Inglewood, the village end of Beaufort Street

Beyond Mount Lawley, Beaufort Street crosses into the City of Stirling and the suburb of Inglewood. The traffic is still heavy, but the strip feels different: lower-key, local and friendly. The City of Stirling says locals describe Inglewood as "vibrant, friendly, connected", and on a Monday market night it is easy to see why.

A name from the sea

Inglewood is one of the few Perth suburbs thought to be named after a ship. According to the City of Stirling, the name is believed to come from the Norwegian barque Inglewood, whose voyage was mentioned in The West Australian on 24 May 1904. That was the same year that housing began to spread across the area.

From grant to estate

The first land grant in the area went to John Gregory in 1831. For decades the land was regarded as part of Maylands. Development began in earnest when a company called Gold Estates of Australia subdivided the area. The section known today as "The Avenues" was subdivided first, running from the railway line to North Street and eventually through to Eleventh Avenue and Dundas Road. The later subdivision was named the Inglewood Estate.

Two building booms

The City of Stirling identifies two booms that shaped Inglewood:

1. 1904 to 1920, when single houses were built for a largely blue-collar population;
2. 1935 to 1940, around the start of the Second World War.

As a result, most homes in Inglewood are pre-war, many in the Federation or Californian bungalow style. Many have been carefully renovated. Lots are typically around 730 m² towards Mount Lawley and up to 1,400 m² east of Beaufort Street. There are also 1960s flats and newer units.

Landmarks on the strip

• The clock tower on the corner of Beaufort Street and Dundas Road, highly visible to northbound traffic.
• The Inglewood Civic Centre, opened in 1991, which houses the library and community spaces.
• The Inglewood Post Office, a reminder of the strip’s early role as a local centre.
• The Civic Hotel and the Inglewood Hotel, long-standing local pubs.

Markets and community life

The City of Stirling lists the Inglewood Monday Night Markets and the Inglewood Upmarket among local events, along with community groups including Inglewood on Beaufort, the Inglewood Arts Hub, the Friends of Inglewood Triangle and a community garden shared with Mount Lawley. The Arts Hub runs exhibitions, including small-format shows. Check current dates before you go.

Parks and nature

Inglewood has six local open spaces, a community space and two district open spaces. Highlights include:

• Inglewood Triangle Reserve, a locally significant natural area with ecological value;
• Hamer Park and Macaulay Park;
• Mount Lawley Golf Course;
• Stirling Leisure – Inglewood, with a pool and fitness areas.

Eating and shopping

The strip has cafés, restaurants, bakeries, delis and specialty shops. Businesses change, so we don’t list names. Our advice is to arrive hungry and wander. The village scale makes Inglewood ideal for a relaxed brunch or an early dinner.

A walk through Inglewood

Start at the clock tower on Dundas Road and walk south along Beaufort Street. Stop at the post office and civic centre, then turn into one of the numbered Avenues to see the Federation homes and bungalows. Finish with coffee on the strip, or continue south into Mount Lawley.

Road safety on the strip

Beaufort Street through Inglewood carries a 40 km/h speed limit. The City of Stirling has reported community concerns about the pedestrian crossing near the library and is working with Main Roads WA on safety improvements. Take care when crossing.

Getting there

Buses run along Beaufort Street from the city through Inglewood. Street parking is available on side streets; check signs and be considerate of residents. See getting here.

Heritage

Inglewood has a high heritage value, with numerous places of cultural and historical significance. The City of Stirling Art and History Collection holds photographs and records of the suburb, which are well worth exploring before a visit.

Who lives here

The City of Stirling’s suburb snapshot shows most residents were born in Australia, followed by England, New Zealand, Italy and India. Inglewood Primary School and St Peter’s Primary School serve local families.

Inglewood’s character

What makes Inglewood different from Highgate and Mount Lawley is scale. The strip is shorter, the buildings are lower, and the side streets are lined with mature trees and restored homes. Many residents describe it as a village, and the civic centre, library and town square give it a clear centre. It is a good place to see how Perth’s early 20th-century suburbs looked before later redevelopment.

Tips for visiting

• Go on a market night for the liveliest atmosphere, but check dates first.
• Combine with a walk along The Avenues to see the Federation homes and bungalows.
• Use the library at the civic centre for local history resources and events.
• Bring the kids to Macaulay Park or Stirling Leisure – Inglewood.
• Park on side streets considerately, away from driveways.

Continue

Walk south to Mount Lawley for the Astor Theatre, or explore our art and culture hub.