Bassendean

Bassendean is a city suburb located 10 km north-east of Perth city on the Swan River and is adjacent to Guildford. This area was previously known as West Guildford. It was named Bassendean in 1922 as a result of a school competition. The name Bassendean was used in the area as far back as 1841 as this was the name used by property holder Mr Peter Brown (or Broun) whose homestead was located here. This was the name of their English property

Bassendean - Padbury's Buildings

Padbury's Buildings viewed from the top of the eastern railway station elevator on the station overpass. Also, here is an easterly glimpse down Old Perth Road. You can see the hotel up there. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS001

Bassendean - Padbury's Buildings

Padbury's Buildings is on the corner of Old Perth Road and Guildford Road and houses (amongst other things) a pharmacy. The structure was built in 1918 for Mr William Padbury. Mr Padbury also owned premises opposite the Rose and Crown Hotel in Guildford. (See the Guildford locality for more on Mr Padbury). July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS002

Bassendean - 2 Old Perth Road

Opposite the Padbury's Building at the top of Old Perth Road is 2 Old Perth Road, a commercial building built in 1937. The place is vacant now - no sign of life. This used to be the headquarters of Chard-Walker, Harwood and Brown, local real estate agents. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS003

Bassendean - Metal Seat on Old Perth Road

A cleverly constructed sofa sitting on the footpath outside 2 Old Perth Road. This seems to be made of all sorts of metallic scraps and objects. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS004

Bassendean - Old Perth Road

Stroll around the corner from Guildford Road and here is a look up Old Perth Road through the Bassendean town centre. The street looks the same as it has done for years. July 2008. Photos Ref: BASS005

Bassendean - Old Perth Road

Walking back to Guildford Road along Old Perth Road on a rainy day. The biggest change around this end of town over the last 10 years (and probably much longer) is the new railway station which boasts three lifts! You can see some of the station complex at the end of the road. July 2020. Photos Ref: BASS006

Bassendean - Shops On Old Perth Road

A few shops on the north side of Old Perth Road looking east. My walk down here today encountered a few vacant premises which is a concern. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS007

Bassendean - Indian Restaurant on Old Perth Road

Spice N Chutney, and Indian restaurant on the south side of Old Perth Road. Various restaurants have come and gone from these premises over the year. Next door (building on the left) used to be the Commonwealth Bank but they left town back in 2015. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS008

Bassendean - Hotel

The Bassendean Hotel on Old Perth Road. The hotel was built in 1929 for Patrick Connolly. In those days Bassendean was considered merely as an extension of Guildford. In 1973 Publican Murray McHenry celebrated major renovations. More renovations took place in the early 2000's. July 2008. Photos Ref: BASS009

Bassendean - Hotel

Again, the Bassendean Hotel on Old Perth Road. Here is an updated photo. It looks quite grand. I see today that the hotel is currently leased and it is up for sale. October 2020. Photos Ref: BASS010

Bassendean - Fire Station

The former Bassendean Fire Station on Parker Street. This was constructed and opened in 1934 but after 79 years it was finally closed in 2013. Unfortunately someone has removed the foundation plaque. October 2020. Photos Ref: BASS011

Bassendean - Masonic Hall

The former Masonic Hall on the corner of Wilson and Palmerston Streets. This first operated as the West Guildford Lodge No. 102 then later as the Bassendean Masonic Lodge No. 102. The lodge was constructed in 1934 and was used as such until 1988. From 2012 this has been a private residence. I could not see a foundation stone. October 2020. Photos Ref: BASS012

Bassendean - Post Office

This was the Bassendean Post Office last time I was here (about 10 years ago). Many old post offices like this have been converted to community centres of varying types. Post offices are often now located in regular shops or co-located with news agencies, probably due to the changes in business mix and friendlier accessibility. July 2008. Photos Ref: BASS013

Bassendean - Community Centre

Town of Bassendean Community Centre on Old Perth Road. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS014

Bassendean - House on Old Perth Road

At 43 Old Perth Road but mostly facing James Street, is this 1936 fine structure designed with Spanish influence. It was built as medical rooms and accommodation for Dr Eric Kyle and family who stayed here until 1940. Beyond that year, at least for several decades, it continued to operate as medical rooms with other practitioners in residence. Around 20-odd years ago this was used as the Electorate Office for the then local Member of Parliament. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS015

Bassendean - St Michael's Catholic School

This is the road front of St Michael's School on Old Perth Road, Bassendean. The school was established in 1914 by the Sisters of Mercy. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS016

Bassendean - St Marks Anglican Church

On Wilson Street is St Marks Anglican Church which appears to have been constructed in 1915 although I couldn't find a traditional Foundation Stone. However, there is a stone on the front of the church simply inscribed "To the Glory of God 1915". There were extensions completed in 1937 which were opened by Mrs Ernest Foster on 3rd October of that year. May 2014. Photos Ref: BASS017

Bassendean - St Marks Benefit Shop

At the rear of St Marks Anglican Church is the colourful St Marks Benefit Shop. May 2014. Photos Ref: BASS018

Bassendean - St Marks Parish Hall

St Marks Anglican Church Parish Hall actually sits behind the Church but fronting Parker Street. The Foundation Stone simply reads "To The Glory of God, 1st March, 1959". October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS019

