The ANZAC Bell rings, and you get close. This is a compact Bell Tower tour that mixes hands-on bell-chiming, a guided history of the ANZAC Bell, and big views over the Swan River and Perth City from above. It is timed to catch the midday ringing, plus you’ll hear a WWI song played on the Carillon.

I love the way this tour goes past look-only sightseeing. You step into the ringing chamber and get the chance to chime the bells, which makes the whole story feel physical. I also like the practical souvenir side: the tour includes a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion that you can get engraved for free at the Perth Mint.

One thing to consider: if you want highly specific, tight details about every WWI event, you might find parts of the storytelling a bit general. The guide is strong and the experience is still worth it, but history buffs may want to fill in a few blanks on their own.

Key highlights you should care about

• Hands-on bell moment: you get behind the scenes and chime the bells yourself.
• Midday timing: the tour is structured to line up with when the ANZAC Bell rings.
• Massive bell viewing: you’ll see the 6,500kg bell in action from within the tower levels.
• WWI song on the Carillon: music on the Level 6 observation deck adds a memorable emotional beat.
• Panoramic Perth views: Swan River and city skyline views from the 6th floor.

Where the ANZAC Bell Tour Fits in Perth, and What You Get for $25.10

This is a small-group Bell Tower tour near Elizabeth Quay, starting from Barrack Square (Riverside Drive, Perth WA 6000). It runs about 45 minutes to 1 hour, starts at 11:30am, and ends back at the meeting point. The time window is perfect if you want something meaningful without eating your whole morning.

At $25.10 per person, you are paying mostly for access and timing: going up inside the Bell Tower, stepping into the ringing chamber, catching the midday ringing, and having a guide explain what you’re seeing. The value comes from the fact that you are not just watching through glass. You get to hear the bells close up and try the chime yourself.

Also, the ticket is mobile, so you’re not stuck hunting for paper. That sounds minor until it rains, and Perth can do that. The day-to-day reality is simple: arrive near Elizabeth Quay, check in, and the tower does the heavy lifting for you with views and bell sound.

Level 1 to the ringing chamber: hearing history, not just reading it

Your tour starts on Level 1 inside the Bell Tower. This is where the experience earns its keep, because you’re not treated like a passive spectator. A guide brings the bell story into focus and then you step into the ringing chamber to chime the ancient bells.

Why I think this matters: the ANZAC Bell story can feel distant if all you do is look at photos. But when you physically chime the bells, the sound and weight connect your brain to the moment. You are standing in the working space where the tower’s music becomes a ritual.

A practical note. You will be moving through different levels during the tour, and there’s an expectation that most participants can climb inside a tall structure. If you have mobility limitations, it is worth confirming how your needs fit with going from Level 1 up to higher observation areas.

Midday ringing at Level 5: the 6,500kg ANZAC Bell in motion

Then comes the centerpiece: the guide takes you to Level 5 to watch the powerful 6,500kg ANZAC Bell ring at midday. The tour is scheduled around this moment, so the timing is not random. You are there when it counts.

Seeing a huge bell up close does something photos rarely do. The scale stops being theoretical. You feel it in the sound and the motion of the ringing system. It is also emotionally effective, because the ringing is the point of the tower’s commemorative purpose.

Is this the kind of moment that makes you sit quietly and pay attention? Yes. It also helps that the tour is short, so you are not forced into a long lecture. You get the story, you get the moment, then you move on.

Carillon music on Level 6: a WWI song with Perth views

Next, the tour shifts into a more reflective mode. Your guide plays a popular World War 1 song on the Carillon from the Level 6 Observation Deck. This is the stage where the tower becomes both a museum and a performance space.

What you’ll actually experience here is sound plus setting. You are hearing a WWI-themed song, but you’re also looking out over the Swan River and Perth City from up high. That pairing matters. It helps the history land in the present, not just in the past.

One more practical angle: the observation deck is where you get your best “get your bearings fast” view of Perth. If you’re planning where to go next around the river or toward the city centre, this helps you orient without needing a map app for every turn.

