Perth: The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower

That Anzac Bell chime hits different. A small group premium tour at Perth’s Bell Tower puts you right inside the ringing story, from chiming the bells yourself to watching the massive Anzac Bell strike at midday.

I like that you do more than stand and listen. You’ll join a hands-on chiming demonstration, then head to an exclusive viewing area to see the 6,500 kilos Anzac Bell ring for one focused minute exactly at midday.

One thing to consider is sound and voice. The experience depends on your ability to hear the guide in the ringing chamber, and at least one guide experience was reported as hard to hear at times, so plan to sit close and keep your phone volume ready for your own notes.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Chime the ancient bells in the ringing chamber during an interactive demonstration
• Watch the 6,500 kilos Anzac Bell ring at exactly midday from a reserved viewing spot
• 360-degree observation deck access with Swan River and Perth City views
• Get an exclusive Anzac Bell medallion and certificate, plus free engraving at the Perth Mint afterward
• A World War 1 tune on the coin-operated carillon played during your deck time
• A tour that’s built for timing, so arriving on schedule really matters

First impressions at the Bell Tower, and how the tour is set up

You start at the Bell Tower, and the whole tour feels like it’s designed to move you through the building at the right moments. You present your ticket at the entrance, then collect your token before heading to level 1 with the local staff.

That token step matters more than it sounds. It’s the way they keep the group moving in sync, especially because the main event is tied to the clock. The tour is only 45 minutes, so you want zero delays getting to level 1 and then up to the reserved areas later.

This is also an all-day entry style setup. You’re not just buying a quick peek. You get all day entry tickets, plus the chiming experience, the exclusive viewing area, and the observation deck time included in the package. For $29 per person, that mix is the real value, because you’re paying for access plus a guided sequence that you can’t easily recreate on your own.

Chime the ancient bells on level 1, up close in the ringing chamber

The most fun part is the moment you step into the ringing chamber and chime the ancient bells with the help of your guide. This is not a passive museum explanation. You’re actively doing the ringing, which changes how you understand the sound, the weight of the mechanism, and the rhythm behind it.

Expect an interactive demonstration where the guide walks you through what to do and when. You’ll also get a different sense of the space once you’re physically there, not just looking through a window. The chamber experience is short, but it’s the kind of short that leaves you grinning, because you’re part of what creates the sound.

Practical tip: if you’re filming, focus on your own hands and the moment right after the guide cues you. The ringing will be the highlight, but the timing is everything, so let the guide finish each instruction before you start moving around.

Wheelchair access is supported, and the building can be explored using stairs or an elevator. If you’re bringing mobility needs, you’ll likely appreciate that the tour route is structured by levels, so you’re not improvising your way around.

The Anzac Bell story is taught while you’re still in the right mindset

After chiming, the tour shifts into meaning: the history of the Anzac Bell and what the legend represents. This is where the tour’s “premium” feel shows up, because you’re learning while the setting still makes sense to you.

Instead of being marched away to a classroom, you stay connected to the sound and symbolism. The bell isn’t presented as a random object. It’s framed as a message, with a weight that makes the ringing feel purposeful, not just impressive.

If you enjoy clear storytelling, keep an eye out for your guide’s pacing. Some guides are excellent at clear, patient explanations and taking the time for questions, and at least one guide named Jeff was praised for exactly that, including helping with photos and even recording video while someone chimed the bells.

If you prefer a quieter audio environment, position yourself so you can hear. The one repeatable drawback noted from an experience was that the guide’s voice was difficult to hear at times. You can’t control that entirely, but you can improve your odds by staying close and watching for cues.

Level 5: the exclusive viewing area before the Anzac Bell strikes

Next comes the climb to level 5, where you access the exclusive viewing area reserved for Anzac Bell Tour customers. This is a key moment. It’s not just access to a view, it’s access to the right vantage point for the bell ring.

You’ll wait briefly in that reserved area and then witness the bell ring for 1 minute, exactly at midday. The emphasis here is on precision. The tour is built around that timing, which is why a 45-minute format still feels complete. Everything you do earlier flows into the one moment that can’t be rushed.

What you should watch for: the feeling changes once the bell starts. A big bell doesn’t just sound loud. It carries. The vibration and scale make it physical, like the sound takes up space.

Also, this moment is easy to miss if you arrive late or drift during the route. So treat the tour like a scheduled appointment. Be ready to move when staff direct you, and plan to be inside the building a few minutes before you think you need to be.

Midday to the minute: what it feels like when the 6,500 kilos ring

The Anzac Bell is listed as 6,500 kilos, and the tour experience is anchored to the reality of that mass. You’re there for one minute, but it’s a minute with a mission: the bell rings at exactly midday.

