A remarkable piece of Bayswater history has returned to the community — thanks to the Bayswater Historical Society and the support of Lay2 Real Estate.
There are few better ways to understand how a community has evolved than by looking at the places, streets and ambitions that shaped it more than a century ago.
That is exactly what makes a recently acquired 1905 Heritage Map of Bayswater and Maylands so special.
Rare, beautifully restored, framed and authenticated.
The historic map offers a fascinating glimpse into the rapidly developing eastern suburbs of Perth at the beginning of the 20th century.
And thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the support of Lay2 Real Estate Principal Steve Lay, this remarkable piece of Bayswater’s history will now be preserved and made accessible to the community for generations to come.
L-R: Steve Lay (Principal Lay2 Real Estate), BHS Members/Volunteers – Wendy, Monica (Chair),
Ross, Lewis and Glen. Central: Sunny keeping the mob rounded up
A Map That Tells a Much Bigger Story
The map was discovered and purchased by dedicated Bayswater Historical Society volunteers Monica Main and Wendy Garstone, who recognised its significance and worked to ensure it found a permanent home within the community.
The beautifully presented document now hangs proudly in the Bayswater Historical Society Museum, where it provides visitors with a rare window into a Bayswater that was still very much finding its identity.
Created in January 1905, the lithographic Plan of Bayswater & Maylands was originally produced to promote residential land across Perth’s eastern suburbs.
Drawn by G. A. Harris for E. W. Hamer, manager of Gold Estates of Australia, the map stretched from Drake Street in Bayswater south towards Walcott Street, with the Swan River forming its eastern boundary.
It promoted new estates across areas including Mount Lawley, Inglewood, Bedford, Maylands and Bayswater — places that today form some of Perth’s most established and sought-after residential communities.
What makes the map particularly fascinating is that it isn’t simply a street plan.
It is a snapshot of the optimism, ambition and salesmanship that accompanied Perth’s rapid expansion more than 120 years ago.
Selling the Dream of Bayswater
The language used to promote the estates is wonderfully evocative.
Prospective buyers were promised elevated locations, healthy surroundings, convenient transport, schools, recreation reserves and, of course, the ever-attractive prospect of living close to the Swan River.
At Oakleigh Estate, near Bayswater Railway Station, purchasers were offered elevated land with river views towards the Swan and Perth Racecourse, along with access to a recreation reserve and adjoining state school.
The Maylands estate was promoted as a magnificent opportunity comprising around 300 residential allotments, with the Swan River, Guildford Road and the main railway line highlighted as key attractions.
There was even a railway station on the estate, with 28 trains running each weekday and return travel to Perth costing just threepence.
The message was clear: Bayswater and its neighbouring suburbs represented opportunity.
More than a century later, that sense of opportunity remains an important part of the area’s story.
From Gold Boom to Thriving Community
L-R: Steve Lay (Principal Lay2 Real Estate) & West Ward Councilor Cale Black
The story behind the map is equally intriguing.
Gold Estates of Australia Limited was incorporated in London in 1894, initially established to acquire and resell mining properties associated with Western Australia’s gold boom.
As Perth expanded, the company’s focus shifted towards metropolitan land — and the emerging eastern suburbs became part of that vision.
The map captures the ingredients that were transforming the area: railway infrastructure, electric trams, improved roads, schools, recreation facilities, accessible finance and the enduring attraction of the Swan River.
Many of the promises made to buyers in 1905 may sound familiar to anyone involved in Perth property today.
Location. Transport. Lifestyle. Opportunity.
The fundamentals haven’t changed nearly as much as the streetscape has.
A Local Business Investing in Local History
For Lay2 Real Estate, supporting the preservation of this map is about more than simply contributing to a worthy community initiative.
It is about recognising the importance of Bayswater’s story.
Lay2 Real Estate Principal Steve Lay has deep connections to the local property market and understands that real estate is ultimately about much more than bricks and mortar.
It is about the people, businesses, streets, landmarks and stories that collectively create a community.
By supporting the Bayswater Historical Society, Lay2 Real Estate is helping ensure that these stories aren’t lost as the suburb continues to evolve.
“Bayswater has an incredible history, and it is important that we preserve and celebrate the things that tell that story.”
The acquisition of the 1905 map is a wonderful example of what can happen when local volunteers, community organisations and local businesses work together.
Looking Back to Look Forward
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the map is comparing the vision of 1905 with the Bayswater we know today.
Some roads and locations remain recognisable. Others have changed dramatically.
The river is still there.
The railway is still there.
The desire for convenient transport, good amenities, attractive surroundings and a strong connection to the community is still there too.
What has changed is the scale.
From the relatively modest subdivisions promoted in the early 1900s, Bayswater has grown into an established inner-eastern Perth suburb — one that continues to attract homeowners, investors and developers seeking proximity to the city, transport, the Swan River and an increasingly connected metropolitan lifestyle.
In that sense, this extraordinary map is not only a record of where Bayswater came from.
It is a reminder of why people have wanted to live here for more than a century.
Proud to Be Part of Bayswater
Lay2 Real Estate is proud to support the Bayswater Historical Society and the preservation of this rare piece of local history.
For Steve Lay and the Lay2 team, being part of the Bayswater community means more than helping people buy and sell property.
It means supporting the community, understanding its history and helping shape its future.
The 1905 Heritage Map now has a permanent home where residents, visitors and future generations can appreciate the remarkable story of Bayswater and Maylands.
And perhaps, when viewed through today’s eyes, it offers one final insight.
The people promoting Bayswater in 1905 saw something special here.
More than 120 years later, it is clear they weren’t wrong.
Lay2 Real Estate
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Proudly supporting the community we call home.