What is London Court?
London Court is an open-air shopping arcade that runs between Hay Street Mall and St Georges Terrace in the Perth Central Business District (CBD). Built in 1937, the arcade is designed in a highly detailed mock-Tudor/Elizabethan style.[1] Despite its antique appearance, the building is a piece of 1930s pastiche, created to evoke the charm of 16th-century England.[2]
For families travelling with Generation Alpha and Beta kids, it offers a bite-sized, visually stimulating historical detour that requires very little time commitment but delivers high impact.
The History: From Gun Alley to Tudor Grandeur
The arcade was the brainchild of Claude de Bernales, a wealthy gold financier and mining entrepreneur. In 1936, he purchased a collection of ramshackle laneways known as “Gun Alley” for £75,000.[2] Seeking to make a grand statement, de Bernales commissioned Melbourne architect Bernard Evans to design a shopping precinct “unique in all of Australia.”[3]
Construction took less than 12 months, and the arcade officially opened in July 1937 with a lavish three-day “Ye Olde English Fayre.”[1] [3] The event featured volunteers in Elizabethan costumes, madrigal singers, and excerpts from Shakespeare, raising funds for the new Perth Hospital and providing a joyful distraction from the lingering gloom of the Great Depression.[2]
Originally, London Court housed 53 shops, 55 offices, and 24 residential flats.[2] These flats were remarkably modern for the time, featuring air-conditioning — a luxury not previously seen in Western Australia.[1] Today, the arcade remains a bustling thoroughfare of small specialty shops, jewellers, and cafes.[1]
Architectural Highlights for the Family
The architecture is the main drawcard here. It is an immersive experience that feels distinctly out of place in modern Perth — which is exactly why it works.
The Clocks: The arcade features two magnificent clocks made by the Synchronome Company of London.[2] At the Hay Street entrance, a clock chimes every quarter-hour, triggering four mechanised knights to appear from a castle door and joust in a semicircle.[1] At the St Georges Terrace end, a mechanised miniature Saint George battles a dragon above the clock face.[1] The Hay Street clock is modelled on London’s Big Ben, while the St Georges Terrace clock reproduces the Gros Horloge of Rouen, France.[2]
The Details: Look up to spot gargoyles, masks, shields, family crests, and wrought-iron signs.[1] The window-boxes were hand-carved from local jarrah timber by Edward G. Madeley, a North Perth resident and expert in 15th-century wood carving.[3]
Planning Your Visit
A walk through London Court takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick stop to break up a day of sightseeing.
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Free CAT Bus | Red CAT stops on Hay Street; Green CAT services St Georges Terrace. Both are free and run every 5–10 minutes.[4] |
| Train | Perth Station is a 5-minute walk. All Transperth lines stop here. |
| Driving | Paid parking at London House Car Park (216 St Georges Terrace) and City of Perth facilities. Public transport strongly recommended.[5] |
Nearby Family Attractions
London Court is a brief stop by design. Pair it with these walkable family-friendly attractions:
| Attraction | Distance | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Quay | ~10 min walk south | Maritime playground, water park (summer), carousel[6] |
| The Bell Tower | ~12 min walk south | Hands-on bell ringing, Swan River views[7] |
| Hay Street & Murray Street Malls | Adjacent | Extensive dining, shopping, and people-watching |
✅ Family Visit Checklist
- Arrive just before the top of the hour to catch the clock animation.
- Bring layered clothing if visiting in winter (June–August).
- Have your camera ready at both the Hay Street and St Georges Terrace entrances.
- Plan your onward route — Elizabeth Quay is an easy 10-minute walk.
🕒 Hours: Open daily (individual shop hours vary)
💰 Entry: Free to enter the arcade
🗺 Google Maps: London Court, Perth ↗
References
- Wikipedia. “London Court.”
- ABC News. “London Court: Perth shopping arcade that’s a mix of Tudor Gothic and art deco.” April 7, 2018.
- Museum of Perth. “London Court.”
- Transperth. “CAT Bus Timetables.”
- City of Perth Parking.
- DevelopmentWA. “Elizabeth Quay – Family & Children.”
- Buggybuddys. “Top 12 Things to Do With Kids in Perth City.”
