Swan River

Let’s play a game. It’s called ‘The Swan River’. Quick. Think of three words that come to mind when I say ‘the Swan River’.
Now I don’t know what words came to your mind but, if you’re anything like me, most of them were probably positive and uplifting words.
When I think of the Swan River I think of family fun in by-​gone eras: gatherings at Crawley where we would eat donuts and drink coke and play in the welcoming body of water. Welcoming body of water to kids that is — probably way too many jelly fish in this part of the Swan to encourage in any sane adult swimmers.
I love the diversity of Perth’s iconic (to West Aussies) river. I think of Australia Day at various parts of the Swan, some on the foreshore in the city, some further away from the frenzied crowds at the Maylands section of the Swan.
I also think of the Avon descent and the gushing winter Swan. The antithesis of its clam and serene summer self.
I usually smile when I think of the Swan and then my smile slowly fades as I remember the pollution problems our fine river is facing. The river brings us so much happiness and good fortune, we really do need to look after it as best we can.
I hope that everyone does their bit to protect the very thing that gave this city life and sustains its vibrant joy, in so many ways.

It was in South Africa, staring out the window of a boutique hotel that I realised how fortunate we are with our beautiful natural resources, flora and fauna in Western Australia. I was admiring a couple of swans in what looked like a natural lake just outside the hotel, and the owner then told me that the lake was man-​made and the swans imported because the birds are actually rather rare around the world, least of all bred in an arid nation as South Africa.
Our state of WA is one region where the swan was very ubiquitous, moreso a couple of centuries ago than now, hence the reason the bird became our state symbol, and the namesake of our main river.
It’s a beautiful natural landmark, far from the groggy waters of the Yarra near Melbourne city, and we ought to be really proud of it.
Hopefully, its upkeep is maintained and that wealthy business men on their toy yachts don’t go polluting something so precious. To be fair though, I’ve been on a couple of cruises on the Swan, so can’t complain about the water traffic…

You’d be hard-​pressed to find someone from Perth who doesn’t have a soft spot for the Swan River. It’s one of the cleanest and most accessible inner-​city rivers in Australia, flowing through the city into the Indian Ocean at Fremantle harbour. There’s a real sense of community when it comes to the Swan: from the Perth Esplanade to the South Perth Foreshore, from Alfred Cove to the Fremantle inlet, developers are making sure the body of water is well utilised by and integrated in the city fabric. Popular actives on the river include fishing, boating, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming.

The Swan River is an enigmatic being. At times placid with its surface like glass, at times furious with waves whipping the surface. Most importantly, it is what marks Perth and Fremantle as unique amongst cities — the Swan River forms our local identity, marking those who live north and south of the river.
Unfortunately, the Swan River is also over-​used by various craft, leading to pollution. Despite that, prawns and crabs caught in the Swan River are safe to eat and the prawns from the river are sweet. Although due to dredging and other other activities happening around the Swan River, it depends on where you catch the prawns.
The Swan River is a majestic sight as it winds its way through Perth and Fremantle. Hopefully its beauty can be preserved for future generations.

One time a friend of mine, fed up with WA’s slow pace, remarked that Perth was like a high class hooker: beautiful to look at but utterly void of any depth and full of superficiality. Her disillusion is another conversation all together (and for the record, her opinions do not reflect my own), but she was right about one thing. Perth is stunning.
One of the things I love most about this city is the Swan River. It literally sparkles in the sunshine, alternating between emerald and sapphire hues. Like other port cities, it’s remarkably clean. And best of all, you don’t need to own a boat to enjoy it. It’s a real treat to watch the sunset over the Stirling bridge from The Left Bank bar and restaurant, or even to go for a bike ride or jog along the foot path. They’ve even got gym equipment on a grasses area. Way better than fitness first!
There’s a few places you can enjoy the view of the river from, but the Red Herring and The Left Bank are my favorite.