swan river cruises fremantle to perth

Fremantle to Perth (Swan River Cruise)

Fremantle, Western Australia

Enjoy wonderful views as you cruise the calm waters between Fremantle and Perth. Captain Cook cruise take you on a comfortable and safe trip back up the Swan River to Perth City. Enjoy glorious views along the River.

DESCRIPTION

• One way scenic river cruise to Perth
• Captain’s commentary (English)
• Full bar facilities on board

Travel from Fremantle to Perth on a relaxing and picturesque Swan River cruise whilst listening to your Captains’ detailed and entertaining commentary.

You’ll journey along the river, admiring the waterfront scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline, upscale suburbs and yacht clubs – not to mention the beautiful cliff faces of Black Wall Reach, the famous Point Walter “Spit” (as the locals call it) and Perth’s iconic “Blue Boat House”, the Crawley Edge Boatshed. 

Disembark in Perth and spend your day exploring the iconic landmarks of Perth’s CBD, shopping mall strips and local eateries.

The evening (after 4:00 pm) ferry is carried out by Rottnest Express and does not include a captain’s commentary 

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10 Best Swan River Cruises to Discover Perth's Waterway Beauty

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

18 MAR 24 . 5 MIN READ . GUIDES

Best Swan River Cruises in Perth

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is home to picturesque beaches, quirky cafes, and a unique lifestyle to blow your mind!

Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Perth is less touristy, which makes it perfect for a laid-back getaway.

And guess what? There’s no better way to discover the beauty of this place than its marvellous cruises!

So, buckle up (or should we say life jacket up?) as we discover the ten best Swan River cruises that promise your holiday filled with joy, awe, and pure delight!

• Swan Valley River Lady Cruise
• Swan River Dinner Cruise With Drinks

Swan River Lunch Cruise

• Swan River Twilight Cruise
• Swan River Gourmet Wine Cruise
• High Tea Swan River Cruise
• Swan River Sunset Cruise
• Swan River Scenic Cruise
• Perth and Fremantle Tour with Optional Swan River Cruise
• Swan River One-Way Cruise

1. Swan Valley River Lady Cruise

Swan valley river lady cruise and winery tour.

Explore the beauty of Swan River on this picturesque two-hour cruise with live entertainment .

Highlights :

• You’ll start your journey with early morning coffee and snacks, followed by wine tasting.
• Stop by two wineries and breweries for wine and beer sampling and a vineyard platter lunch.
• You’ll also enjoy complimentary wine or juice at Houghton Winery.

Unveil everything Swan Valley offers, including beer sampling at a boutique award-winning microbrewery and chocolate tasting at the renowned Whistler’s Chocolate Company.

Address : Barrack Street Jetty, 3 Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia ( map )

Ways to Get There: 

• Barrack Street Jetty is easily accessible via various bus routes and the Elizabeth Quay Train Station.
• If you prefer driving, Barrack Street Jetty offers ample parking facilities.

Pro-Tip : Don’t forget to take some pictures from the cruise deck!

2. Swan River Dinner Cruise With Drinks

Swan river dinner cruise including drinks.

Experience the magic of Perth’s nighttime skyline as you embark on a captivating evening cruise .

Picture yourself reclining in comfort, soaking in the twinkling city lights while indulging in a delectable dinner buffet with mouthwatering desserts.

• Enjoy complimentary wines, beers, and soft drinks on this enchanting chartered boat on Swan River
• Enjoy a dinner buffet with dessert on board.The shimmering city lights create a magical ambience for an unforgettable evenin

Address : Barrack Street Jetty, 3 Birdiya Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia (map)

3. Swan River Lunch Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable Swan River Cruise from Perth to Fremantle , accompanied by fascinating commentary that brings local vibes to this adventure.

Prepare to be mesmerised as you pass by iconic landmarks, including the majestic Bell Tower, the restored Swan Brewery and the grandeur of King’s Park.

