This is an old revision of the document!
Table of Contents
Upper Swan River
The upper Swan River offers some nice cruising options, especially if the sea breeze is howling making sailing elsewhere uncomfortable. Sailing is only really possible between the Causeway and Garratt Road Bridge. Upstream of the Garratt Road Bridge you are most likely rowing, paddling or motoring due to powerlines and low bridges.
Once you are upstream of the Garratt Road Bridge you should study the DoT boating guide very carefully for the locations of powerlines.
DoT Swan Canning Boating Guide
Chart WA898 Swan and Canning Rivers
Perth forecast
Seabreeze Perth Forecast
Upper Sawn River Cruise Photos
Maylands
This is a pleasant ramp surrounded by parkland that gives you access to the river between Garratt Road Bridge (2.6m) and the Causeway (2.9m). A nice expedition is to head downstream to Heirisson Island stopping at the small basin that is on the northern side of the island before the Causeway. You pass under the Windan Bridge (6.8m) and the Matagarup Bridge (6.4m)
Goodwood Parade
This ramp is right on the freeway and tends to be busy with water ski boats. The Maylands ramp just on the other side of the river is so much nicer.
Abernethy Road Ramp
This ramp gets you into the river between Garrett Road Bridge and the Causeway from the southern side of the river.
Memorial Drive
This ramp gets you into the river upstream of the Garratt Road Bridge. This is a lovely section of river to cruise but you should study the DoT boating guide very carefully for the locations of powerlines.
Just upstream of the ramp are the Bayswater overhead powerlines at 9.5m. Further upstream you have the Redcliffe Bridge at 7.3m. Beyond that, at Pickering Park, you really should have your mast down as you then have some powerlines at 4.5m. This is then followed by the Guildford Road Bridge (3.7m), the Rail Bridge (5.7m) and the water pipe bridge and powerlines (4.2m). After that you are rewarded with the bend around Fishmarket Reserve which I find a particularly attractive part of the river.
Sandy Beach Reserve
Not a ramp and as a beach launch spot it is only suitable for kayaks. However, it is a nice place to stop at if you are cruising up the river. It is also a good toilet stop!
Pickering Park
As mentioned in the description for the Memorial Drive Ramp there are powerlines just upstream of this ramp at a height of just 4.5m.
Guildford Boat Ramp
Note the water pipe bridge and powerlines are just upstream at a height of 4.2m.