Perth Riverside Segway Tour

Perth’s riverfront is made for a Segway. In one hour, you can cover the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, the Swan River edge, and John Oldham Park without spending the whole morning on foot. The short training session helps first-timers get moving quickly, and your guide stays in radio contact as you ride.

I like the small group limit of 10, which makes instruction and questions easier. I also like the mix of city sights and greenery: Elizabeth Quay gives you modern Perth, while John Oldham Park adds waterfalls, fountains, and a quieter break.

The main catch is the strict rider requirements. You must be at least 12 years old, weigh between 45 and 118 kilograms, and have enough balance and motor control to handle a standing vehicle. Pregnant participants cannot join, and anyone under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.

Key points to know before you book

• The route starts at Barrack Street Jetty, across from Pier 2, a handy riverfront meeting point.
• The one-hour route covers major sights quickly, including the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, and John Oldham Park.
• Personal radios keep the guide audible, so you can listen while riding instead of stopping every few minutes.
• Training and assessment are included, making this a reasonable first Segway experience.
• The maximum group size is 10, a useful balance between company and personal attention.
• Flat, covered shoes are best, and you should arrive sober, dressed for the weather, and ready to stand and steer.

Starting at Barrack Street Jetty

The tour begins at Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, across from Pier 2 in Perth. That location puts you right beside the Swan River and close to the first sights, so there is little wasted time getting out to the route.

Before you ride, the guide provides training and checks that you can control the Segway. This matters more than it may sound. A Segway responds to your body position, so you need to learn how to move forward, slow down, stop, and turn before joining the group.

The training is designed for beginners, and the strongest pattern in the feedback is patient, clear instruction. Guides including Harriet, Winona, Jill, Erin, Adam, and Leanne are praised for helping nervous or first-time riders gain confidence. One older participant initially felt apprehensive but found the support enough to enjoy the ride, while a younger family member declared it the best holiday activity.

That does not mean the training removes every concern. You remain standing for the tour, and you need reasonable balance and control. If you have mobility or motor-control issues, this is not a suitable way to see Perth.

Safety equipment is included. You should wear flat, covered shoes rather than sandals or heels, choose clothing that fits the weather, and bring a camera if you want photographs along the river. Do not arrive after drinking alcohol. This is a controlled activity, but falling is still a risk, which is why pregnancy is excluded.

Riding past the Bell Tower

Once everyone is ready, the route heads along the riverfront toward Perth’s Bell Tower. The tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and seeing it from a moving route gives you a quick orientation to central Perth.

A walking tour can linger at one point, but a Segway lets you connect several places in a short time. You glide rather than hurry, covering more ground while still having time to listen to the guide’s stories about Perth’s past and present.

The radio system is a real advantage here. Your guide can speak while the group rides, so you are less likely to miss a fact because of traffic, wind, or the sound of the machines. Guides are accredited, and several have received state or national awards. The experience is not just a ride with a short commentary added on. The instruction and local information are central parts of the tour.

The route is not built around long museum visits or interior sightseeing. You are seeing Perth from outside, with the riverfront, bridges, public spaces, and city buildings providing the setting. If you want detailed time inside the Bell Tower, this tour will not replace a dedicated visit.

Elizabeth Quay from a moving viewpoint

The tour continues through Elizabeth Quay, Perth’s major riverfront development. This is one of the most useful sections for a first visit because it connects the city centre to the Swan River in a compact, easy-to-understand area.

On a Segway, you get a different view from the one you would have while walking. You are high enough to take in the open spaces, but still moving at a gentle pace that allows you to look around. The route also gives you an efficient introduction to the quay before you decide if you want to return later for more time.

The appeal here is variety. In a single ride, you move from Perth’s historic civic identity around the Bell Tower into a newer public waterfront. The guide also shares current information and can suggest other things to do during your stay, which makes this especially useful early in a Perth visit.

The trade-off is time. The entire experience lasts one hour, so Elizabeth Quay is part of a loop rather than a stop for an extended wander, meal, or close look at every feature. Think of it as a lively overview, not a full afternoon at the development.

John Oldham Park and its waterfall

The route then reaches John Oldham Park, where the mood changes. Instead of open riverfront space and modern development, you get greenery, fountains, and a waterfall. This contrast is one of the tour’s best features.

I like this part because it shows a side of Perth that is easy to miss when you focus only on major landmarks. You are still close to the city, but the park gives the ride a calmer setting and a chance to see how public green space fits into the centre.

The Segway is particularly useful here because it keeps the tour flowing through several areas without requiring a long walk between them. You can enjoy the park’s natural details without using up the whole day.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a short pass through the park, not a full garden tour or extended nature outing. The waterfall and fountains are highlights along the route, but the schedule does not allow for a slow exploration of every corner.

