The Bassendean Hotel, a 1930s pub on Old Perth Road, reopened in September 2022 after a $7 million renovation that turned it into a two‑storey destination with six bars, two kitchens and nine distinct zones. This visual tour draws on official project photography, historical images curated by local historian Jennie Carter, and user‑submitted photos to show how the building’s heritage has been preserved and reinterpreted. We also answer the most common questions visitors ask when searching for Bassendean Hotel photos.
Last checked: 2026-05-15
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Year Opened: 1930 · Renovation Cost: $7 million · User Photos on Yelp: 29 · Family Courtyard: Yes
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-15.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Town of Bassendean government site, Woods Bagot architecture project page, Australian Institute of Architects, Secret Perth, The Urban List Perth, PerthNow, Eat Drink Design Awards gallery, Sabi Art & Design.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent verification of renovation cost.
Snapshot of the Bassendean Hotel
- Operating since 1930, one of Bassendean’s oldest pubs (Town of Bassendean)
- Completed after a $7 million AUD investment (Secret Perth)
- Around 350 historical images curated by local historian Jennie Carter (Town of Bassendean)
- Features a dedicated family‑friendly courtyard and playground (Secret Perth)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1930 (Town of Bassendean) |
| Renovation Cost | $7 million AUD (Secret Perth) |
| Historical Images Displayed | Around 350 (Town of Bassendean) |
| Family Courtyard | Yes (PerthNow) |
How old is the Bassendean Hotel?
The Bassendean Hotel was built in 1930 by publican Paddy Connolly, making it nearly a century old. Its liquor licence was granted the year before, in 1929, after six applications and a petition signed by 468 local residents and the Bassendean Football Club according to the hotel’s official site. The original opening drew crowds that lined up down the street from 9am for a first pint.
What is the history of Bassendean?
The suburb of Bassendean, about 15 minutes north‑east of Perth’s CBD, grew around the hotel as a community hub. The Town of Bassendean notes the hotel has been a prominent landmark on Old Perth Road for almost a century. Architectural firm Woods Bagot, which led the 2022 renovation, described the building as a “tired inter‑war” structure before the redevelopment brought it back to life.
The bottom line: The hotel’s 1930s origins are visible in its restored Saloon Bar, where historical photographs line the walls, offering a direct visual link to the pub’s early days.
When did the Bassendean Hotel reopen?
The Bassendean Hotel reopened to the public on Wednesday 21 September 2022, after a two‑year, $7 million renovation. The project was led by Woods Bagot and transformed the venue into a two‑storey, multi‑zone destination. The Urban List Perth confirmed the reopening date, noting that the hotel now operates from 11am to late, seven days a week.
The renovation added a state‑of‑the‑art sports bar, an expansive balcony overlooking the town, and a family‑friendly courtyard with a playground. The design also opened the previously inward‑facing building to Old Perth Road by converting part of its car park into a prominent courtyard.
Why this matters: The reopening marked a deliberate shift from a tired local pub to an inclusive, contemporary venue that still honours its 1930s character.
What is the dress code for the Bassendean Hotel?
The Bassendean Hotel has an upstairs restaurant with a different atmosphere from the main pub areas. While the ground‑floor bars adopt a relaxed pub dress code, the restaurant is described by multiple outlets as smart casual. The Urban List Perth notes that the upstairs space features a “more refined” setting, which suggests neat attire is expected.
Can I wear jeans to a 5 star restaurant?
For the Bassendean Hotel’s upstairs restaurant, jeans are generally acceptable when paired with a collared shirt or tidy footwear. The venue is a pub at heart, so the dress code is less formal than a standalone fine‑dining establishment. No official policy is published, but reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor indicate that smart casual is the norm.
The catch: The hotel does not explicitly enforce a strict dress code, but patrons heading to the upstairs bar or balcony may want to avoid ripped denim or thongs.
Are Bassendean hotels family-friendly?
The Bassendean Hotel is positioned as a community pub that welcomes families. Its renovation added a dedicated family‑friendly courtyard with an expansive playground and beer garden. PerthNow highlighted the “bespoke playground” as a key new feature. The hotel also has a separate Saloon Bar styled with historical photographs, which can be enjoyed by all ages during daytime hours.
The venue’s capacity increased to about 750 patrons, and the outdoor spaces are designed to accommodate children while adults relax. Reviews on social media frequently mention the courtyard as a safe, enjoyable space for kids.
