Story: Blue Boathouse and The Old Mill
Episode: 22
Presenter: Will Cochrane
Air Date: 19 July 2026

Will explores two of Perth's most recognisable riverside landmarks, uncovering the stories behind the iconic Blue Boathouse and the historic Old Mill.

• Located along Mounts Bay Road on the Swan River, the Crawley Edge Boatshed, commonly known as the Blue Boathouse, is one of Perth's most photographed landmarks.
• Originally built in the 1930s, the boatshed has been owned by the Nattrass family since the 1950s and has become an internationally recognised symbol of Perth through social media and tourism.
• The distinctive blue boatshed attracts visitors from around the world and is a popular location for photography, weddings and sightseeing along the Swan River.
• Just a short walk away stands The Old Mill, built in 1835, making it Perth's oldest surviving colonial building.
• Constructed to grind wheat into flour for the fledgling Swan River Colony, the mill played an important role in supporting early European settlement.
• Throughout its history, the Old Mill has served a variety of purposes, including a flour mill, hotel, wine saloon and private residence, before being restored as a significant heritage site.
• The surrounding site also holds deep cultural significance as Whadjuk Noongar Country, with thousands of years of Aboriginal history preceding European settlement.
• Today, visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the Old Mill, explore the miller's cottage, climb inside the historic windmill and learn about both First Nations and colonial history.