The Swan Canning Riverpark and the iconic rivers at its heart are the centrepiece of Perth.
Blessed with diverse and resilient ecosystems, the Swan and Canning rivers are a recreational playground and a source of vibrant commercial and tourism activity.
The rivers’ sheltered bays and waters offer places for families to swim. More than 40 parks and reserves line the banks, and the rivers hum with aquatic activity and people enjoying a multitude of water sports.
The Riverpark is home to a diverse fish community, with more than 130 species recorded and a resident population of 19 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and their calves. Seahorses coexist with anemones, seagrass, prawns and crabs. Around the rivers more than 80 bird species including cockatoos, ospreys and swans have been recorded. Small mammals like water-rats, brush-tail possums, short-nose bandicoots, quenda, snakes, lizards and an array of spiders and insects also inhabit the foreshores and Swan Canning Catchment.
The waterway has a connection to the Whadjuk people spanning 40,000 years and this vibrant culture continues to shape and influence the lives of Western Australians.
Parks and Wildlife works with other state government agencies, local government, industry and the community to manage and protect the Riverpark, ensuring it remains a healthy, thriving ecosystem and a popular destination for Perth’s residents and visitors.
Watersports are a great way to cool off during the balmy Perth summer. Photo - Chelsea Bates
DBCA is pleased to announce the opening of the 2023-24 Riverbank Funding round. See the Minister’s media statement for more information and visit the Riverbank Funding page to find out how to apply.
In 2013, the Swan River Trust commissioned the National Trust of Australia (WA) to prepare an Interpretation Plan for the Swan and Canning Riverpark. In collaboration with an appointed Noongar Advisory Panel, the intent of this plan was to make the cultural heritage values (natural, Aboriginal, and historic/built) of the Derbarl Yerrigan and Djarlgarro Beelier (the Swan and Canning Rivers), accessible to residents and visitors.
The Swan and Canning rivers are truly the heart of Perth, ensuring it is one of the world’s most beautiful cities
This update will tell the public how the department is tracking with managing the Riverpark and the web of ecological pressures impacting it.
Download the 2016 River Protection Strategy Community Update8.54 MB
The Microalgae Activity Report shows the level of microalgae activity at 20 sites throughout the Swan Canning Riverpark.
River Guardians are friends of the Swan and Canning rivers. They keep the rivers healthy and enjoy great member benefits.
