Perth Riverside Segway Tour

Perth’s riverfront is spread out, so a Segway gives you a lively way to cover it without the plodding pace of a walking tour. In one hour, you glide from Barrack Street Jetty past the Perth Bell Tower, through Elizabeth Quay, and into John Oldham Park, then loop back across the suspension bridge.

I like the personal radios, which let you hear the guide while moving, and I like the short training session before the tour begins. Guides such as Harriet, Winona, Jill, and Leanne have been praised for clear instruction and friendly help. The main catch is that a Segway is not suitable for everyone: you must be at least 12, weigh between 45 and 118 kilograms, and be comfortable with balance and motor control.

Key points at a glance

• A compact Perth introduction: See the Bell Tower, Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, and John Oldham Park in one hour.
• Training comes first: You receive instruction, an assessment, and safety equipment before setting off.
• The route mixes city and greenery: Modern Elizabeth Quay gives way to John Oldham Park’s waterfall and fountains.
• Small groups help: A maximum of 10 participants makes it easier to hear instructions and receive help.
• Guides add local context: English-speaking guides explain Perth’s past, current events, and other places to visit.
• Check the restrictions carefully: Riders must be 12 or older, sober, properly dressed, and within the stated weight range.

Starting at Barrack Street Jetty

The tour begins at Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, across from pier 2 in Perth. This is a practical starting point for a riverfront outing because the route heads straight into the city’s waterside sights rather than spending time getting there.

Plan to wear flat, covered shoes and clothes suited to the weather. You should also bring a camera, though you will need to handle it sensibly while riding. This is an alcohol-free activity, so do not arrive after drinking.

The small-group format matters here. With no more than 10 people, the guide can keep an eye on the group and respond when someone needs another reminder about steering or stopping. It also keeps the experience more personal than a large sightseeing outing.

Learning the Segway before the city ride

If you have never used a Segway, the training is an important part of the booking, not a minor formality. The operator provides rider training and an assessment before the group leaves, along with safety equipment and a personal radio for hearing the guide.

The strongest pattern in the feedback is the quality of this instruction. Several guides are praised for being patient, clear, supportive, and easy to understand. One older participant arrived apprehensive and found that the guide’s help made it possible to enjoy the ride. Another first-time rider described picking up the controls surprisingly quickly.

That does not mean you should treat the Segway as completely effortless. You control your movement with shifts in balance, so you need enough coordination to follow instructions and react calmly. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility or motor control issues, and pregnant women cannot take part because of the risk of falling.

The minimum age is 12. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The stated weight range is 45 to 118 kilograms. The activity information also contains a separate reference to 120 kilograms, so if you are close to the upper limit, confirm the operator’s current terms before booking.

Gliding past the Perth Bell Tower

Once the group is ready, the route takes you along the Swan River toward the Perth Bell Tower. The tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and seeing it from the riverfront gives you an easy orientation point for central Perth.

This part of the ride is useful at the beginning of a visit because it helps you understand how the city, river, jetty, and public spaces fit together. You are not stopping for a long museum-style visit. Instead, you get a moving introduction, with the guide supplying history and current information through the radio.

That format suits people who want a broad look at Perth before deciding where to spend more time. If you prefer long stops and detailed architectural commentary, this tour may feel quick. The one-hour schedule is built for coverage and movement rather than extended visits inside attractions.

Seeing the newer side of Elizabeth Quay

The tour continues into Elizabeth Quay, a major riverfront development with public spaces, modern structures, and direct links to the Swan River. It is one of the most useful sections for seeing how Perth has reshaped its waterfront.

The Segway works well here because you can cover more ground than on foot while still moving slowly enough to take in the setting. You also avoid committing a large part of your day to a single attraction. The tour gives you a first look, then you can return later if a particular part of the quay catches your attention.

The route loops back across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge. That crossing gives the outing a clear shape instead of feeling like a simple out-and-back ride. It also provides a change of view before you return to the starting point.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Elizabeth Quay is part of a modern city precinct, not a preserved historic quarter. Its value on this tour comes from the river views, public spaces, and contrast with the park section that follows.

Slowing down in John Oldham Park

John Oldham Park changes the mood. After the open riverfront and built-up quay, you move into a greener setting with a waterfall and fountains. This is the route’s most natural and visually varied stop.

I like this contrast because it keeps the tour from becoming a string of urban viewpoints. You get Perth’s public waterfront, then a pocket of nature without leaving the central sightseeing area. The park also gives the ride a more relaxed middle section, though you should still follow the guide’s instructions around paths, turns, and other people.

