Elizabeth Quay: Where Perth Meets the River
Heading into the city? Start where Perth meets the river - Elizabeth Quay is the city's waterfront playground for dining, public art and ferry rides!
What's All the Fuss About?
Elizabeth Quay sits on the banks of the Swan River between Barrack and William Streets, right in the heart of the CBD.
A modern landmark: It officially opened on 29 January 2016, reconnecting the city with its riverfront after decades apart.
Waterfront life: Riverfront restaurants, boat tours and a calendar of music, markets and big celebrations like New Year's Eve.
Wildlife spotting: Black swans glide through the water, and you might even spot the occasional pod of dolphins!
Why You'll Love It
There's plenty to see even before you sit down for a meal.
Spanda: Standing 29 metres tall, Christian de Vietri's sculpture at The Landing is the world's largest free-standing carbon-fibre structure.
Public art trail: Look out for First Contact, a powerful Aboriginal artwork, along with many other pieces dotted around the waterfront.
The footbridge: Cross the bridge for sweeping city skyline views - it's wheelchair accessible too.
For the kids: The BHP Water Park and ocean-inspired playground are perfect on a warm day.
Photo by Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Perth (AU), Elizabeth Quay Bridge -- 2019 -- 0346-8” / CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting There
Elizabeth Quay is one of the easiest places in Perth to reach.
By ferry: Transperth ferries cross between Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth in about 10 minutes, departing from under the Four Winds artwork canopy on the western promenade.
By train or bus: Elizabeth Quay Station and Busport are just across the road, about 400 metres from Barrack Street Jetty.
Free CAT bus: The Blue CAT runs between Barrack Street Jetty and Northbridge every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day. Transperth timetables can change, so check before you go.
By car: On-site parking is very limited, so use one of the nearby City of Perth or Wilson car parks.
Photo by Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Perth (AU), Elizabeth Quay, Ferry Terminal -- 2019 -- 0380-2” / CC BY-SA 4.0
Tips for First-Timers
A few pointers to help you find your way around.
Find the Bell Tower: It marks Barrack Street Jetty, the easiest meeting point and the safest place for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Accessibility: Accessible toilets are at Barrack Street Jetty, the Island and opposite the water park, and WA's first Changing Places facility is next to the BHP Water Park (you'll need an MLAK key).
Accommodation: Stay in the CBD or on Mounts Bay Road and you can stroll down to the quay, or stay in South Perth and arrive by ferry - the best commute in town.
Elizabeth Quay is where Perth's city life spills out onto the river - art, food, families and ferries all in one lively precinct. Come for a coffee at sunrise or golden-hour drinks with a view, and you'll see the city in a whole new light.
Want to start planning? Check out the Elizabeth Quay website for events, dining and maps.
Cover photo by Samuel Wiki · CC BY 4.0
