Thing to do
Fremantle Markets
A heritage market hall in central Fremantle, open Friday to Sunday, with around 150 stalls of crafts, fashion, street food and fresh produce.
Elizabeth Quay
A riverside precinct in the centre of Perth with public art, a footbridge, a water park, restaurants and ferries across the Swan River to South Perth.
At a glance
- Type
- Waterfront precinct
- Area
- Perth CBD, Perth, Australia
- Official site
- developmentwa.com.au
Good to know
- Free entry
- Water park
- Playground
- Ferry jetty
- Changing Places facility
- Wheelchair-accessible bridge
Why we recommend it
Elizabeth Quay is the waterfront precinct that links Perth's city centre to the Swan River. It sits between Barrack Street and William Street and was officially opened in January 2016, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee year. The quay is built around an inlet of the river, and it is free to wander at any time.
Public art is part of the experience. First Contact is a large Aboriginal artwork on the waterfront, while Spanda, a sculpture standing 29 metres tall, defines the skyline of the quay. A footbridge spans the mouth of the inlet with 4.5 metres of clearance over the water and views back to the city towers; it is accessible by wheelchair. A small island in the inlet holds the Florence Hummerston Kiosk, a statue of the activist Bessie Rischbieth and a playground, with public toilets nearby.
For families, the BHP Water Park and an ocean-inspired playground are the main draws on warm days. Keep an eye on the water from the walkways, as black swans are common and dolphins are occasionally seen. Restaurants and bars line the waterfront, and the precinct hosts music, markets and cultural events through the year, including New Year's Eve celebrations.
Elizabeth Quay is also a transport hub. Transperth ferries run every day between Elizabeth Quay Jetty and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth, a handy way to reach Perth Zoo, and the neighbouring Barrack Street Jetty is the city departure point for Rottnest Island ferries. Elizabeth Quay train station and busport is about 400 metres from Barrack Street Jetty, and the free CAT bus runs north to Northbridge from stop 18 at the jetty.
Parking is limited, with a few paid bays on Enchantress Way, Duchess Way and at Barrack Street Jetty, so public transport is the better option. Accessibility is good: the precinct has a Changing Places facility, described as the first in Western Australia, which is accessed with an MLAK key. Combine the quay with The Bell Tower in Barrack Square, a ferry ride across the river, or an evening drink as the sun sets over the water.
Elizabeth Quay FAQs
Is Elizabeth Quay free to visit?
Yes. The waterfront precinct is a public space open to everyone.
How do I get to Elizabeth Quay?
Elizabeth Quay train station and busport is about 400 metres from Barrack Street Jetty, and the free CAT bus stops at the jetty.
Can I take a ferry from Elizabeth Quay?
Yes. Transperth ferries run every day between Elizabeth Quay Jetty and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth.
Is there a water park?
Yes. The BHP Water Park and an ocean-inspired playground are in the precinct.
What is Spanda?
Spanda is a 29-metre sculpture that defines the skyline of Elizabeth Quay.
Is the bridge wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The footbridge across the inlet is accessible by wheelchair.
Is there parking?
Only limited paid bays on Enchantress Way, Duchess Way and at Barrack Street Jetty, with longer-stay car parks nearby.
Can you see wildlife at Elizabeth Quay?
Black swans are often seen from the walkways and dolphins occasionally appear in the river.