The park is not presented as a long walking visit, so the time here is limited. You will see its main features as part of the route rather than explore every corner. That is a fair trade for a one-hour tour, especially if your goal is to sample several parts of Perth in a single outing.

What the guide adds to the ride

The guide is more than someone who leads the line. You receive explanations about Perth’s history, current events, and other things to do in the city. The personal radio is especially useful because you do not need to cluster around the guide to hear the commentary.

The guides named in the feedback include Harriet, Winona, Jill, Leanne, Adam, Erin, Justin, Amy, Rusty, Dave, and Seth. The repeated strengths are patient teaching, clear directions, local information, and a friendly manner. Winona is praised for being lively and informative, while Jill is remembered for adding small pieces of history. Dave is noted for making safety and confidence a priority.

That range of guide names matters because the tone may vary slightly from one departure to another, but the basic job is consistent: teach you the controls, keep the group together, and make the route informative. You can ask questions during the outing, and the guide can suggest other Perth activities.

The experience also suits local residents who think they already know the city. One long-term Perth resident found the commentary informative, which makes sense: moving through familiar places with a guide can reveal details you have missed from a car or pavement.

Is $69 good value for one hour?

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Perth’s riverfront. You could walk along parts of the same area for free. The price pays for the Segway, instruction and assessment, safety equipment, guide, radio system, and a small group capped at 10 people.

For me, the value depends on what you want from a city tour. If you are happy walking and mainly want landmark photos, the cost may be hard to justify. If you want a fun activity that covers more ground and includes local commentary, the price is more reasonable.

The one-hour duration is both a strength and a limitation. It is easy to fit into a busy Perth day, and you are unlikely to feel that the activity has taken over your schedule. On the other hand, $69 is a significant price for a short tour, so book it for the riding experience and the guide, not just for transport between sights.

It can work particularly well as an early activity. You get an overview of the riverfront and hear ideas for what to do next. You might then return to Elizabeth Quay or spend more time in another part of the city.

Who will enjoy this most

I would point this tour toward visitors who want an active introduction to Perth, couples looking for something different from a standard walking tour, and families with teenagers who meet the age and supervision rules. It also suits people who enjoy trying a new form of transport but want a guided setting rather than riding alone.

The activity has received strong praise from first-time riders, including people who were nervous before the training. That is encouraging, but you still need to be honest about your balance, coordination, and comfort level. A friendly instructor can teach you the controls, but no guide can remove the basic need to stand, steer, and stop safely.

The tour is not appropriate for children under 12, pregnant women, anyone outside the weight limits, or anyone with mobility or motor control problems. If you have any doubt, check with the operator before paying.

Practical timing and cancellation advice

Starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want. The tour is conducted in English with a live guide.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging your Perth schedule. I would still choose a time when you are not rushing to another booking, since the training and assessment come before the ride itself.

Weather-appropriate clothing is sensible because much of the experience takes place outdoors beside the river and in the park. Covered flat shoes are preferred. Keep your camera ready for the Bell Tower, riverfront, bridge, and park, but give your full attention to riding whenever the path becomes busy or the guide is giving instructions.

Should you book the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a short, active tour with plenty of variety. The route combines Perth’s riverfront landmarks, the modern Elizabeth Quay precinct, a suspension bridge, and John Oldham Park’s waterfall and fountains. The radio commentary and small group make it more useful than simply renting a device and riding without context.

Skip it if you dislike balance-based activities, need a fully accessible outing, or would rather spend an hour inside one attraction. The price is fair for a guided small-group activity with training, but it is not a bargain sightseeing ride.

For most eligible visitors, I would place it near the start of a Perth stay. It gives you a quick sense of the city’s layout, introduces you to the Swan River, and may point you toward places worth revisiting at a slower pace.

FAQ

Where does the Perth Riverside Segway Tour start?

It starts at Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, Barrack Street, Perth 6000, across from pier 2.

How long does the Segway tour last?

The tour lasts one hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

What sights are included on the route?

The route passes the Perth Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, the Swan River, John Oldham Park, and the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge.

Is Segway training included?

Yes. The activity includes rider training, an assessment, safety equipment, and an experienced guide.

Can I hear the guide while riding?

Yes. Each participant has personal radio communication for listening to the guide.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

Participants must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 118 kilograms. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility or motor control issues, and pregnant women are not permitted to participate.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.