Kayaking Swan River: Limestone cliffs and caves tour

Paddle into the limestone cliffs and caves of Blackwall Reach on the Swan River

Kayak the Swan River with a local guide to explore the 500-meter limestone formations of Blackwall Reach, paddling tandem kayaks through the Bicton Bath area and returning for coffee at the yacht club. The guide shares stories from first Australians through early European settlement and the area's cultural and geographical history. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour along Swan River cliffs

• Paddle through Bicton Bath area
• Visit limestone cliffs and caves
• Enjoy coffee at yacht club cafe

The experience

You paddle a tandem kayak through the serene Bicton Bath area first, where interesting boats and houses line the river foreshore. The real focus comes at Blackwall Reach: a 500-meter stretch of weathered limestone cliffs and caves that the operator describes as one of the Swan River's special places. Your guide drifts with you through this section, sharing stories tied to first Australians and the early European colonists who settled the river, along with details about the area's history, culture and geography that most paddlers miss on their own.

The kayaks are doubles, so you're not paddling solo, and the operator caters for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Life jackets, paddles and wet bags are all provided. The whole paddle takes around two hours, ending back at the starting point where you sit down for coffee or tea at the yacht club cafe and take in the view from the water side.

What’s included

• Double kayaks, life jackets, paddles and wet bags.
• coffee or tea at the yacht club cafe on return.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Jun 2027

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by GoGo Active Tours

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself in a shared small group with a local guide, so this suits anyone who wants to actively move through the river rather than watch it pass. The tandem setup means you're not paddling alone, and the guide's knowledge of the cliffs and the area's history is what makes the paddle more than just a paddle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the limestone cliff section like when you paddle through it?

Blackwall Reach is a 500-meter stretch of weathered limestone formations significant to first Australians. Your guide takes time to drift through the area and share its history rather than rush past, so you get both the visual impact of the cliffs and the stories behind them.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The operator caters for all fitness levels and a wide range of skill levels, and you're paddling a tandem kayak with a guide who knows the river.

What happens after the paddle?

You return to the yacht club where the activity starts, and the coffee or tea is included so you can sit and enjoy the view from the water side before you leave.

What gear do I need to bring?

The operator provides double kayaks, life jackets, paddles and wet bags. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change if you prefer to be dry for the cafe afterwards.