Discover the natural beauty of the Swan River.

On Perth's doorstep, the Swan River creates a stunning contrast against the skyline of city high rises. 

Dual-use paths make it possible to walk, ride or skate a circuit around the river or take a tour on a Segway. There are also many grassy areas to have a picnic, enjoy a sunset and watch the city come alive with light.

For water sports enthusiasts sailing, windsurfing and kayaking are popular choices in Perth, with hire facilities located along the foreshore. The 'bridges' walk around the river (crossing at Narrows Bridge and the Causeway) will take you approximately 2.5 hours.

The jetties at Barrack Square are the departure point for river cruises to Fremantle, Swan Valley and Rottnest Island, as well as ferries to South Perth and Perth Zoo. The vibrant riverside location features public art, cafes, restaurants and a lively bar.

Explore the Swan River

See what to do on the river, and places to visit and stay nearby.
  • Optus Stadium is a multi-purpose world-class venue in Perth, Western Australia. The stadium hosts a year-round calendar of major national and...
  • The exceptional Atrium Buffet has become the quintessence of buffet dining in Perth. Set within the stunning Crown Metropol Perth lobby, Atrium Buffet...
  • Located in the heart of Crown Metropol Perth, Bistro Guillaume is inspired by the most popular neighbourhood bistros of Paris. A menu abundant with...
  • Situated in Crown Towers, guests can enjoy an outstanding array of international cuisine at Epicurean, with a series of different culinary stations...
  • Nobu is the world's most recognised Japanese restaurant and is known for its innovative 'New Style" Japanese cuisine. Esteemed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa...
  • Seabreeze Kitesurf School offers Kitesurfing lessons, Stand Up Paddle Board lessons and Wingfoiling lessons for beginners to advanced riders at Perth...
  • Rediscover Waterwall Restaurant & Bar, located in the iconic landmark Pagoda Resort & Spa in Como and the vibrant City of South Perth. The restaurant...
  • Harnessing the power of nature and an open fire, billows of smoke and glowing embers, Hearth Restaurant at the lobby level of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth...
  • 18 Knots Rooftop Bar features a relaxed vibe and spectacular 360-degree views of Perth and the best seats to view the West Australian sunsets. The...
  • WELCOME TO THE ULTIMATE IN WATER SPORTS! Based in Western Australia, where the best beaches in Australia reside, it's a great place to enjoy...
  • If you like to indulge in wine, beer and great food, then Swan Valley Tours is for you! They provide award-winning tours and cruises to the Swan...
  • Perth's newest water adventure! Experience the freedom and exhilaration of cycling on water in the heart of Perth, on the beautiful Swan River. Pedal...
  • Visit Rottnest Island, the Monkey Mia Dolphins, the eerie Pinnacles Desert, or the ancient granite formation that is Wave Rock. Experience the vast...
  • There is much heritage in the heart of the Swan Valley at Nikola Estate, where the Yukich family have realised a long-held dream by returning the...
  • Crown Towers Perth showcases world class interiors with luxuriously designed guest rooms, suites and Villas boasting uninterrupted views of the Peth...
  • There isn't a better way to see the beautiful river and city than travelling in the exquisite comfort of a solar electric ferry. The little ferries...
  • Blue Destiny Boat Charters offers scuba diving, snorkelling and party charters on the Swan River, Carnac or Rottnest Island. Scuba diving and...
  • If you want to add excitement and adventure to your life you’ve come to the right place! Explore Naturally. There’s no better way to explore the great...
  • Captain Cook Cruises, Perth’s premier cruise company, has been providing visitors of Perth the magnificent vantage point of the Swan River for over 30...
  • If you're looking to have an unforgettable experience on the water, renting a private, electric boat is the way to go. Not only do they offer a more...
  • Funcats is one of Perth's iconic must do activities and the only place in the world where you can sail your own boat directly in front of a major city...
  • Peddle Perth is an engaging and fun way to discover Perth's charms and take in the city's new developments while exploring it with the wonder and...
  • Designed for global travellers who love open spaces, open thinking and open expression, this is where travel creates possibilities. Get ready for...
  • GOGO Active tours are a bike and kayak tour business that provide safe and organised guided tours to some of Perth’s well known highlights plus some...
  • Located on the banks of the Swan River overlooking the Perth city skyline, Crown Metropol Perth offers modern and stylish accommodation within a 15...
  • Experience a different side to Perth and be greeted by breathtaking panoramic river views and the Perth’s city skyline. DoubleTree by Hilton Perth...
  • Mandoon Estate is the Swan Valleys newest and largest venue situated on the banks of the Swan River. Mandoon Estate offers a fine dining restaurant...
  • Cutting a striking silhouette along the Swan River, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth evokes timeless luxury and the joy of discovery. Set within a stunning...
  • The four and a half star Pagoda Resort & Spa is perfectly located in the heart of the vibrant city of South Perth, nestled on the banks of the Swan...
  • At Upper Reach you'll meet the people who actually grow the grapes and make the wine. Over the past 25 years, Upper Reach Winery owners, Laura & Derek...
  • Crowne Plaza Perth is a refreshingly personal hotel conveniently located to everything Perth has to offer both business and leisure guests. Many of...
  • WA NT TOURS are the specialists for guided small group tours (English, German, Swiss German, French and other languages on request) with more than 21...
  • An East Perth neighbourhood restaurant with fantastic views, offering familiar favourites with warm and welcoming service. Located at the front of...
  • Warrang-Bridil (meaning ‘Enlighten to Acknowledge’) is a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated cultural business in Perth, Western Australia. Services...
  • About Bike Hire is now situated at a brand-new purpose built facility on the Swan River foreshore. They have been providing high-quality bikes, kayaks...
  • Willie Creek Pearls is a Western Australian family business, celebrating over 30 years of service excellence. Willie Creek Pearls sustainably produce...
  • Sandalford Estate is located in the heart of the beautiful Swan Valley and only a very short 20 minute drive from the CBD. Visit the newly developed...
  • Are you brave enough to climb to the top of Perth’s Matagarup Bridge? This is no ordinary walk up a bridge – this is a true climb! You will be...
  • Don't let the Swan River, Rottnest Island and Fremantle pass you by, set your own pace without taking a step. Segways are the most exhilarating and...
  • THE OZONE is a must-visit destination for unique Perth experiences with something available for the whole family! Which breathtaking experience will...
  • Experiencing Perth has never been more exciting! Join Swan River Seaplanes for a short scenic flight of Perth or jump aboard for a trip to Rottnest...
  • The towering glass spire of The Bell Tower located where Perth meets the Swan River in vibrant Barrack Square, is a touchstone for Australian and...

