Reimagining Perth's Lost Wetlands

Have you ever wondered what Perth was like before it was a city?

Like many other cities around the world, Perth was founded on wetlands. These environments have played a significant role in the city's development, and are important habitats for a range of species. A collaborative project between Edith Cowan University, Landgate and the City of Perth aimed to raise awareness of the cultural and environmental importance of Perth's wetlands by reimagining what Perth may have looked like when it was first settled by Europeans.

Reconstructed view of Perth in 1827

Reconstructed view of Perth in 1827 (looking west from the Claise Brook entry to the Swan River across the lakes of central Perth)
Image copyright Edith Cowan University 2014.

This oblique image of central Perth, illustrating how it may have looked in 1827, was created with GIS and 3D modelling using source materials including Noongar history, Swan River Colony maps, aerial photography, geological and vegetation maps, settlers' accounts and artists' impressions. This reconstructed view of Perth provides a new context in which to consider the development of the city and to contemplate the future of Western Australia's remaining wetlands.

The following pages depict elements of Perth's wetland history from the Reimagining Perth's Lost Wetlands exhibition, held in the Perth Town Hall, 21 September to 9 October 2014.