Bassendean - Shops on Old Perth Road

This small shopping area is on Old Perth Road not too far from Bassendean Oval. Very functional and a much more modern structure than many premises up near the railway station end of Old Perth Road. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS020

Bassendean - Shop near Station

This rather cute shop is next to the Bassendean train station but not on the main town side, rather north of the line on Railway Parade. This was constructed circa 1920 as a combined mixed-business shop and residence at 66 Railway Parade. Newsagency and Station Deli have both been used as descriptors. When I lived in Bassendean in the 1990's, I would nip in here to grab a carton of beer or whatever as this place also doubled as a liquor store, at least it did then. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS021

Bassendean - Shop near Station

The former "blue" deli on Railway Parade is well and truly barred and bolted now and even the entrance step(s) have gone. I am sure a great integration into the house this belongs to. Regrettably there is little room in the retail sector for places like these now. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS022

Bassendean - Success Hill Train Station

Success Hill train station is one station up towards Midland from Bassendean station. Some rather nice properties around these back streets. Here you can see The Prospector about 10 minutes into its journey to Kalgoorlie. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS023

Bassendean - Point Reserve

A few photos around the Swan River. This is at Point Reserve off North Street. Here is one of a pair of jetties that formed the old swimming baths. The jetties protrude into the Swan River. This bit of river is at the confluence of the Swan and Helena rivers. That's the Helena in the upper left of the picture. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS024

(2020 Update: A few years ago for some strange reason these jetties were demolished and were never replaced)

Bassendean - River View to Guildford

Again at Point Reserve, Bassendean off North Street. Here is a look across the Swan River to their Guildford cousins. That Guildford park over there is King's Meadow Oval. Plenty of fishing, kayaking and swimming in the summer. July 2010. Photos Ref: BASS025

Bassendean - River View from Guildford

This time we're over at Kings Meadow Oval in Guildford looking back across the river to the Point Reserve jetties in Bassendean. April 2013. Photos Ref: BASS026

Bassendean - Swan River Bridge

A nice green winter photo of the Swan River and the Guildford Road bridge spanning it. This side is Bassendean. The other side of the bridge is Guildford. May 2008. Photos Ref: BASS027

Bassendean - Football Oval

Home of W.A.F.L. club Swan Districts - the Swans. Presently it's called 'Steel Blue' oval, as a result of a commercial sponsorship arrangement. Throughout much of its history it has simply been known as Bassendean Oval. In this photograph the 'Steely' looking skies seen on this day are complimentary to the oval's name. May 2008. Photos Ref: BASS028

Bassendean - Football Oval

Well, four and a half years after taking the above picture, the Swans and Steel Blue are still together, an enduring partnership it seems. This is a view of the main entrance to the oval facilities for members and players etc. On game days the public enter through other gates. October 2012. Photos Ref: BASS029

Bassendean - Football Oval

The main club room building, members lounge, administration etc, are in the John Cooper , John Todd Pavilion. Those names are synonyms for Swans, such champion players they were. October 2012. Photos Ref: BASS030

Bassendean - Football Oval

Inside the oval, two more Swans legends lend their names to this fine enclosed stand - Haydn Bunton and Percy Bright. October 2012. Photos Ref: BASS031

Bassendean - Football Oval

I will always remember Bill Walker playing for Swans and what a champion he was. This is a stand named in honour of Bill and the picture is taken from down on the oval. October 2012. Photos Ref: BASS032

Bassendean - Football Oval

Another stand around from the Bill Walker stand is the R. A. McDonald stand which is also pictured from on the oval. October 2012. Photos Ref: BASS033

Bassendean - Football Oval Gates

These gates are the main entrance for spectators entering Bassendean Oval. The gates are at the south-west corner of the ground, on the corner of Old Perth Road and West Road. The gates were constructed in 1929 and are now commonly referred to as "The Heritage Gates". Swan Districts Football Club has called Bassendean Oval home since 1934. May 2014. Photos Ref: BASS034

Bassendean - New Building - The Dome

On the other side of West Road from the oval gates, this new building is taking shape. It is to be called The Dome. What caught my eye is the old railway carriage sitting up on the first floor. May 2014. Photos Ref: BASS035

Bassendean - Post Box

This is perhaps the last red street pillar box in Perth which is still serviced. It is on the corner of North Road and Surrey Street. I hope this can be preserved. Post by 6.00pm. Atop is VR 1876. October 2015. Photos Ref: BASS036

(2020 Update: Still going strong!)

Bassendean - RSL Hall

The Bassendean RSL Hall on Kenny Street. The hall was opened by Mr W. S. Lonnie, State Secretary of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A., on September 17th, 1960. February 2016. Photos Ref: BASS037

Bassendean - RSL Hall

To the group who implemented all the improvements, such as the tank, the helicopter, all the other military adornments and the fabulous artwork around the front doors, take a bow. This is astounding. October 2024. Photos Ref: BASS038

Bassendean- Train Station

The west side of Bassendean station. The station was substantially redeveloped some years ago, adding all that infrastructure in the right of picture, and a bus depot on the west side of the station. Bassendean is the only station outside of Perth that has three elevators. The line in the distance is wending its way to Success Hill. December 2011. Photos Ref: BASS039

Bassendean - Train Station

This is the northern end of the station showing part of the original station. This view is looking back south towards Ashfield. December 2011. Photos Ref: BASS040

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