Back

Local Heritage

Goldfields Weir Hotel c.1917 (Source: Mundaring and Hills Historical Society)

The Shire of Mundaring has a rich and vibrant history that continues to shape our community today. Understanding and celebrating our local heritage strengthens our community's sense of place, identify, and wellbeing.

Our History

The original inhabitants of the area were the Noongar Aboriginal people. Our name Mundaring is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning "a high place on a high place" - a reflection of the area's unique landscape and cultural significance.

European settlement dates from the late 1820s, with the land initially being used mainly for timber cutting, quarrying, vineyards and orcharding. While these activities laid the foundations of the Shire, today they have evolved into a thriving mix of arts, eco-tourism, small businesses, and hobby farming on lifestyle properties.

Our Trails

Mundaring is a gateway to some of Western Australia's most iconic trails:

  • The Munda Biddi Trailstarts here - one of the world's longest off-road cycling trails
  • Railway Reserve Heritage Trails stretch almost the entire length of the Shire from west to east.

These trails connect residents and visitors alike to the natural beauty and history of the region.

Preserving Our Future

Our heritage is engrained in the many historic buildings, landscapes, and places throughout the Shire. We are committed to conserving and celebrating this legacy for current and future generations.

Our Commitment to Heritage

The Shire actively supports local heritage through

  • A Heritage Strategy
  • A Heritage List
  • A Local Heritage Survey
  • A Heritage Requirements for Planning Proposals Local Planning Policy
  • Providing financial support for the Mundaring and Hills Historical Society
  • Staff supporting a Cultural Advisory Group, which includes Heritage representatives.

Guided by our Heritage Strategy, our approach is guided by four key principles: Knowing - Protecting - Supporting - Celebrating

Get Involved

This site is your opportunity to provide input on current heritage-related Shire projects, stay informed about local heritage initiatives and learn more about preserving our shared history.

Stay up to date

Visit the Latest News section below for updates on projects, news, and opportunities to get involved. Please check this page to keep up to date with the Shire’s heritage news and projects.

We value your input

Your knowledge, stories, and feedback help shape how we protect and celebrate our shared local heritage. All feedback received is a valuable contribution to achieving our shared goal.

Get in touch

Have questions? Get in touch with the Shire's Community Planning team - (08)9290 6740 or via shire@mundaring.wa.gov.a

Update on Draft Heritage List (May 2026)

Update on Draft Heritage List (May 2026)

At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 11 March 2025, Council resolved to endorse a revised draft Heritage List for advertising. Whilst the State Planning Framework generally provides for cyclical review timeframes, the review was initiated in advance of the scope within the Shire's Council Plan 2024-2034 which identifies the next review as being due during the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years. The draft Heritage List was advertised during 2025, with the advertising period concluding in Oct...

Category : Local Heritage List Review
Created On :  29 May 2026
Read More
Draft Heritage List

Draft Heritage List

At its Ordinary Meeting held on 11 March 2025, Council resolved to endorse the draft (revised) Heritage List (HL) for advertising. The minutes from this meeting can be viewed here The Planning and Development (Local Planning Scheme) Regulations 2015 require local governments to establish and maintain a HL to identify places in the district that are of cultural heritage significance and worthy of built heritage conservation. A HL is an instrument that is afforded powers under the Planning and Dev...

Read More
View All

The Shire of Mundaring is committed to conserving and promoting its local heritage to ensure that its history is preserved for generations to come, therefore, it is preparing (or has completed) the projects below (the Council meeting minutes regarding which can be viewed here).

  • July 2024

    Heritage Strategy adopted by Council.
  • September 2024

    Heritage Requirements for Planning Proposals Local Planning Policy adopted by Council.
  • January 2025

    Local Heritage Survey adopted by Council.
  • March 2025 - Present

    Review of the Shire's Heritage List.
  • November 2025 - Present

    Development of an incentives framework to support local heritage.

Document Library

Useful Links

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Mundadjalina-k ngala kaditj Noongar moort nidja Wadjak boodjar-ak kalyakool moondang-ak kaaradj-midi.
Ngala Noongar Moort wer baalabang moorditj kaadidjiny koota-djinanginy.
Ngala Noongar wer Torres Strait Moort-al dandjoo koorliny kwaba-djinanginy.
Koora, yeyi wer kalyakool, ngalak Aboriginal wer Torres Strait birdiya wer moort koota-djinanginy.

Shire of Mundaring respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, who are the traditional custodians of this land.
We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the region.