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Top things to do in Perth

Person smiling with a quokka on Rottnest Island during a ferry and adventure boat tour.

Rottnest Island Tours

from

AU$64

Jewel Cave entrance in Margaret River, featuring a cave explorer cutout and surrounding greenery.

Margaret River Caves

from

AU$18

Optus Stadium in Perth at sunset with city skyline in the background.

The Optus Stadium Tour

from

AU$37

Pinnacles Desert limestone formations under clear blue sky in Western Australia.

Pinnacles Desert Tours

from

AU$199

Margaret River Lighthouse with surrounding greenery and wooden walkway.

Margaret River Lighthouse Tours

from

AU$18

Fringed by bushland and bathed in sunshine, Perth is a city that lives and breathes by its river. 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.

Highlights of the tour

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The Bell Tower

You’ll spot this striking glass spire right at the start of your cruise. Home to the historic 14th-century bells of St. Martin-in-the-Fields (yes, from London!), it’s one of Perth’s most unique architectural icons. If you’re into skyline photos, this is your first golden shot.

Swan Brewery

Once the beating heart of Perth’s brewing scene, the Old Swan Brewery sits at the base of Kings Park and dates back to the 1870s. Its striking red-brick façade is a reminder of WA’s colonial-era industry, now repurposed into riverside dining and commercial spaces.

Kings Park

Now, this one’s hard to miss. One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park sits high above the river with sweeping views and more wildflowers than you can count. From the boat, it’s a wall of green but you should know that it hides trails, memorials, and even a DNA-shaped walkway inside.

Royal Perth Yacht Club

As you cruise past, you’ll see rows of sleek white yachts lined up. This isn’t just any marina, this club has a serious sailing heritage. In fact, it was once the challenger in the America’s Cup.

Point Walter

Keep your eyes peeled as you approach this sandy spit jutting into the Swan. It’s a favourite weekend picnic spot for locals. With pelicans on the sandbars and people paddleboarding past, this part of the river feels a bit like nature's lounge room. Great spot for watching river life unfold.

The Blue Boathouse

You’ll probably recognize this before you even get there cause it’s all over Instagram. This little shed in the water, officially known as Crawley Edge Boatshed, has become the photo-op in Perth. From the river, you get the original angle and no crowds in your frame.

Wildlife watch: Black Swans & Stingrays

Keep an eye on the surface and just below it. The river’s named after the elegant black swans you’ll often see gliding alongside the boat. If the water’s clear, you might also spot a stingray cruising the shallows near Point Walter.

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 which is 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. You can then grab lunch or explore 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

  • 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, 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

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.