Narrows Bridge
A vital transport link and scenic viewpoint, the Narrows Bridge offers stunning Perth skyline vistas and a glimpse into engineering history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Narrows Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital transport link and scenic viewpoint, the Narrows Bridge offers stunning Perth skyline vistas and a glimpse into engineering history.
"Walk across it as it connects the Perth CBD to South Perth making a good circuit walk with great views of the city."
🚶♀️ Walk the Circuit
Combine a walk across the bridge with the Mends Street jetty trail for a scenic city loop. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Seek Shade
The foreshore path lacks shade; visit early or late to avoid intense summer heat. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
City Skyline Views
Pedestrian paths on the bridge
Walk or cycle across for stunning panoramic views of the Perth CBD skyline and the Swan River.
Swan River Tranquility
Beneath the bridge
Find a cool spot under the bridge for a break, or watch the black swans on the water.
Architectural Significance
The bridge itself
Appreciate the engineering feat of the original 1959 bridge, once the largest precast concrete bridge globally.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat on the Foreshore
Understand the 'Narrows'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
South perth Mends street jetty to Narrows bridge
🚶♀️ Walk the Circuit
Combine a walk across the bridge with the Mends Street jetty trail for a scenic city loop. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Seek Shade
The foreshore path lacks shade; visit early or late to avoid intense summer heat. :sunwithface:
Went for a walk between the bridges on Wednesday night, snapped a couple of decent pics on my phone - would've been nice to have proper kit
1962 travel guide to Perth - nice picture of the new bridge on the cover.
🚗 Park Underneath
Parking under the bridge offers a cool spot for your car during hot summer days. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Circuit
Combine a walk across the bridge with the Mends Street jetty trail for a scenic city loop. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Seek Shade
The foreshore path lacks shade; visit early or late to avoid intense summer heat. :sunwithface:
🚗 Park Underneath
Parking under the bridge offers a cool spot for your car during hot summer days. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Narrows Bridge for its stunning city skyline views and its role as a vital transport link. The architectural history and the opportunity for scenic walks or cycles are also highlighted. However, some find the bridge's design uninspired and note the lack of shade on the surrounding foreshore paths, which can be uncomfortable in summer.
"Photographed on 2017-06-01, the sky at dawn was blood red, black swans were leisurely playing on the water, 8 years have passed in a blink of an eye, and I want to come back here again."
Xiao Zhuo Wen
"The Narrows Bridge is a freeway and railway crossing of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia.
Made up of two road bridges and a railway bridge constructed at a part of the river known as the Narrows, located between Mill Point and Point Lewis, it connects the Mitchell and Kwinana Freeways, linking the city's northern and southern suburbs. The original road bridge was opened in 1959 and was the largest precast prestressed concrete bridge in the world. Construction of the northern interchange for this bridge necessitated the reclamation of a large amount of land from the river.
The bridge formed part of the Kwinana Freeway which originally ran for only 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to Canning Bridge. Over the following decades, the freeway system was expanded to the north and south, greatly increasing the volume of traffic using the bridge. As a result, in 2001, a second road bridge was opened to the west of the original bridge, and in 2005, the railway bridge was constructed in the gap between the two traffic bridges. Passenger trains first traversed the Narrows in 2007 with the opening of the Mandurah line."
Quan Le Hong
"It's a bridge that is not narrow. It is in fact 3 bridges containing 10 traffic lanes, 1 bus lane, 2 train tracks, and 2 pedestrian paths. The Narrow part is what the wide 3 bridges crosses - a narrow section of the Swan River. I park under it when I go running. It keeps the car cool in summer. Apart from that, it's just a bridge, or 3. I'd give it more than 5 stars if it looked cooler, like if it was a suspension bridge or had some unique design, and if it wasn't such a hot spot for freeway accidents."
Sam Dekker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Narrows Bridge is easily accessible by car via the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways. For public transport, you can take a bus to South Perth or the CBD and walk onto the bridge. The Mends Street jetty in South Perth offers a pleasant starting point for a walk along the foreshore to the bridge.
Yes, there is parking available under the bridge, which can be a welcome cool spot during summer. Additional parking can be found in nearby areas of South Perth and the Perth CBD.
Absolutely! The Narrows Bridge features dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, making it a popular route for cyclists enjoying the city views.
Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling across the bridge for city views and exploring the foreshore paths. Combining it with a visit to South Perth or the CBD creates a great circuit.
Yes, buses frequently travel across the Narrows Bridge, connecting the northern and southern suburbs. You can also access it via ferry to Mends Street jetty in South Perth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking or cycling across the Narrows Bridge is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees.
The Narrows Bridge is a public thoroughfare and is accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours.
The Narrows Bridge itself does not have tolls. It is part of the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways, which are toll-free roads.
While the bridge is technically always open, it is well-lit and safe to cross at night. However, for photography and enjoying the views, dawn and dusk are often preferred.
Pedestrian access is integrated into the bridge's design, with pathways running alongside the traffic lanes. You can access these from the freeway on-ramps or connecting foreshore paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The pedestrian paths on the bridge offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the Perth skyline. Dawn and dusk provide dramatic lighting, with the sky often turning blood red.
Dawn and dusk are ideal for photography, offering beautiful light and often calmer conditions. The early morning can also be great for spotting black swans on the river.
Yes, you can get interesting perspectives from underneath the bridge, especially during the day. The structure itself offers a unique photographic subject.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the Narrows Bridge. However, always be mindful of traffic and safety when taking photos.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the bridge with the city skyline, close-ups of the concrete structure, and dynamic shots of traffic and the river.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the foreshore areas can also be fun, but be mindful of the sun exposure. Parking under the bridge offers a cool spot to rest or have a picnic. The sight of the large trucks and trains crossing can be fascinating for younger children.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
Be prepared for potential heat, especially in summer, as shade is scarce on the foreshore. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal. The bridge itself provides a unique perspective of the river and the urban landscape, making it a rewarding experience for active visitors.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles from the pedestrian paths or from below the bridge. The presence of black swans on the Swan River can also add a beautiful natural element to your shots. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and traffic while capturing your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bridge of Three Parts: The Narrows Bridge's Evolution
The increasing traffic demands led to the addition of a second road bridge to the west in 2001, effectively doubling the road capacity. This was followed by the construction of a railway bridge in the gap between the two traffic bridges in 2005, accommodating the Mandurah line which began passenger services in 2007. Today, the Narrows Bridge complex comprises three distinct bridges, carrying a substantial volume of road, rail, and pedestrian traffic.
Despite its functional importance, some visitors note that the bridge lacks a striking aesthetic, wishing for a more unique design like a suspension bridge. However, its sheer scale and the continuous flow of traffic are impressive in their own right. The pedestrian paths offer a unique perspective on this vital piece of Perth's infrastructure.
Exploring the Narrows Bridge Foreshore
Travelers often mention that the lack of shade on parts of the foreshore trail can make it challenging during the hotter months. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or late afternoons, is highly recommended to make the experience more comfortable. The area beneath the bridge itself offers a shaded respite and a unique vantage point to appreciate the bridge's massive scale.
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, particularly the black swans that are often seen gracefully navigating the waters. The Narrows Bridge area is a great spot for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or simply to sit and enjoy the riverfront scenery and the iconic Perth skyline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit