A bell you can almost touch. The Anzac Bell tour at Perth’s Bell Tower turns a serious story into something you can take part in, from chiming the bells yourself to seeing the 6,500kg bell ring at exactly midday. You also end with a 360-degree lookout that makes the whole experience feel bigger than a museum stop.

I love the interactive part most: you’re taken behind the scenes into the ringing chamber and you get to chime the ancient bells with the guide’s help. I also like that you get more than a moment-in-time photo; you’ll watch the Anzac Bell ring for a full minute at noon, then hear a World War 1 tune played on a coin-operated carillon later on level 6.

One thing to consider: because the main spectacle happens at a precise time, you’ll want to be on schedule and ready to move between levels. If you’re the type who hates waiting, plan for that short stretch before midday.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Chime the bells yourself in the ringing chamber with staff guiding you
• Watch the 6,500kg Anzac Bell ring at 12:00 from the reserved viewing area
• Level 5 access puts you where you can actually see the moment
• World War 1 music on the coin-operated carillon at level 6
• Anzac medallion + certificate, with free engraving available afterward
• 360° observation deck views over the Swan River and Perth City

Premium Anzac Bell Tour: Why this Bell Tower visit feels personal

This is one of those Perth experiences where the setting is grand, but the experience stays human. You’re not just standing around listening to information. You’re doing something: joining the chiming demonstration, learning the meaning of the bell, and then watching the Anzac Bell ring at the exact moment it’s meant to.

The Bell Tower itself is a strong choice because it’s built for both sound and views. When you can hear the bells up close and then step out to the observation deck afterward, you get the story through two senses: sound first, panorama second. That pairing makes the tour more memorable than a quick stop.

For me, the value is in the structure. You get a clear path through the tower: hands-on level 1, a focused waiting moment on level 5 for noon, then the payoff on level 6 with the lookout and the final ceremony elements. At 45 minutes, it’s short enough to fit into a busy day without feeling rushed.

From Bell Tower entry to the ringing chamber on level 1

Your visit starts at the Bell Tower entrance. You’ll show your ticket and collect a tour token, then head up with local staff to level 1. This part matters more than it sounds. Moving as a group to the exact spot on the right level keeps the tour smooth and helps you avoid that awkward wander around inside a big building.

On level 1, you’ll step behind the scenes into the ringing chamber for an interactive chiming demonstration. The point isn’t just to watch someone else ring. You’ll be part of the process, and the guide helps you understand what you’re hearing and why it matters.

What I like here is that this isn’t treated like a gimmick. The bell ringing is framed as a meaningful act connected to the Anzac legend and the bell’s purpose. So even if you’re not a history nerd, you still get the emotional weight of what’s happening while your hands (and ears) experience the sound for real.

Practical note: the tour is in English, and it’s led by a live guide, which helps if you have questions during the chiming part.

The meaning of the Anzac Bell: learning as you move

After the chiming demonstration, the guide shifts into story mode. You’ll learn about the Anzac legend and what the bell represents. This is the section where the tour becomes more than a technical show. The “why” is explained after you’ve already made sound, so the story lands better.

I also appreciate the pacing. They don’t pile history on you before you do the fun part. Instead, you experience the bells first, then you get context. That keeps attention high and makes the story feel connected rather than like a lecture.

If you’re curious about the symbolism, this is where you’ll likely ask the most questions. And based on what I’ve seen in feedback from guides like Jeff (who’s been praised for patience and for taking time with photos and a video while someone rings), the tour atmosphere can be relaxed even when you’re in a formal setting. You’re not just herded through; you’re guided.

One small consideration: one guide experience can differ in delivery. In earlier sessions, Tony was described as having a lot of knowledge but being harder to hear at times. If you’re sensitive to audio, I’d keep your spot near the guide and be ready to request a repeat if you miss a line.

Level 5 reserved viewing: waiting for noon without the stress

Then comes the key moment: the Anzac Bell ring at exactly midday. After you’ve done the ringing and story parts, you’ll move to level 5, where customers get access to an exclusive viewing area.

This is smart planning. Without a reserved area, noon bell watching could turn into a scramble—especially in a busy tourist spot. With level 5 access, you can focus on the moment instead of competing for the best angle.

The Anzac Bell rings for 1 minute at midday, which is long enough to feel powerful. You’re not seeing a blink-and-you-miss-it action clip. You’re there for the full sound event, and the guide’s timing helps keep everyone lined up in the right place.

If you’re wondering whether the midday ring is worth the wait: it’s the centerpiece. The tour is built around it, and it’s why people choose the Anzac Bell premium experience rather than a regular tower visit.

