Skip to main content
‌‌‌‌
‌

Getting to Perth cruises from the city

Perth’s Swan River cruises are centered around Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD, making them easy to reach for first-time visitors. You can get there on foot from Elizabeth Quay Station, by bus, or by car, while cruise durations range from short scenic rides to full-day Swan Valley wine experiences. This guide helps you compare the main options, understand boarding logistics, and choose the smoothest plan for your day on the water.

Where are Perth cruises boarding points?

Perth cruises depart from several waterfront locations, depending on the route and operator. Many Swan River sightseeing and wine cruises leave from Barrack Street Jetty near Elizabeth Quay in Perth’s CBD, while Mandurah wildlife cruises depart from Mandurah, about an hour south of Perth.

Address: Pier 3, Barrack Square, Perth WA 6000 | Find on Maps: Barrack Street Jetty

This is a main departure point for Swan River sightseeing cruises and Perth to Fremantle journeys. It sits on the riverfront near Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower, making it convenient if you're staying in central Perth.

  • Public transport: Elizabeth Quay Train Station and Busport are about a 400m walk away. The free Blue CAT bus stops nearby.
  • Parking: Limited paid parking is available at the jetty, with longer-stay options at Terrace Road, Council House and the Perth Convention Centre.

Location: In front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah WA | Find on Maps: Mandurah Cruises Jetty

Most Mandurah Cruises sightseeing and dolphin cruises depart from this jetty on the foreshore. The booking office and gift shop are about 200m away, next to the Mandurah Visitor Centre and Cicerello's.

  • From Perth: Allow around 50–55 minutes by train or car, followed by a local bus or other transport to the foreshore.
  • Parking: Free all-day parking is available at the Reading Cinema and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre car park on Ormsby Terrace.
  • Arrival: Aim to reach the jetty at least 15 minutes before departure.

Location: Opposite 9 Mandurah Terrace, near The Bay Cafe | Find on Maps: Eastern Foreshore Jetty.

This is the boarding point for The Pirate Ship Mandurah's cruises. The jetty sits along the Eastern Foreshore, between the estuary pool and the traffic bridge, a short walk from the town centre.

  • Public transport: Take a train from Perth to Mandurah Station, then connect to the foreshore by bus or taxi. Bus 588 links the station with the foreshore.
  • Parking: Free parking is available in parts of central Mandurah, but spaces near the foreshore can be limited on busy weekends.
  • Arrival: Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Allow extra time to park and walk to the jetty.

Location: Near B Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle WA | Find on Maps: [Victoria Quay, Fremantle](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Victoria+Quay+B+ Shed+Fremantle+WA).

Some Swan River cruises use Fremantle as a departure or arrival point. This option suits visitors exploring Fremantle before or after their cruise, with the harbour and historic waterfront close by.

  • Public transport: Fremantle Train Station and bus terminal are about a 5–10 minute walk from Victoria Quay.
  • Parking: Parking is limited near the departure area, so public transport or a taxi may be more convenient.
  • Important: Confirm that your booking departs from Fremantle rather than Perth. Not all cruises operate in both directions.

Compare Your Options

OriginModeTravel timeEst. cost (AUD)Best for

Perth CBD

🚌 Bus / free CAT bus

5–20 mins to Barrack Street Jetty

Free on the Blue CAT; standard fares vary

Reaching central Perth cruise departures

Perth CBD

🚶 Walking

5–20 mins to Barrack Street Jetty

Free

Visitors staying near Elizabeth Quay

Perth CBD

🚗 Taxi / ride-hail

5–20 mins to Barrack Street Jetty

Approx. AUD 10–25

Door-to-door access

Perth CBD

🚆 Train + walk

10–25 mins to Barrack Street Jetty

From AUD 3.50

Connecting from elsewhere in Perth

Perth → Mandurah

🚆 Train + local bus

60–90 mins to Mandurah foreshore

From AUD 3.50 one way; confirm total fare

Reaching Mandurah cruise departures without driving

Perth → Mandurah

🚗 Car

50–70 mins to Mandurah foreshore

Fuel and parking extra

Combining a cruise with other Mandurah attractions

Fremantle

🚆 Train + walk

Allow around 10–25 mins from Fremantle Station to Victoria Quay

Train fare varies

Joining a cruise departing from Fremantle or exploring the harbour

How to get to your Perth Cruise boarding point?

