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  1. Home
  2. Destination Perth
  3. Perth
  4. Swan Canning Riverpark

Swan Canning Riverpark

We recognise and acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Swan Canning Riverpark.

One of Perth’s most famous landmarks – the Swan and Canning rivers. It’s an incredible backdrop to the city of Perth with plenty of places to cycle, walk, swim, paddle, boat, fish...and see dolphins!

No park entry fee

Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

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  • Need to know
  • Location
  • About this park
  • Activities
  • Attractions
  • Trails
  • Campgrounds

About this park

The Swan and Canning rivers are the centrepiece of Perth. They help make Perth one of the world’s most beautiful cities.  

The rivers have played a big part in West Australian history and are important features of the city’s landscape today. Long before European settlement, the land and rivers were cared for by Noongar Aboriginal people. They used the diverse array of plants and animal life in the area for shelter and food.    If you love birds, this is the place to watch them. There are three marine park areas where birds from all over the world visit.  Fishing is great at certain places on the rivers too. Cast your line and try your luck!   

There are walk and cycle trails all around the river. It’s always fun to take to the water.  Go for a swim, dive or canoe trip. Launch your boat or set sail in your yacht. Alternatively, go on a river cruise and take things cruisy!   

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking, swimming, fishing, paddling, kayaking and diving. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life! 

  • Always bring a water bottle as some of the surrounding Riverpark reserves don’t have drink fountains.  
  • In most reserves surrounding the Swan Canning Riverpark, dogs are permitted but must be on a leash. However, there are a number of locations where dogs are not allowed. Please note, dog exercise guidelines are administered by each local council and can vary, so please ensure you check each local council’s guidelines before bringing your dog. For a general guide, online lists of dog friendly parks in the Perth metropolitan area are available. 

Gallery

Image
blue boat house with small jetty over water
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
Aerial view of Swan River and Perth city skyline at sunset
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
Group of people paddling in kayaks on the Swan River
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
People standing on the jetty at Elizabeth Quay with tall buildings in the background
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
Aerial view of Optus sports stadium and Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River
Swan Canning Riverpark
Tourism WA

Image
Sailboats at a yacht club
Swan Canning Riverpark
Rodd Ware, River Guardians Photography Competition

Image
Beach on the Swan River
Swan Canning Riverpark
Renae Boyd, River Guardians Photography Competition

Image
Sail boat on the Swan River
Swan Canning Riverpark
Neisha Meadowe, River Guardians Photography Competition

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

Image
Dolphin in Swan canning Riverpark
Swan Canning Riverpark
Ray Clark, River Guardians Photography Competition

Activities

Boating

Canoeing and kayaking

Fishing

Kite boarding

Scuba diving

Swimming

Water skiing

Wind surfing

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Swan Canning Riverpark.

Traditional Owners

NGAALA KAADITJ WHADJUK MOORT KEYEN KAADAK NIDJA BOODJA. 

We acknowledge Whadjuk people as the traditional owners of Swan Canning Riverpark. 

The Aboriginal names for the Swan River and Canning River are Derbal Yerrigan and Djarlgarra/Dyarlgarro respectively. The Riverpark hosts many historical, mythological and cultural sites of significance reflecting the importance of the rivers in sustaining the Whadjuk Noongar people for more than 40,000 years. Significant sites to the Whadjuk Noongar people on the Swan and Canning rivers include spiritual sites, camping grounds, burial sites, historical locations, mythological and sacred sites and ceremonial sites. 

As important as the land was for sustaining the Noongar communities, their dependence and interconnectedness with the rivers and the surrounding landscape was much more than physical - the land and water were linked to the very existence of the Noongars, like a life force that created their identities and was ultimately central to their survival. 

Pervading the everyday lives of Whadjuk Noongars was their relationship with the Swan River and its surrounds – being of spiritual significance, giving a sense of ownership and identity with their surroundings. 

The strong connection to the Swan and Canning rivers is largely attested by the Waugal - a powerful serpent-like dreamtime spirit who watched over the law and punished transgressors. Noongars believe the Waugal created the rivers, waterholes, lakes, valleys and landforms on its journey from inland Western Australia to the ocean. 

A number of important Waugal sites are known along the Swan River (such as the spring at the base of Mount Eliza), and along some of its tributaries (e.g., Bennett Brook). However, one of the most significant of the Waugal sites on the Swan River occurs at Rocky Bay (Garangup), just to the northwest of Fremantle. It is here that the Waugal is believed to have crawled into the limestone cliffs to sleep after causing a great flood that submerged the land between Rottnest Island (Wadjimup) and the coast (Walyalup). There is still a large limestone cave at Rocky Bay which has a central pillar supporting the roof. 

Need to know

Dogs allowed

Dogs allowed in some areas and must remain on a leash

No park entry fee

Entry to Swan Canning Riverpark is free.

Park office / Contact

Regional Parks

+61 (0)8 9442 0300
regional.parks@dbca.wa.gov.au

Location

Destination Perth
Perth
Perth Coast & Plain

Trails

Melville Water Riverpark Trail

Melville Water Riverpark Trail

16km
View this trail
Jenna Biddi Yorga, Blackwall Reach, Bicton

Jenna Biddi Yorga

2km
View this trail
Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Trail, Canning River Pk

Butterflies, Birds and Bridges Trail

4km
View this trail

Campgrounds

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.

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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

    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
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