Discover Bentley: cultural history and campus

Bentley offers a variety of reasons to visit: art and insights into history, the Curtin University campus, and park facilities. An unusual architectural example and a piece of cinema history are also part of the area’s character. As you consider what interests you most about your trip, you can use these themes as a guide when choosing your holiday rental in Bentley.

Art, reading room and sharing knowledge

The John Curtin Gallery is open to all visitors. It is therefore a possible destination for travellers who would like to include art in their time in Bentley. The JCPML reading room has specific opening hours: it is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, or by appointment. If you would like to visit the reading room, you can take these hours into account when planning and arrange an appointment if necessary.

The Living Knowledge Stream Guidelines offer another cultural perspective. They explain how the stories of Indigenous songlines are conveyed through Curtin’s built environment. Alongside art and the reading room, stories and how they are communicated in Curtin’s built environment are also available as a theme. Those interested can consider this perspective alongside Bentley’s other cultural points of interest.

Bentley’s architecture and history

The South Bentley Child Health Centre is an unusually and uniquely designed building. It is considered a rare, largely intact example of the “Late Twentieth Century Organic” architectural style. It was also the first purpose-built infant health clinic in South Bentley. This building therefore brings together a distinctive architectural form and a specific function in the area’s history. The building offers architecture enthusiasts a tangible illustration of Bentley’s built heritage.

The name Bentley also reflects local history. In the late 19th century, the area was locally known as Bentley’s Hill and was named after John Bentley. He was the overseer of a convict work camp used to improve Albany Road. This naming history leads from the present-day place name to a specific person and the roadwork of that time. It offers a historical perspective distinct from the themes of art, architecture and campus life.

The Highway Drive-In is also part of the area’s cultural history: in 1956, Bentley was home to Western Australia’s first drive-in cinema. The year and the cinema’s status make this episode a notable chapter in regional cinema history. Bentley’s history thus spans from its naming in the 19th century to a chapter in 20th-century cinema history.

Campus, getting around and time outdoors

Bentley is home to Curtin University’s Bentley Campus. There are two bus stops near the university’s Kent Street entrance. Their location at the Kent Street entrance gives you a useful point of reference when visiting the campus.

For time outdoors, Chapman Park in Bentley has a play area, a tennis court and a basketball court. It offers a play facility as well as two sporting options. Families can use the play area as a starting point for spending time together in the park; those who prefer to plan some sport can choose between tennis and basketball. The range of facilities gives you a specific reason to consider including the park in your plans, without assuming a particular length of stay.

Bentley can therefore be explored through a range of interests: art and knowledge-sharing, the history of the place name and the drive-in cinema, architecture, the campus and the park. For your stay, you can now consider a holiday rental in Bentley.

If you would like to continue your search beyond Bentley, you can also look at Connolly, Stoneville, Cloverdale, Wooroloo, Rockingham City, Victoria Park, Cottesloe and Gooseberry Hill.

For the broader travel overview: Perth.