Matagarup Zip+Climb is one of Perth’s most unforgettable family adventures, turning the city’s striking Matagarup Bridge into a full-on thrill ride. Suspended high above the Swan River, this 400m dual zipline lets you soar from the heart of the Burswood Peninsula towards East Perth, reaching speeds of up to 75km/h. Whether you’re a local looking for a special birthday surprise or entertaining visiting relatives, this is a bucket-list experience that showcases Perth from a completely new angle.
Families can choose from three main experiences: Zip+Climb, Express Zip or the Bridge Climb. Zip+Climb is the full adventure and the one we’d recommend if it’s your first time. You’ll take on 314 steps and weave your way up and through the bridge’s steel arches, shimmying under beams and squeezing through narrow sections to reach the Sky View platform, a glass-bottom lookout 72 metres above the river. The climb is steady rather than rushed, with guides stopping often to share stories about the bridge’s design, the Matagarup area and the Swan River, as well as to check in on anyone feeling a bit nervous about the height.
If you’re keen for the rush of the zipline but not the full climb, Express Zip is a great compromise. Instead of going right over the top, you’ll tackle a shorter climb up the back of the bridge to the 35m launch platform before clipping in and flying back down to base. It still gives you those incredible views and the same 400m ride, but with fewer steps – perfect for slightly younger kids or adults who aren’t sure about a big climb. For family members who’d rather keep their feet firmly in climbing mode, there’s also the Bridge Climb option, which skips the zipline entirely and focuses on the ascent, views and commentary before returning on foot.
The minimum age for children is 8 years, and they must be at least 122cm tall and weigh 30kg, so it’s definitely one for older primary kids, tweens and teens rather than little ones. The team are excellent at making the experience accessible for kids within those limits. On our climb, guides “buddied” younger participants with adults so that the grown-up handled the trickier latch device along the safety cable. This freed kids up to focus on climbing and enjoying the view, rather than fussing with equipment, and made the whole experience smoother and more fun. Each adult can buddy up to two children, which works well for most families.
Despite the height, many people are surprised at how manageable the climb feels. The steps are broken up with plenty of pauses for photos, stories and breathers, and the guides are brilliant at spotting nerves early and quietly coaching people through. The safety systems are impressive, with high-quality harnesses, helmets and fall-control gear, and you are always clipped in. A moderate level of fitness is required, and enclosed, rubber-soled shoes are a must. It’s worth reading the health and fitness information on the website beforehand if you have any medical conditions or concerns about steep climbs or heights.
The zipline itself is pure exhilaration. Once you’re clipped into the dual lines, you can ride solo or race a family member or friend. The drop from the platform gives you that instant rush of adrenaline, before settling into a fast, smooth glide across the river, with the skyline, Optus Stadium and parklands spread out around you. It feels over far too quickly – a sure sign it’s a good ride – but the grin tends to stick around all day. Many families book twilight or evening sessions to catch the city lights and illuminated bridge, which adds a magical edge and makes it feel extra special for birthdays, school holiday treats or date nights.
One of the big pluses for families is that you don’t need to worry about juggling phones or cameras in such an exposed spot. For safety reasons, no loose items are allowed on the climb or the zipline, but the guides take plenty of photos (and often short videos) throughout. These are emailed to you afterwards at no extra cost, which means you can just immerse yourself in the experience and still come away with shots to share with grandparents and friends.
The atmosphere at Matagarup Zip+Climb is a big part of what makes it so memorable. The guides are energetic, patient and genuinely fun, blending detailed knowledge of the bridge and its cultural and engineering history with a lot of humour and encouragement. They’re particularly good with anxious participants and chatty kids, striking that balance between keeping everyone safe and making sure it feels like an adventure rather than a school excursion. It’s easy to see why they’ve racked up so many glowing reviews and awards in recent years.
Once you’re back on solid ground, you can extend the outing without getting back in the car. Right next door is Matagarup Mini Golf, an 18-hole Western Australian–themed course set among native landscaping, sculptures and a little creek, with the bridge and Optus Stadium as your backdrop. It’s wheelchair-friendly and open seven days a week, making it an easy add-on to your Zip+Climb adventure or a backup plan for family members who’d rather keep things low to the ground. Being a short stroll from The Camfield and the stadium precinct also means plenty of options for a meal or snack before or after your climb.
Overall, Matagarup Zip+Climb is a standout Perth experience for adventurous families with older kids. Between the challenge of the climb, the thrill of the zipline and the spectacular views of the Swan River and city, it delivers a huge sense of achievement and plenty of stories to retell. If you’re looking for a special experience that feels uniquely “Perth” and will thrill both teens and parents, this one absolutely deserves its reputation as one of the city’s must-do activities.
Matagarup Zip+Climb
Address: Northern End of Camfield Drive, Burswood Park, Perth WA 6100 (next to The Camfield and Optus Stadium).
Opening hours: Sessions operate on most days, including weekends and selected evenings; check the online booking calendar for current times and availability.
Official website: www.zipclimb.com.au
Find more attractions in Perth
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
Is the express zip the same length as the zip on the Zip and Climb? Or is it shorter?