If you’re a sound person, you’ll probably notice that the bell is more than a note. It’s a sustained event, and it changes as it settles. If you’re more of a story person, you’ll likely feel the weight of the symbolism more than the acoustics. Either way, it lands because the tour doesn’t try to fill the time with extra noise. It gives you the moment, then lets it do the work.

One more detail that can make this special: the bell ringing section is paired with your guided learning. You’re not only watching the bell. You’re seeing it through the explanation that came right after the chiming demonstration, so it connects emotionally and intellectually.

Level 6 observation deck views, plus the WW1 carillon tune

After the midday ring, the tour finishes back at the Bell Tower levels, moving you to level 6 for the beautiful 360-degree observation deck. This is where Perth opens up: views over the Swan River and Perth City from a high vantage point.

This is also where the tour adds a small but memorable extra. Your guide plays a tune from World War 1 on the coin-operated carillon. It’s an odd little detail in a good way. You’re leaving the bell moment, then getting a sound cue that ties the space to its time period.

In a practical sense, the deck time is useful because it gives you a visual reset. When you’re done with the chamber and the ringing, you get to breathe, look around, and place the Bell Tower in the geography of the city. If you like taking photos, this is your best window for wider shots, because you’re not squeezed into the ringing room.

Finally, you receive your Anzac Bell medallion and certificate during this wrap-up. The medallion can be engraved for free at the Perth Mint afterward, which is a thoughtful touch for anyone who wants a lasting souvenir that feels personal. If you plan to do it, keep an eye on when Perth Mint is open and make a small plan for the day after.

Price and value: why $29 feels fair for what you get

At $29 per person for a 45-minute premium tour, the value comes from the combination of included items and the fact that the tour is structured around key access points.

Here’s why it adds up:

• You get all day entry tickets, so it’s not only the guided time.
• You’re included for bell chiming in the chamber, not just watching.
• You receive a bell chiming certificate and an exclusive Anzac medallion.
• You get access to the 360-degree observation deck, which is a separate, high-value viewpoint.
• You get the midday Anzac Bell ring experience from a reserved area, timed for a specific minute.

The package also doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll handle getting to and from the Bell Tower on your own. That part is normal for city attractions, but it matters in your overall budget, especially if you’re coming from farther out.

For what it’s worth, the “premium” feel is less about luxury and more about control. The tour is built to keep you where you need to be at the right times, and it gives you access points you might not bother with if you’re visiting independently.

Who this tour is best for, and who might want to skip it

This tour is ideal if you want:

• A guided experience with a hands-on component
• A scheduled moment at midday, rather than a random self-guided visit
• Great city views, plus a souvenir you can customize through free engraving

It also works well for first-timers to Perth who want a fast, meaningful activity that isn’t a long day commitment. With no transportation included and a strict 45 minutes, it’s also easier to fit into an itinerary than longer tours.

You might want to choose carefully if:

• You’re very sensitive to hearing and rely on clear voice from the guide. The tour happens in spaces where audio quality can vary, and one guide experience was mentioned as hard to hear at times.
• You’re looking for a full museum-style afternoon. This is not that. It’s short, focused, and built around the bell and the deck.

Should you book the Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower?

I’d book it if you like experiences where you do something, not just watch it. Chiming the ancient bells, then standing in the right place to see the Anzac Bell ring at midday, makes the tour feel “real,” not performative. Add the 360-degree observation deck, the WW1 carillon tune, and the fact that you get a medallion plus certificate, and it becomes a solid value package.

Skip it only if you strongly prefer unguided time and don’t want to deal with timed movement through levels. Or if your hearing needs are strict, plan to stay close to your guide during instructions.

If you book, treat it like a clock-driven event. Show up on time, be ready to move between levels, and you’ll get the full payoff: the sound, the story, and the view.

FAQ

How long is the Premium Anzac Bell Tour?

The tour lasts 45 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Bell Tower in Perth and finishes back at the Bell Tower.

What happens during the interactive chiming demonstration?

You’ll step into the ringing chamber and chime the ancient bells with your experienced guide.

When does the Anzac Bell ring during the tour?

The Anzac Bell rings at exactly midday, and you’ll see it ring for 1 minute.

What souvenirs and documents are included?

You receive an Anzac Bell medallion and a bell chiming certificate.

Can the medallion be engraved, and where?

Yes. The medallion can be engraved for free at the Perth Mint after your tour.

Is the 360-degree observation deck included?

Yes. Access to the 360-degree observation deck is included.

Is transportation included in the price?

No. Transportation is not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you can explore the Bell Tower using stairs or an elevator.

Is there free cancellation or flexible payment options?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.