Midday in Perth has a bell moment. This small-group tour lets you step into the ringing chamber and witness the ANZAC Bell ring at its scheduled time, with Swan River and city views built into the route. I especially love getting to chime the bells up close, not just stand and watch, and I also like the mix of hands-on sounds plus a carillon performance focused on WWI. One possible drawback to weigh: if you’re hunting for a very exact explanation of how the Gallipoli story connects to the bell, you may want to ask a few follow-up questions, since the historical detail can feel uneven.

You’ll start at 11:30 am and spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour moving through key levels of the tower. The group is capped at 14 people, so you’ll get time with the guide and quick turns between viewpoints. At the end, you take home an ANZAC Bell medallion, and it can be engraved for free at the Perth Mint, which makes this feel like a proper souvenir, not just another photo stop.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Midday ringing is the point: you time the visit to see the ANZAC Bell sound at midday.
• Hands-on access at level 1: you go behind the scenes into the ringing chamber to chime the bells.
• A real viewpoint change: you move up to see the massive bell and then out to the observation deck.
• Carillon WWI song on the deck: a popular WWI song is played while you take in the Swan River view.
• A take-home medallion: you get one to keep, with the option for free engraving at the Perth Mint.
• Small group max of 14: calmer, more personal, and easier to hear the guide when things get loud.

Why the Bell Tower tour is timed for the midday ANZAC Bell ring

This tour is built around a scheduled moment. You’re not just touring the building; you’re syncing your visit to when the ANZAC Bell rings at midday. That timing matters, because it turns the tower from a cool structure into a working memorial instrument you can actually experience.

The visit also works well if you’re planning a classic Perth day. Starting at 11:30 am puts you right before lunch, and you should be done within about an hour. You can then keep moving through the city instead of feeling stuck for half a day inside one attraction.

Also, since this is a small group experience, the sound and the explanations don’t get swallowed by crowd noise. You’ll still hear a lot, because bells are bells, but the pacing makes it manageable.

Price and what you really get for $25.10

At $25.10 per person, this sits in the “value for access” category. You’re paying for a short, guided, behind-the-scenes experience that includes more than a quick look at the exterior of the Bell Tower.

What makes the price feel fair is the mix of experiences bundled together:

• entry and guided access inside the tower
• time in the ringing chamber, where you can chime the bells
• watching the ANZAC Bell ring at midday
• panoramic viewing from the sixth-floor observation deck
• a carillon performance that includes a WWI song
• a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion

It’s also helpful that all fees and taxes are included in what you pay. The tour doesn’t ask you to budget for extra “gotchas” once you’re there. The one item to plan for is private transport. If you’re relying on walking, rideshare, or public transit, you’ll be fine because the meeting point is near public transportation.

Meeting point near Elizabeth Quay: Barrack Square to the Bell Tower

You meet at The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, and the start time is 11:30 am. The location is right in the area of Elizabeth Quay, so it’s easy to combine with a morning along the river.

One practical tip: arrive a little early and take a quick moment to get oriented. When you’re heading into a tower for a timed ring, being calm beats rushing. You’ll have a mobile ticket, which makes check-in quick if you’ve got your phone ready.

The tour also notes that it’s near public transportation, so you don’t have to build in extra “how do I get there” time. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, which keeps it accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Level 1 ringing chamber: where you go from watching to chiming

Stop here is all about stepping behind the scenes. You begin on level 1 and move into the ringing chamber area where the bells are handled. This is where the tour stops being passive.

You’ll learn the meaning and context of the ANZAC Bell, and you’ll also have the chance to chime the ancient bells with your experienced guide. That “try it yourself” part is what I’d call the biggest reason this tour feels worth doing. You’re not guessing what the bells sound like. You’re producing one.

What to expect at this stage:

• close-up access to the bells’ mechanisms and ringing setup
• guided explanation before you try chiming
• a hands-on moment that turns the history into something physical

Potential drawback at level 1: because you’re doing something active in a working bell chamber, the experience is best if you’re comfortable following instructions quickly and staying aware of space. If you like slow, wandering tours, this won’t be that. It’s more like a guided “sound lesson,” with a memorial theme.

Level 5: seeing the 6,500 kg ANZAC Bell ring at midday

Next you move up to level 5, where you get a view of the massive bell itself. The ANZAC Bell is listed as about 6,500 kg, which is one of those facts that lands differently once you’re seeing it in person rather than reading about it.

This is the main show: the bell rings at midday while you’re positioned for viewing. The guide keeps the story moving so you’re not only watching a motionless monument. You’re connecting the sound to the meaning of the bell, and then you see how powerful the ring actually is when the schedule hits.

