108 St Georges Terrace

108 St Georges Terrace Perth: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Historical and Cultural Significance

Nestled in the heart of Perth’s Central Business District, 108 St Georges Terrace is a powerful symbol of the city’s evolution. It uniquely combines the ornate Federation-era Palace Hotel—a heritage-listed landmark—with a 52-storey modern office tower, capturing the city’s journey from colonial beginnings through gold rush prosperity to contemporary urban dynamism. Established on a site central to the city’s life since 1829, 108 St Georges Terrace offers visitors a tangible connection to Perth’s major cultural and economic milestones (Heritage Council WA; Wikipedia: 108 St Georges Terrace; The Urban Developer).

With its prominent position at St Georges Terrace and William Street, excellent public transport options, and proximity to attractions like Elizabeth Quay and the Perth Cultural Centre, 108 St Georges Terrace is a must-see for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers. This guide details the site’s layered history, architectural innovations, visitor information (including opening hours and accessibility), and practical tips to enrich your exploration (Out and About FNC; Visit Perth).

108 St Georges Terrace building exterior in Perth

Forrest Place in Perth with Commonwealth Bank building, General Post Office, and Albert Facey House

Forrest Place in Perth with commercial buildings and tram tracks on a sunny day

Forrest Place in Perth with people and modern buildings

Forrest Place in Perth with high-rise buildings and busy pedestrian area

Palace Hotel building in Perth Western Australia

Perth skyline from the north with skyscrapers and city buildings in clear daylight

Introduction
Early Site History and Colonial Beginnings
The Palace Hotel Era: Gold Boom Opulence
Transformation and Controversy: The 1980s Redevelopment
Architectural Significance and Innovations
Restoration and Adaptive Reuse
Engineering and Sustainability
Workplace Innovation and Interior Design
Urban Context and Landmark Status
Social, Economic, and Cultural Roles
Indigenous Acknowledgement
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
What to See and Do
Heritage Walks and Guided Tours
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Visitor Etiquette and Conservation
FAQ
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Early Site History and Colonial Beginnings

The site at 108 St Georges Terrace has played a pivotal role in Perth’s development since 1829. As the city’s main avenue, St Georges Terrace quickly became the commercial and civic heart of the new settlement. The area hosted the colony’s first licensed premises and its first Masonic lodge, reinforcing its importance in early Perth society (Heritage Council WA; Out and About FNC).

The Palace Hotel Era: Gold Boom Opulence

In 1893, the Palace Hotel was constructed to cater to an influx of prosperity during Western Australia’s gold rush. Commissioned by entrepreneur John De Baun and designed in the Federation Free Classical style, the hotel boasted an ornate facade and luxurious interiors. For over 70 years, the Palace Hotel was a central hub for Perth’s official, business, and social life, hosting dignitaries, business leaders, and travelers. Today, its preserved facade remains a testament to that golden age (Heritage Council WA).

Transformation and the 1980s Redevelopment

The economic boom of the 1980s brought heightened demand for office space, igniting debates over the Palace Hotel’s future. Bond Corporation’s proposal to integrate the historic hotel facade into a new skyscraper triggered Western Australia’s first heritage legislation, thanks to vigorous advocacy by the National Trust and wider community (Wikipedia: St Georges Terrace). The result was a landmark compromise: the Palace Hotel’s facade was retained at the base of the new office tower, setting a precedent for heritage conservation in Perth (Heritage Council WA).

Architectural Significance and Innovations

Completed in 1988, 108 St Georges Terrace stands 52 storeys and 214 meters tall, making it Western Australia’s tallest building until 1992 (Wikipedia: 108 St Georges Terrace). Its design by Cameron Chisholm Nicol creates a striking contrast between the glass-and-steel tower and the ornate Federation Free Classical hotel facade. This integration is a hallmark example of adaptive reuse in urban development, embodying Perth’s ongoing dialogue between heritage and progress.

Notable architectural features include:

A triangular tower cross-section, maximizing corner offices and natural light.
Structural engineering innovations, such as deep basement diaphragm walls to prevent water ingress and wind-resistant construction.
The careful structural isolation of the Palace Hotel during tower construction (WA Today).