Highlights: 

• You’ll get a glimpse of the magnificent mansions that grace the riverbanks and Fremantle’s bustling inner harbour.
• You’ll indulge in a delightful seasonal buffet lunch, followed by a mouthwatering cake dessert, all served onboard.
• And to top it off, enjoy complimentary drinks that will keep your spirits high throughout the cruise.

Ways to Get There :

Pro-Tip : If you want to experience ultimate luxury, try the Swan River Charter Boat Tour.

4. Swan River Twilight Cruise

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ｐｒｉｓｃｉｌｌａ-Ａｎｎｅ Ｊａｃｏｂ (@prissyanne)

As the sun sets, snap selfies against the mesmerising city skyline while sipping a complimentary glass of house wine, beer or soda.

• Operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during December and January
• Get a glimpse of the features of the Perth City skyline
• You can purchase a cheese platter or additional drinks to make the experience even more indulgent.

Address : Barrack Street Jetty, 3 Birdiya Dr, Perth WA 6000, Australia ( map )

5. Swan River Gourmet Wine Cruise

Venture into a unique Australian experience like no other!

Departing from a vibrant capital city by boat, you’ll soon find yourself in an award-winning wine region on the same day.

As you bid farewell to the cityscape, a picturesque landscape unfolds, embracing you in its tranquillity during a leisurely cruise into the upper regions of the Swan Valley.

• Feast on a delectable modern grazing table lunch
• Indulge in a special wine tasting of the finest wines
• Enjoy a delectable dessert on your return journey

As you make your return cruise, be entertained by live performances while savouring irresistible desserts that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Address : Herne Hill WA 6056, Australia ( map )

• Swan Valley can be reached by taking a train to the Midland Train Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Herne Hill, ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey.
• If you prefer driving, Swan Valley offers well-marked routes and ample parking options.

6. High Tea Swan River Cruise

Round up your favourite people and set sail on an unforgettable adventure with the decadent High Tea Cruise along the Swan River.

Be prepared to feast your eyes on stunning views while relishing delectable food and drinks.

Highlights:

• Sip on speciality coffee or unlimited pots of tea at your leisure for a delightful afternoon of cruising
• Informative commentary that highlights crucial landmarks along the foreshore
• Get a glimpse of the picturesque Perth City skyline

Whether it’s a long-awaited meet-up with friends, a baby shower, or a joyous bridal party celebration, this cruise epitomises a perfect day out.

It’s the ultimate excuse to savour a beautiful afternoon on the river in style!

Address : Swan River, Riverside Drive Perth City Foreshore, Perth, Western Australia 6000 Australia ( map )

• You can easily reach Riverside Drive via various bus routes that pass through the area. Additionally, the Elizabeth Quay Train Station is within walking distance.
• If you prefer to drive, there are parking facilities available in the vicinity.
• For a more eco-friendly and scenic option, you can walk or cycle to Riverside Drive from nearby areas.

Pro-Tip: The parking here will get busy in the evenings and weekends.

7. Swan River Sunset Cruise 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Captain Cook Cruises (WA) (@captaincookcruiseswa)

• Embrace the captivating live commentary as you gracefully pass iconic landmarks like the Crown Casino and Old Swan Brewery.
• Marvel at the glittering waterfront of Claisebrook Cove
• Bring the whole family on the cruise

This cruise is an ideal family affair, making it the perfect escapade for everyone to enjoy the beauty of Perth from a whole new perspective.

8. Swan River Scenic Cruise 

Departing from the heart of Perth city centre, you’ll step aboard your boat and let the adventure unfold.

• Sight of the Bell Tower, the old Swan Brewery building, King’s Park, and the Royal Perth Yacht Club
• Indulge in the live commentary that brings the sights to life, providing you with fascinating insights and anecdotes.
• Stay refreshed with onboard drinks and snacks, ensuring you have all the energy you need for a memorable voyage.
• If you prefer driving, Barrack Street Jetty offers ample parking facilities

9. Perth and Fremantle Tour with Optional Swan River Cruise

Wander through the scenic King’s Park Botanic Gardens, admire iconic landmarks like Town Hall and Elizabeth Quay, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Fremantle Markets.

