Blue Boat House (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Blue Boat House?
What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can photograph the iconic shed, jog or cycle the riverside path, and leave whenever desired; minimal facilities mean carrying water but poses no major safety risk.
Positives:
- Early solitude: Weekday dawn visits have almost no other tourists, ideal for solo reflection.
- Seamless links: Nearby paths connect to Kings Park and UWA for extended exploration.
Challenges:
- No shade: The boatshed and jetty offer no cover—bring sun protection.
- Uneven jetty: Watch your step on narrow, handrail-free boards over water.
What is Blue Boat House?
- A wooden boatshed on a jetty over Perth’s Swan River at Matilda Bay
- Officially known as the Crawley Edge Boatshed, constructed in the 1930s for storing small craft
- Painted in vivid blue since the late 20th century, creating its signature visual landmark
What is so special about Blue Boat House for solo trip?
- Practice solo photography at golden hours
- Run or cycle along the quiet Swan River path
- Explore adjacent Kings Park trails
- Enjoy a riverside coffee with few crowds
- Stroll the historic UWA campus nearby
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Time for a sunrise shoot, riverside jog and coffee break.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Blue Boat House
Photography at golden hour:
Capture the boatshed as the sun rises or sets over the Swan River.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset to use a tripod on the jetty with few people around.
Jog or cycle along the foreshore:
Follow the smooth pedestrian path past the boatshed for a 5–10 km loop to Kings Park.
Tip: Carry water and run or ride early to enjoy calm river views and empty paths.
Explore Kings Park trails:
Take the Law Walk or Lotterywest Federation Walkway for city and river panoramas.
Tip: Combine with your visit to the boatshed for a varied solo outing of 2–3 km on easy paths.
Coffee at Bayside Kitchen:
Grab a latte and cake at the café overlooking Matilda Bay pontoon.
Tip: Visit after your shoot or jog to relax at riverside tables; popular weekends, so expect a short wait.
Stroll UWA campus:
Cross Hackett Drive to see Winthrop Hall, riverbank lawns and roaming peacocks.
Tip: Wander the historic quadrangle for a quiet break with benches near the Arts Building.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Blue Boat House
- Use public transport: Bus 950 and 24 stop at Hackett Drive near UWA to skip parking fees.
- Pack light gear: A compact tripod and prime lens fit easily on the narrow jetty.
- Start before sunrise: Cooler temperatures and empty space enhance photo quality.
Reviews of Blue Boat House
Sara Melissa
One of the iconic landmarks that always has a long queue of tourists waiting to take photos. I arrived around 5 p.m. There was still a line, but it was not too long. The wind was quite strong. There is nothing particularly special about it. It is simply a popular photo spot for tourists.
SH
I literally just spent 3 minutes here taking quick shots and videos, and just leave! Nice photo and scenic spot but very noisy with cars zooming past. Nice walk along the path tho. Took free bus from CBD.
Larry Lee
This place needs no introduction as it is already an icon of Perth city. It is a simple boat house at an unique location. You can get some very artistic pictures here. Best to come during golden hours. We parked at the car park near the park, so we had to walk some distance to the boat house. Most people just park at the roadside of the junction opposite the boat house.
Eddie B.
Image taken at 437pm in July. Foreground is in the shade and background is nicely lit. Both can easily be corrected post photo but it was nice to have the sailboats in the background. Images shown are out of camera. Protip: there are better angles to be had aside from the dock Also, visit Eliza just a few steps away. A larger than life broze statue about to dive commemorating Crawley bath. It ...
Pongpiriya Wannawong
The Blue Boat House is a beautiful and iconic photo spot in Perth — definitely a must-visit if you’re in the city. The view is stunning, whether it’s sunny or rainy — each weather gives it a different kind of charm. We recommend coming early in the morning, as there’s usually a long line of people waiting to take photos. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins in the water nearby!
When is the best time to visit Blue Boat House (Perth, Australia)?
Summer mornings heat up quickly—visit before 7 AM. In winter, mist over the river adds atmosphere at sunrise.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bayside Kitchen latte | AUD 7 |
| Bike rental | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 27 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Blue Boat House
Address: 1 Kings Park Ave, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Blue Boat House (Perth)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, solo trip
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities