Perched on the edge of the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) in the heart of Perth’s CBD (Boorloo), Elizabeth Quay (Goomup) is where city sophistication meets waterside relaxation.
Feature by Western Australia
With sweeping skyline views, riverside dining, cultural experiences and easy access to ferries and walking trails, the Quay is the perfect base for a short break in the city.
From boutique stays to Aboriginal-led storytelling tours and scenic cruises, here are 7 unforgettable ways to enjoy Elizabeth Quay – featuring accommodation and tours from Dream Collective operators, and one of Perth’s top riverside stays.
1. Stay in Style
Quay Perth is a boutique hotel that delivers modern style with a local edge. Perfectly positioned on The Esplanade, just steps from Elizabeth Quay, the hotel offers front-row views of the river, city skyline and pedestrian bridge.
Alternatively, relax by the water at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront. This hotel is perched along Barrack Square just steps from the Elizabeth Quay bridge, offering stylish comfort with river views.
For a five-star luxury hotel stay, The Ritz-Carlton, positioned right on Elizabeth Quay, boasts sweeping views of the Swan River, Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) and the city skyline.
Quay Perth
2. Explore the riverside by segway or walking tour
Discover Elizabeth Quay and its surrounds from a fresh perspective with a guided Segway or walking tour. WA’s Segway Tours take you gliding along the scenic riverfront, passing iconic sites like the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay Bridge and leafy John Oldham Park—all while learning about Perth’s rich history and natural beauty.
Prefer to explore on foot? Oh Hey WA’s engaging walking tours dive into the public art, and hidden stories of the city, including a wander through the quay’s waterfront precinct.
Want to learn about what Aboriginal life was like prior to European settlement? The Goomup (Elizabeth Quay) Aboriginal Walking Tour, offered by Go Cultural, offers a glimpse into the world’s oldest living culture through ancient Dreamtime stories, traditional indigenous songs and Noongar language.
Goomup (Elizabeth Quay) Aboriginal Walking Tour, Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences
3. Take in the Iconic Spanda and Pedestrian Bridge
Elizabeth Quay is home to one of Perth’s most iconic public artworks – Spanda, a striking 29 metre, white sculpture symbolising connection between land, water and sky. From here, the elegant pedestrian bridge curves over the inlet, offering a different view of the Swan River and city skyline.
It’s a favourite spot for golden hour photos, romantic walks, and riverside reflection. At night, the area glows with lights thanks to the EDGE dynamic art installation, where colours shift and change to create a flow along the quay’s edge.
Spanda, Elizabeth Quay
4. Dine by the Water
Start your morning with a coffee at Community at Quay, Quay Hotel’s relaxed street-level café, or enjoy a long lunch at one of the restaurants scattered along the quay’s boardwalk; Milky Lane, The Island, Six Senses The Quay and 6HEAD Perth. For something special, discover rooftop bars like HQ Bar + Kitchen, 18 Knots, and Songbird Bar, where sweeping views make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether it’s a casual brunch or cocktails at sunset, dining here always comes with a riverside backdrop.
Songbird Bar, The Ritz-Carlton
5. Hop On a Ferry to South Perth or Claisebrook Cove
From Elizabeth Quay, it’s easy to explore more of Perth’s inner-city treasures by water. Transperth ferries run regularly to Mends Street Jetty in South Perth, where you’ll find the Perth Zoo and a selection of riverside eateries. Don’t miss your chance to hop on a ferry ride, running regularly throughout the day and ranging from 15-20 minutes per trip.
From Elizabeth Quay, you can also hop on a ferry ride operated by the Little Ferry Company, running to Claisebrook Cove in East Perth. This is a hop-on/hop-off ferry service connecting Elizabeth Quay, On The Point, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove throughout the day. The ferry ride along this route will also take you under the Matagarup Bridge.
Little Ferry Company, Elizabeth Quay
6. Take a ferry to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup)
From the heart of the city to island paradise in approximately 90 minutes, Elizabeth Quay is your gateway to Rottnest Island from Perth City. Rottnest Express and SeaLink operate daily ferries which depart from the Quay’s Barrack St Jetty, making it easy to plan a spontaneous day trip or relaxed overnight stay. Step aboard and cruise down the Swan River before arriving at the island’s white-sand beaches, turquoise bays and smiling quokkas. With bike hire, snorkelling and laid-back dining awaiting you on arrival, this coastal escape is closer than you think.
Rottnest Island
7. Experience Year-Round Events and Public Art
Throughout the year, Elizabeth Quay plays host to open-air concerts, markets, food festivals and pop-up art installations. Public artworks, like the First Contact sculpture and Pinjah mosaic that tells a Noongar Dreamtime Story, celebrate the area’s rich cultural history and community stories.
No matter when you visit, there’s always something happening to draw you in and invite you to stay a little longer.
Elizabeth Quay blends urban sophistication with natural beauty, offering the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway or a cultural deep dive. Stay in Elizabeth Quay for unbeatable access and comfort, and elevate your visit with tours and experiences.
Whether you’re waking to the sound of ferries gliding across the water or winding down with sunset views from a rooftop bar, this cityside escape captures the very best of Perth.
Published July 2025.