Heart of Gold Trail - Elizabeth Quay to The Perth Mint Preview

Welcome to Country

Before embarking on the trail, let's start by respectfully acknowledging the past and present people whose land we are visiting.For thousands of years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups have had clear boundaries separating their Country from that of other groups, despite the absence of fences or visible borders. When crossing into another group's Country, a request for permission to enter was required, which, when granted would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey. A traditional Welcome to Country can take many forms, and can include singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies or a speech in native tongue.This beautiful 'Welcome to Country' is sung by Ingrid Cumming, one of the many traditional owners and custodians of Derbarl Yerrigan (the Swan River Estuary).The connection to Country is a practical and spiritual one to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Derbarl Yerrigan served as an important food source, and prior to European settlement the Swan River and its surrounding plains were considered a sacred place – there are many stories of the Wagyl (rainbow serpent) who created the rivers and banks during Dreaming.

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Introduction

The year is 1892 and life in Western Australia is about to change…The state’s capital city of Perth was granted its title only 36 years ago, and due to its remote location from its eastern state counterparts the young colony relies heavily on transportation via the Swan River and convict labour to create public works.Hear the stories of Arthur Bayley, William Ford and Paddy Hannan's rich gold discoveries that sparked WA's gold rush beginnings.In 1893, Paddy Hannan, Thomas Flanagan and Dan O’Shea found gold at the base of Mt Charlotte, sparking the biggest gold rush in Western Australia’s history. The gold district is 40km east of Coolgardie, known thereafter as Hannan’s, “The Golden Mile” and later Kalgoorlie.In 1894 alone, some 25,000 men and women from around the world rushed to Western Australia to seek their fortune.Did you know, during the WA gold rush decade from 1893-1903, the population of WA more than quadrupled? This is more than the population grew in the 100 years from 1911-2011!*Even today, Kalgoorlie remains the richest source of gold in the world.The gold rush secured the economic future of Western Australia. No longer a struggling British colony – its population, economy, transportation network and foreign trade flourished, and one of the state’s most successful industries was born.

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Elizabeth Quay

Once you've arrived at Elizabeth Quay, head to the eastern side.Find the Golden Eagle Nugget Replica atop its podium, located between the Reveley Restaurant and the Elizabeth Quay playground.

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London Court

Exit Elizabeth Quay by walking north towards The Esplanade.Cross The Esplanade at the lights and walk up Sherwood Court.When you get to St Georges Terrace, cross the road at the lights and enter the Tudor-style arcade.* The nearest public toilets are located on the other side of London Court. Exit on Hay Street, cross the mall to Carillon City. Walk to the back of Carillon City's food court, where the public toilets are situated.

McNess Royal Arcade

Exit London Court into the Hay Street Mall.Turn right and walk east towards Barrack Street. Cross at the lights and turn right down Barrack Street.Walk for approx. 30m, then stop to look up at McNess Royal Arcade across the road.

The State Buildings

Continue south on Barrack Street (towards the river).Turn left at the St. Georges Terrace intersection, and walk for approx. 30m until you reach the stairs and entry to the State Buildings.* The nearest public toilets are located inside the State Buildings, which also makes a convenient stop for lunch. Dine in at either Long Chim, Petition, Post, or Wildflower. Alternatively, for a quick snack on the go visit Telegram Coffee.

Point Zero

Exit the State Buildings where you entered and continue east down St. Georges Terrace until you reach the end of the building.Look down at the ground.

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Stirling Gardens

Walk west, back to the St. Georges Terrace and Barrack Street intersection. Can you see Stirling Gardens across the road?Cross at the lights and enter the gardens.*The Stirling Gardens make a great spot for a picnic lunch. The nearest public toilets are located in the Supreme Court Gardens, on the southside of the Supreme Court Building.

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The Supreme Court

Choose one of the two paths heading deeper into the Stirling Gardens.In about 100m you will see the Supreme Court of Western Australia ahead of you.

Kangaroo Statues

From the Supreme Court of Western Australia, turn around and take the path to your right back towards St. Georges Terrace.As you are exiting the gardens (onto St Georges Terrace) look to your left.

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Government House

Turn right down St. Georges Terrace.Continue east until you see a grand, two storey mansion on your right.You can visit the grounds of Government House for a stroll or a picnic every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm-2pm. Once a year, the public are also invited inside the heritage-listed Government House building for its annual Open Day events.

Mercedes College

Continue walking east on St. Georges Terrace until you hit Victoria Avenue.Continue north up Victoria Avenue (over the Hay Street intersection). Turn right into Victoria Square.Look at the building on your right, Mercedes College.

The Perth Mint

Continue along Victoria Square until you reach Goderich Street.Turn right and walk down Goderich Street. Cross the road and turn right down Hill Street.Turn left down Hay Street. In about 50m you’ll see the entrance to The Perth Mint on your left.Go inside the gates and walk to the central statue.*There is a public toilet located inside the grounds and to the left of The Perth Mint building.