Perth Bridges Walk Loop 10 Km: Guide To One Of Perth's Best Walks

The Perth Bridges Walk, one of the best walks in Perth, takes you in a 10 km loop around the Swan River between the Narrows and Causeway Bridges. Start the loop at any point and see places of interest along the way, including South Perth foreshore, Elizabeth Quay, and Riverside Drive.

This flat trail is a popular run and cycle path, too – we often bike around the bridges – and is pram-friendly with playgrounds. The route is on a sealed path, and you do not need to go on any roads.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Perth Bridges Map & Distance

As you may have guessed, the Bridges Loop is 10 km.

map on the perth bridges walk showing playgrounds and parks along south perth foreshore — Map of South Perth foreshore

Perth Bridges Walk Route

We start the bridges loop at Sir James Mitchell Park along the South Perth foreshore as it is easy to park. However, you can begin the loop at Elizabeth Quay if you are using public transport. It’s up to you which direction to go, but we go anti-clockwise.

Sir James Mitchell Park

There are plenty of spaces in the car parks in this area but pay attention to the signage. The Boatshed Car Park (to the left) is free on weekends but costs A$2.60 an hour on weekdays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The car parks to the right have some free parking and some paid.

This park is a great place to finish if you have kids with you. There are toilets, barbecues, gazebos, a café, playgrounds, a drinking fountain, and beautiful views of the Perth city skyline.

a cycle and walking path along the river — The walking path and cycling path looking towards Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth (The Causeway Bridge in the distance)

McCallum Park

As you head anti-clockwise, you’ll pass lakes and have views over the Swan River to Langley Park. Once you reach McCallum Park, there’s a playground, more toilets, and views over to Heirisson Island.

trees reflecting in a lake — Lakes along South Perth foreshore

The Causeway Bridge

Stairs and a path lead up onto the Causeway Bridge, which takes you over the river. If cycling, be careful of bikes and pedestrians as the pavement is narrow. Halfway over the Causeway Bridge, you have the option to detour onto Heirisson Island to see the statue of Yagan and maybe a kangaroo or two.

a wild western grey kangaroo — A wild kangaroo on Heirisson Island

Point Fraser

Once over the other side of the Swan River, you’ll arrive at Point Fraser, which encompasses a series of boardwalks, restaurants, a playground, and barbecues. You can also hire bikes and canoes from About Bike Hire.

a restaurant with al fresco dining on the river — On The Point restaurant, Point Fraser

Riverside Drive

From Point Fraser, the trail runs alongside Riverside Drive with views over to South Perth. There are plenty of grassed areas and benches to stop along the way to rest while you take in the views.

views across the river to parks and buildings by a jetty and wooden building — Views across to South Perth from Riverside Drive near Barrack Street Jetty

Barrack Street Jetty & Elizabeth Quay

Barrack Street Jetty is now part of Elizabeth Quay, a riverside development incorporating restaurants, cafes, bars, public art, jetties, and playgrounds. While there, check out the Bell Tower, an 82.5 metre-high tower consisting of a glass spire with copper sails containing eighteen bells.

a tall glass bell tower nest to tall hotel with blue sky — The Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay

The Narrows Bridge

Follow the path towards the bridge, where an underpass takes you to David Carr Memorial Park before heading up a ramp to the Narrows Bridge. Again, the path on the bridge is relatively narrow, so be aware of other cyclists and pedestrians.

view of a river and city skyline on a summer day — View of the city and Elizabeth Quay from the Narrows Bridge

Old Mill

Once you’re over the bridge, look on the right to see the Old Flour Mill, built in 1835 and operational until 1859. It has had several uses since, including a hotel, a residence, a wine saloon, and a poultry farm! It is now owned by the City of South Perth and part of the National Trust.

a historic white windmill — The Old Mill, South Perth

Mends Street Jetty

Further along the South Perth Esplanade is Mends Street Jetty, where the ferry to Elizabeth Quay departs. You may also see the Decoy Paddle Steamer and pelicans around there. The piazza here, named Mindeerup (a traditional Noongar name meaning ‘place of the shore), features several sculptures and benches to rest.

a paddle steamer moored at a jetty with city in the background — Decoy Paddle Steamer, Mends Jetty, South Perth

Just further along, there’s a playground and a large, grassed area.

Continue ahead until you arrive back where you started at Sir James Mitchell Park.

childrens playground with slide — Mends Street playground

Tips

The path can be busy, especially on weekends and public holidays
There are drinking fountains along the route but take your own drink bottle to fill up
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
During spring & summer, apply insect repellent
If riding a bike, wear a helmet (compulsory in WA)

view of city buildings reflecting in the river — View of Perth city from South Perth foreshore

FAQ

How long does it take to walk the 10 km bridge loop around the Swan River?

Allow two to three hours to walk the 10km around the Perth Bridges.

When is the best time to walk the Perth Bridges loop?

All year is a good time for the Perth Bridges loop walk. However, start out early morning during summer to avoid the intense heat.

view of perth city and elizabeth quay with boats on the swan river — Elizabeth Quay

If you found this article helpful, please consider booking through one of our links or sharing on social media. It won’t cost you anything but will help towards the cost of running this site. Thank you.