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Swan River Cruise from Fremantle | Best way to see Perth’s riverside
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION75 minutes
FREQUENCY12.45pm, 3.45pm
MODE OF TRANSFERCruise Ship
TimelineMap
START POINT
E Shed
Start your journey from E Shed, Victoria Quay, a scenic departure point that sets the stage for your Swan River exploration.
Passes by
The Bell Tower
Swan Brewery
Kings Park
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Point Walter
The Blue Boat House
7
END POINT
2 ending points available
1. Barrack Street Jetty
End your journey at Perth, where you can get down and explore the city’s vibrant CBD, riverside parks, and dining hubs.
2. E Shed
Relaxing Swan River cruise from Fremantle to Perth with live captain’s commentary and city views.
- Starting point: Fremantle pier, with easy access to the Swan River cruise vessels
- Everything you get: One-way scenic river cruise to Perth (1 hr 15 mins), entertaining captain’s commentary, full bar facilities on board, and unreserved seating for a casual, social atmosphere.
- Sights covered: Perth city skyline, Black Wall Reach cliffs, Point Walter Spit, Crawley Edge Boatshed (“Blue Boat House”), upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs
- Why choose this: Effortless way to travel between Fremantle and Perth while soaking up iconic riverside sights and local stories
- Upgrades: Opt for a 2.5-hour round-trip cruise for uninterrupted views and to get dropped off back where you started.
Relaxing Swan River cruise from Fremantle to Perth with live captain’s commentary and city views.
- Starting point: Fremantle pier, with easy access to the Swan River cruise vessels
- Everything you get: One-way scenic river cruise to Perth (1 hr 15 mins), entertaining captain’s commentary, full bar facilities on board, and unreserved seating for a casual, social atmosphere.
- Sights covered: Perth city skyline, Black Wall Reach cliffs, Point Walter Spit, Crawley Edge Boatshed (“Blue Boat House”), upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs
- Why choose this: Effortless way to travel between Fremantle and Perth while soaking up iconic riverside sights and local stories
- Upgrades: Opt for a 2.5-hour round-trip cruise for uninterrupted views and to get dropped off back where you started.
Inclusions
- One-way cruise from Fremantle
- Round-trip cruise from Fremantle (as per option selected)
- Captain’s commentary commentary
- Tip: Keep an eye out for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins often seen swimming in the river.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- The one-way cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, while the round-trip cruise lasts 2 hours 45 minutes.
- The one-way cruise departs at 12.45pm and 3.45pm, whereas the round-trip cruise departs at 12.45pm only.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why go on a Swan River Cruise from Fremantle?
Tour options for Swan River Cruise from Fremantle
You can opt for a one-way river journey or enjoy a full round-trip. The tour departs from E Shed in Fremantle and follows the Swan River all the way to Perth's Barrack Street Jetty, passing by scenic landmarks and waterfront highlights along the way. Here's what you can choose from:
One-Way Cruise to Perth
Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Cruise from Fremantle to Perth and hop off at Barrack Street Jetty. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to reach the city. Ideal if you’re planning to explore Perth for the day.
Round-Trip Cruise
Duration: 2 hr 45 min
Start and end in Fremantle with uninterrupted river views both ways. You’ll pass iconic spots like Kings Park and the Blue Boat House twice, with plenty of photo ops and stories from the captain’s live commentary.
What you get
Whichever option you choose, the experience stays consistently good. You’ll enjoy a laid-back river cruise with live commentary from the captain. The vessel has a fully licensed bar on board, so you can grab a drink as you glide past landmarks. Seating is open and unreserved, so you can move around, snap photos, and take in the views from both sides of the deck.
Plan your visit
Timings
How to get there
Accessibility
What to bring
The one-way cruise to Perth departs from Fremantle at 12:45pm and 3:45pm daily, lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The round-trip cruise departs only at 12:45pm and lasts 2 hours 45 minutes, giving you more time on the water.
- Your cruise departs from E Shed, Victoria Quay in Fremantle.
- It’s a short walk from the Fremantle Train Station and right beside the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
- You can also hop on the Fremantle Line and you’ll be there in about 30 minutes.
- If you're driving, there’s parking available near E Shed (paid parking applies).
This cruise is not wheelchair accessible, and unfortunately, strollers may need to be folded and carried on board.
Here’s a quick checklist for your Fremantle-to-Perth cruise:
- Camera or smartphone: Fremantle’s historic port, the passing yacht clubs, and the Perth skyline from the water are all worthy of your camera roll. Keep it handy, you might even spot dolphins along the way.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: The afternoon sun hits differently when you’re cruising past the bright waterfront suburbs and open stretches of river.
- A light jacket or windbreaker: Even on warm days, the sea breeze in Fremantle can surprise you. Once you’re out on the water, it’s nice to have an extra layer.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially during the 2.5-hour round-trip option.
- Comfortable footwear: Whether you’re pacing the deck for the best view of the Blue Boat House or strolling around Perth after you dock, good shoes go a long way.
- Credit/debit card: The onboard bar serves drinks, so bring a card if you want to sip while you sail.
Frequently asked questions about Swan River Scenic Cruise from Fremantle
Is this cruise good for first-time visitors to Perth?
Definitely. The route between Fremantle and Perth gives you a great intro to the city’s riverside highlights.
Should I book the one-way or round-trip option?
If you're planning to explore Perth city after your cruise, the one-way option is perfect. But if you’d rather return to Fremantle by water and enjoy the full scenic loop, go for the 2.5-hour round trip.
What’s the best time of day to take the cruise?
Early afternoon departures (12:45pm) are great for photos and sightseeing. The later cruise (3:45pm) can be a bit livelier and gives you a golden-hour view of the river on your way in.
Can I bring food or drinks onboard?
Outside food and drinks aren’t typically allowed, but the cruise has a full bar on board if you’d like to grab a drink or light snack. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Will I see wildlife like dolphins on this cruise?
It’s possible! Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are often spotted swimming near the boat. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, they’re always a welcome surprise.
How much walking is involved?
Very little. The cruise is relaxing and seated, with the option to walk around the deck if you’d like. Once you arrive in Perth, you can choose to explore further on foot, but it’s totally up to you.
Is there any commentary or guide during the cruise?
Yes! Your captain provides live, entertaining commentary as you cruise up the Swan River. It’s light and informative, just enough to give context to what you’re seeing without overwhelming the experience.