Perth Bell Tower: ANZAC Bell Tour & Chiming Experience

Summary

Chime ancient bells in Perth witness ANZAC midday ring and WWI melodies

You’ll step behind the scenes at Perth’s Bell Tower to chime ancient bells yourself and watch as the mighty ANZAC Bell rings out at midday. With a local guide sharing stories from World War I and panoramic views over Swan River, this tour leaves you feeling oddly connected—and you’ll leave with a medallion as a keepsake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore the ANZAC Bell and Tower

• Start tour on level 1
• Chime ancient bells with guide
• Learn ANZAC Bell history
• Go to level 5
• Watch 6,500kg ANZAC Bell ring
• Go to level 6 observation deck
• Listen to World War 1 song
• Receive ANZAC Bell medallion
• Take medallion for free engraving

Top questions

Can you actually ring the bells on this tour?

Yes, guests participate in an interactive chiming demonstration inside the ringing chamber.

What time does the ANZAC Bell ring?

The 6,500kg ANZAC Bell rings at midday during the tour.

Is there an observation deck included?

Yes, you'll visit the Level 6 Observation Deck with views over Swan River and Perth City.

Do you get anything to take home?

You receive an ANZAC Bell medallion (with free engraving available at Perth Mint) and a certificate.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join with adults.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers several levels of the Bell Tower including demonstrations and observation deck time.

What’s included

Your experience includes all entry fees and taxes, hands-on bell chiming with a local guide, witnessing the midday ringing of the ANZAC Bell, hearing a World War I song played on the carillon up on Level 6, plus an ANZAC medallion (which you can take to Perth Mint for free engraving) and a commemorative certificate before heading back out into central Perth.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to actually touch the bells, let alone make them ring. We started on level one of the Bell Tower in Perth and our guide—Paul, with a voice that carried like he’d spent years among bells—handed me a heavy rope. My palms went sweaty. The sound that followed was deeper than I thought, almost physical, like it pressed into your chest. Paul grinned and said, “That’s 6,500 kilos of history right there.” I glanced at my partner; we both mouthed “wow” but it got swallowed by the echo.

There’s this moment when you’re standing in front of the ANZAC Bell waiting for midday—everyone sort of quiets down. You can see bits of Swan River through the glass (it was bright out, but inside felt cool and hushed). When the bell finally rang, it wasn’t just loud—it was heavy, if that makes sense? You could feel it in your bones. Someone behind me whispered something about their granddad who fought in WWI. It made me think about how many stories are tied up in these walls.

On the top deck our guide played an old World War I song on the carillon—honestly, I didn’t recognize it but Li said her nan used to sing it. The city stretched out below us, sunlight bouncing off skyscrapers and river water. They handed us each an ANZAC Bell medallion at the end (mine still smells faintly metallic), which you can get engraved at the Perth Mint for free if you want. I kept mine plain for now; maybe I’ll change my mind later.