Don’t miss the chance to relax at the picturesque Cottesloe Beach, too!

• Breathtaking views from Kings Park’s treetop walkways.
• Leisure time at Fremantle Markets to explore.
• Optional Swan River cruise, revealing Perth’s beauty from the water.

Address : Crown Perth Food Court, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100, Australia ( map )

• Crown Perth is well-connected through public transport, with regular buses and the Burswood Train Station providing easy access to the food court.
• For those driving, Crown Perth offers convenient parking options at the food court.

10. Swan River One-Way Cruise

• Enjoy stunning views of the Perth City skyline, yacht clubs and riverside mansions.
• Cruise between Perth and Fremantle for a breathtaking journey
• Live commentary from the captain about the sights along the way

Want to quench your thirst? Drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar.

With multiple departure timings, select the departure location and time that suits you best. Get ready to embark on a scenic adventure like no other!

Address : Barrack Street Jetty, Perth WA 6000, Australia ( map )

Get, Set and Sail in Perth!

Among its treasures, Perth, the capital city, shines as one of the country’s finest cruise destinations.

So, don’t wait any longer – plan your trip to Australia and embark on the best cruising experience in the world!

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Western Australia Expert

Swan River Cruises Perth Review 2024

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

A Perth Swan River cruise is one of our favourite things to do when we have visitors as it’s a leisurely way to see some of Perth’s top sights from the water. As you depart the city center, you can admire Perth riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park, and glide past pretty suburbs to reach Fremantle, located where the river meets the Indian Ocean.

There’s the option to take the cruise one way, letting you explore Fremantle in your own time, or book a return ticket.

The Swan River is highly important to the Noongar people as, in dreamtime, the river was made by the Waugal rainbow serpent.

🤩 To Book Tours Direct with the Tour Operators , click the links in the box below

Swan River Cruise Departure Point

The Swan River Cruise from Perth to Fremantle leaves from Barrack Street Jetty, in Elizabeth Quay . This jetty is 400m from the Elizabeth Quay train station and bus port.

The free Blue Cat drops off you off at Barrack Square and the ferry leaves from Mends Street Jetty in South Perth to Elizabeth Quay.

Swan River Cruise Perth to Fremantle

As you leave from Barrack Street jetty, you will have a wonderful view of the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay as you head out. South Perth is on the opposite side of the Swan River and where you will find Perth Zoo.

As you pass under the Narrows Bridge, which allows the freeway to cross the river, you can see Kings Park , one of the cities main attractions. The freeway continues to run alongside the river on the left, while Mounts Bay Road is on the right. This is where you will see The Old Swan Brewery, now apartments, commercial space, and a restaurant, which dates back to 1879. Dave’s grandad worked there, starting his job for Swan Brewery in February 1950. The brewery moved from these premises in 1966 and the building was redeveloped as a commercial precinct. The Traditional Landowners protested due to the site’s ancient and sacred Aboriginal heritage, but the claims were refused.

Keep a look out for the Eliza Sculpture and the famous Blue Boat House, the Crawley Boatshed. Have a look closely at Eliza as she is often seen wearing various outfits. No one is sure who dresses her but she has worn an assortment of clothes including cocktail dresses, Halloween costumes, Christmas outfits, and school uniforms.

Further along, also on the right, is the University of Western Australia, a world top100 university. This university, opened in 1913, it started with 184 students and now has more than 25,000 students enrolled from 100 countries.

Matilda Bay restaurant, Matilda Bay Reserve and Mounts Bay Sailing Club are further on. Matilda Bay restaurant is a lovely place for lunch or dinner overlooking the Swan River with the Perth city skyline in the background. Our favourite is dinner as there’s something special about seeing the city lights while dining on fresh fish alongside a bottle of Pierro Chardonnay. Matilda Reserve is a beautiful picnic spot, so for a cheaper option, grab some food and head here for amazing views.

