Discover Bentley: History, Architecture and Curtin

Bentley is home to Curtin University’s Bentley campus. Several different themes may be relevant when planning your trip: the John Curtin Gallery, the JCPML Reading Room, cultural interpretation, local architecture and history, and the facilities at Chapman Park. Which of these are relevant to you depends on whether you want to include set visiting hours, historical topics or specific activities in your plans.

Visitor attractions and cultural themes

The John Curtin Gallery is open to all visitors. If you plan to visit on a public holiday, check the latest visitor information beforehand. The JCPML Reading Room has different hours: it is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, or by appointment. Check these visiting details before your trip if your plans depend on a particular day or an arranged time. The two types of visit therefore differ mainly in their planning requirements: public holidays should be taken into account for the Gallery, while weekday hours or an appointment determine access to the Reading Room.

The Living Knowledge Stream Guidelines explain how the stories of Indigenous songlines are conveyed through Curtin’s built environment. This places the focus on a cultural theme that differs from the specific visitor information for the Gallery and Reading Room: the interpretation of stories through Curtin’s built surroundings.

Architecture and local history

The South Bentley Child Health Centre brings together a history of use and a distinctive architectural classification. It was the first purpose-built infant health clinic in South Bentley. At the same time, the unusually and uniquely designed building is a rare, largely intact example of the Late Twentieth Century Organic architectural style. Its function and design offer two distinct ways to explore Bentley’s history.

In the late 19th century, the area was locally known as Bentley’s Hill and named after John Bentley, the overseer of a convict work camp used to improve Albany Road. A later historical landmark was the Highway Drive-In: in 1956, it became Western Australia’s first drive-in theatre in Bentley. These specific historical references span the period from the late 19th century to 1956.

Chapman Park and campus orientation

Chapman Park in Bentley has a play area, a tennis court and a basketball court. If you include the park in your plans, you can focus your visit on play, tennis or basketball.

There are two bus stops near Curtin University’s Kent Street entrance. This is a specific point of reference for this entrance. As bus stop arrangements may change, check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: The Vines, Millendon, Gosnells, Midland, Lesmurdie, Rottnest Island, Rockingham City, Connolly

For the broader travel overview: Perth.