A mecca for outdoor activities, good times and pristine nature, the sparkling Swan River holds a special place in the hearts of locals.
Meandering from the state’s oldest wine-growing region, past Perth’s twinkling skyline and finally flowing into the Indian Ocean at Fremantle, Derbarl Yerrigan, as the Swan River is known to the Nyoongar people, has charted a course through this beautiful corner of Western Australia for tens of thousands of years.
Framed by expansive blue skies, the river is a source of nourishment for the locals in more ways than one. From some of Western Australia’s best wineries to relaxing walks and action-packed adventures, there are so many things to see and do in and along the Swan.
A scenic journey to the Swan Valley
A boat trip is an enchanting way to travel, and a leisurely cruise up the Swan River delivers you smack-bang in the heart of the Swan Valley, a gorgeous age-old wine region right on Perth’s doorstep. Several operators, including Captain Cook Cruises, the Little Ferry Co and Swan Valley Tours, can get you to ‘Perth’s pantry’ in style.
Find your new favourite drop at world-class wineries like award-winning Mandoon Estate or Sandalford, which has been producing superb wines for more than 180 years. Sample Edgecombe Brothers‘ rustic cellar door and cafe-restaurant, then taste Funk 2.0’s exciting left-of-centre preservative-free wine, beer and cider.
Mandoon Estate
Indulge in delicious fare made to time-honoured recipes, picnic along the riverbank, or spend the day hopping between stylish cellar doors, distilleries and art galleries. The Swan Valley is bursting with food, culture and life.
The most idyllic way to explore Perth’s attractions
The Swan River is your picturesque pathway to exploring Perth and its surrounds.
View the charming port city of Fremantle from a different angle with a scenic cruise down the Swan River from Perth. Climb aboard Captain Cook Cruises for panoramic views of stunning waterfront scenery, magnificent mansions, stylish yacht clubs and picture-perfect Crawley Edge Boatshed, isolated at the end of a sweeping pier. The visual feast is accompanied by insightful commentary, pointing out attractions like the towering cliffs at Blackwall Reach and Point Walter spit – a golden sandbar that stretches 1 kilometre into the river. Disembark at the harbour to soak up Fremantle’s fascinating colonial and maritime history and architecture, art and cultural spaces, and buzzing eating and drinking scene.
Shimmering on the horizon, sun-kissed Rottnest Island is only short trip from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty or Fremantle’s B Shed – the SeaLink Rottnest Island fast ferry has several daily departures and will get you there in next to no time. Blissfully car-free, Rottnest Island boasts 63 beautiful beaches and 20 white-sand bays, along with nature and cycling trails, shipwreck-strewn coral reefs and secret swim spots like pretty Little Parakeet Bay. But it’s the quirky quokka that really steals the show – these fascinating marsupials can only be found here and in one other corner of Western Australia.
Rottnest Island
Heading to an AFL match, concert or event? Enjoy all the blockbuster action without the traffic – on event days, fans and concertgoers can set sail to the Optus Stadium with Little Ferry Co or Captain Cook Cruises.
Floating the day away
Embrace river life as you float along the Swan River, taking in sweeping views and soaking up the sun.
Gather up to seven of your favourite people, pack a picnic and sail away on a self-skippered electric boat. Departing from Maylands boat ramp, Nauti Picnics is a unique way to take in urban architecture, ancient landscapes and the rugged foreshore at your own gentle pace. Best of all, you don’t need a skippers license.
The creative geniuses behind The Raft have transformed an old fireworks barge into a one-of-a-kind floating bar in the middle of the Swan River. Secure a spot to sample boozy cocktails, bubbles, craft beers, local wines and handcrafted global-inspired bites. A couple of highlights? The party atmosphere and fiery sunsets over Kings Park Botanic Gardens.
Get active by the river
The Swan River is a hub of relaxation and adventure – and, thanks to Western Australia’s sunny days, you can make the most of the great outdoors year-round.
The Swan River Loop, a 10-kilometre walking and cycling trail, is a fabulous way to relax and discover the sights of Perth, and perhaps even spot a duo of black swans. Or join an Aboriginal-led Warrang-Bridil cultural tour, which unpacks the deep cultural and mythological significance the Swan River has for the traditional owners of the land.
For something a little different, traverse the sparkling waters of the Swan River on a waterbike, a cross between a boat and a bike. Perth Waterbike Co can hook you up on on a pedal-powered adventure that provides both fun and sightseeing.
Glide through the unspoilt Canning River wetlands, explore the limestone cliffs of Blackwall Reach or visit the Swan Valley’s Mandoon Estate on a kayak trip with GoGo Active Tours. Or enjoy 360-degree views as you paddleboard along the Swan River’s calm waters at your own pace. Operators like SUP Central WA can tailor your on-water experience to suit your skill level.
For Perth’s locals, the Swan River is a way of life. Discover your own personal Swan River experience when you plan your trip to Western Australia.