The Swan River was named after the black swans that Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh encountered in 1697. It’s now a vibrant spot for recreation, with fishing, kayaking, sailing, and crabbing being popular activities in the summer. Popular catches include bream, flathead, and tailor. Locals also enjoy scooping for blue swimmer crabs and prawns, a beloved seasonal tradition.
1. Elizabeth Quay
Your cruise departs (or arrives) from Barrack Street Jetty at Elizabeth Quay, a vibrant waterfront precinct which opened in 2016, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed to reconnect Perth with the Swan River, the area blends modern architecture with historical elements. Visitors enjoy pedestrian bridges, public art, dining spots, and cultural events, making it a lively hub for locals and tourists
2. Bell Tower
The Bell Tower in Perth is one of the world’s largest musical instruments, specially designed to house the historic bells from Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church, the parish church of Buckingham Palace. It’s the only place on the planet where visitors can witness bell ringing in action, and children can even try their hand at ringing the bells as part of an engaging, hands-on tour.
3. Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo in South Perth, which was established in 1898, spans 41 acres and houses over 1,500 animals from 160 species. It features immersive habitats, such as the African Savannah and the Asian Rainforest. The zoo is internationally recognised for conservation, breeding programs, and education efforts, all set within lush botanical gardens.
4. South Perth Mill
The South Perth Mill, commonly known as The Old Mill, was built in 1835 by William Shenton to grind flour for the early Swan River Colony. Despite the initial promise, it ceased operations by 1859 due to unreliable winds, competition, and its remote location. Now a heritage-listed site, it stands as one of Perth’s oldest colonial buildings and a symbol of early European settlement.
5. Narrows Bridge
Appearing as just one bridge, it is in fact three separate bridges. The first road bridge opened in 1959, it was a significant engineering feat that connected Perth city to its southern suburbs via the Kwinana Freeway. With the rapid population increase in Perth, a second identical bridge was constructed and opened by 2001. Followed by a railway bridge between them in 2005.
6. Perth City
Now, breaching the skyline and standing at 249 meters or 51 stories is Central Park Tower. Throughout the city, you can find His Majesty’s Theatre and Town Hall contrasted with sleek glass-fronted skyscrapers, balancing the city's colonial history with its contemporary progress.
7. Old Swan Brewery
The Swan Brewery, established in 1879, sits on Goonininup, a sacred Noongar site. This area is significant to the Aboriginal people because it is the home of the mythical Rainbow serpent, the Waugal. By 1924, the Swan Brewery controlled 50% of the beer market in WA. Operations ceased in 1966, and today, signs around the site acknowledge its cultural significance, while cafes and microbreweries make it a popular social spot.
8. Kings Park
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, visited by nearly 6 million people annually. It features Western Australian native flora and is a popular place for picnics, walks and cultural and ceremonial events.
Kings Park has been revered as a sacred place for Aboriginal people whose mythical serpent, the Waugal, is said to have entered the ground near here and emerged at the foot of Mt Eliza to create the beautiful Swan River.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden has more memorials, statues and honour avenues than any other park in Australia. Memorials include the statue of John Forrest, the first Premier of Western Australia, the Pioneer Women's Memorial, the 10th Light Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria Statue. The State War Memorial Cenotaph is easily identified along Perth's skyline and is one of Kings Park's most iconic features. The Court of Contemplation, Flame of Remembrance, Pool of Reflection and ANZAC Bluff feature are within this precinct.
9. Matilda Bay
Matilda Bay is named after Matilda Roe, wife of Perth’s first surveyor general, John Septimus Roe. He was charged with dividing up the Swan River districts. During World War II, Matilda Bay served as a U.S. naval base for Catalina flying boats, supporting missions across the Indian Ocean.
10. Crawley Edge Boatshed
Crawley Edge Boatshed is a picturesque blue structure on the water, is one of Perth’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 1930s, it has undergone extensive renovations and remains a nostalgic reminder of the river's past. Frequently featured on social media, the boatshed is a must-see for visitors exploring Matilda Bay.
11. Statue of Eliza
To the right of the boatshed, there is a Statue of Eliza, who was a beloved diving woman, to commemorate the nearby Crawley Baths. Many famous Olympians practised there, including Murray Rose. These days, Eliza is dressed up for special occasions and events happening in the local area and around the world.
12. Royal Perth Yacht Club
Royal Perth is the oldest and most famous yacht club in Perth, tracing its origins back to 1841, although it was formally established as the Perth Yacht Club in 1865. In 1890, on the recommendation of Governor Sir Frederic Napier Broome the Club received the title and prefix of Royal from Queen Victoria and at the same time it was announced that the Lords of the Admiralty had granted the Club the Royal Warrant to fly an un-defaced blue ensign.
