Perth's soothing Swan River is the backdrop of Elizabeth Quay and the historic Barrack Street Jetty. Take advantage of a wide range of activities, from leisurely strolls along the river's edge, to trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants, to playgrounds for children, and even a visit to the controversial-yet-unmissable Bell Tower.
From Barrack Street Jetty, catch a sunset or dinner cruise along the Swan River, a ferry to Rottnest Island, or even join a cycling or Segway tour to explore Perth city. The constantly-developing waterfront area doubles as one of Perth's most popular locations for events, concerts, and pop-up markets.
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Who Will Like Barrack Street Jetty and Elizabeth Quay
Food Connoisseur
Choose from a handful waterfront restaurants specializing in seafood or, check the events calendar for upcoming pop-up themed food markets.
Recreational Athlete
Start your cycle, walk or jog around the 10km Swan River loop from the jetty (the circuit crosses two bridges) before returning to rest and grab a bite to eat.
Bucketlist Bandit
Catch a sightseeing ferry from Barrack Street Jetty and cruise along the calm Swan River. For a full-day trip, sail down the river to Fremantle and onwards to Rottnest Island.
Photography Whiz
Find yourself in a photographer’s playground surrounded by towering buildings and the unique angles of The Bell Tower, pedestrian bridge, and Spanda.
Fun Expert
Spend a day on the waterfront and let your kids play in the water playground.
Video
Where Is It
How To Get There
Car
Few parking bays available at Barrack Street Jetty with a 2-3-hour time limit.
$4/hr (USD$2.62 / hr)
Car
The closest large parking lot is City of Perth Parking (CPP) Terrace Road Car Park. Payment machines accept cash and credit card.
$4/hr (USD$2.62 / hr)
Bus (Blue CATStop 1)
Free CAT Bus operates within Perth City and stops at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station.
Rideshare
Drop-off points outside Elizabeth Quay or Barrack Street Jetty.
Taxi
The most popular taxi companies are Swan Taxis and Black & White Cabs which both have dedicated smartphone apps.
What To Bring
- Sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Swimsuits for children only.
- Camera.
- Bicycles and scooters, but stay within the cycling lane.
- Kayaks or boards to take along the river.
- Well behaved dogs. Keep dogs on leads and don’t take them into restaurants, cafes, or other businesses.
- Picnic lunch to enjoy on the banks of the Swan River.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Golden Hour
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Tips: Flying a drone low above the river, facing northeast towards the city center will give a sense of scale to this waterfront development.
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Amano Restaurant - Italian restaurant specializing in seafood.
Annalakshmi on the Swan - Pay as you feel Indian restaurant with a vegetarian menu.
Riverside Café - Casual café serving barista coffee, light meals, and cocktails.
The Lucky Shag - Casual pub extending over the water at Barrack Street Jetty.
The Reveley - Ground floor restaurant with a rooftop bar.
The Island at Elizabeth Quay - Craft brewery serving beer, sider, and casual meals like burgers, fish and chips, salad, and pizza.
Rubra on Swan - Local coffee roaster attached to the West Australian Rowing Club.
Gusto Gelato - West Australian gelato chain with over 20 flavors including vegan, dairy free, and gluten free options.
Backstory
The Swan River and Barrack Street Jetty have been central to Perth since the city's original settlement as The Swan River Colony by Captain James Stirling in 1829. Between 1829 and the 1880s, the river was the main transport and supply route between Perth, Fremantle and Guildford. Today it has 6 jetties from which ferries and cruise boats depart for South Perth, the Swan Valley, Fremantle, and Rottnest Island.
Redevelopment of the Swan River foreshore was prompted by the donation of bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The Western Australian State Government decided to house the bells in an iconic glass bell tower in front of the Barrack Street Jetty and rename the bells to the Swan Bells. The tower construction was completed in 2000 and sparked the redevelopment of the entire waterfront area under the banner Elizabeth Quay, with construction of the inlet and associated infrastructure completed in 2016. The development of several luxury hotels and commercial skyscrapers are currently underway with most completion dates scheduled between 2023 and 2024.
Etiquette
- Give way to cyclists when walking on shared paths.
- Swim in the river.
- Touch or feed native birds including pelicans, seagulls, and swans.
- Throw rubbish into the river.
Scorecard
- Variety of restaurants and activities within the waterfront area.
- Pedestrian and cycling circuits for free exercise.
- Unique architecture with interesting shapes and angles.
- Views over the Swan River with city-scape reflections at night.
- Average customer service at most cafes and restaurants.
- Limited promotion and information on scheduled events and activities.
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But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
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