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

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.

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.

Once you’ve arrived at The Perth Mint, go inside the gates and walk to the central statue of William Ford and Arthur Bayley.

*There is a public toilet located inside the grounds and to the left of The Perth Mint building.

Exit the front gates of The Perth Mint and head west on Hay Street toward Hill Street. Turn right onto Hill Street.

Walk up the hill and turn left onto Goderich Street (crossing at the lights).

Continue along Goderich Street until you reach Victoria Square.

Turn left onto Victoria Square, and look at the building on your left, Mercedes College.

Head west on Victoria Square toward Victoria Avenue.

Turn left on Victoria Avenue, and continue straight for 225m.

Turn right onto St Georges Terrace and continue for approximately 350m, 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.

Continue west on St Georges Terrace towards Pier Street.

As you approach Stirling Gardens, look to your right.

Can you see a family of kangaroos?

From the Kangaroo Statues, take the path south into Stirling Gardens.

In about 100m you will see the Supreme Court of Western Australia ahead of you.

Turn around and take the other path to the left, walking north through Stirling Gardens (back towards St Georges Terrace).

* 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.

Exit Stirling Gardens onto St Georges Terrace and cross at the St. Georges Terrace and Barrack Street intersection.

Turn right onto St Georges Terrace and walk for approximately 85m until you reach the end of the State Buildings.

Look down at the ground.

Turn around and walk back down St Georges Terrace for approx. 45m 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.

Exit the State Buildings where you entered and continue west on St Georges Terrace towards Barrack Street. Turn right onto Barrack Street and walk for approximately 95m, then stop (just before Perth Town Hall) to look up at McNess Royal Arcade across the road.

Continue north on Barrack Street for 30m, then turn left onto Hay Street (cross the road at the lights) and walk for approximately 100m down the Hay Street Mall.

Enter the Tudor-style arcade on your left.

*The nearest public toilets are located at Carillon City. Exit London Court 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.

Exit London Court and cross St Georges Terrace at the lights.

Walk south down Sherwood Court, then cross The Esplanade at the lights to enter Elizabeth Quay.

Head to the eastern side of the quay.

Find the Golden Eagle Nugget Replica atop its podium, located between the Reveley Restaurant and the Elizabeth Quay playground.