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Swan River Cruise from Perth: Why this scenic cruise wins

Multiple route options

Frequent departures

Scenic views

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Cruise boat on Swan River with Perth skyline in the background.

Captain Cook Cruises staff welcoming passengers aboard at the dock.

Cruise guests enjoying drinks with Perth skyline in the background.

Pilot steering Fremantle Swan River Scenic Cruise with Perth skyline in view.

Swan Brewery on Swan River with surrounding greenery in Perth, Australia.

Swan Bell Tower in Perth with glass observation deck and copper sails.

Server offering wine to a guest on a Swan River dining cruise.

Kings Park landscape with lush greenery and war memorial in Perth, Australia.

From Perth: Swan River Scenic Cruise

from

AU$45

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

1 hr 15 min - 5 hr 45 min

Itinerary

TOTAL DURATION75 minutes

FREQUENCY11.15am, 2.15pm

MODE OF TRANSFERCruise Ship

Timeline

Map

START POINT

Barrack Street Jetty

Get direction

Start your journey from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth, 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

END POINT

2 ending points available

1. E Shed

Get direction

End your journey at Fremantle where you can get down and explore the city’s vibrant CBD, riverside parks, and dining hubs.

2. Barrack Street Jetty

Make a day of it—cruise the Swan River and enjoy free time to explore Fremantle’s vibrant port city.

Starting point: Perth Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of the city
Everything you get: Swan River cruise (Perth–Fremantle–Perth), expert Captain’s live commentary, access to a full bar on board, and unreserved seating.
Sights covered: Swan River’s scenic waterfront, Perth skyline, historic Fremantle port, and iconic riverside landmarks
Why choose this: Combines a relaxing river cruise with the freedom to discover Fremantle’s cafes, museums, and harbourside charm—no rush, just pure exploration.
Upgrades: Choose a round-trip cruise for double the river views, or add free time in Fremantle to explore the historic port city before returning.

Make a day of it—cruise the Swan River and enjoy free time to explore Fremantle’s vibrant port city.

Starting point: Perth Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of the city
Everything you get: Swan River cruise (Perth–Fremantle–Perth), expert Captain’s live commentary, access to a full bar on board, and unreserved seating.
Sights covered: Swan River’s scenic waterfront, Perth skyline, historic Fremantle port, and iconic riverside landmarks
Why choose this: Combines a relaxing river cruise with the freedom to discover Fremantle’s cafes, museums, and harbourside charm—no rush, just pure exploration.
Upgrades: Choose a round-trip cruise for double the river views, or add free time in Fremantle to explore the historic port city before returning.

Inclusions

One-way cruise from Perth
Round-trip cruise from Perth (as per option selected)
Captain’s commentary
Free time in Fremantle (as per option selected)

Tip: Keep an eye out for black swans and stingrays 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.
Both the one-way cruise and the round-trip cruise depart at 11:15am and 2:15pm.
If you opt for the round-trip cruise + Fremantle explorer, please note that the cruise departs from Perth at 11:15am. After spending some free time in Fremantle, the return cruise departs from Fremantle at 3:45pm.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Swan River Cruise from Perth

Perth doesn’t just shine under the sun, it sparkles on the water too. And there’s no better way to take it all in than from the deck of a Swan River cruise. Starting from Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of the city, you’ll float past skyline icons, leafy parks, historic breweries, and boatsheds that have launched a thousand Instagram posts. You can go one way to Fremantle or make a day of it with a full round trip. Either way, you’re in for a laid-back ride with big views, open skies, and a bit of old-school river charm.

Why go on a Swan River Cruise from Perth?

It’s the most relaxed way to explore Perth’s riverside charm

Instead of walking or driving, you just sit back with a drink in hand and watch the city roll by. You’ll glide past Kings Park, the Bell Tower, Blackwall Reach. It's a sightseeing tour worth experiencing, and the commentary makes sure you catch the good stories too.

You can pair it with a Fremantle day trip

If you’ve got time, choose the cruise that includes free time in Fremantle. Stroll the local markets, try fish and chips at the harbour, and soak up that bohemian port town energy before you cruise back.

It works for both tight and open schedules

Whether you’ve got a spare 75 minutes or want to make a half-day of it, there’s a cruise for you. All three options run daily and leave from a central location in Perth, making it super easy to plan around.

The riverside landmarks are more stunning from the water

From the historic Swan Brewery nestled at the foot of Kings Park to the much-photographed Blue Boat House near Crawley Edge, you’ll cruise past Perth’s riverside icons with uninterrupted views from the water.

