About Matilda Bay Reserve
Matilda Bay Reserve is a large foreshore park on the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) in Crawley, adjacent to the University of Western Australia about 4 km west of Perth CBD. Known for its sheltered bay, expansive lawns and views across the river to the Perth skyline, it is a popular recreation area. The reserve includes picnic areas, walking and cycling paths and access to Pelican Point, and is noted for birdlife and calm waters for kayaking and swimming.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a spacious, flat riverside park with manicured lawns, mature trees and a sandy foreshore along the calm waters of Matilda Bay on the Swan River. The reserve offers open picnic and barbecue areas, paved shared walking and cycling paths, a playground, and jetties and a boat ramp. Views extend across the river to the city skyline and Kings Park. The northern end connects to Pelican Point, a bird sanctuary, with opportunities for birdwatching, photography and relaxed riverside walks.
Key highlights
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Sheltered foreshore on Matilda Bay on the Swan River with views to Perth city skyline
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Expansive grassed picnic areas with barbecue facilities and mature shade trees
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Paved shared walking and cycling paths linking to the Swan River foreshore network
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Pelican Point at the northern end, an important waterbird habitat and birdwatching area