Bicton Baths is a gorgeous riverside spot for families looking to splash, explore and soak up some sunshine along the Swan River. Known to the Whadjuk Noongar people as Kwoppa Kepa, meaning “beautiful water”, this area has a long history as a special place by the river. In the 1920s, the Melville Amateur Swimming Club transformed the old quarantine station jetty into a swimming platform, and today families still flock here to enjoy the calm water and iconic setting.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the distinctive U‑shaped jetty, which kids absolutely love. Confident swimmers will have a ball jumping off the jetty into the water, climbing back up the ladders and doing it all over again.
The shallow water closer to shore is ideal for toddlers, cautious swimmers and older family members who just want to paddle and cool off at the edge.
It’s a great place to bring buckets and spades too – there are plenty of shells to collect, and younger children will happily potter in the shallows for ages.
Bicton Baths sits within a tidal gorge and is influenced by ocean water flowing in, which makes it a bit of a hotspot for marine life. This makes it popular for snorkelling, with opportunities to spot fish and other creatures in the clear water, and it’s also a well‑known local fishing spot.
Around the jetty you’ll find interpretive signs that share more about the history of Bicton Baths and the area, which is a nice way to add a bit of learning to your outing.
If you time your visit right, you might even see the Melville Water Polo Club training in their pool right next to the jetty – always fascinating for kids to watch.
Facilities here are very family‑friendly, with toilets, showers and an accessible toilet located close to the jetty. The amenities are clean, spacious and well looked after, which makes a big difference when you’re managing sandy, wet kids.
On the reserve above, there are big grassy areas, some shaded by trees, that are perfect for picnics, ball games or just spreading out a blanket to relax. There are free BBQs available too, so many families choose to bring their own food and make a day of it.
There aren’t any cafes immediately on the water’s edge at Bicton Baths, so it’s important to come prepared with snacks, drinks or a full picnic. This actually adds to the relaxed, “bring everything with you” family atmosphere – it feels more like an old‑school day out by the river than a commercialised foreshore.
If the kids still have energy to burn after swimming, there are Playgrounds in the Bicton Baths Reserve area. You’ll need to climb some stairs to reach them, but once you’re up there you’ll find a fully fenced, toddler‑friendly Playground as well as another play area that’s suited to older children, making it easy to cater to siblings of different ages.
Parking can get tight on hot days and weekends, so it’s worth arriving earlier if you can. There is parking available along Blackwall Reach Parade as well as at the Phipps Street carpark. Once you’ve secured a spot and carried your gear down, you’ll be rewarded with one of Perth’s loveliest riverside swims – calm water, big skies, grass for picnicking and plenty to keep kids entertained. For a summer’s day out that combines nature play, swimming and a slice of local history, Bicton Baths is hard to beat.
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Bicton Baths
Address: 64 Blackwall Reach Parade, Bicton, WA 6157
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Mum of two girls and working as a registered nurse. Originally from Singapore, I have spent the last 17 years in Perth where I raised my beautiful girls. After being a mum, I find passion in exploring new places and doing new activities with my kids. Besides mummy duties, I find joy in pretty dresses and books.
