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Historical
Places
The
Old Mill
Kwinana
Freeway
South
Perth
Phone:
9367 5788
Opening
hours:
10am to 4pm
Closed:
Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Entry
fee: by donation
Note:
There is a notice advising visitors that opening hours are subject
to change.
If
you are taking a day trip to South Perth, The Old Mill is worthwhile
visiting for its historical interest. The easiest and most pleasant
way to get to The Old Mill is to catch a ferry from Barrack Street
Jetty in Perth to Mend Street Jetty in South Perth. From Mend Street
Jetty, it should take a 10 to 15 minute leisurely walk to reach
The Old Mill. The Old Mill and the adjoining Miller's cottage are
located in a quiet spot between the Kwinana Freeway and the Swan
River.
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| The
Old Mill, South Perth |
The
Old Mill, also known as Shenton's Mill has had a chequered past
as various events have threatened its existence. The Old Mill as
it stands today was constructed in 1835 for William Shenton by millwright
Lockyer & Son. It existed in a previous form in 1833 however
was rebuilt due to being ransacked.
During
the 1830's to 1850's, The Old Mill was the hub for the transportation
of wheat and flour and was the colony's first wind powered mill.
Easy access to the Mill on the promontory of Point Belches was by
a narrow neck connecting Miller's Pool with the Swan River.
In
favourable windy conditions, it produced 25 bushels, or equivalent
to 680 kilograms per day. However, even with these advantages, it
became unprofitable compared to other forms of milling and was closed
down.
In
the 1870's, the property was leased by ex convict architect engineer
"Satan" Brown and transformed into the Alta Gardens Hotel
complete with verandahs, a rooftop lookout and dance hall. However,
this business venture failed and the building fell into disrepair.
In
the 1950's The Old Mill was again threatened when one option for
construction of the Narrows Bridge would have resulted in the demolition
of The Old Mill. Public pressure forced the proposed route for the
Narrows Bridge to be diverted to save the Old Mill. This was the
beginning of its existence as a folk museum.
Since
1992 the property has been vested with the National Trust of Australia
with volunteer guides on hand to show the public through The Old
Mill.
How
to get there:
By
ferry
The
easiest way to get to The Old Mill is to catch the ferry from the
Barrack Street jetty in Perth to Mend Street jetty in South Perth.
Once you reach South Perth, disembark the ferry and walk along the
South Perth Esplanade, continue under the Narrows Bridge, and after
walking a short distance you should be able to spot the Old Mill.
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