Swan River

Enjoy the Swan River by doing some fishing, water skiing, or swimming, or simply taking a picnic to the water’s edge. You can take a cruise to go wine tasting, see the river on a tour of the city, or go running or biking along the waterfront. Popular sightseeing cruises provide views of yacht clubs, quiet bays, and impressive riverside homes, and some include lunch or dinner. Alternatively, you can also see the river from above on a helicopter tour.

• Many cruises depart from the Barrack Street Jetty near the Bell Tower, which also has an observation deck with panoramic views.

• You can reach the Perth Zoo via the Swan River by taking the ferry to South Perth.

• Elizabeth Quay, next to the Bell Tower, offers eateries, a playground, and public art.

From Northbridge or the CBD, walk south and you’ll run into the river. The free Blue CAT bus also stops near the waterfront. To cross the river on foot, by bike, or in a vehicle, head to the Narrows Bridge, which connects the CBD and South Perth.

The sun is strong in Perth in the summertime, and the open riverbanks can be hot and bright. Sunset is a great time for photos, especially at Kings Park, where you can admire the city skyline as it starts to twinkle. Firework displays light up the skies over the river on New Year’s Eve and Australia Day.

Part of Perth’s metropolitan area, Fremantle is a port city known that sits on the south side of the Swan River, where it meets the ocean. Locals love Freo, as the area is called, for its café scene, bars, and casual vibe. The city is also known for its historical attractions, particularly the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Swan River runs for 45 miles (72 kilometers), largely through metropolitan Perth. On a river cruise or kayak, you’ll see the Perth city skyline, Kings Park, the iconic Swan Bells, the vineyard-rich Swan Valley, the cliffs of Blackwall Reach, and the golden-hued Point Walter spit.

Most cruises along Australia’s Swan River operate largely out of Perth. You can prebook online to secure the date and time that works for you. Cruises on the Swan River pass top attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park.

While you won’t find wildlife tours on the Swan River like on the Amazon, you will find outfitters focusing on the river's natural side and its flora and fauna. Take a tour that visits Rottnest Island, for example, and you might spot dolphins, pelicans, eagles, black swans, and parrots.

Yes, you can rent a private boat for a cruise on the Swan River. Multiple Perth-based companies will help you charter a vessel. Get on the water for an afternoon adventure, or opt for a romantic, music-filled nighttime excursion. Some companies will provide a captain, so you can relax.

The best time of year for a Swan River cruise is typically spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May). However, Perth’s weather is as gorgeous as it comes, with mild temps year-round. Be prepared for the rainier days of June through August.

The typical duration of a Swan River Cruise varies depending on the outfitter and type of excursion, though most last two to three hours. Generally, sightseeing tours are shorter than dinner cruises. And, of course, you can always charter a boat for a half-day or full-day adventure.