Swan River Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Swan River. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Discover Rottnest With Ferry and Bus Tour

• Swan Valley Wine Cruise

• Adventure Rottnest Tour With Ferry and Adventure Cruise

• Perth to Rottnest Island Round-Trip Ferry Ticket

• Swan Valley River Cruise and Wine Tasting Day Trip From Perth

It costs nothing to see the Swan River as it flows past Perth, but guided tours and cruises can help you better experience everything it has to offer. River cruises start at around US$36, but expect to pay closer to US$95 for ones that include lunch. There are also river cruises that explore the Swan Valley, priced at roughly US$145 and including wine tasting.

Yes, it's worth visiting the Swan River during your time in Perth for many reasons. Not only can you enjoy views of the river from the city, but the views of Perth from the river are excellent as well. Taking this scenic river is also one of the best ways to explore the wineries of the Swan Valley or to start a day trip to Rottnest Island.

Per one customer who booked the Swan Valley Wine Cruise, "An amazing day cruising the Swan River. Delicious wine, yummy food, great staff, amazing music. Do yourself a favour and book this cruise. An absolutely amazing day. Will definitely do it again when we are back in Perth."

The Swan River runs for 45 miles (72 kilometers), largely through metropolitan Perth. On a river cruise or kayak, you’ll see the Perth city skyline, Kings Park, the iconic Swan Bells, the vineyard-rich Swan Valley, the cliffs of Blackwall Reach, and the golden-hued Point Walter spit.

Most cruises along Australia’s Swan River operate largely out of Perth. You can prebook online to secure the date and time that works for you. Cruises on the Swan River pass top attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park.

While you won’t find wildlife tours on the Swan River like on the Amazon, you will find outfitters focusing on the river's natural side and its flora and fauna. Take a tour that visits Rottnest Island, for example, and you might spot dolphins, pelicans, eagles, black swans, and parrots.

Yes, you can rent a private boat for a cruise on the Swan River. Multiple Perth-based companies will help you charter a vessel. Get on the water for an afternoon adventure, or opt for a romantic, music-filled nighttime excursion. Some companies will provide a captain, so you can relax.

The best time of year for a Swan River cruise is typically spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May). However, Perth’s weather is as gorgeous as it comes, with mild temps year-round. Be prepared for the rainier days of June through August.

The typical duration of a Swan River Cruise varies depending on the outfitter and type of excursion, though most last two to three hours. Generally, sightseeing tours are shorter than dinner cruises. And, of course, you can always charter a boat for a half-day or full-day adventure.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Swan River. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Perth:

• Rottnest Island

• Pinnacles Desert

• Margaret River

• Hillarys Boat Harbour

• Lancelin Sand Dunes

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Perth.