Churchlands – History, Lifestyle & Local Profile
- Editor
- Oct 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Churchlands is an established suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located approximately 8 kilometres north-west of the CBD within the City of Stirling.
Known for its strong focus on education, its proximity to Herdsman Lake, and premium residential estates, Churchlands has grown from early farming settlements into one of Perth’s most desirable suburbs.
Early History of Churchlands
European settlement of the Churchlands area began in the early 1830s, when land was granted to Henry Trigg (1831) and the Hokin family (1834). The land was later acquired by William Strickland, who in 1891 sold it to Perth’s Roman Catholic Bishop, Matthew Gibney.
This acquisition by the Catholic Church gave the suburb its name. By 1924, local records referred to the district as “Churchlands.” However, for much of the 20th century the area remained semi-rural, with farming and small settlements surrounding Herdsman Lake.
Herdsman Lake and Settlement Schemes
Churchlands’ eastern edge is dominated by Herdsman Lake, a 300-hectare wetland that has shaped much of the suburb’s history.
In the 1920s, the State Government acquired the land from the Catholic Church and introduced a Soldier Settlement Scheme. This controversial program drained parts of Herdsman Lake and subdivided it into agricultural and residential lots. Many early settlers struggled with the poor soil and flooding.
To encourage settlement, the government constructed 40 timber cottages along the lake’s perimeter in 1930. The only surviving example is Settler’s Cottage on Pearson Street, which today is preserved by the National Trust as a rare reminder of Depression-era life. Police Horse Stables in Churchlands
In 1938, during the period of land subdivision around Herdsman Lake, the State Government’s Department of Agriculture Heavy Horse Stables relocated from Shenton Park to what is now Churchlands, on Herdsman Parade (today’s Pearson Street). These facilities cared for and trained working horses that were vital for road construction and public works.
By the early 1950s, the site became home to the Western Australian Police Horse Stables, following the relocation of police horses from the Central Police Station on Roe Street. From 1953 until 1976, the Churchlands stables played a key role in housing and training the mounted police unit.
During World War II, additional stables were even built on Cromarty Road (near the current Churchlands Primary School) as a precaution in case of bombings in central Perth.
The Churchlands Police Stables eventually closed in 1976, when operations were moved to Murdoch University as part of the veterinary school’s equine facilities. Today, only a few remnants of the old stables remain, but their presence marks an important chapter in the suburb’s history - one that links Churchlands to both Perth’s agricultural past and policing traditions.
Education and the Rise of Churchlands Green
Education has played a defining role in shaping Churchlands.
In the 1950s, the Claremont Teachers College expanded to include a new campus at Churchlands.
By 1972, this site became the Churchlands Teachers College, later forming part of the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE).
In 1991, WACAE achieved university status and became Edith Cowan University (ECU). For many years, the ECU Churchlands Campus was the university’s headquarters.
The ECU campus closed in 2008 as part of a consolidation strategy. The 20-hectare site was redeveloped into the award-winning Churchlands Green estate, now home to over 300 dwellings.
The estate incorporates Edith Cowan Reserve and academic-inspired sculptures to honour the site’s educational past.
Residential Subdivisions in Churchlands
From the 1980s onwards, Churchlands transformed into a residential suburb through a series of estates:
Floreat Waters Estate (1980s)
The Floreat Waters Estate runs along a body of water, named Floreat Waters, hence its name. Floreat Waters is an area of deep water that was part of the Herdsman Lake Concept Plan in 1976.
This estate sits between the western side of Herdsman Lake and Pearson Street in Churchlands. Records and photographs show that the subdivision of this area began as early as the late 1970s.
The Floreat Waters Estate features many streets named after birds (e.g. Goldfinch Avenue) as well as The Lane - a prestigious group of homes that includes the Floreat Waters Tennis Courts.
Churchlands Private Estate (1980s)
The Churchlands Private Estate is located directly east of Churchlands Senior High School. It is accessed via Churchlands Avenue which comes off Hale Road.
