Matilda Bay ferries get four routes to protect rowing and sailing
WA Government released a primary and three alternate ferry routes for Matilda Bay ahead of expanded METRONET on Swan services, with berths 80 metres off shore.
- Source Briefing
- Public record
On 8 November 2026 the WA Government released the ferry routes it plans to use at Matilda Bay, Crawley (Perth), once expanded METRONET on Swan ferry services begin. The package is one primary route and three alternates, designed so rowing, sailing and dinghy racing can carry on alongside the ferries.
Why it matters
Matilda Bay sits on the Swan Canning Riverpark, where the expanded ferry service has to coexist with regular aquatic activities. The government said the options came out of a year of work with the Waterways Safety Reference Group, a panel representing 21 water user groups that feeds back to government on the ferry expansion.
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Route choice depends on what is on the water. With little activity, ferries take a direct line in and out. During organised sailing they keep nearer the northern shoreline, leaving the middle of the bay to sailors. For organised rowing early in the morning and late in the afternoon, Matilda Bay to Elizabeth Quay services run further toward the centre, freeing space by the northern shore. On Saturdays, when Perth Dinghy Club activity picks up, all ferries run further east. Ferry masters can change course at any time for safety.
The numbers
Ferries will berth at least 80 metres off the foreshore, which the government said keeps room for swimming, paddling and other shore-based activities. The plan also removes 34 private boat moorings to free more water. The new terminal takes up three metres of shoreline, under one per cent of the bay, according to the statement.
Henderson-based shipbuilder Echo Marine Group is building the electric ferries in WA. The government said the vessels are designed to generate less wake, which limits the effect on other water users, nearby shorelines and sensitive environmental areas.
Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said: “I want to assure West Aussies that you will be able to picnic, swim, paddle, row and sail safely at Matilda Bay.” She added that she joined Sailability on the water earlier in the week to see how the arrangement would work.
What’s next
The Public Transport Authority is developing a timetable to fit the flexible routes, with built-in time at stops to hold reliability and absorb delays. The statement did not give a start date for the expanded services. The routes are published on the PTA’s METRONET on Swan ferry service expansion project page.
Related: Scarborough tower height doubling to 90m.
Quick answers
What are the key numbers in this story?
minimum berth distance: 80 m; moorings removed: 34; user groups represented: 21.
Where does this information come from?
This story cites Government of Western Australia, including the public record (Government of Western Australia). Every source is linked on the page.
On the record
Flexible ferry routes to accommodate water users at Matilda Bay (8 November 2026)
Government of Western Australia · wa.gov.au
Filed by the AusDev Perth Desk. How we report.