Perth Riverside Segway Tour

Perth looks better on two wheels. This one-hour ride makes the riverfront easy to cover, from the Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay to John Oldham Park, without the slow pace of a walking tour. I like the small groups of up to 10 and the personal radio, which lets you hear the guide while moving. The main drawback is that the tour is short, so it gives you a lively taste of central Perth rather than a full city tour.

I also like the careful training before you set off. First-time riders get patient instruction, and guides such as Harriet, Winona, Jill, Adam, and Seth have been praised for clear teaching and friendly local stories. You do need to meet firm weight and age limits, and anyone uneasy with balance or motor control should choose a different way to see the riverfront.

Perth Riverside Segway Tour at a Glance

• Bell Tower and Elizabeth Quay: Glide past two of Perth’s most recognisable riverfront sights.
• John Oldham Park: See a quieter pocket of greenery, including its waterfall and fountains.
• Small-group format: With no more than 10 participants, the guide can give personal help.
• Beginner-friendly training: Rider instruction and an assessment are included before the tour begins.
• Swan River views: Cover more ground than you would on foot while staying close to the water.
• Good central price: At $69 per person, the tour offers a quick orientation and a playful way to see Perth.

A Fast, Fun Introduction to Perth’s Riverfront

The Perth Riverside Segway Tour is built for people who want to see several central sights in one hour. You meet at Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, across from pier 2, then receive your Segway, safety equipment, training, and rider assessment before heading out.

That training matters. A Segway may look simple, but it responds to your weight and balance rather than to a handlebar or pedal. The instruction gives you time to learn how to move forward, slow down, turn, and control the machine. Several riders who had never used one before found the controls easier to pick up than expected, but you should still arrive ready to listen and practise.

I like the way this tour combines transport with sightseeing. You are not simply being taken from one stop to another. You are learning a new way to move through the city, then using it to reach riverfront views and parks that can feel spread out on foot.

The personal radio system is another useful touch. You can listen to the guide without needing to stop every few minutes or crowd around the speaker. That means the tour can keep moving while you hear stories about Perth’s past, current events, and other places worth visiting.

Setting Off From Barrack Street Jetty

Barrack Street Jetty is a practical starting point. It places you beside the Swan River and near several of the city’s central attractions, so the tour begins in the middle of Perth rather than requiring a long transfer to the activity.

You should wear flat, covered shoes. Clothing suited to the weather is also important because the tour takes place outdoors and the route runs along the riverfront. Bring a camera if you want photographs of the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, the water, or the park, but keep your attention on steering while you are moving.

The group is limited to 10 people. That is small enough for the guide to watch how everyone is handling the Segway and offer support when needed. It also avoids the awkward stop-and-start feel that can come with a large sightseeing group.

The guides are English-speaking and accredited. Their job is not only to manage safety but also to make the short ride informative. The strongest praise has gone to guides who explain things clearly, answer questions, and keep the mood relaxed. Harriet was singled out for supporting first-time riders, while Winona was praised for her friendly manner and useful answers.

Passing the Bell Tower Beside the Swan River

Once you are comfortable, the route takes you past the Perth Bell Tower. This is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, and seeing it from a Segway gives you a different view than simply walking up to it.

The riverfront setting is the real attraction here. You can glide along the Swan River and cover more distance than you would on a normal walking tour. That makes the activity useful early in a Perth visit, especially if you want a quick sense of how the central city, water, and public spaces fit together.

The route is not designed as an in-depth Bell Tower visit. You are passing the attraction rather than entering it, so you should not book this expecting a long indoor look at the tower or a specialist architectural talk. The value is in seeing it as part of a wider riverfront circuit.

The guide’s commentary adds context as you go. You may hear about the places around you, Perth’s development, and current things to do in the city. That practical advice can be just as useful as the sightseeing, particularly if you have only a short stay.

Elizabeth Quay and Perth’s Changing Waterfront

The tour continues through Elizabeth Quay, the major waterfront development beside the Swan River. This section gives you a look at one of the most prominent modern additions to central Perth.

Elizabeth Quay works well on a Segway because it has open public areas and several sights close together. You can move between viewpoints without spending much of your one-hour tour walking from one end to another. The route also gives you a sense of how Perth uses its river edge for public space, city views, and leisure.