Past the point is Nedlands, location of the Nedlands Yacht Club and The Perth Flying Squadrum Yacht Club. Opposite is the riverside suburb of Applecross.

From here onwards, you will be in awe of the luxury homes that front onto the river, some with a private jetty. Perth’s most expensive suburb is here, Dalkeith, with the median house price in May 2021 of A$2.56 million. Although Mosman Park, further along the river, broke the record in 2009 for Australia’s most expensive house, bought by Mineral Resources founder Chris Ellison for A$57.5 million. It still remains Perth’s most expensive home.

As you approach Point Walter, you will see the sand bar, or the spit as us locals call it. The river narrows here between Chidley Point and Blackwall Reach, where you can see the 8m limestone Blackwall Reach Cliffs. This is the deepest part of the Swan River and a popular place for cliff jumping, but people have died doing this, so a sign has now been erected to warn against it. If you want a close up view, consider a Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour like this one that goes from East Fremantle into Bicton Bay and then along the cliff face.

Point Walter was previously known as Dyoondalup, meaning “place of white sand” and the Blackwall Reach area was known as Jennalup, “place of feet”. This area was traditionally a place for Aboriginal women and children.

As you near the end of the river, you pass East Fremantle with yacht clubs and The Left Bank, a popular “Sunday session” pub. The cruise boat docks at Victoria Quay, where you can easily walk into town or catch one of the free CAT buses .

Once you finished exploring Fremantle, you can take the train back into Perth.

Where to buy tickets for your Perth to Fremantle Swan River cruise

Tickets through Viator, offer free cancellation for ease of mind, along with lowest price guarantee. When checking the cost of tickets, Viator were the same price as booking direct, but with the free cancellation bonus. However, if booking a family ticket, it is cheaper to book direct.

See more Swan River cruise options, including return journeys, Swan Valley wine cruises, dinner or lunch cruises and much more by clicking on the Viator link below.

Other Things To Do in Perth and Western Australia

For more information on things to do and travel tips, read this ultimate Western Australia Travel Guide .

Accommodation in Fremantle

Fremantle has a range of accommodation to suit most budgets including hotels, apartments, bed & breakfast, motels, and backpackers.

My choice of where to stay in Fremantle:

The National Hotel

The highly-rated National Hotel has been refurbished to include 12 luxury styled ensuite rooms, a spectacular rooftop bar, and a restaurant right in the heart of Fremantle.

Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle

The unique boutique Hougoumont Hotel has been purpose-built using innovative sea container construction and offers a fabulous intimate stay.

Be. Fremantle

Choose from studio, one, two or three bedroom apartments where every apartment enjoys beautiful water views.

Quest Fremantle

This aparthotel features rooms with a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, a dishwasher, kettle, and an oven, located in the West End.

Fothergills of Fremantle

This bed & breakfast offers a choice of buffet breakfast or continental. Rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge.

Find More Accommodation Options in Fremantle Here

If you’ve read other posts, you will know that I book a lot of accommodation through Booking.com as they are normally the cheapest and offer free cancellation on most rooms.

Western Australia Travel Guide

For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.

Save Money Planning Your Trip

Click on the links, which will take you directly to the website.

We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

For pet sitting in Western Australia and worldwide, we are members of Trusted Housesitters . Free accommodation for pet and house sitting.

Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use  Discover Cars , an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, and Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More  and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel. See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

If you found this Swan River Cruise guide helpful, please consider booking through one of our links. It won’t cost you anything but will help towards the cost of running this site. Thank you.

• Experiences
• SeaLink Rottnest... SeaLink Rottnest Island – B Shed Fremantle
• Perth: Explore F... Perth: Explore Fremantle on a Return Scenic Swan River Cruise Tour

Perth: Explore Fremantle on a Return Scenic Swan River Cruise Tour

Make a day of it away in Fremantle with free time to explore this iconic Port City! Take in all the sights and sounds of the Swan River as you glide on the calm waters between Fremantle and Perth. Once you arrive in this harbour town, hop off and wander through the city's historic streets and architecture at your own pace. Take the time to explore the Cappuccino Strip, Fishing Boat Harbour and the many sights and museums Fremantle has to offer until you depart on your return cruise back to Perth.

• Valid for one infant (0–3), one child (4–12) or one adult (13+)
• Return Swan River cruise to Fremantle from Perth
• Three hours (approximately) free time to explore Fremantle at your leisure
• Extended return Swan River cruise
• Captain’s commentary
• Full bar facilities on board (own expense)
• Unreserved seating
• Available: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Departs Perth at 11.15am, returns 5pm (approximately)
• Bookings valid to 31 March 2024

Pricing & availability

Things to know.

Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.

• From 3 days before your chosen date, onwards - Non-refundable
• Up to 7 days after purchase (and at least 3 days before your chosen date) - 100%

Cancellations

• If more than 72 hours’ notice is given prior to the cruise departure, then a full refund is available, minus any applicable catering charges
• If less than 72 hours’ notice is given, a 100% cancellation fee applies
• Late arrivals and no-shows voids offer

Changes to Booking

72 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made

Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Availability:

• Available: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Departs Perth: 11.15am-5pm
• Not valid: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Good Friday
• Check-in for your cruise is required at least 30 minutes prior to cruise departure at ticket counter Perth (Pier 3, Barrack St Jetty, Perth), to collect your boarding passes
• Boarding closes 10 minutes prior to cruise departure. Captain Cook Cruises (WA) advises all passengers to pre-book tickets. The operator cannot guarantee passengers will be able to book if they walk up on the day as the cruise may be fully booked
• Parking is limited at Perth departure point. Public transport is recommended where possible. The closest paid public parking space in Perth is City Of Perth, Terrace Road Car Park
• Cruise route is subject to change depending on weather and/or water conditions
• A vessel may be substituted by a coach due for any reason, including high water levels and mechanical issues
• Mobility access, such as for a wheelchair, scooter, walking frame or pram, is limited and only available on some vessels. It is essential that you consult a Captain Cook Cruises (WA) reservations staff member prior to your cruise regarding mobility access. Captain Cook Cruises (WA) staff are not permitted to assist with the lifting of a wheelchair due to occupational health & safety legislation
• Captain Cook Cruises is proudly 100% non-smoking on all public cruises
• Captain Cook Cruises (WA) do not accommodate bucks parties for private or public cruises

Terms & Conditions:

• A minimum number of passengers may be required to ensure departure. Captain Cook Cruises (WA) reserves the right to cancel cruises for this reason at any time
• Captain Cook Cruises (WA) reserves the right to alter schedules, prices, and substitute one vessel for another if considered necessary and without notice. All images used in printed material and on this website are used for representation only and may not be exact to cruise departing
• Captain Cook Cruises (WA) aims to provide responsible service and a safe secure environment for both patrons and employees. Captain Cook Cruises (WA) abides by the liquor act, the gaming act and other statutory requirements. All vessels are licensed therefore, no BYO is permitted. Must be aged 18+ for alcohol consumption
• Amendments to package may be made by Captain Cook Cruises (WA) in the event of situations outside of their control such as but not limited to: high tides, river conditions, weather, forces of nature, pandemics and so on
• For full Terms and Conditions, see here: https://www.captaincookcruises.com.au/contact/terms-and-conditions

Please Note:

• Maximum one redeemable per booking. Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
• Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused portions will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
• The destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your visit
• We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website

Captain Cook Cruises Perth

Discover the wonder in Western Australia with a range of cruise options from Perth or Freemantle with Captain Cook Cruises Perth. With five decades of experience in premier cruise lining, Captian Cook Cruises offer premium private charters, events, dining cruises and sightseeing cruises perfect for you and your family.