Level 6 observation deck: Perth views, a World War I tune, and your souvenir

After the noon moment, you finish on level 6, the observation deck. This is where the tour pays off visually. The views cover the Swan River and Perth City, and the whole deck setup is designed for you to look around properly—360 degrees of city-and-water scenery.

And you don’t just get views. The guide will play a tune from World War 1 on the coin-operated carillon. Even if you’re not sure what to listen for, it adds texture. You hear period-tinged music in the same building that’s built to carry sound, which ties the emotional and historical threads together.

Finally, you’ll receive an Anzac medallion and a certificate. The medallion can be engraved for free at the Perth Mint afterward. This is a nice detail because it turns the souvenir into something more personal. It’s not only about bringing home a token; you can make it yours with engraving after the tour.

Price and value: is $29 for 45 minutes worth it?

At $29 per person for a 45-minute premium tour, the honest question is what you’re buying besides general entry to a landmark. Here’s what makes it feel like more than a simple add-on.

First, you get guided interaction that normal self-guided visits usually don’t include. You’re not just hearing bells from outside the chamber. You’re chiming them yourself during a demonstration, with staff in the room helping you do it correctly.

Second, you get timed access to the midday ring. The Anzac Bell event is a fixed point in the day—exactly noon—so you’re paying for the structure that gets you there in the right spot at the right time. Level 5 reserved viewing is the practical piece that removes guesswork.

Third, your included items matter. You receive a certificate and an exclusive medallion, plus you get access to the observation deck with 360-degree views. If you’re already planning to spend time inside the Bell Tower, the value improves because the tour bundles a lot of the “best parts” together.

Also, the duration is short. Forty-five minutes is a sweet spot. You get the centerpiece event without losing most of your day.

The main trade-off is that you don’t have hours to wander at your own pace before the noon ring. The tour is scheduled, and the levels are sequenced. If you love slow, open-ended museum time, this might feel more structured than you prefer. If you like a focused, hands-on experience with a clear payoff, it’s priced like something you can justify.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want to skip it)

This works especially well for you if:

• You want a hands-on experience, not only listening
• You enjoy timed highlights with a clear payoff at noon
• You like mixing history with a real-world moment you can witness and help create
• You’re in Perth for a short stay and want a compact activity with big impact

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate being on a schedule (the bell ring happens at a fixed time)
• You’re mostly interested in reading and would prefer long, quiet time without moving between levels
• You’re sensitive to sound and prefer softer experiences

It’s also a good choice if you care about practical details. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the Bell Tower can be explored using stairs or an elevator. That means you’re not locked into one movement style.

Tips to get the most from your visit

You’ll get better results if you treat this as a “sound and viewing” experience.

• Arrive ready to move between levels. The pacing flows from level 1 to level 5 to level 6, so you’ll want to stay prepared.
• When you reach the ringing chamber, pay attention to the guide’s cues. The chiming is interactive, and you’ll enjoy it more when you follow instructions.
• For the noon ring, focus on positioning and sightlines on level 5. The viewing area is reserved for a reason.
• After the tour, if you’re curious, spend a bit more time exploring inside the tower. You have all-day entry tickets included, so you don’t have to cram everything into the 45 minutes.

Should you book the Perth Premium Anzac Bell Tour?

If you want the Anzac Bell experience the way it was designed to be experienced—ringing the bells, then watching the 6,500kg bell ring at midday, and finishing with 360-degree Perth views—this tour is an easy yes. The premium part isn’t just marketing; it’s the reserved viewing access and the structured, guided sequence that gets you to the main event on time.

Book it if you enjoy hands-on moments and clear highlights. Consider passing if you’d rather wander freely or you’re uncomfortable with the idea of waiting briefly around a fixed time.

If you do book, go in with one mindset: this is a sound-led experience with a scheduled centerpiece. Once you lean into that, you’ll likely find it hard to beat for the price.

FAQ

How long is the Perth Premium Anzac Bell Tour?

The tour duration is 45 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Can I ring or chime the bells during the tour?

Yes. You’ll participate in an interactive chiming demonstration in the ringing chamber.

Where do I watch the Anzac Bell ring at midday?

You’ll be taken to level 5 to access an exclusive viewing area reserved for Anzac Bell Tour customers.

Is the observation deck included?

Yes. Access to the 360-degree observation deck is included, and you’ll visit level 6 at the end of the tour.

What do I get at the end, and can the medallion be engraved?

You receive an Anzac medallion and a bell chiming certificate. The medallion can be engraved for free at the Perth Mint afterward.