Old Central Fire Station

Ignite your curiosity and discover 125 years of stories at
Perth’s Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre!

Discover over 125 years of fire brigade history at the heritage-listed Old Central Fire Station. Perth’s first purpose-built fire station is now a Heritage Centre and offers fascinating displays of historic firefighting equipment, vintage fire trucks, and captivating tales of firefighter antics!

Children and the young at heart can gear up as firefighters, pose on our iconic fire pole, and take the wheel of an authentic fire truck.

Located in Perth’s historic East End, the Old Central Fire Station is the perfect venue for history enthusiasts and families looking for a fun trip into the city. Ignite your curiosity and visit us today!

Acknowledgement of Country

DFES acknowledges the Aboriginal peoples throughout the state of Western Australia as the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, work and volunteer. We recognise Aboriginal peoples’ continued connection to land, waters, and community, and pay our respects to Elders both past and present.

Old Central Fire Station is situated within Boorloo (Perth) the traditional land of the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation.

Image: Kookynie Fire Brigade, c1900. PH2004.001

What you’ll see and do

Plan your visit

Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre welcomes visitors of all abilities and ages. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please use the information below to help plan your visit and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Activities and events

Launching 1 April! Part of the Boorloo Heritage Festival.

Perth’s historic Murray St East neighbourhood is home to one of the city’s richest collections of late 19th and early 20th-century heritage-listed buildings — many still serving their original purpose! From a grand cathedral and palace to a bustling school, hospital, fire station, and government departments, history is alive here.

Stepping Back with Fireman Jack takes you on a personal journey through the past, told through the eyes of a retiring firefighter in 1930. Along the way, you’ll uncover the people, places, and moments that shaped this neighbourhood.

Get your free trail map at the Old Central Fire Station or the iCity Visitor Kiosk in the Murray Street Mall.

Download PDF trail

Prefer exploring on your phone? Follow the trail on the Perth Trails App, featuring narration by Mark Gibson from ABC Perth Breakfast!

Download the App
‍ App Store
‍ Google Play

Stroll at your own pace and let Jack’s voice bring our neighbourhoods past to life!

Stepping Back with Fireman Jack is an official activity of the Boorloo Heritage Festival and Australian Heritage Festival in 2025.

Disclaimer: Stepping Back with Fireman Jack is a historical interpretation designed to bring the past to life through storytelling. While based on historical events and figures, the trail presents a fictionalised perspective through the eyes of a retiring firefighter in 1930. Some details have been adapted for narrative flow and engagement. This trail reflects the language and attitudes of the time and may not align with contemporary values. It aims to provide insight into Perth’s past while respecting the people and cultures who shaped it.

Images: All images featured in this trail have been used with permission. Full credits are available here.

Acknowledgements:

The trail content was developed by the staff and volunteers of Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre in collaboration with Alex Kopp of Writilin.

Valuable assistance was provided by:

Royal Perth Hospital Museum
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Archive Office
Salvation Army Museum
Mercedes College

The Perth Trails App was produced by the City of Perth.

School excursions and group bookings

From students and Scouts to seniors and community groups, a visit to the Old Central Fire Station Heritage Centre offers a unique blend of fun and learning that engages visitors of all ages and abilities.

Whether you're exploring history, learning about emergency preparedness, or simply enjoying a memorable outing, a group visit to the Centre promises an enriching experience that’s both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Group booking requests are now done quickly and easily online.

Join us as a volunteer

Do you have a passion for WA history and Perth’s much-loved heritage-listed buildings? Perhaps you’re technological minded and would like to share your knowledge on our historic and modern fire appliances and firefighting equipment? Or maybe you just want to drive an old fire truck?

If one or more of the above sounds like you might like to become involved with one of our volunteer programs! See below for current opportunities.

Our volunteers are proud members of the registered Education and Heritage Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) unit.

DFES Heritage Collection

The heritage-listed Old Central Fire Station is home to the DFES Heritage Collection and Fleet. Through this collection, we bring the station's rich history of firefighting to life.

This vibrant history is preserved and shared through ongoing research and care, thanks to the dedication of volunteers. Their passion and commitment ensure that the stories of Western Australia’s firefighting legacy continue to inspire and educate visitors for generations to come.