What you gain here is perspective. From inside the tower, the scale feels more real. The tour doesn’t just say the bell is important; it gives you a moment where you can hear it do what it was built to do.

If you’re sensitive to loud sound, just know this is a bell-ringing moment by design. I’d treat it like a “sound event,” not a whisper-quiet museum stop.

Level 6 observation deck: carillon WWI song plus Swan River views

The tour finishes with level 6, the observation deck area. This is where the experience shifts from “inside the tower” to “Perth in your hands.”

On this deck, your guide plays a popular WWI song on the Carillon while you enjoy the panoramic views over the Swan River and Perth City. That combination matters. A carillon performance in a tower makes sense as a concept, but the views turn it into a moment you can actually hold onto when the song ends.

Practical advice here: keep your phone usage reasonable. The view is the prize, and the performance is timed. If you’re constantly shooting video, you’ll miss the guide’s cues and you’ll be more likely to lose the moment.

Why I like this stop: it gives you a clean split between history and place. You leave knowing the bell and you also leave with a Perth memory.

The take-home ANZAC medallion and the Perth Mint engraving move

At the end of the tour, you’re presented with a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion. There’s also a strong bonus: you can take the medallion to the Perth Mint for free engraving.

This is one of those small details that quietly improves value. A medallion as a souvenir is one thing. A medallion that turns into something personalized at no extra cost is a better deal, especially if you’re already planning a Perth Mint visit.

Here’s my planning tip, based on what people often find helpful: if you want to do both the Bell Tower and the Perth Mint, do the bell tour first. That way you’ll have the medallion in hand when you go for engraving, instead of juggling timing later.

One note: if you’re getting a free entry option, the tour data says you may not receive a medallion with that type of entry. In that case, a medallion is available to purchase at the Bell Tower. So if the engraving is part of your plan, pay attention to what ticket type you’re holding.

How the guide experience can shape what you learn

The tour includes history about the ANZAC Bell and context about the tower’s bells. For many people, that’s exactly what they want: a guide who connects the memorial theme to the bell’s design and use.

There’s also one caution to keep in mind. If Gallipoli and the ANZAC story are your specific focus, don’t assume every historical link will feel crystal clear. I’d treat it as a guided introduction, not a graduate-level lecture. If something feels fuzzy, ask your guide a direct question. This tour format usually handles that well because the group is small.

Duration and pacing: 45 minutes to 1 hour that fits real schedules

The tour runs about 45 minutes to 1 hour. That time range is part of its appeal. It’s long enough to include the ringing chamber experience, the midday ring, and the deck viewing plus carillon performance. It’s also short enough that you can fit it into a broader Perth itinerary without losing your whole day.

Because it starts at 11:30 am and is timed to midday ringing, you’re not going to want to book it as a “maybe.” If you’re the type who likes to wander until the last second, set a firm reminder. The payoff is tied to that midday moment.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip

This works best if you:

• like short, guided experiences with a clear highlight
• want behind-the-scenes access, not just photo ops
• enjoy WWI-themed interpretation (and musical moments tied to it)
• want panoramic views without committing to a long climb or a full-day tour

You might consider skipping if you:

• want a very long museum-style experience with lots of independent time
• dislike scheduled events and would rather choose your own rhythm
• need ultra-specific historical detail on a particular topic, unless you’re comfortable asking follow-up questions

For most people, the balance is right: you get access, sound, views, and a souvenir in under an hour.

Should you book the ANZAC Bell Tour?

I’d book it if you’re in Perth around midday and you want a tour that actually does something on your behalf: it times your visit to the ANZAC Bell ringing and gives you a real bell moment from the inside.

It also earns its cost with real value-added extras: the hands-on chime, the carillon WWI song, the Swan River and city views, and the medallion with free Perth Mint engraving option. If those appeal to you, you’ll likely feel satisfied leaving the tower.

If you’re unsure, the simplest way to decide is this: ask yourself whether you want a short, guided experience built around a scheduled sound event. If yes, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How much does the ANZAC Bell Tour cost?

The ANZAC Bell Tour costs $25.10 per person.

What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?

The tour starts at 11:30 am and runs for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes admission, all fees and taxes, and the tour experience inside the Bell Tower.

Do I get a medallion?

Yes, the tour includes a take-home ANZAC Bell medallion. You can take it to the Perth Mint for free engraving. Free entry customers do not receive a medallion (a medallion can be purchased at the Bell Tower).

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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