History and Heritage

Prior to British settlement, the eastern reaches of the Swan River were marshy reeded wetlands, host to a wide variety of native fauna, including the Black Swan that gave the river its name.

The indigenous Noongar population camped on the shores and thrived in the area. Aboriginal stories are interwoven with the history of the area, especially the tradition of the Wagyl or water serpent.

In the early days the area became the township’s market garden and village.

Towards the end of the 18th Century Queen’s Gardens, Gloucester Park and the WACA were built, making the area the recreation hub of Perth.

In 1998 the WA Government charged the East Perth Redevelopment Authority with the responsibility to oversee the rejuvenation of the area.

Pre 1829		Aboriginals made use of the abundant wildlife of the Swan River. Establishment of Perth.
1833		Section of the earliest published plan of Perth.
1844		The first causeway bridge was constructed, which was later demolished and replaced by a new bridge in 1865.
1845		Section of first statutory plan of Perth.
1889		Governor Broome vested 14 acres of the 'Perth Meadows' to the West Australian Cricket Association.
1901		Western Australian Cricket Ground.
1920s		In 1898 Queen's Gardens was opened after closure of the brickworks.
1929		In 1929 the Peter Pan Statue, a reproduction of the famous Kensington Gardens statue and autographed by Sir J. Berrie, the creator of Peter Pan, was erected in Queen's Gardens by the Perth Rotary Club to mark the centenary of the State. The gateway to Gloucester Park was constructed.
1942		The Government Chemical Laboratory was constructed on Plain Street.
c.1950		The third causeway was constructed.
1970		The construction of a new concrete stand at the WACA ground was undertaken as part of alterations and improvements for Australia's first test against England.
1973		In 1973 a 14 year old boy was mauled by a 130kg circus tiger which was being prepared to pull a trotting spider as a publicity stunt at Gloucester Park.
1980		The Australian champion pacer, Pure Steel, won his fourth WA Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park in 1980, creating a record in Group One events, which has only been equalled by Gammalite's four successive South Australian Cups.
2004		The Riverside Masterplan was announced and works commenced on the first subdivision.
2006 2007		The first six lots to be released in the Riverside project were sold in the Queens Precinct.  Development applications approved for the above lots - onsite works will start later in the year and will be due for completion in 2010.