Complete Travel Guide to Bedford, Australia

Bedford Bedford is a suburb 6 kilometres (4 mi) north-east of the central business district (CBD) of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Named after Frederick Bedford, the Governor of Western Australia from 1903 to 1909, the suburb is within the City of Bayswater local government area. It is predominantly a low density residential suburb consisting of single-family detached homes, with clusters of commercial buildings along Beaufort Street, Grand Promenade and Walter Road. Positioned at coordinates -31.91132°N, 115.8892°E, Bedford occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Bedford place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 30.0 meters above sea level, Bedford benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Bedford creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 5716 residents, Bedford maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Bedford represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Bedford reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Australia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Western Australia province, Bedford contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Australia's regional character. The role of Bedford in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Bedford discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Australia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Bedford

History #Aboriginal history and culture Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Mooro group of the Whadjuk Noongar people The Mooro group were led by Yellagonga, and inhabited the area north of the Swan River, as far east as Ellen Brook and north to Moore River.

The Swan River provided fresh water and food, as well as being a place for trade : 1–6 #European colonisation Ribbon grants near the Swan River When Europeans founded the Swan River Colony in 1829, they did not recognise the indigenous ownership of the land.

Land along the Swan River was surveyed by John Septimus Roe, the colony's Surveyor General The survey resulted in the land being divided into long, narrow rectangular strips extending from the river As the river was the only method of transportation in the early years of the colony, each piece of land had to have river frontage.

The long, narrow strips were called "ribbon grants", however the term "grant" was misleading, as the grantees had a requirement that they make improvements to the land granted to them within 10 years, or be forced to forfeit the land In 1830, the colonists travelled up the river to the land allotted to them.

The colonists were disappointed to discover that most of the area inland was unsuitable for European agriculture, being sand dunes interspersed with swampland Most of these colonists either died or left the area soon after, and none of them settled in the present day Bedford, far away from the Swan River.

: 8–17 #20th century development In the 1920s, Beaufort Street was extended through to Salisbury Street, and then Coode Street The Beaufort Street tram was extended as far as Salisbury Street Gold Estates of Australia Pty Ltd, a gold prospecting company that had turned to real estate, bought the land near Beaufort Street that was part of Location W, and subdivided it for residential purposes.

This generated the first major development in Bedford Park, which was at the time just an extension of Inglewood into the Bayswater Road District Some of the houses developed in the 1920s still remain along Rosebery Street and Salisbury Street : 72 Bedford Park townsite map published in _The West Australian_ on 27 July 1937 On 18 June 1937, the townsite of Bedford Park was gazetted, named after Frederick Bedford, the Governor of Western Australia between 1903 and 1909.

It consisted of 53 hectares (130 acres) of land centred on the intersection of Beaufort Street and Grand Promenade The Beaufort Street tram terminated at Salisbury Street, on the edge of the townsite During World War II, the tram was extended to Grand Promenade, as one of the final extensions to Perth's tramway system.

Following World War II, there was a severe shortage of housing in Perth The State Housing Commission bought large areas of land in Bedford The first public housing estate built in Bedford was between Walter Road and Craven Street : 207 _The West Australian_ commended th.

The historical trajectory of Bedford demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Bedford reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Bedford remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Map of Bedford and surrounding areas Bedford is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) north-east of the central business district (CBD) of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, 13 kilometres (8 mi) east of the Indian Ocean, and covers an area of 2. 33 square kilometres (0. It is surrounded by Morley to the north-east, Dianella to the north-west, Inglewood to the south-west, Bayswater to the south-east, and Embleton to the east. Its southern corner touches Maylands. Its border follows the centre of Walter Road, the lots on the north-eastern side of Coode Street, the lots on the south-eastern side of York Street and the lots on the south- western side of Salisbury Street. Bedford is zoned as "urban" in the Metropolitan Region Scheme, and consists predominantly of single-family detached homes, with clusters of commercial buildings along Beaufort Street, Grand Promenade and Walter Road. The streets in the suburb follow a grid pattern, a remnant of the old ribbon grants. Bedford lies on the Bassendean Dunes, which formed 800,000 to 125,000 years ago during the middle Pleistocene. The dunes form low-lying hills made of heavily leached white to grey sands, which are poor at retaining nutrients. Groundwater is generally about 10 m (33 ft) below the surface. The Bassendean Dunes are a part of the greater Swan Coastal Plain. Cite error: The named reference `Suburb Profiles` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2021. "Metropolitan Region Scheme Map 16" (PDF). _Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage_. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Cite error: The named reference `Bayswater Thematic Framework April 2020` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). "Geomorphology of Swan Coastal Plain". Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020. "Swan Coastal Plain – Reading". _Earth Science WA_. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2020.

The topographic characteristics of Bedford result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Bedford region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Bedford area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Bedford has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Bedford demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Bedford create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Bedford reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Bedford create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Bedford determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Bedford create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Bedford demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Bedford include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Bedford’s population at the 2016 Australian census was 5,438. The demographic composition of Bedford reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. This is an increase on the 4,944 recorded at the 2011 census, 4,575 recorded at the 2006 census, and 4,240 recorded at the 2001 census. 8% of residents are male and 51. The median age is 37 years, just above the Western Australian average of 36. Out of the suburb’s 2,224 dwellings, 2,016 were occupied and 208 were unoccupied. Out of the occupied dwellings, 1,749 were detached houses, 257 were semi-detached and 10 were apartments or flats. 564 were owned outright, 791 were owned with a mortgage, 593 were rented and 67 were other or not stated. Bedford’s tenure statistics closely aligns with the state averages. The median weekly household income was $1,779, which is higher than the state and the country, which are at $1,595 and $1,438 respectively. Major industries that residents worked in were hospitals (4. 8%), cafes and restaurants (4. 0%), state government administration (3. 0%), primary education (2. 7%) and engineering design and engineering consulting services (2. The population of Bedford is predominantly Australian born, with 61. The demographic composition of Bedford reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2% of residents born in Australia, which is around the state average of 60. The next-most-common birthplaces are England (4. 6%), New Zealand (2. 2%) and Italy (2. 1% of residents had both parents born in Australia, and 44. 3% of residents had neither parent born in Australia. The most popular religious affiliations were none (31. 3%), Catholic (31. 0%), Anglican (9. 4%) and Buddhism (2. ^ a b c d “2016 Census QuickStats: Bedford”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. “2011 Census QuickStats: Bedford”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. “2006 Census QuickStats: Bedford”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. “2001 Census QuickStats: Bedford”. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.

