Swan bells

Swan Bells are a set of eighteen bells hanging in a specially built 82.5m - high tower in Perth, and the site is one of the major tourist attractions here. Built and opened in December 2000 at a staggering cost of $5.5 million to commerate the new millenium, the tower was opened with free admission initally. However with its annual losses as high as $450,000 in 2004-2005, the attraction started charging admission tickets at $6 for an adult ticket. Luckily on every first Tuesday of the month, admission is free. Of course such a chance is not to be wasted right?

some people say the tower looks like a spaceship....



... i think it looks more like a syringe



this part of the tower i think is just for decorative purpose

Of the 18 bells, 12 of them are historic bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London, and dates back to the 14th century. They were recasted in the 16th and 17th century, and recently in 1988. Full bell ringing occurs only on Monday - Tuesday & Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm and on weekends from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my eardrums), i did not get to see/hear the bells rang when i got there.

The one good thing about visiting this tower, especially since it's a free visit, is the unobstructed view of the Swan river and some parts of Perth City. But if you are on holiday here and is tight on budget, and i mean really tight to the extent 6 bucks will probably disrupt your travel plans, i strongly urge you not to go. The nearby Kings Park has a much better view of Perth City and Swan River, and its free all year round.

trying hard to see beyond the windows

the hill on the top right of the picture is Kings Park


view of the swan river


Perth City CBD


Soon Ho, David, Junming and me with Toh being the photographer

The Swan Bells may be a popular tourist attraction, but at the time it was built, the government and the then Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, received a fair amount of criticism from the locals, who felt it was a wasteful expenditure. Some locals even called the project "Dick's Erection" (Dick is the pet form of the name Richard). Hmm i leave it up to your own imagination.

if one palm tree is lined on each side of the tower, it may really look like one....