Grab a coffee in Como, then walk the river foreshore from Coode Street to Mends Street. It's the best free view of the Perth skyline, and here's how I do it.
The best free view of Perth
If a friend visits from interstate and I only have an hour, I take them for a coffee in Como and a walk along the river. The foreshore path from Coode Street to Mends Street gives you the Perth skyline across the water the whole way.
Quick facts
- Route: Coode Street Jetty to Mends Street along the South Perth foreshore.
- Time: About half an hour at a relaxed pace.
- Difficulty: Flat and easy.
- The view: The Perth skyline across the river the whole way.
- Make it a loop: Take the ferry from Mends Street to Elizabeth Quay.
- Best time: Early morning, or after dark when the city lights up.
“I’ve done this walk hundreds of times, and the view of the city across the river still gets me every time, especially in the early morning.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
Start with coffee
Como and South Perth have plenty of good cafes near the river. Grab a takeaway and walk down to the foreshore near the Coode Street Jetty. There’s parking along the foreshore, but it gets busy on weekend mornings.
Coode Street to Mends Street
From Coode Street, follow the path west along the river towards Mends Street. It’s flat, easy and takes about half an hour at a relaxed pace. You’ll pass grassy foreshore parks, old jetties, pelicans and plenty of joggers and cyclists.
“Many visitors take the stroll on the Coode Street Walk to Mends St Jetty, which takes around half an hour.”
Jeffry b, Tripadvisor review
At Mends Street, you can keep walking towards the Narrows, or take the ferry across to Elizabeth Quay and make it a loop. The City of South Perth has more on the foreshore parks along the way.
Go back at night
The walk is even better after dark, when the city lights reflect on the water. On a warm evening, sit on the jetty and watch the skyline light up.
“Coode Street Jetty is a good place to cool off in summer and watch the lights of the City of Perth.”
Jeffry b, Tripadvisor review
Make it a morning
- Early is best: the light on the city is beautiful in the morning, and the river is often glassy.
- Bring the family: the foreshore has plenty of grass for little ones to run around.
- Add a picnic: the South Perth foreshore has barbecues and shade along the way.
If you’d like to see the river from the water, our Swan River cruise guide has more ideas. For a quieter riverside picnic on the other side of town, try Riverside Gardens in Bayswater.
Featured image: JarrahTree, CC BY 2.5 AU via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes about half an hour at a relaxed pace along the flat river foreshore path.