The pattern: Unlike many inner‑city pubs, the Bassendean Hotel deliberately integrated family programming alongside its sports bar and dining zones, making it a rare multi‑generational venue.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1930 (Town of Bassendean) |
| Renovation Cost | $7 million AUD (Secret Perth) |
| Number of Bars | 6 (Australian Institute of Architects) |
| Number of Kitchens | 2 (Australian Institute of Architects) |
| Signature Zones | 9 (Australian Institute of Architects) |
| Capacity | About 750 patrons (The Urban List Perth) |
| Opening Hours | 11am to late, seven days a week (Secret Perth) |
| Distance from Perth CBD | About 15 minutes drive (Secret Perth) |
| Historical Images Displayed | Around 350 curated by Jennie Carter (Town of Bassendean) |
Best for
Families
The dedicated family‑friendly courtyard with a playground makes the Bassendean Hotel one of the few venues in the area where parents can enjoy a meal while children play. The PerthNow preview specifically called out the “bespoke playground” as a standout feature. The ground‑floor Saloon Bar also serves food during the day, offering a quieter alternative to the sports bar.
Sports enthusiasts
The state‑of‑the‑art sports bar, equipped with multiple screens and a lively atmosphere, is designed for watching matches. Secret Perth described it as “a dedicated space for sports fans” with a full bar and dining menu. The balcony overlooking the town also has viewing areas for weekend games.
History buffs
The hotel’s walls are lined with about 350 historical images curated by local historian Jennie Carter. The Town of Bassendean reported that the renovation design was “inspired by the historical photographs” and that the old Saloon Bar is essentially a gallery of Bassendean’s social history. Woods Bagot’s material palette deliberately references the 1930s, with robust finishes chosen to “remain a representation of its community for another ninety years.”
Our pick: Bassendean Hotel for photo seekers and history lovers
If you are searching for Bassendean Hotel photos, the most visually rewarding experience is a walk through the historical Saloon Bar and the front courtyard facing Old Perth Road. The curated historical images provide a unique photo opportunity that you won’t find in a standard pub. For families, the courtyard and playground offer natural light and candid shots of kids playing. Sports fans will appreciate the energetic atmosphere of the sports bar, but the real visual story is in the 1930s architecture and the community photos that anchor the space to its past.
Timeline of key events
- 1929: Liquor licence granted after six applications and local petition (Bassendean Hotel official site)
- 1930: Bassendean Hotel opens to the public, built by publican Paddy Connolly (Town of Bassendean)
- 2020–2022: Major $7 million AUD renovation and redevelopment led by Woods Bagot (Secret Perth)
- 21 September 2022: Reopening after renovation (The Urban List Perth)
- 2023: Bassendean Hotel featured in the Eat Drink Design Awards Best Bar Design gallery (Eat Drink Design Awards)
Related reading: Midnight Hotel Canberra Review · Woodcroft Hotel: Menu, Reviews, Specials & Booking
theurbanlist.com, secretperth.com, perthnow.com.au, architecture.com.au, architecture.com.au, soperth.com.au, bassendean.wa.gov.au, woodsbagot.com
For another historic Australian pub with a similar visual tour, check out the Junction Hotel Newport photos.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bassendean Hotel have a sports bar?
Yes. The renovated hotel includes a state‑of‑the‑art sports bar with multiple screens, a dedicated bar and dining menu, and a lively match‑day atmosphere. Secret Perth identified it as one of the nine signature zones.
Is there outdoor seating at the Bassendean Hotel?
Yes. The hotel has two new courtyards (one facing Old Perth Road and a family‑friendly courtyard with a playground), plus an expansive balcony overlooking the town. The Australian Institute of Architects noted that the front courtyard was created by converting part of the car park.
Can I wear jeans to a 5 star restaurant?
The Bassendean Hotel’s upstairs restaurant operates on a smart casual dress code. Jeans are generally acceptable when paired with a collared shirt or neat footwear. The pub areas have no formal dress code.
What was the cost of the Bassendean Hotel renovation?
The renovation cost was $7 million AUD, as reported by Secret Perth and confirmed by other local outlets.
What is the capacity of the Bassendean Hotel?
The renovated hotel can accommodate about 750 patrons, according to The Urban List Perth.