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  1. Home
  2. Destination Perth
  3. Perth
  4. Matilda Bay Reserve

Matilda Bay Reserve

We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Matilda Bay Reserve.

Reserved for you! A grassy, shady spot with front-row views of the river and the city.

Dogs allowed

No park entry fee

Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA
  • Need to know
  • Location
  • About this park
  • Activities

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.

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. For all bookings enquiries please email mbrbookings@dbca.wa.gov.au.

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

Image
black and white birds wading in the water
Matilda Bay
DBCA

Image
black and white birds wading in the water
Matilda Bay
DBCA

Image
People sitting on shore looking at view of Perth city skyline
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
View of jetty at Matilda Bay with the city skyline in the background.
Matilda Bay
David Curtis, River Guardians Photography Competition

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.

Need to know

Dogs allowed

Dogs must be kept on a leash

No park entry fee

Entry to Matilda Bay Reserve is free.

Site access

Firm, level and barrier-free, dual-use pathways occur throughout the area, but picnic tables and barbecues on the grassed areas aren't linked by pathways. A brick-paved pathway runs along the water's edge with a moderate slope.

Parking

Eight accessible parking bays are available: two near the DBCA Office on Australia II Drive, two outside Matilda Bay Restaurant, three in the car parks along Hackett Drive (one in each car park), and one along Hackett Drive south of the Matilda Bay Tearooms.

Park office / Contact

Regional Parks

Phone: 9442 0300

Contact this office by email

Location

Destination Perth
Perth
Perth Coast & Plain

Getting there

Matilda Bay Reserve is located between Hackett Drive and the Swan River 3km southwest of Perth city.  

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Parks and Wildlife Service logo
Explore Parks logo

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Where can I purchase a Parks Pass?

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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