Swan River Cruise from Perth: Tour Options

Duration

You’ve got three ways to do this. Choose a one-way cruise to Fremantle (about 1 hr 15 min), a round-trip to enjoy the return journey as well (around 2.5 hrs), or go for the round-trip with Fremantle exploration—a full day out with 2–3 hrs of free time in the port city.

Departure points

All cruises start from Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of Perth. If you’re going one-way, you’ll disembark at E Shed in Fremantle. If you’ve picked a round-trip or Fremantle explorer option, you’ll cruise back to where you started.

What you get

Expect live captain’s commentary, unreserved seating (so you can move around), and access to a fully licensed onboard bar. You’ll sail past riverside icons like Kings Park, the Blue Boat House, and more. It's scenic, breezy, and super relaxed.

Extras

Want more out of your cruise? Opt for the round-trip for double the views, or explore Fremantle on your own. You can wander through markets, galleries, and old port streets. You’ll be back in Perth by late afternoon, no stress.

Swan River Cruise from Perth itinerary

Start your cruise at Barrack Street Jetty in central Perth. It’s easy to reach and right next to Elizabeth Quay.
Sail past the Bell Tower, one of Perth’s modern icons with sweeping river views.
Cruise alongside Kings Park, perched high above the river with panoramic skyline views.
Spot the Swan Brewery, a riverside landmark with heritage architecture and a local legacy.
Glide by the Royal Perth Yacht Club, with its white sails and impressive racing history.
Cruise past Point Walter, known for its long sandbar and flocks of black swans.
Snap a photo of the Blue Boat House, Perth’s most Instagrammed riverside icon.
One-way cruise ends at E Shed, Fremantle—perfect for grabbing lunch or exploring the markets.
Round-trip cruises bring you back to Barrack Street Jetty in Perth with full river views both ways.
Fremantle Explorer option includes 2–3 hours of free time to explore cafés, museums, or the portside streets before your return cruise.

Plan your visit

Timings

Getting there

Accessibility

What to bring

All three cruise options set sail at 11:15am from Barrack Street Jetty.
If you’re wondering about the best time to go, mid-morning is ideal. The lighting is great for photos, the water is calm, and the breeze is just right. Plus, you’ll beat the afternoon winds that sometimes pick up along the coast.

All Swan River cruises depart from Barrack Street Jetty. If you're already in the city, you can easily walk there, it's just a few minutes from Elizabeth Quay Station and most central hotels.
Jump on any train to Elizabeth Quay Station or catch a bus to St Georges Terrace. From there, it’s a short, scenic stroll down to the riverfront.
If you’re driving, nearby paid parking is available at Terrace Road Car Park or Convention Centre Parking.

The cruise vessels are not wheelchair accessible.
Also know that the seating is unreserved.

A light jacket. It can get breezy on the water, even on sunny days.
Sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you’re sitting on the open deck.
A reusable water bottle (or grab a drink from the onboard bar).
Your camera or phone. It’s worth capturing the views of the Perth skyline and riverside landmarks are photo-worthy.
Comfortable shoes if you’re planning to explore Fremantle.
More importantly your booking confirmation.
Optional: a good book or earbuds for the return leg if you're just here to relax.

Frequently asked questions about the Swan River Cruise from Perth

What’s the difference between the one-way, round-trip, and Fremantle exploration cruises?

The one-way cruise takes you from Perth to Fremantle (or vice versa), ideal if you’re continuing your day in Fremantle. The round-trip gives you a return cruise with river views both ways. The Fremantle exploration option includes free time in Fremantle before cruising back.

Where does the cruise depart from?

All cruises start at Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s city centre. If you’re taking the one-way option, you’ll disembark at E Shed in Fremantle. Round-trip options return you to Barrack Street.

Can I bring food or drinks on board?

There’s a fully licensed bar on board with drinks available for purchase, but outside food and beverages generally aren’t permitted.

Is seating reserved?

Nope! Seating is open and unreserved, so if you want that top-deck view, it’s a good idea to arrive a little early and pick your spot.

Is the cruise suitable for kids or families?

Definitely. Kids love being out on the water, and with calm river conditions and sights like the Blue Boat House and passing yachts, there’s plenty to keep them engaged. Plus, there’s no risk of boredom since it’s short and scenic.

Will I see wildlife on the Swan River cruise?

You might! Keep an eye out for black swans (yep, that’s what the river is named after), pelicans, and even stingrays near the shallows at Point Walter. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching.

Can I use public transport to get to the departure point?

Yes, Barrack Street Jetty is right near Elizabeth Quay Station and bus stops. It’s an easy walk from most parts of Perth’s CBD.