Swan River Scenic Cruise
Badge of Excellence
Perth, Australia
- 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
See some of Perth’s top sights from the water on a leisurely Swan River cruise. As you depart the city center, 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. Choose a departure time when booking.
- Scenic Swan River cruise from Perth
- See many sights including the Bell Tower, Kings Park, and the Fremantle harbor
- Live commentary
- Plenty of photo opportunities
What's Included
- Captain’s commentary
- Full bar facilities available on board
- Return Cruise from either Perth or Fremantle
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket Redemption Points
Itinerary
Your cruise starts in central Perth, where you board your boat and set off down the Swan River, catching sight of landmarks like the Bell Tower, the old Swan Brewery building, Kings Park, and the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Float past the city’s upscale suburbs to admire waterfront homes, and take in the bustling inner harbor of Fremantle, a historical port city on the other side of the river.
Listen to commentary from your captain, who turns around at Fremantle to make the return trip to Perth.
Your cruise ends when you arrive back at the starting point.
Listen to commentary from your captain, who turns around at Fremantle to make the return trip to Perth.
Your cruise ends when you arrive back at the starting point.
Swan River (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Contact the activity provider if anyone in your group has a mobility aid (wheelchair, walking frame, or a pram) as each vessel has different accessibility levels. Toilets may be located downstairs on the lower deck of the vessel.
- Minimum age is 18 years to consume alcohol
- Limited paid parking is available near the departure point. Please allow ample time for parking. Public transportation or a ride share is recommended
- Vessel and cruise route are subject to change if considered necessary and without notice.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sam_F
Trip was a lovely cruise down the Swan River, and had a very friendly and informative captain. Loved learning about all of the places as we sailed past them. Took loads of pictures as well. It was very good to learn about Perth on our first trip to the city.
The crew were also very friendly and welcoming.
Would definitely recommend this.
Reviews
4.3
based on 370 reviews
Sandra_S, Mar 2026
Really great way to see both cities and in-between from the water!!!! Have no idea what else I could possibly say!!!!!
Sam_F, Mar 2026
Trip was a lovely cruise down the Swan River, and had a very friendly and informative captain. Loved learning about all of the places as we sailed past them. Took loads of pictures as well. It was very good to learn about Perth on our first trip to the city.
The crew were also very friendly and welcoming.
Would definitely recommend this.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you do much Sam for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Sounds like you had a great time with us, and the Swan River provides a beautiful backdrop to our city!
Joe_G, Mar 2026
It was a good long tour of the Swan River, I enjoyed the commentary and the view from the upper deck.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Great to hear, thanks for your review Joe. A cruise is the best way to enjoy views of the beautiful Swan River!
Tim_H, Mar 2026
Fantastic trip, fully entertained by captain, wonderfull stall on board, if I had to find a fault, it would be, was told where to go, but there was no one upstairs, so we didn’t know where to sit.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for your feedback Tim, sounds like you enjoyed your time on our Swan River cruise, thank you for choosing Captain Cook Cruises.
Jacqui_C, Feb 2026
A great way to see Perth and Fremantle from the water. Good informative commentary. Gentle ride with great views.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Wonderful to hear, thanks for your feedback!
Tracy_B, Feb 2026
The staff are amazing and you can tell they enjoy their jobs, the staff are very happy the cruise was very laid back and enjoyable, the commentary on the local knowledge is also a bonus.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Brilliant to hear, thank you for choosing Captain Cook Cruises!
David_H, Feb 2026
get there early to get a good seat
get there early to get a good seat
get there early to get a good seat
get there early to get a good seat
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks for your feedback David - we truly hope that you did get a good seat on the cruise and that you had a great experience with us!
Aleksander_P, Feb 2026
Apart from the joy of being of the river, the narrative was very informative and helpful. Also, on-board service was great.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Wonderful to hear, thank you for choosing Captain Cook Cruises!
Melissa_D, Jan 2026
Beautiful scenery along the river. What a great way to travel between the two cities!
Captains commentary only enhanced the trop
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We agree, a cruise is the absolute best way to travel between Perth and Fremantle and vice versa!
Carol_I, Jan 2026
Cute little river cruise, It's a nice way to spend a few hours. We did roundtrip from Freemantle to Perth and back. And lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins near Freemantle.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Yes, a cruise is a great way to experience the Swan River, and we often see dolphins too!
Judy_M, Jan 2026
Pleasant boat trip. Interesting experience - as a local I learned a few things I didn’t know. Good service
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Great, we love to welcome our locals on board, as well as visitors to Perth!
Graham_C, Jan 2026
A very nice ferry ride from perth to freo and back and very good commerty from captain above all of perth
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Great to hear, thank you for cruising the Swan River with us!
Mel_A, Dec 2025
Lovely day out in the sun enjoying the views and chilling. It was a fun way to see Fremantle and Perth.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Wonderful to hear, and we agree, cruising on the beautiful Swan River is hard to beat!
