Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan

On Perth's doorstep the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan creates a stunning contrast against the city skyline. Dual-use paths make it possible to walk, ride or skate a circuit around the river, or take a guided Segway tour. There are also many grassy areas to have a picnic, enjoy a sunset, and watch the city come alive with light.

Bridges and Swan River walks

A great way to experience the Swan River on foot is by crossing one of its two striking pedestrian bridges – Matagarup Bridge, with its dramatic arches and sweeping views to Optus Stadium, or Boorloo Bridge, an accessible, art-filled journey linking the river's banks with stories of Noongar culture and breathtaking city views.

Swan River cruises and water activities

For water-sports enthusiasts, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and kayaking are popular choices, with hire facilities along the foreshore. Barrack Square is the departure point for cruises to Fremantle, Swan Valley and Rottnest Island, and features public art, cafés, restaurants, and a lively bar scene. From nearby Elizabeth Quay, the Transperth ferry runs a regular service across the river to South Perth, just a short walk from the Perth Zoo.

Swan River Paddle Trails

Discover the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan from the water on a scenic paddle trail. Launch from East Perth to explore the Burswood Paddle Trail, passing under Matagarup Bridge and alongside Burswood Park; take a short paddle from the Narrows Bridge to Elizabeth Quay for coffee and riverside views; or venture further south along the Canning River Wetlands for a tranquil 8 km return journey through mangroves and birdlife sanctuaries. With calm conditions, stunning scenery, and easy access points, the Swan River offers some of Perth’s best paddling experiences.

Riverside dining and relaxation

If you’d rather take in the views over a meal or drink, the Swan River is lined with vibrant dining spots. On the Point offers a variety of restaurants and bars right on the water’s edge, including The Point Bar & Restaurant and Long Neck. The Left Bank in East Fremantle is a local favourite, combining relaxed pub-style dining with sweeping river views. For something elevated, the 18 Knots Rooftop Bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront serves up cocktails with panoramic vistas of the river and city skyline. South of the city, the iconic Raffles Hotel blends heritage charm with a modern riverside bar and bistro — the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset over the water.

Explore the Swan River

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 Swan-River

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.

Swan-River-Fishing

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

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

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.