Mandurah Public Art Walks

The Federation Heritage Art Walk will take you on an enlightening journey through Mandurah and Peel.

The works highlight the colonial history of the region and allows you to experience the best this region has to offer. See a description of some of the art work pieces below or grab a map from the Mandurah Visitor Centre.

First Government School

This school opened in 1900 with Mr Robert Dalrymple from Belfast as both head master and teacher. The classes included writing, reading, arithmetic, history and geography. Today the First Government School site is occupied by the Mandurah Community Museum and Historical Society. The school classroom recreated within the museum is very popular and looks much as it did in 1900. Artist Anne Neil.

Mrs Lyttleton's Inn

Mrs Sarah Lyttleton was the wife of Dr Lyttleton, employed by the founder of the area Thomas Peel, as the surgeon for the settlement. She and her husband moved to Albany in the late 1830's. However on his death in the early 1840s Mrs Lyttleton returned to Mandurah, and on an acre of land near the ferry she built an inn and boarding house. The artwork (2000) at this site is a reminder of the many travellers who passed this way and is made of tinted cement fondue. Artist Claire Bailey.

First Government Jetty

Since the beginning of the colony, lack of direct transport to and from Mandurah was a problem. Most things arrived by sea, yet a sandbar at the mouth of the estuary could be problematic. In mid 1890 the Government undertook improvements and opened the bar, and in 1896 the Public Works Department contracted the building of the First Government Jetty. The artwork (1998) evokes the aspiration of ‘life’s journey’ within us all and consists of three separate cast bronze works on top of old jetty pylons. Artist Claire Bailey.

Peel Inlet Preserving Works

In September 1880 the first tins of fish were turned out by C.Tuckey & Co's Peel Inlet Preserving Works. The first fish canned were sea mullet caught by sieve nets in large quantities between September and March in the estuary and along the coast. Fishermen were paid seven to eight shillings for each 100 fish delivered to the cannery. The artwork (1998) charmingly acknowledges ‘the early pioneering days’ of Western Australia’s commercial fishing industry and is made of cast bronze. Artist Mary Knott.

Aboriginal Fishing Site

The Mandurah estuary is recognised as an important traditional fishing site for Aborigines. The artwork (1999) celebrates the spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions of the Noongar people and highlights the significance of the waterways in Aboriginal lore. The design was researched and created by Noongar artist Sandra Hill. She worked with ceramic artist Jenny Dawson and members of Winjan Aboriginal Corporation and their families, in creating this outstanding hand-made mosaic. Artists Sandra Hill and Jenny Dawson.

Renown Bakery

In the early 1900's, a Mr Scrivinern initially owned the bakery. In the early years bread was sold in a 2 pound loaf, and some customers were known to bring back their loaf because "it didn't weigh enough!". In the 1930's the bakery was taken over by William Munice, and 'Muncie's Renown' continued to be celebrated for bread baked in wood ovens right up until the 1970's. The mosaic artwork (2000) and old jetty pylon seating asks you to sit down, enjoy a tasty snack and watch the pelicans watching you - in the hope of a feed! Artist Claire Bailey.

Open Air Picture Gardens

Originally owned by Mrs Lanyon, the picture gardens were bought by Hobart Tuckey in the late 1920's and run by Mildred Edith Tuckey and her son Owen, who helped during school holidays. The picture show had a big impact on the social life of the community. The new items in the early 'talkies' were an important way for people to gain information. The mosaic artwork (2000) is an invitation to "please be seated", and enjoy the scene in downtown Mandurah. Artist Claire Bailey.

First Government Post and Telegraph Office

In 1887 the telegraph lines were extended to Mandurah and helped to reduce 'the tyranny of distance' for the early settlers. The Office was also an important meeting centre for the area when people came in by foot, horse or carriage to collect their mail. The artwork (2000), made of hand-made tiles, reminds us to remember someone with a handwritten postcard or letter. Artist Claire Bailey.