13. Applecross
Applecross, originally known as Point Dundas, has a rich history intertwined with the Swan River and the early development of Perth. Point Dundas was named by Captain James Stirling in 1827, and the area became known for its riverside leisure activities, particularly at the Hotel Melville (later the Majestic Hotel).
14. Gallop House
The Gallop House is the oldest private residence in Nedlands. Gallop House is a two-storey Victorian-style home built in 1877 by the Gallop family on the Swan River. The property, now heritage-listed, overlooks the Swan River and is leased as a private residence but occasionally opens to the public, as detailed on the National Trust of Western Australia website. It reflects Perth’s early agricultural roots, when orchards and farms dominated the area.
15. Tawarri Function Centre
In the early 20th century, Tawarri Function Centre was a popular destination due to its hot pool. First, built in 1957, the Dome was situated very close to the hot pool, which was a concrete swimming pool fed by an artesian hot spring. The hot pool had a notorious reputation in the 1930s and 1950s and was once an important aspect of social life in Nedlands.
16. Melville Waters
As the river widens, you enter Melville Waters, a vast expanse approximately 4.5 kilometres across. It is named after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, a British naval officer and First Lord of the Admiralty, reflecting his connection to naval history.
17. Point Walter
Recognisable by its long sandbar that extends over 1 kilometre into the river, Point Walter is a distinctive geographical feature and a popular spot for leisure activities on the Swan River.
18. Freshwater Bay
Freshwater Bay derives its name from the freshwater springs that were abundant along its shoreline, providing an essential resource for the local Whadjuk Noongar people and early European settlers.
19. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
Another one of Perth’s yacht clubs is in the suburb of Peppermint Grove, established in 1896. Originally called Butler's Hump, the land was used as a potato farm in 1839. John Butler was the first settler allocated to the area and was given the land. Due to the poor quality of the soil, he was only able to grow potatoes, making him the original spud king of Australia.
20. Chidley Point
Chidley Point is a serene and historically significant location on the Swan River in Mosman Park. Known as part of the Bush Forever Site 335, it preserves native bushland and is home to rare flora, including the Winged Boronia (Boronia alata). The site also holds geological significance due to its exposed marine shell beds containing fossilised fauna.
21. Blackwall Reach
Blackwall Reach, traditionally known as Jenalup or Dyundalup. The most sacred part of the area is the cliffs along Blackwall Reach. Located along the Swan River, it has towering limestone cliffs and deep waters (up to 20 meters). These days, it is Popular with scuba diving, which started there in the 1960s. Due to the depth of the area, people used to drive their cars off to get insurance after claiming they had been stolen.
22. Mossman Park Golf Course
Mossman Park Golf Course, located on the hill, was established in 1962. The club's name was changed to Chidley Point Golf Club, adopting the "Fleur de Lys" emblem as its logo. They have a beautiful clubhouse that offers panoramic views of the river.
23. Gilet Frasier Reserve
The oldest playing field in Perth is tucked behind Norfolk pine trees, which were planted to replace the masts of ships that once lined the city's waterfront. The 1st test match held between England and Australia was played here, and it is home to the North Fremantle Football Club.
24. Fremantle Traffic Bridge
Built in 1938 as a temporary timber structure made from she-oak and casuarina trees, the Fremantle Traffic Bridge was initially designed to last only 6-7 years, but it has remained in use for decades despite extensive repairs. Its underside features a mural of AC/DC’s lead singer, Bon Scott, who was born and bred in Fremantle. The Canning Highway was the topic of his song Highway to Hell.
25. Fremantle Harbour
Fremantle Harbour is the bustling maritime heart of Perth, located where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean. Established in 1897, it has played a key role in Western Australia's trade and immigration, with historic wharf sheds and working docks still active today. Visitors can explore its lively surroundings, including the WA Maritime Museum, historic shipwrecks, and a vibrant mix of seafood eateries and markets that reflect the port's rich seafaring heritage.
26. Maritime Museum
Perched at Victoria Quay in Fremantle Harbour, the WA Maritime Museum offers a captivating dive into Western Australia’s seafaring past. See the significant historic objects and vessels that highlight WA’s sporting, sailing and adventure heritage, including the famous America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II, an Oberon-class submarine, HMAS Ovens; Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour and many other iconic vessels. For lovers of maritime history, book a cruise and a maritime museum ticket today and enjoy a rich and immersive experience along this iconic waterway.
Swan River Map