Swan River Trails

Swan River Cycle Trails

Experience the beauty of Perth City and the Swan River on a cycle trail. Perth City is situated on the banks of the Swan River and dual-use paths make it possible to walk and cycle a circuit around the river.

Swan River and Black Swans, Perth City

Swan River Drive Trail

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the leafy and extremely pretty river suburbs of Matilda Bay, Dalkeith, Claremont, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park and right around the river to South Perth.

Fishing on the Swan River

The Swan and Canning Rivers are bursting with idyllic fishing locations, with species including mulloway, black bream, flathead and sand whiting as well as crabs, prawns and mussels!
Leeuwin Boat Ramp, East Fremantle

North and East Fremantle

Harvest Road, North Fremantle is a good spot for tailor, flounder, cobbler, and the occasional mulloway. The Leeuwin Boat Ramp, East Fremantle is surrounded by large expanses of sand flats covered by varying depths of water and anglers wading the shallows catch flathead and flounder, particularly early morning in summer when the tide is changing.

Fishing, Swan River

Narrows Bridge

Mulloway, cobbler and tailor can be caught from the shore on the city side of Narrows Bridge. On the South Perth side, there is a small beach providing a popular spot for families to fish. Just east of the bridge large catches of cobbler can be made and black bream can be found in winter near the pylons.

Bicton, Perth

Point Walter

The long sand spit and jetty at Point Walter allow anglers access to some of the best fishing on the river. Families can picnic on the adjacent lawns and barbecue their catches of tailor, cobbler, black bream, mulloway, flathead, flounder, prawns and crabs. Bicton Jetty is a junior fishing spot producing tailor, flathead and mulloway.

Mosman Bay Park, Perth

Mosman and Claremont Jetties

Mosman Jetty, downstream from the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, is a quiet spot with deep water which produces good mulloway during early summer - a good location for junior anglers. Claremont Jetty is popular for anglers seeking black bream, cobbler, tailor and mulloway. Prawns and crabs can be scooped or trawled from the beaches either side of the jetty.

Explore Perth City

Step out of the CBD and discover Perth's fringing neighbourhoods.

Plan Your Trip to Perth

Start planning your visit by finding out what to do in Perth during the day and night. See all accommodation, tours, attractions, activities, food and drink and retail in Perth.

Pool, Crown Towers Perth

Accommodation in Perth

You'll find a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles all across Perth from five-star resorts to caravan parks.

Rottnest Express Eco Tour, Rottnest Island

Tours in Perth

Tours around Perth and surrounds take you to some of the most exciting and interesting holiday spots from hot air ballooning in the Avon Valley to cruising the Swan River.

Perth's Outback Splash, Maze

Attractions in Perth

There's plenty of attractions to choose from in Perth and surrounds, with fun-filled activities for all ages.

Public House, Perth City

Food and Drink in Perth

Whether its dining in an elegant restaurant overlooking the river or sampling local wines, Perth boasts an extensive buffet from which to delight your tastebuds.

Aspects of Kings Park, Perth City

Retail in Perth

Perth offers a host of shopping options to choose from - stock up on the latest fashions, buy unique art or head to a local market.

Apollo Motorhome Holidays

Hire in Perth

Looking to explore Perth on your own? There are plenty of hire options available from cars and motorhomes to bikes and kayaks.

Summer in Perth

Perth's endless summer shines across our city's dazzling beaches, islands and regional waterways, and now is the time to get outdoors to explore it all for yourself!