METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion

The WA Government is investing $107 million to expand public transport options along the Swan River, helping to shape a more connected and vibrant Perth. Expanding ferry services is a natural step forward for our growing city. 

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and WA governments.

This initiative will:

• activate high-density riverside precincts, making them more accessible and lively
• support economic growth through urban revitalisation
• enhance tourism by offering scenic and enjoyable travel options
• ease pressure on existing infrastructure with sustainable transport alternatives
• improve accessibility across the river for residents and visitors alike.

As part of this expansion, a new ferry route will connect the existing Elizabeth Quay terminal with two new terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross.

Additional routes and terminal locations are being explored, including at Canning Bridge, Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.

Application for Permit to clear Native Vegetation

The public comment period for the Application for Permit to clear Native Vegetation at the Matilda Bay and Applecross terminals has now closed.

Development Applications

Ferry operations

A development application for the operation of the proposed ferry service on the Swan and Canning Rivers has been submitted to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). We invite you to have your say. You can view the application and provide feedback to DBCA between 31 August and 29 September 2026. The application can be viewed on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website.

Terminals

Development Applications for the new ferry terminals at Matilda Bay and Applecross and upgrades to the terminal at Elizabeth Quay have been approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and DevelopmentWA respectively. 

At a meeting of the WAPC on 11 December 2025 the applications received conditional approval ( agenda, minutes, watch the meeting).

EPA Referral

Significant effort has been made during the planning phase to avoid, minimise and manage impacts to the Swan River and the surrounding environment. Following numerous environmental investigations and assessments, the project was referred by the PTA to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

The EPA public comment on referral period closed on 13 October 2025, and the EPA has advised that the proposal does not require formal assessment or approval under Section 38 of the Act.

The EPA's decision has been published on their website.

Matilda Bay charging infrastructure update

Design development of the charging infrastructure and public amenities at Matilda Bay have been progressing following feedback and conditions received as part of the Development Application (DA) submission for the Matilda Bay site.

Key feedback received from the public through the DA process included the need to minimise the infrastructure’s footprint and impact on open space and increase the public amenities available.

The Western Australian Planning Commission, on advice of the Government Architect Western Australia and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, have now endorsed a two-storey design to combine charging infrastructure and public amenities into a single consolidated footprint. The new design features five male and female public toilets, a universal access toilet, and bicycle shelter for ferry passengers with space for 48 bikes.

The building will remain located within the current public car park to minimise impact on the Class A reserve. 

Tenders

Tenders to design and construct the new terminals at Applecross and Matilda Bay and for the land infrastructure at Matilda Bay have now closed. Detailed design will progress further once a contract is awarded in the coming months.

Geotechnical investigations of ground conditions are ongoing in the Swan River near the proposed Matilda Bay and Applecross terminals. 

All testing is proceeding with consent under Regulations 7 and 10 of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations, 1974.

This is a stylised depiction of the proposed route. The final route will be determined with assistance from the Waterways Stakeholder Reference Group.

The east-west approach of the ferry to and departure from the terminal within Matilda Bay will be limited to a maximum speed of 8 knots.

For more information email projects@pta.wa.gov.au.