  • Barrack Street Jetty: Take a bus to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, then walk to the jetty. The free Blue CAT is useful for getting around central Perth.
  • Mandurah Cruises Jetty: Take a local bus from Mandurah Station to the foreshore.
  • Eastern Foreshore Jetty: Take bus 588 from Mandurah Station towards the foreshore.
  • Fare: From AUD 3.50; Blue CAT services within Perth CBD are free.
  • Accessibility: Transperth buses are generally low-floor and provide wheelchair access.
  • Practical hack: Check your ticket for the exact jetty before boarding, as Mandurah has multiple cruise departure points.
  • Barrack Street Jetty: Take the train to Elizabeth Quay Station, then walk around 400m to Barrack Square.
  • Victoria Quay, Fremantle: Take the train to Fremantle Station, then walk to Victoria Quay.
  • Mandurah departures: Take the Mandurah Line from Perth to Mandurah Station, then connect by bus or taxi to the foreshore.
  • Fare: From AUD 3.50, depending on the zones travelled.
  • Accessibility: Major Transperth stations and trains offer step-free access and accessible facilities.
  • Practical hack: For Mandurah cruises, allow extra time for the connection from Mandurah Station to the specific jetty.
  • Perth to Barrack Street Jetty: Around 5 to 20 mins from central Perth.
  • Perth to Mandurah: Around 50 to 70 mins.
  • Perth to Fremantle: Around 25 to 40 mins, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Fuel and parking are extra.
  • Accessibility: Driving provides direct access to the relevant parking area, subject to individual car park facilities.
  • Practical hack: Allow extra time for parking, particularly for weekend and evening cruises.
  • Barrack Street Jetty: Paid parking is available around Perth CBD, including longer-stay options near Terrace Road and the Perth Convention Centre.
  • Mandurah Cruises Jetty: Free all-day parking is available near the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
  • Eastern Foreshore Jetty: Free parking is available in parts of central Mandurah, although spaces can be limited during busy periods.
  • Victoria Quay: Parking is available around Fremantle, but spaces close to the waterfront can fill up during busy periods.
  • Accessibility: Major public car parks have accessible bays, subject to availability.
  • Practical hack: For popular cruises, arrive early rather than relying on parking immediately beside the boarding point.
  • Barrack Street Jetty: Ask to be dropped at Barrack Square or the exact pier listed on your ticket.
  • Mandurah Cruises Jetty: Use Mandjar Square or the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre as the drop-off reference.
  • Eastern Foreshore Jetty: Ask for the Eastern Foreshore near The Bay Cafe.
  • Victoria Quay: Give the driver the exact Victoria Quay or B Shed location shown on your booking.
  • Fare: Short CBD rides typically cost around AUD 10 to 25; longer journeys cost more and may surge at peak times.
  • Accessibility: Request an accessible taxi when booking if you need step-free vehicle access.
  • Practical hack: For evening or late cruises, arrange your return ride before boarding.
  • Barrack Street Jetty: Around 5 to 20 mins from central Perth. Walk towards Elizabeth Quay and continue along the riverfront to Barrack Square.
  • Victoria Quay: Around 5 to 10 mins from Fremantle Station.
  • Mandurah Cruises Jetty: Walk along the Mandurah foreshore towards Mandjar Square.
  • Eastern Foreshore Jetty: Follow the foreshore towards the jetty near The Bay Cafe.
  • Fare: Free.
  • Accessibility: Main foreshore routes are generally paved, but check the exact route if you need step-free access.
  • Practical hack: If you're already exploring Elizabeth Quay, Fremantle or central Mandurah, walking can be the simplest way to reach the boarding point.

Traffic, timing and practical tips

  • Perth CBD traffic is generally heaviest on weekday mornings and late afternoons, while weekend traffic can increase around popular waterfront areas.
  • Allow extra time for cruises departing from Mandurah or Fremantle, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
  • For Barrack Street Jetty, public transport can be easier than driving and parking in central Perth.
  • For Mandurah departures, arrive early to allow time for parking or the connection from Mandurah Station.
  • Check Google Maps for live traffic before leaving, especially if your cruise has a fixed boarding time.

Other transport services

Airport transfers

Perth Airport is connected to Perth CBD by the Airport Line, with Airport Central Station about 18 minutes from Perth Station. Pre-booked private transfers are useful if you're heading straight to a cruise departure with luggage.

Hop-on hop-off buses

The Perth and Kings Park hop-on hop-off bus stops at Barrack Street Jetty, close to Pier 3 and Elizabeth Quay. The 24-hour ticket covers the city and Kings Park, making it useful if you plan to combine a cruise with city sightseeing.

Guided tours with transport

Some Perth and Fremantle tours include hotel pickup, coach transport and a Swan River cruise. These are useful if you want to combine sightseeing with a cruise without arranging transport between stops yourself.

Frequently asked questions about getting to your Perth cruises boarding points

Perth cruises depart from different locations depending on the route and operator. Common boarding points include Barrack Street Jetty in Perth CBD, Mandurah Cruises Jetty and Eastern Foreshore Jetty in Mandurah, and Victoria Quay in Fremantle. Check your ticket for the exact departure point.