About this park
It’s a pretty spot to relax and chill with family and friends.
The river is sheltered, calm and perfect for a cooling swim in summer or a paddle on your kayak. Alternatively, just sit under a shady tree and watch the boats go by.
Meals, snacks and drinks can be purchased at the Bayside Kitchen café, or you can reserve a place at the Matilda Bay Restaurant for food, wine and functions. Free electric barbecues are also provided.
The Swan River is home to about 20 dolphins which can sometimes be seen from the shore. There are a variety of water birds including pelicans, swans, ducks, terns, herons and cormorants.
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about swimming, and fishing, paddling and kayaking. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
Gallery
Holding a function or event at Matilda Bay
The stunning backdrop of the Swan River and Perth city skyline make this place a popular site for social functions such as staff Christmas parties, birthdays and weddings.
See the Matilda Bay Functions page for more details and the functions booking form.
Every kid in a park
The Every Kid in a Park project, by Nature Play WA, connects kids with WA's greatest assets - the amazing outdoors!
It supports families of children of all abilities in accessing and enjoying local parks, nature reserves, beaches, and national parks all around Western Australia with free resources such as an app, an activity booklet and much more.
Discover family resources for exploring Matilda Bay Reserve at Nature Play WA.
Play Trail: Scavenger hunt in Matilda Bay
Explore a series of outdoor trail scavenger hunts that provide a super fun and unique way to explore walk trails, historic buildings, artworks, playgrounds, the environment and more! These are all available for free in the Nature Pay WA Play Trails app - iPhone and Android.
Activities
Bird watching
Boating
Canoeing and kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Picnicking
Snorkelling
Swimming
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Matilda Bay Reserve.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the Traditional Owners of Matilda Bay Reserve.