With a tight-knit community vigilant about supporting local businesses and the natural environment, the residents of Bassendean are immensely proud of their neighbourhood. Often likened to a cute country village, Bassendean boasts old-fashioned charm with the benefit of only being a few minutes from Perth’s CBD. So iconic, a feature movie was made about the neighbourhood’s nostalgic charm called Bassendream set on the last day of the summer school holidays in the 1990s.
Clearly, this riverside neighbourhood has retained its long-lasting allure since it was founded by Peter Broun in 1832 when he took occupation of Stoke Farm in West Guildford. Flanking historic Guildford and the Swan River, the suburb was renamed Bassendean in 1922 when it was considered working class until the immigrant European community descended in the 1950s, bringing with them a sophisticated way of living that remains today.
With an eclectic mix of extravagant riverside mansions and character homes on tree-lined streets, many homeowners have resisted the urge to sub-divide by retaining their full-sized blocks. Bassendean offers a peaceful lifestyle with kilometres of Swan River frontage, including Sandy Beach Reserve, which underwent upgrades in 2023 with a new playground. The thriving town centre with cafes, restaurants, bars, specialty stores, health and beauty shops, boutiques, parks and Bassendean Shopping Centre ensures many residents rarely need to leave their charming neighbourhood.
Falling under the Town of Bassendean, several significant historic buildings add to the appeal, such as Bassendean Oval, Guildford Road Bridge, Pensioner Guard Cottage, the 1876 Pillar Box, and the Bassendean Hotel. A community street art project invited artists to contribute public art with installations and murals throughout the suburb. The Bassendean Markets run throughout the year, and during the warmer months, the Telethon Community Cinema screens outdoor movies in Bindaring Park.
With a thriving real estate market in Bassendean, residents can rely on services such as real estate management, property management services, property appraisals, property sales, and the expertise of Perth real estate agents to navigate the diverse property landscape of this charming neighbourhood.
Approximately 11 kilometres from the heart of Perth City, Bassendean offers excellent links along Guildford Road with easy access to three train stations, including Ashfield, Success Hill and Bassendean. With a nearby vibrant town centre, the Swan River, historic Guildford, the Swan Valley, Tonkin Highway and the Perth Airport, Bassendean caters well to a mix of demographics seeking a convenient location and an enviable standard of living.
Bassendean’s population of approximately 16,000 consists mainly of families and couples, with two-thirds of homeowners opting for houses instead of apartments or units when seeking property for sale in Perth. The neighbourhood offers easy access to several schools, including St Michael’s School, Casa Mia Montessori Community School, Bassendean Primary School, Anzac Terrace Primary School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Guildford Grammar School and Perth College.
Vibrant town centre
Centred around Old Perth Road and West Road, Bassendean offers its fair share of cafes, bars, specialty stores, supermarkets, boutiques, sporting facilities and the Bassendean Shopping Centre. The revitalisation of the town centre in recent years has seen the restoration and re-opening of the Bassendean Hotel and numerous cafes and bars, creating a cosmopolitan dining and shopping strip popular with the locals, many of whom live within walking distance of all the action. The number of physios, gyms and Pilates studios in the town centre gives some sense of an emerging health-conscious community.
Bassendean Oval
Officially named the Steel Blue Oval but affectionately loved as the Bassendean Oval, this sports stadium houses approximately 22,000, especially during AFL season. Home to the WAFL’s Swan Districts Football Club, the original Bassendean Oval entrance gate, Bill Walker Grandstand, McDonald Grandstand and memorial rose garden honour this iconic site. Even when there isn’t a match or training, the onsite gym and Bassendean Skate Park are a hive of year-round activity.
Bassendean Memorial Public Library
Built on the previous site of the war memorial in 1972, the Bassendean Memorial Library is dedicated to showcasing the neighbourhood’s history while providing a valued information service and public meeting place for the community. Since expanding its non-book materials, a comprehensive digital collection includes electronic publications and film streaming services. Historical tours, health sessions, crafts, book launches and community groups keep the library lively within the town centre.
Bassendean Railway Museum
The Midland Railway Workshops were formed in the 1900s to meet the demand for the construction of Perth’s railway lines. Honouring this integral part of Western Australia’s history, the Bassendean Railway Museum showcases the state’s railway story with a collection of fascinating artefacts and photographs.
Bassendean Bowling Club
Formed in 1934 and with a coat of arms paying tribute to Mr Peter Broun, the founder of Bassendean and first colonial Secretary of WA, the Bassendean Bowling Club embraces the suburb’s retro vibe. Home to the Basso Lions, in addition to lawn bowls and tournaments, the club hosts trivia nights, functions, pool, darts and well-priced drinks for its loyal members.
Sandy Beach Reserve
Set on the banks of the Swan River at the end of West Road, upgrades to Sandy Beach Reserve have deemed this popular park a destination since the construction of a new playground. Designed for children of all ages, the impressive playground features towers connected by bridges and slides, swings, a climbing frame, tunnels and a flying fox. No trees were removed during the upgrades, retaining a shady retreat with new BBQs, picnic tables and grassy areas to relax along the river’s edge.
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