The western border of the estate is characterised by a red brick fence that can be seen from Pearson Street. The estate has a 'ring road' design with several cul-de-sacs.
Based on aerial photographs, the Churchlands Private Estate was completed by the late 1980s.
Floreat Lakes Estate (1990s–present)
The Floreat Lakes Estate is accessible through Bishop Hale Way. Like the Floreat Waters Estate, it sits between Herdsman Lake and Pearson Street and is named after the Floreat Lakes section of water within Herdsman Lake.
The estate began construction in the early 1990s and there are still blocks of land available to buy today through The Foreshore at Floreat Lakes sales office.
Abbey Brook Estate (2000s)
This small estate was developed in the early 2000s and sits right next to Newman College.
It is accessible via Dolomite Court and is characterised by teal coloured fence decor and Liquidambar trees.
Abbey Brook Estate gets its name from the small brook (stream) that runs along the north-west border of the area. The estate is also right next to Abbeybrook Reserve.
Churchlands Green (2010s)
Churchlands Green contains over 300 dwellings and is situated on the site of the old Edith Cowan University (ECU) Churchlands Campus. The estate gets its name (presumably) from the bushland and greenery that is present in and around the estate, including a section called The Churchlands Bushland.
Churchlands Green has several main access roads and is characterised by modern, low-maintenance homes. The estate includes academic inspired sculptures to honour the former ECU site.
The construction of the estate began in around 2006 and was virtually complete by 2015. The estate features some exquisite stone masonry work that was carried out by Stonecivil - one of WA's most renowned Stonemasons.
Smaller housing clusters exist west of Churchlands Senior High School, at Floreat Village on Pearson Street, and in medium-density developments around Waterway Court and the Herdsman Market.
Geography and Lifestyle
Churchlands is bordered by:
East: Herdsman Lake (Lakeside Road, The Foreshore, Parkwater Gardens)
North: Hale Road
West: Valencia Avenue
South: Empire Avenue, Cromarty Road, Pearson Street
The suburb’s location combines natural beauty with urban convenience. Herdsman Lake Regional Park provides walking trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas, while Floreat Beach and City Beach are only minutes away.
Schools and Education
Churchlands is renowned for its concentration of prestigious schools, making it a sought-after suburb for families. Local schools include:
Churchlands Primary School
Churchlands Senior High School (one of WA’s highest-profile public schools)
Newman College (Catholic, Years 3–12)
Hale School (independent boys’ school)
This strong educational presence has long been part of the suburb’s identity, tied to its history as a centre of teacher training and higher education.
Sport and Community
Churchlands supports an active community through its schools and local clubs. Subiaco Marist Cricket Club is based at Newman College, while Wembley Golf Course and Bold Park lie nearby. The suburb also connects directly to Herdsman Lake for outdoor recreation. Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Churchlands residents enjoy convenient access to a range of shopping and dining options, from local village-style precincts to major retail centres just minutes away.
Herdsman Central
The closest shopping area for residents of Churchlands Green is Herdsman Central, located just 1.5 kilometres away at 5 Flynn Street, Churchlands. This local precinct features a variety of everyday services and specialty retailers, including:
The Herdsman Market
Churchlands Post Office & Newsagency
Herdsman Grill Kebabs & Pizza House
Churchlands Optical
Swan Lake Chinese Restaurant
Herdsman Dry Cleaners
Liquor Barons Herdsman
Herdsman Dental Centre
Greenleaf Pharmacy
NikNiks for Hair
Herdsman Medical Centre
Clinipath Pathology
The Herdsman Market is the highlight of the precinct. First opened in the late 1970s as the Herdsman Growers Market, it began as a humble shed selling fresh, farm-direct produce. Over the decades it has evolved into one of Perth’s premier gourmet food destinations, drawing visitors from across the metropolitan area.
