Elizabeth Quay, Perth: Sculptures, water park, mini golf & history

Elizabeth Quay in Perth is a multi-million dollar development that aims to reconnect the city to the Swan River. Public art such as Spanda and First Contact mix with hotels, Elizabeth Quay mini golf, landscaped parkland, fountains and boat tours.

What is Elizabeth Quay?

Elizabeth Quay in Perth is a relatively recent addition to the Western Australian travel map. On the northern bank of the Swan River, next to Perth CBD, Elizabeth Quay is a multi-million dollar development project.

Work started on Elizabeth Quay in 2012, and it has seen an artificial inlet built next to Barrack Square in central Perth. It is on what was once the Esplanade Reserve, which might sound delightful, but it was essentially just a big patch of grass that served little useful purpose.

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✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Elizabeth Quay development

When finished, Elizabeth Quay will offer a mixture of office space, retail outlets, residential apartments and new hotels.

To talk of a finish date for the Elizabeth Quay project would be rash, as new bits keep getting approved for it. These include the $360 million Chevron Tower, which should be finished by 2023.

To say Elizabeth Quay lacks character would be an understatement. It may change over time as it becomes accepted as part of the city, but for now it feels too shiny, new and soulless. If you want to meet somewhere that better captures the city’s energy, try Yagan Square. If you want views over the Swan River, try Kings Park.

Best attractions in Elizabeth Quay

There are, however, some appealing aspects of Elizabeth Quay. The Elizabeth Quay water park has bubbling fountains, and a seductively curving bridge leads to a tiny island with a brewpub on it.

A smattering of places to eat and drink have also opened up, concentrating on everything from oysters to burgers. You’ll also find a carousel, the Elizabeth Quay mini-golf course and lots of landscaped parkland with curving lines. Charmingly, benches fit the design rather than just being plonked in randomly.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

Public art at Elizabeth Quay, Perth

The centrepiece of Elizabeth Quay is a sculpture of concentric white arcs. Spanda is a 29 metre tall public artwork designed by artist Christian de Vietri. It’s dwarfed by the shiny skyscrapers behind it, but it feels like it will become a Perth icon in time.

First Contact at Elizabeth Quay in Perth is one of the highlights of a public art walk around the development. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Spanda has competition in the form of a five metre tall, stylised sculpture of a silver bird on a boat. Its wings outstretch as if about to embrace. This Elizabeth Quay sculpture is called First Contact, and it’s by indigenous artist Laurel Nannup. It represents the European settlers arriving in Perth. The local Noongar people thought the newcomers were past ancestors returning from the sea.

Both of these pieces link together as part of a public art walk around Elizabeth Quay.

Little Ferry Co boat tours

Meanwhile, boat and gondola tours can be accessed from the water’s edge.

These include the Little Ferry Co, with its dinky little 11-seater solar-powered ferries. They cruise up the Swan River almost silently, ensuring you can keep an eye out for wildlife on the way. There’s a resident pod of dolphins that lives in the river, while the fabled black swans can be found paddling around near the banks. There are also kangaroos on Heirisson Island.

The South Perth ferry also departs from Elizabeth Quay.

Other things to do at Elizabeth Quay include Segway tours.