Fan_C, Dec 2025
Make sure to book the lunch option. That’s the only way to guarantee a seat. We have booked scenic tour and were told may not have a seat by the staff. I enquired about purchasing some food and was told “no”, we still need to move. My suggestion is if you have pre booked seats, isolate them to a certain area. Asking people to move wherever they sat to make room for the other people is insulting. Especially after a few times and available spaces are running out.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We are sorry to read about your experience on our Scenic River Cruise, this clearly detracted from your day out and we apologise for this. Swan River Lunch Cruises must be prebooked but we do sell toasted wraps and other light snacks on board at the bar. We also have designated seating areas for lunch and for scenic cruise customers, so we will follow up with our team regarding your feedback. Thank you again for letting us know.
Alexander_W, Dec 2025
The cruise experience is very good but on board availability of food was limited and the bar on the top deck was closed
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us. We will certainly take on your feedback about the snack choice and top deck bar. Thank you for your feedback.
Helen_W, Dec 2025
Boat is beautiful with plenty of seating, big windows and bar serving drinks. We experienced a thunderstorm which was spectacular. The only negative is the seats could do with softer cushions
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us Helen, sounds like you have a lovely afternoon, even with the storm happening!
Melissa_I, Dec 2025
Very relaxing cruise down the Swan River between Perth and Fremantle. Great crew and a running commentary about the area.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
So good to hear, thanks for letting us know your thoughts Melissa!
Terry_F, Nov 2025
We could not find any numbering on the piers, so eventually had to check with staff.
An indicator board detailing name of sailing, destination and return time would have been very helpful. A number of people asking "is this the boat for Swan River cruise".
Otherwise great trip Perth Freemantle return
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks for your feedback Terry. Yes, the numbers for each of the Piers at Barrack Street Jetty are located quite high on the signage (not at eye level), so we are pleased that you found us. We are always working to improve signage in the area. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the cruise!
Veronica_O, Nov 2025
Despite there being many wall mounted speakers and a commentary throughout the tour, many people talking drowned out the voice, making it almost impossible to hear the information provided.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks for your feedback and we are sorry to learn that you could not hear the commentary. We actually have maps on board the vessel, which have a QR code to scan, where you can read the commentary or even listen to it (out load or via headphones) in many different languages. We will follow up with our Crew to ensure that these maps are being made readily available.
Sheila_D, Nov 2025
Great and friendly staff tour available for everyone and met some great people some from Victoria great day had by all
Response from Host, Nov 2025
How wonderful to hear - thanks so much Sheila for letting us know!
Chris_D, Nov 2025
Very relaxing Cruise with so much to
see along the way. Very enjoyable experience, would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much Chris, very happy to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us!
Barry_D, Nov 2025
The steps are a little awkward for the elderly and children. Table service would benefit the disabled and others.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your feedback Barry; we do have the QR code option for those wishing to order drinks or snacks from the table, but understand that this option doesn't work for everyone. Thank you for your booking.
John_S, Nov 2025
It was awaste of time 120 dollars to get a ride to Fremantle we got off and caught a train back no food we did the same thing going across to Rottnes 120 dollars for what nevere again
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Oh no, we are so sorry to read your review. Our Swan River Scenic River Cruise is enjoyed by many of our customers as a great way to see the Swan River with commentary, and we do have drinks, toasted sandwiches, and other snacks available to purchase on all of our departures. And Rottnest Island is so popular with visitors and locals alike to experience the beautiful beaches and scenery, and the Quokka's too, of course. Maybe we can tempt you back with us another time in the future!
Toni_L, Oct 2025
Such a relaxing time with commentary staff were always smiling and professional. Nice way to spend the afternoon.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for your feedback Toni, sounds like you did indeed have a relaxing time on our cruise, which is wonderful.
Stephen_J, Oct 2025
Relaxing way to see the Swan River sights between Perth and Freemantle. Friendly helpful staff. Plenty of room on vessel to spread out - didn't feel cramped at all. Weather wasn't the best so it was a great way to spend 3 hours. Cheers Steve
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks so much for your review Steve. We agree, a cruise on the Swan River is really the best way to experience the city from the water, rain, hail or shine!
Rachel_G, Oct 2025
Lovely experience, nice relaxing cruise.
The commentary was very informative. We really enjoyed the day
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So good to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us, thank you for your feedback.
Julie_C, Oct 2025
Worth the visit, amazing staff, very friendly and helpful.Recommend to older persons, staff very accommodating of needs
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Such lovely feedback Julie, thank you. Our team are amazing and love to ensure our guests receive great service. Thank you for sharing that you would recommend our experience to others. Paige, Captain Cook Cruises.
suzanne_c, Oct 2025
Sat outside, a bit chilly but well worth the Open views! Cloudy but the Sun managed it occasionally! Booked trip the same day which was great as cancelled another tour as due to rain all day!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed the views and were able to enjoy the sights of the beautiful Swan River. Paige, Captain Cook Cruises.
Lisa_C, Sep 2025
The trip was Simply brilliant. Excellent staff and perfect weather great coffee. What more can I say.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
What you have said sounds perfect to me Lisa! Thank you for your feedback; we are happy to hear you had such a brilliant experience. Paige, Captain Cook Cruises.
Janine_D, Sep 2025
Wonderfully relaxing and informative. Loved hearing about how Perth was named ‘The city of Light’. Amazing. What a beautiful water way for all to enjoy.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Isn't it just a beautiful story Janine! Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we are so pleased you had an amazing time. Paige, Captain Cook Cruises.
From $45.35
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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