Today, The Herdsman Market offers premium local produce, a gourmet butcher, artisan bakery, fresh flowers, line-caught seafood, and freshly brewed barista coffee — all with a strong focus on local quality and freshness.
Floreat Forum
Just a short drive south-west of Churchlands is Floreat Forum, one of Perth’s most established shopping centres. Opened in 1965, it was Perth’s first “American-style” shopping centre, offering the convenience of multiple stores and services in one suburban location.
Floreat Forum underwent major upgrades in 2003, including a new alfresco dining and lifestyle precinct with cafés, restaurants, homewares retailers, and a gym.
As of late 2024, two significant redevelopment proposals are under review by the WA Planning Commission, indicating an exciting future for this local retail hub.
Westfield Innaloo
Just 3 kilometres north of Churchlands Green lies Westfield Innaloo, one of Perth’s most recognisable shopping destinations. Originally opened as the Innaloo Shoppers Village in 1967, it has expanded into a major retail and entertainment complex featuring over 170 stores, including Coles, Woolworths, Target, Kmart, and Spudshed.
The complex also includes the Innaloo Cinema Centre, located on Liege Street across from the main retail site, offering a full range of film and entertainment options.
Westfield Innaloo continues to be a central hub for shopping and leisure in Perth’s western suburbs, complementing the local charm of Churchlands’ smaller centres like Herdsman Central.
Together, Herdsman Central, Floreat Forum, and Westfield Innaloo provide Churchlands residents with convenient access to everyday essentials, specialty produce, and major retail and entertainment experiences — all within a five-minute drive of the suburb.
Real Estate and Demographics
Churchlands has evolved into one of Perth’s most desirable western suburbs, offering a blend of premium homes, strong community values, and exceptional access to schools, open space, and the coast.
Real Estate Overview
Most homes in Churchlands were built after the 1980s, with a focus on family living and low-maintenance design. The suburb features a mix of large family residences, modern townhouses, and some medium-density apartments around Waterway Court and Herdsman Central.
Churchlands’ real estate values reflect its premium status. As of 2024, the median house price sits around $1.8 million, while the median unit price is approximately $590,000. Demand remains strong due to the suburb’s proximity to the Perth CBD (8 km), top-performing schools, and coastal lifestyle.
The median weekly rent is around $365, and around 72% of properties are owner-occupied - a sign of long-term residents and family stability.
Demographics Snapshot
According to the 2021 Census, Churchlands had a population of 3,638 residents, representing steady growth since 2016. The suburb’s population is diverse and highly educated, with many residents employed in professional and managerial roles.
Key statistics from the 2021 Census include:
Median age: 41 years
Gender split: 48.2% male, 51.8% female
Average household size: 2.6 people
Median weekly household income: $2,314
Average motor vehicles per dwelling: 1.9
Population growth (2016–2021): +7.4%
Cultural diversity: 61.6% of residents have at least one parent born overseas
The suburb is primarily made up of couples with children, consistent with its reputation as a family-oriented area with outstanding access to education.
Property Ownership
Home ownership is high, with approximately 72.6% of homes either fully owned or mortgaged, while 25% are rented. The majority of dwellings are separate houses, with semi-detached and apartment living being less common.
Age Distribution
Churchlands has a balanced age profile, with a strong representation of families and established professionals.
Children (0–14 years): 17%
Youth (15–24 years): 11%
Adults (25–44 years): 26%
Middle-aged (45–64 years): 29%
Seniors (65+ years): 17%
This distribution reflects a stable, family-oriented community with a mix of young families and long-term residents who have lived in the area for decades.
Churchlands Today
Today, Churchlands represents the blending of heritage and modern living. From its roots in early settlement and Catholic landholdings to its transformation through educational institutions and premium estates, it has become one of Perth’s most desirable suburbs.
Churchlands Green, Settler’s Cottage, and the surrounding residential estates together showcase the suburb’s unique character: a place where history, education, and lifestyle meet.
