Around The River in Perth
This ride starts at the Bell Tower at Barrack Street Jetty, heads west to the Narrows bridge, crosses the bridge, and continues along the South Perth foreshore. It then crosses the Causeway, and returns back to the Bell Tower. It is mainly all on shared paths or dedicated paths, with several road crossings. In conjunction with this ride you can use the map called "Ride around the Rivers" which is available from most bicycle stores and it is produced by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
The bike path around the river.
View of the Swan River.
In the above photograph, the jetty is just sticking out from the tree in the left of the photograph. The Bell Tower is at the Jetty. The ride starts by heading west on the dual use pathway that follows the river towards the Narrows Bridge which is in the foreground. As the path is about to head under the bridge you will see a means to cross the road. There is an island in the middle with plenty of room. Once across the road, you can either turn left or right. Either way will allow you to cross the bridge. If you turn left, follow the path around to the right, and you will see where you turn right onto the bridge. The good thing about crossing this side is that, where you come off of the bridge on the other side, there is a public toilet and water tap.
The Narrows Bridge
After crossing the bridge, if you are on the toilet side, (took the left turn) you will need to go past the toilet and take the next path on the right, which will take you under the bridge, and rejoin the path that comes down from the left path. In the above photograph, we are now going to ride the entire South Perth foreshore right around to the Causeway.
You will need to turn left and cross the road to get onto the clearly sign posted shared path. It is about five kilometres to the Causeway bridge. The river is on your left, and the path continues past the Mends Street Jetty. There are plenty of places along the South Perth foreshore to stop for refreshments.
You will also pass the Coode Street Jetty and Ferry Terminal. The path is clearly marked, and there is some small road crossings. There are also some barbeque and picnic areas scattered along the route. Most of the path is dual use as shown in the photograph below.
A nice wide path in South Perth.
A view looking back at Perth from the playground area.
Burswood Casino ahead.
You will eventually pass a playground, and be able to see the Burswood Casino ahead to the left. If you look across the river, you will be able to see Perth and the Bell Tower. Once past the playground the path will split in two and the right half is signposted "Cycles Only". As you approach the bridge, you will see the path pass under the bridge. Just before that, is a right turn. Take that turn and proceed up the slight rise, and turn left onto the path.
The path is quite narrow as it crosses the bridges, so care needs to be taken. The path also crosses Heirisson Island, where you could take a detour and ride around the island if you want. Continue across the Causeway bridge and back onto the river foreshore. You will pass the Bicycle Hire area, and some car parks.
Riding west towards the Bell Tower and Barrack Street Jetty. The narrows bridge is in the distance.
The end will now be in sight, as you should be able to see the Bell Tower as you follow the path. If you look to your left across the river you will see the South Perth foreshore, and the area that you have just ridden.
Looking towards South Perth on the other side of the river.