Restoration and Adaptive Reuse

The Palace Hotel’s restoration, led by Woods Bagot, preserves original features such as pressed metal ceilings, gold leaf cornices, and the jarrah staircase. The atrium now offers flexible meeting spaces, blending historic charm with modern workplace needs, and the project’s success has been recognized with major design awards (WA Today; Wikipedia: Palace Hotel, Perth).

Engineering and Sustainability

The building’s design overcomes a high water table and proximity to historic structures. Recent sustainability upgrades have earned a NABERS rating of 4, featuring energy-efficient systems and end-of-trip facilities to support sustainable commuting (Savills; MLP Light).

Workplace Innovation and Interior Design

The Executive Centre’s flexible workspaces, Woods Bagot’s innovative open-plan design, and a focus on natural light and ergonomics foster productivity and well-being within the tower (The Executive Centre).

Urban Context and Landmark Status

At the intersection of St Georges Terrace and William Street, 108 St Georges Terrace is a defining feature of Perth’s skyline. Its integration of heritage and modern design symbolizes the city’s growth and attracts major corporate tenants (Palace Tower; Visit Perth).

Beyond its architectural significance, 108 St Georges Terrace:

Serves as a social and economic hub, housing major firms like South32, Pioneer Credit, The Executive Centre, and Norton Rose Fulbright (The Urban Developer).
Anchors a vibrant business precinct lined with headquarters of Woodside, Rio Tinto, and BHP.
Maintains high occupancy rates, highlighting its desirability and centrality to Perth’s economy.

The Palace Hotel’s hospitality venues continue its tradition as a gathering place for business and social events, sustaining its role in Perth’s civic life.

Indigenous Acknowledgement

108 St Georges Terrace stands on Whadjuk Nyoongar land. The City of Perth and local organizations acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyoongar as Traditional Owners, reflecting a commitment to reconciliation and cultural sensitivity (Visit Perth).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: The Palace Hotel’s hospitality venues are open to the public, typically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The lobby and retail spaces are generally accessible Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Office floors are reserved for tenants and authorized visitors.
Tickets: No entry fee is required for public areas.
Guided Tours: Tours are offered occasionally during heritage events or by arrangement with local heritage groups. Check with the Perth Visitor Centre or City of Perth events calendar for details.
Accessibility: The building and surrounding areas are wheelchair accessible, with public transport via Elizabeth Quay and Perth Underground stations (Palace Tower).

What to See and Do

Exterior Viewing: The ornate Palace Hotel facade and modern tower offer prime photographic opportunities, especially in morning or afternoon light (Imaginoso: North Elevation, Imaginoso: Northeast Elevation).
Heritage Walks: Self-guided and organized heritage walks include 108 St Georges Terrace and adjacent historic buildings, with interpretive plaques and markers providing context (Out and About FNC).
Hospitality Venues: Enjoy cafes, bars, and meeting spaces within the Palace Hotel, continuing its legacy as a social hub.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Close Landmarks: Elizabeth Quay, Barracks Arch, Parliament House, Perth Cultural Centre, and London Court are all within walking distance.
Public Transport: Easily accessible via city buses and trains; parking is available but limited during peak hours.
Amenities: Public restrooms can be found at Elizabeth Quay and nearby shopping arcades.

Visitor Etiquette and Conservation

Respect the historic fabric and ongoing business operations.
Photography is allowed in public areas; use of tripods or professional equipment may require permission.
Be mindful not to obstruct entrances or disrupt employees during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for 108 St Georges Terrace?
A: The Palace Hotel’s public venues are open daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Lobby and retail spaces are accessible Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee or are tickets required?
A: No, public areas are free to access.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, during heritage open days or by arrangement. Check with the Perth Visitor Centre or City of Perth for current offerings.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, including ramps and elevators.

Q: Can I photograph inside the building?
A: Yes, in public areas. Professional equipment may require permission.

Conclusion and Call to Action

108 St Georges Terrace is a living testament to Perth’s rich history, architectural ambition, and cultural vitality. Whether you come for its historic grandeur, architectural innovation, or vibrant urban setting, it offers a unique lens on the city’s past and present.

Plan your visit today!
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