but not too dry. It’s also great for visitors who enjoy WWI themes but want the experience anchored in a single meaningful location, not spread across many unrelated stops.

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs a super deep, documentation-heavy breakdown of war history details, you may still enjoy it—but plan to do a bit of reading alongside this tour so your expectations match the format.

Should You Book the ANZAC Bell Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a Perth experience that’s both easy to fit and unmistakably local. The big wins are the midday bell ringing, the chance to chime the bells yourself, the Carillon song, and the Swan River views from the observation deck—all wrapped into about an hour.

I’d skip it or at least supplement it if your main goal is maximum detail on every specific historical link. The tour gives you context and meaning, but it may not satisfy a deep-dive reader looking for every granular explanation.

If you’re ready for a focused, small-group tower experience that comes alive at noon, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the ANZAC Bell Tour?

It runs about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 11:30 am.

Where does the ANZAC Bell Tour meet?

You meet at The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What happens when the tour begins inside the Bell Tower?

You start on level 1 and go behind the scenes into the ringing chamber, where you learn about the bell and can chime the ancient bells.

Where will I see the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell?

You go to level 5 to see the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell ring at midday.

Is there music during the tour?

Yes. On level 6, your guide plays a popular World War I song on the Carillon.

Do I get a take-home medallion?

Yes, the tour includes a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion, but free entry customers do not receive one (it’s available to purchase at the Bell Tower).

Can the medallion be engraved for free at the Perth Mint?

Yes. The medallion can be taken to the Perth Mint for free engraving.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.