The medallion souvenir and free Perth Mint engraving

After the tour, you receive a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion. The nice part is what you can do with it next: you can take it to the Perth Mint for free engraving.

This is more than a freebie. It turns a tour souvenir into a lasting personal item. If you like connecting a trip memory to something tangible, this is one of the better deals in the city.

Here’s a smart tip from experience in the field: if you also want to visit the Perth Mint, plan to do this Bell Tower tour first. That way you have the medallion in hand ready for engraving, instead of trying to coordinate around timing later.

Do note one small limitation. If you have free entry, you do not automatically receive the medallion. It is available to purchase at the Bell Tower.

Group size and tour flow: why this feels premium but still quick

The tour runs daily and is capped at a maximum of 14 travelers. That group size is big enough that you still feel like you’re part of something, but small enough that the guide can keep things moving and respond to questions.

This “small group, short format” approach is a big reason the tour works. Many historical sites in cities ask you to spend half a day. Here, you get a concentrated experience: ringing chamber access, staged bell viewing at Level 5, then Carillon music with views.

You also get a clear flow of levels, which helps you remember what happened where. Level 1 sets the stage, Level 5 delivers the bell ringing, Level 6 adds music and skyline views. It is easy to follow, even if you’re not a hardcore bell person.

Timing and logistics that affect your enjoyment

The tour starts at 11:30am and is designed to reach the midday ringing point. That means you should treat time like part of the ticket value. If you show up late, you could miss the build-up that leads to the bell moment.

Since the meeting point is the Bell Tower at Barrack Square near Riverside Drive, you can usually combine this with other things around Elizabeth Quay. It’s also near public transportation, so you do not have to rely on private cars.

Since the tour is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, plan to keep your next activity flexible. You’ll want a buffer after the tour so you can watch the ringing, take photos, and still have time to walk around the area without feeling rushed.

What kind of person will love this tour most?

If you like hands-on history, this is made for you. The big win is that you don’t just learn about bells. You chime the bells yourself in the ringing chamber. That single moment turns knowledge into a memory.

You’ll probably also enjoy it if you want a Perth activity with a strong sense of place. The views from the Level 6 observation deck over the Swan River and city help the tour connect to your broader sightseeing plan.

And if you’re traveling with a mix of interests, it’s a smart option. Someone can focus on the music and views, while another person focuses on the bell scale and mechanics. Everyone still gets the core experience: the midday ringing and the behind-the-scenes access.

Who might want to choose another option?

If you want a long, academic-style history lecture, this won’t fully satisfy you. The tour is short by design, and the story is delivered in a guided format that supports the bell moments.

Also, if you’re the kind of history fan who wants very specific details about connections to Gallipoli, you might find some parts are more general than you hoped. The overall experience is still strong, but it’s not presented like a forensic documentary.

Finally, if you have limitations with stair-based movement inside tower levels, make sure you’re comfortable with the vertical layout. The tour spans levels from Level 1 up to Level 5 and includes the Level 6 observation area.

Should you book the ANZAC Bell Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a high-value, time-efficient Perth stop with a real “you were there for the ringing” payoff. The hands-on bell chamber moment plus the midday ANZAC Bell viewing is the rare combo of access, sound, and views that feels worth the entry price.

Skip it or reconsider only if you need a very long history format, you dislike moving between multiple tower levels, or you expect ultra-specific WWI details on every topic. If your goal is a memorable, locally grounded experience near Elizabeth Quay, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

Where is the ANZAC Bell Tour meeting point?

The tour starts at The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia.

How long does the tour take?

The ANZAC Bell Tour lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 11:30am.

Is the tour limited to a small group?

Yes. The maximum group size is 14 travelers.

Does the tour include the ANZAC Bell medallion?

Yes. A take-home ANZAC Bell medallion is included with the tour, and you can take it to the Perth Mint for free engraving. Free entry customers do not receive a medallion but it is available to purchase at the Bell Tower.

Do I need paper tickets?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Is the tour near public transportation?

Yes, it is described as near public transportation. Service animals are also allowed.