Perth cruises

Perth cruises run on the Swan River, off Fremantle and around the canals of Mandurah, with day sails, dinner and wine cruises, dolphin and whale trips and ferries to Rottnest Island. Most river cruises leave from Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD. This page groups them by what you want from a day on the water, and the things to do in Perth page shows how they fit with the rest of the trip.

Swan River cruises from Perth

The Swan River Perth to Fremantle return scenic cruise is a 2.5-hour trip with the captain's commentary, passing the Bell Tower and the Royal Perth Yacht Club. It leaves Pier 3 at Barrack Street Jetty at 11.15am and 2.15pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November to March, and is a popular choice. One-way cruises run between Perth and Fremantle in each direction, and a 90-minute Swan River morning cruise with live music gives a shorter option.

Dinner, lunch and wine cruises

The Perth dining cruises page collects the sailings with a meal. The Swan River dinner cruise leaves Barrack Street Jetty on Saturday nights at 7pm and returns at 9.30pm, with a hot and cold buffet, a dessert buffet and live entertainment. By day, there is a buffet lunch cruise on the Swan River and a wine cruise up to the Swan Valley with a wine tasting at Mandoon Estate.

Sailing from Fremantle

Fremantle sailing cruises leave from Charter 1 on Mews Road. The Fremantle twilight sail is a 2-hour sunset sail with a glass of sparkling wine and an antipasto platter, running on weekend evenings from October to April, and it is a popular choice. The Carnac Island half-day sail anchors off a nature reserve where sea lions haul out onto the beach, with snorkelling and kayaking gear on board.

Rottnest Island ferries and cruises

Rottnest Island is the main destination for cruises from Perth and Fremantle. Ferries leave Barrack Street Jetty at 8.45am and the Rottnest bike and snorkel day tour from Fremantle leaves B Shed at 9.30am. The Rottnest Island full-day sail departs Fremantle at 8am on selected days from November to March. More choices sit on the Rottnest Island tours and transfers page.

Mandurah cruises on the canals and Murray River

Most Mandurah cruises leave from the jetty in front of the Performing Arts Centre. The Mandurah scenic dolphin and canal cruise is a short run past the marina and wetlands, the Mandurah Giants and dolphin sightseeing cruise is a 2-hour trip to see Thomas Dambo's Giants sculptures, and the Mandurah Pirate Cruise suits families. A wild seafood cruise and a Murray River lunch cruise add a meal.

Wildlife cruises: whales, dolphins and sea lions

The Hillarys whale watching cruise is a 2-hour trip with a marine scientist on board, leaving daily at 9am from late August to November. At Rockingham, the swim with dolphins cruise leaves Val Street Jetty at 8am, and Carnac Island has a snorkelling tour with a barbecue brunch.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Perth river cruises leave from?

Swan River cruises leave from Pier 3 at Barrack Street Jetty in the Perth CBD. Fremantle sailing cruises leave from Charter 1 on Mews Road, and Mandurah cruises leave from the jetty in front of the Performing Arts Centre.

How long is the Swan River cruise from Perth to Fremantle?

The Swan River scenic cruise from Perth to Fremantle is a 2.5-hour trip, with the captain's commentary on local landmarks and history.

Can you do a sunset cruise from Perth?

Yes. The Fremantle twilight sail is a 2-hour sunset sail with a glass of sparkling wine and an antipasto platter, running on weekend evenings from October to April.

What time does the Perth dinner cruise run?

The Perth Swan River dinner cruise sails on Saturday nights, leaving at 7pm and returning at 9.30pm, with a buffet dinner, dessert and live entertainment.

Are there family-friendly cruises near Perth?

Yes. Mandurah has a Pirate Cruise and a dolphin canal cruise where kids can play at the Steering Centre.

When can you go whale watching from Perth?

Whale watching cruises from Hillarys Boat Harbour run daily from late August to November, depending on whale activity.

Pick the stretch of water you want to see, from the Swan River to Fremantle or Mandurah, and book the sailing that suits your day.