Crossing back over Elizabeth Quay

The loop returns across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge before heading back to the starting point. That return crossing gives the tour a sense of shape rather than simply retracing the route.

It also helps you see the waterfront from another angle. A bridge crossing is a small detail, but it adds movement and variety to a one-hour outing. You are not spending the whole ride on one straight path beside the river.

The tour’s format suits people who want an introduction to Perth without committing to a half-day activity. You can fit it around a city sightseeing schedule, and the guide can point out places worth revisiting at a slower pace.

At the same time, the one-hour length limits the amount of history and detail you can receive. You will get stories about Perth, current events, and practical suggestions for the rest of your visit, but not a long historical lecture at each landmark.

What the guide adds to the experience

The guide makes a bigger difference here than the route alone. Riding a Segway is entertaining by itself, but the tour becomes more useful when someone explains what you are seeing and helps you feel secure on the machine.

The feedback repeatedly highlights clear instruction, patience, friendliness, and local information. Harriet is praised for supporting first-time riders. Winona is remembered for being upbeat, helpful, and willing to answer questions. Jill is praised for mixing small pieces of history with a friendly, entertaining approach.

Those details matter if you are unsure about booking. You are not expected to arrive already knowing how to ride. The guide trains you, assesses your handling, stays in contact through the radio, and watches the group as it moves.

The radio also lets the guide talk without forcing everyone into a tight circle. That is useful for a small moving group, though you should still pay attention to your surroundings and follow instructions.

Names can change from one departure to another, so you should not book expecting a particular guide. The consistent feature is the accredited guide role, not a guaranteed individual.

Is $69 good value for one hour?

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Perth’s riverfront. You can walk around Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River without paying an activity fee. The price makes more sense if you value the Segway itself, guided commentary, safety training, and the ability to connect several sights quickly.

For a first-time rider, the included lesson is important. You are paying for an activity with equipment, safety support, and a trained guide, not simply for transport from one landmark to another.

The small group limit also improves the value. With no more than 10 participants, the guide can respond to questions and help riders who need an extra moment during training. A larger group might make the activity feel less personal and slow down the route.

I would see this as good value for a short, active introduction to central Perth, especially at the start of a city stay. It is less compelling if you already know the riverfront well, dislike standing activities, or want a detailed historical tour with plenty of time at each location.

The booking terms add some useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available starting time when booking, since the tour lasts one hour and departures can vary.

Who will enjoy this Perth Segway tour?

This is a strong fit for adults, teenagers aged 12 and over, couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want an active city introduction. It works particularly well for people who find a standard walking tour too slow but still want a guide’s context.

It is also a good choice for nervous beginners. The training, radio communication, small group, and patient instruction give you several layers of support. You do not need previous Segway experience.

Families should pay close attention to the age rules. Children under 12 cannot join, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian. The weight limits are firm: the minimum is 45 kilograms and the maximum is 118 kilograms.

This is not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone with mobility or motor-control problems. You should also skip it if you have been drinking. Covered shoes, sensible clothing, and a willingness to balance and steer are part of the practical requirements.

What I would do with the rest of the day

I would schedule this tour near the beginning of a Perth visit. The guide gives you a quick sense of how the riverfront, Elizabeth Quay, and the city centre fit together, then points you toward other activities.

The route itself does not provide long stops for wandering, so I would return later to any place that catches your interest. Elizabeth Quay is easy to revisit, and the riverfront can be enjoyed at a slower pace after you know the layout.

You might also pair the experience with another guided outing on a different day. One participant planned to try an off-road Segway experience at Rottnest Island, while another intended to do a Kings Park tour next. Those are separate activities, but the idea makes sense: use this tour for central Perth and choose a different setting for your next ride.

Bring a camera, but keep it secured and use it only when stopped or when the guide says it is safe. The best part of the experience is the movement, so you should not spend the whole route trying to photograph every landmark.

Should you book the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a lively, compact way to see Perth’s riverfront and you are comfortable standing on a Segway. The Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, Swan River, John Oldham Park, waterfall, fountains, and suspension bridge give the hour enough variety to feel like more than a simple ride.

I would especially recommend it to first-time visitors, couples, families with teenagers, and anyone who likes learning while doing. The repeated praise for patient guides, clear lessons, and useful local stories is the strongest reason to choose this particular tour.

Skip it if you want a long historical tour, need step-free mobility support, fall outside the age or weight limits, or prefer to explore at your own pace. For the right rider, $69 buys an enjoyable introduction to Perth with more ground covered than a walk and much more personality than sightseeing alone.

FAQ

Where does the Perth Riverside Segway Tour meet?

The meeting point is 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. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is training included for first-time Segway riders?

Yes. Rider training and assessment are included before the tour begins. Safety equipment and an experienced guide are also provided.

What age do participants need to be?

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

What are the weight limits?

Participants must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 118 kilograms.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.