What is the Swan River in Perth?
The Swan River flows through Perth, Western Australia, before meeting the Indian Ocean at Fremantle. It was named in 1697 by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh after its black swans.
De Vlamingh's crew were surprised to see black swans, as Europeans had believed all swans were white. The black swan later became the emblem of Western Australia and appears on the state flag and coat of arms.
The Noongar people know the river as Derbarl Yerrigan. In their stories, the river was shaped by the Waugal, a giant serpent-like creature that created waterways across the land.
Life on the river
The Swan widens into broad, calm stretches in Perth, such as Perth Water and Melville Water. Sailing, kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and ferries cross between the city and South Perth.
Bottlenose dolphins live in the river and are often seen near Fremantle and even in the city. Upstream, the Swan Valley is a wine and food region known for cellar doors, breweries and chocolate shops.
The upper river is known as the Avon River. The Swan is tidal through Perth, and its estuary waters mix fresh and salt water.
Did You Know?
Perth's Bell Tower, beside the river, holds bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.