Perth Signs Off Ferry Terminals Under $107m Route Expansion

Development opportunities along Perth’s Swan River will likely open up as two new ferry terminals are approved.

further terminals are under investigation.

The WA Government is investing $107 million to fund the new terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross (pictured above) to connect with the Elizabeth Quay route.

Additional routes and terminal locations are being explored and include Canning Bridge, Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.

Terminals at Belmont Park West, Maylands, Belmont Park East, Maylands Peninsula and the suburb of Belmont could follow.

A formal call for tenders for the design and construction of the two terminals will be released early next year and construction is slated to begin later in 2026.

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) granted development approval for the two ferry terminals this month.

The projects were filed with the commission in September as part of the first phase of the METRONET Swan Ferry Service Expansion project.

▲ A map outlining the expanded ferry route in blue, as well as the route under investigation in purple.

The Applecross terminal will be just north of Raffles Hotel to support the large and growing population in high-density housing in the suburb and out to Mount Pleasant, according to the state.

The Matilda Bay terminal, on Hackett Drive, will provide improved connectivity to The University of Western Australia Crawley campus, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and riverfront.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said this would be the largest expansion to Perth’s ferry network and that electric ferries would join the fleet during the lifespan of the project. 

“This project will support tourism and local businesses, and encourage sustainable travel while opening new opportunities for investment and development along the river,” Saffioti said.

▲ The Matilda Bay terminal will be near The University of Western Australia Crawley campus.

The announcement comes 18 months after the City of Perth revealed its $1-billion plans for Langley Park near Elizabeth Quay.

The city voted unanimously to progress the Riverfront Masterplan to community consultation in May. It is currently in the review of engagement and reporting stage.

Also in the West, the City of Perth last month canned plans for a $1.6-billion convention centre in favour of a $1.5-billion Building Hospitals Fund.