#Aboriginal history and culture Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Mooro group of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The Mooro group were led by Yellagonga, and inhabited the area north of the Swan River, as far east as Ellen Brook and north to Moore River. The Swan River provided fresh water and food, as well as being a place for trade. “Bayswater Thematic Framework April 2020”. City of Bayswater. Archived from the original on 8 April 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2020. May, Catherine (2013). Changes they’ve seen : the city and people of Bayswater 1827–2013. : City of Bayswater. ISBN 9780646596082.

The cultural landscape of Bedford represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Bedford reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Bedford continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Bedford provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Bedford demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Bedford provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of Bedford reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Bedford often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Bedford serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Bedford demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Bedford has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Bedford focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Cars are the most popular mode of transport in Bedford. The 2016 Australian census said that 61. 0% of residents travelled to work in a car. However, bus usage is significantly above the state average. 0% of Bedford residents said they take the bus to work compared to 3. 9% of Western Australians. #Road Grand Promenade south of Walter Road Major roads that go through or along the edge of Bedford are Beaufort Street, Coode Street, Grand Promenade and Walter Road. All these roads aside from Coode Street have two lanes in each direction and a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph). Beaufort Street is the suburb’s main link to the Perth central business district. It also links to Morley and areas further east. Coode Street links to the Bayswater town centre and Guildford Road. Walter Road links to the surrounding suburbs. Grand Promenade links to Dianella Plaza and Morley Drive in the north-west, and Garratt Road in the south-east. Garratt Road leads to Guildford Road and across the Swan River at the Garratt Road Bridge. #Public transport Transperth route 950 bus on Beaufort Street Along Beaufort Street, Bedford is served by Transperth routes 66 and 950, both of which travel between Galleria bus station and the Perth central business district. The 950 continues through Elizabeth Quay bus station to connect to the University of Western Australia and the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, whereas route 66 terminates at Perth Busport and is a limited stops route. Routes 998 and 999, also known as the CircleRoute, travel along Coode Street and Walter Road, deviating off to Galleria bus station. These routes link to Bayswater station in the south and Dianella shopping centre in the north. Route 60 travels along Walter Road, linking to Galleria bus station and Elizabeth Quay bus station. Route 67 travels along Grand Promenade towards Mirrabooka bus station and along Beaufort Street to Perth Busport. Route 68 takes a similar path, but deviates along Craven Street and various other minor roads in Bedford. It winds its way through other suburbs towards Mirrabooka bus station. Route 980 runs along Walter Road between Galleria bus station and Elizabeth Quay bus station. Cite error: The named reference 2016 Census was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Cite error: The named reference Google Maps was invoked but never defined (see the help page). “Transperth Network Map 03” (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021. “Bus Timetable 215” (PDF). Retrieved 22 April 2024.

Transportation infrastructure serving Bedford reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Australia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Bedford.

Regional connectivity from Bedford provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Chisholm Catholic College in July 2021 St Peter’s Primary School in July 2021 St Peter’s Primary School is a Catholic primary school located on Wood Street. It has approximately 700 students in three streams from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school first opened in 1941, occupying a single house. The school moved down the street to its current site in 1942. Expansions occurred in the 1950s, and in 1957, a secondary school for girls named St Thomas Aquinas College opened on the same site. The two schools would undergo significant improvements and renovations over the decades that followed. Meanwhile, St Mark’s College, a secondary school for boys, was established on Beaufort Street in Bedford. In 1989, St Thomas Aquinas College and St Mark’s College merged to form Chisholm Catholic College. St Thomas Aquinas became the campus for lower school students, and St Mark’s became the campus for senior school students. In 2003, the school was consolidated on the Beaufort Street site, and the Wood Street site became solely for St Peter’s Primary School. Today, Chisholm Catholic College has 1,700 students from Year 7 to 12. There are no public primary schools in Bedford, but parts of the suburb are in the intake areas of Hillcrest Primary School, Inglewood Primary School and Morley Primary School. There are also no public secondary schools in Bedford, but the suburb is in the intake area for John Forrest Secondary College. 1. “St Peter’s Primary School”. Catholic Education Western Australia. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 2. ^ a b “School History”. St Peter’s Primary School. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 3. “Chisholm Catholic College”. Catholic Education Western Australia. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 4. “About”. Chisholm Catholic College. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 5. “Inglewood Primary School (5216) – Local Intake Area”. Schools Online. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 6. “Hillcrest Primary School (5209) – Local Intake Area”. Schools Online. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 7. “Morley Primary School (5316) – Local Intake Area”. Schools Online. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021. 8. “John Forrest Secondary College (4026) – Local Intake Area”. Schools Online. Archived from the original on 6 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.

Educational institutions in Bedford serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Bedford

Successful visits to Bedford require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Bedford often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Bedford include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Bedford extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.