Swans on the Swan is one of those quintessentially Perth experiences that makes the most of our gorgeous Swan River, while being genuinely family friendly. This family-run business operates from two fantastic locations – Point Walter Reserve in Bicton and Elizabeth Quay in the CBD – offering a mix of swan pedal boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, water bikes and the very eye-catching Swan Train. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get the kids off the screens, out in nature and doing something a bit different on the water.
At Point Walter Reserve, Swans on the Swan set up right by the jetty next to Walters River Café. The location alone makes it worth the trip. The river here is calm and sheltered, with beautiful views, plenty of shady trees and those iconic sandbars you can walk out along at low tide. It’s already a popular spot for family picnics, barbecues and Playground time, and adding a swan boat or kayak into the mix turns an ordinary river outing into a mini adventure. The reserve has two shaded Playgrounds, a café and kiosk, bike and walking paths, grassy areas and easy access to the river, so you can easily make a half or full day of it.
The standout attraction at Point Walter is the iconic Swan Pedal Boats. These large swan-shaped pedal craft are a huge hit with kids and look fantastic out on the water.
Each swan can hold two adults or an adult and child, with enough room for a small child up to around seven years old to sit between adults, making it a fun option for families with younger children who might not be ready for their own kayak or board. You pedal at your own pace, which means you can either take it easy and enjoy the scenery or work up a bit of a leg workout while the kids giggle and point out birds, boats and (if you’re lucky) dolphins. Hire is available for 30 minutes or an hour, with pricing listed per swan, not per person.
If your family prefers something a little sportier, there are also single and double kayaks, SUP boards and stand-up pedal boards for hire at Point Walter. Kayaks are a lovely way to explore the river at your own pace, especially with older kids or teens who are confident in the water.
The stand-up paddle boards and pedal boards are great for those who like to try something new – the pedal boards in particular are designed to feel a bit like walking on water and don’t require previous experience. Water bikes are another fun addition, combining the familiarity of bike pedalling with the novelty of gliding across the river. All equipment is designed to be easy to use, and staff are on hand to help you get started.
Swans on the Swan places a strong emphasis on safety, which is reassuring for families. Life jackets are provided, and everyone receives a safety briefing before heading out. They also operate a safety boat on standby while the activities are running. The team is used to working with beginners, including kids who may be a bit nervous at first, and the equipment is chosen to be stable and family friendly. No prior paddling or water sports experience is required, which makes it an accessible option even if you don’t consider your family “water sport people”.
Over at Elizabeth Quay, Swans on the Swan operates the Swan Train, a swan-shaped boat that takes families on a scenic loop around Elizabeth Quay up to the Hilton and back. This is a shorter, more contained experience – around 20 minutes per ride – and is perfect if you’re already in the city and looking for something fun to break up a day of exploring.
Each Swan Train boat can hold up to four people and is booked per boat, making it ideal for a small family to ride together. As you glide around the quay, you get brilliant views of the Perth skyline, the river and all the action on the waterfront, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Elizabeth Quay itself is a fantastic family destination, with Playgrounds, water play, public art, promenades for walking and scooting, and a range of dining options from casual cafés to more substantial restaurants. Adding a Swan Train ride gives kids a real “wow” factor and a fun way to see the area from the water without committing to a longer hire session. It’s especially good for younger children or visitors who may not want to paddle themselves but still want the novelty of a swan-themed ride on the river.
Both locations operate mainly on weekends, with standard hours listed as Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Operations are weather dependent, particularly on windy days, so it’s worth checking their Facebook or website for the latest updates before you head out. You can book online via their website to secure a time, which is recommended during busy periods, but they also accept walk-ins when conditions and availability allow.
For families, a good plan is to book a session, arrive around 15 minutes early for life jackets and safety briefing as requested, then stay on afterwards for Playground time or food nearby. Pricing for the various activities, including the Swan Train, is clearly listed online and is charged per boat, which can make it better value for families compared with individual ticketing, especially when you fill all the seats.
Overall, Swans on the Swan is a lovely option for Perth families looking for something different to do on the weekend. Whether you choose to make a day of it at Point Walter with a picnic and play, or combine a Swan Train ride with a city outing at Elizabeth Quay, it ticks a lot of Buggybuddys boxes: outdoors, active, family owned, and suitable for a range of ages and confidence levels. With friendly staff, a strong focus on safety and two stunning riverfront locations, it’s well worth adding to your list for your next sunny day adventure.
Swans on the Swan
Address:
Point Walter Reserve – Honour Ave, Bicton WA 6157 (Swan River foreshore, next to Walters River Café and jetty)
Elizabeth Quay – The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000
Opening hours:
Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm (weather permitting; check socials or website for seasonal and weather updates)
Website:
https://swansontheswan.com.au/
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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!
