Perth today Low 12°C Max 21°C Rain. Indoor backup useful.

Weather data: Bureau of Meteorology.

Park / Parks & Gardens

South Perth Foreshore

South Perth Foreshore is a broad Swan River parkland with city views, walking and cycling paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds and direct links to Mends Street and Perth Zoo.

Last fact-checked:

Current visitor information

Verified summary

  • The foreshore includes Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade Reserve, Mill Point Reserve and Clydesdale Reserve.
  • Facilities listed by the City include picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, cafes, exercise equipment and four playgrounds.
  • Regular daily ferries run between Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street Jetty.
  • A public Changing Places facility is available; its specialised room requires an MLAK.

May change: Parking restrictions, ferry timetables, events, river access and works along the foreshore.

Official sources: City of South Perth parks and reserves , City of South Perth Mindeerup visitor information , South Perth Foreshore Changing Places facility , Transperth JourneyPlanner

Checked:

What The Foreshore Includes

South Perth Foreshore is not one small reserve. It stretches across several linked riverfront parks, with city views, lawns, walking and cycling paths, river access points and different recreation areas.

Mends Street is the most convenient arrival point for the ferry and a walk toward Perth Zoo. Coode Street is a stronger choice for a longer family stop with open space, a playground, a cafe and riverside access.

Facilities For A Longer Stop

The City lists picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, cafes, outdoor exercise equipment and four playgrounds across the foreshore. Facilities are spread along a long riverfront, so choose the section that matches your plan rather than assuming everything is beside Mends Street.

Accessible facilities include public accessible toilets and a Changing Places room. The Changing Places room requires a Master Locksmith Access Key, while the other toilets in that precinct remain open to the public.

Ferry, Bus And Parking

Regular daily ferries connect Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street Jetty, making the Mends Street end a practical car-free outing. Buses also stop near Mindeerup on Labouchere Road and Mill Point Road.

Parking includes a mix of free and paid spaces with local time limits. Check the current signs and City parking map instead of relying on an older parking arrangement.

Keep The Day Local

Perth Zoo is the clearest walkable attraction from the Mends Street side. Elizabeth Quay is a short ferry trip across the river rather than another foreshore stop.

For a simple visit, choose either a river walk and meal, a playground and picnic, or Perth Zoo with a short foreshore stop. The full riverfront is too spread out to treat every facility as one compact precinct.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Reason to visit

South Perth Foreshore suits visitors interested in river areas, walking, families. It is in South Perth, along the Swan River.

Reason to skip

Skip it on difficult weather days if shade, walking distance, toilets or access would make the outing uncomfortable.

Local and related options

How long to allow

One to three hours, or longer for a picnic and Perth Zoo. Keep extra time for current access, queues, weather, breaks and nearby stops.

Can I visit without a car?

Good without a car?
Easy
Best options
Ferry to Mends Street, bus, walking or cycling
Route note
Mends Street Jetty gives direct access to Mindeerup, the western foreshore and the walk toward Perth Zoo.
Better by car
A car may help for Coode Street, picnic equipment or a longer visit across several foreshore sections.

Nearby links for a compact route:

Nearby Attractions

0.5 km - Walkable

Perth Zoo

Within the same compact local area, based on straight-line distance.

Zoo

View Perth Zoo guide

1.5 km - Short local trip

Elizabeth Quay

Close enough to consider in the same local plan; check the actual route and travel time.

Waterfront

View Elizabeth Quay guide

1.9 km - Short local trip

Old Court House Law Museum

Close enough to consider in the same local plan; check the actual route and travel time.

Law museum and historic courthouse

View Old Court House Law Museum guide

FAQ

Is South Perth Foreshore free?

Yes. The public parkland is free to enter. Ferry fares, parking, food and nearby attractions such as Perth Zoo are separate.

Can I reach South Perth Foreshore by ferry?

Yes. Regular daily ferries run between Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street Jetty. Check Transperth for the current timetable and fares.

Are there toilets, barbecues and playgrounds?

Yes. The City lists toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and four playgrounds across the foreshore, but they are spread between different sections.

Is there a Changing Places toilet?

Yes. The specialised Changing Places room requires an MLAK; the other public toilets in that precinct do not.

About this guide

Written by
Alex Osk
Research method
Desk-researched against City of South Perth parks, Mindeerup, accessibility and parking information
Last fact-checked
Corrections
Send a correction or source update
Disclosure
No paid placement is used in this guide. External links are identified by destination.

Official sources used