I would treat this part as an orientation rather than a full Elizabeth Quay visit. You will see the development as part of the route, but you will not have long to stop at every feature. If you want photographs, take them when the guide pauses, not while you are riding.

The route later loops back across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge. That return crossing gives the trip a clear shape and helps make the tour feel like a circuit rather than an out-and-back ride. It also adds a memorable final view before you return to the starting area.

John Oldham Park’s Waterfall and Fountains

John Oldham Park changes the mood of the tour. After the open riverfront and modern Elizabeth Quay spaces, you move into a greener park setting with a waterfall and fountains.

This is one of the most appealing parts for anyone who wants more than city buildings. The park offers natural detail and a quieter contrast to the main waterfront. You still see Perth’s urban side, but the route includes water, plants, and public recreation areas in the same short outing.

The park also shows why a Segway can be handy. You can reach a range of settings quickly, then keep moving before the one-hour schedule runs out. A walking tour might cover the same general area, but the Segway lets you connect the river, development, bridge, and park in one compact loop.

There is a trade-off. The tour’s short duration means you should not expect a long park walk or much time sitting beside the waterfall. You are there to see the feature and enjoy the route, not to linger for an afternoon.

Why the Guides Matter More Than the Machine

The Segway is the obvious novelty, but the guide has a big effect on the experience. A machine is fun for a few minutes. Clear instruction, steady encouragement, and good local stories are what make the hour worth paying for.

The strongest guide feedback has focused on patience and communication. Adam was praised as both a teacher and guide, while Jill was remembered for adding small pieces of history and keeping the ride friendly. Seth was noted for answering questions and sharing facts about the places along the route.

That consistency is reassuring if you are nervous. One older participant arrived apprehensive but gained confidence with support from Erin, then enjoyed the ride along with a younger family member. This does not mean the activity suits every person, but it shows the value of the training and small-group setup.

The radio system helps here too. Perth’s riverfront can have ambient noise, and a moving group is not ideal for long explanations. Being able to hear the guide directly means you are less likely to miss an important safety instruction or a story about the next stop.

Is $69 Good Value for One Hour?

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Perth. You can walk along the riverfront for free, and many of the public spaces on the route cost nothing to visit.

The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the Segway, rider training, safety equipment, an accredited guide, radio communication, and a guided route linking several central sights. You are also paying for an experience rather than simple transport. For a first-time rider, the novelty is a major part of the value.

I think the price is fair for a short introduction, especially if you have limited time or want an active break from museums and standard sightseeing. It is less compelling if you already know central Perth well, dislike organised activities, or want enough time to explore each site at your own pace.

The 4.9 out of 5 score from 66 ratings supports the idea that the tour delivers what it promises. The most consistent praise is not for a single landmark. It is for the combination of easy-to-follow instruction, friendly guides, useful Perth information, and the simple fun of riding.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

This tour suits first-time Segway riders, couples, families with older children, and adults who want a light outdoor activity. It also works well for local residents who want to see familiar parts of Perth from a new angle.

You must be at least 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be with a parent or guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The published weight range is 45 to 118 kilograms, or about 99 to 260 pounds.

The activity is not permitted for pregnant women because of the risk of falling. It is also not recommended for people with mobility or motor control issues. You should not take part after drinking alcohol, and the activity is alcohol-free.

If you are unsure about your balance, the best approach is to be honest with the guide during the assessment. The training is designed to help beginners, but the tour still requires you to control a moving vehicle and respond to instructions.

Tips for Getting More From the Hour

Arrive ready to ride rather than dressed for a long formal outing. Flat, covered shoes give you better control and protection than sandals or heels. Choose clothing that suits Perth’s conditions, and bring a camera only if you can carry it safely.

If you are visiting Perth for several days, consider taking this tour near the start of your stay. The guide may point out other things to do, and the route gives you a useful first look at Elizabeth Quay, the riverfront, and John Oldham Park.

Pay close attention during the assessment. The few minutes spent practising are not wasted time. They are what lets you enjoy the later sections of the ride without worrying about every turn.

Keep your expectations at the right scale. This is a one-hour city sampler, not a full-day excursion or a detailed historical tour. Its strength is variety: river views, a landmark, a modern waterfront, a park, and a bridge, all connected by a playful ride.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Should You Book the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

I would book this if you want a quick, active introduction to Perth and like the idea of seeing the riverfront while learning a new skill. The combination of Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower, John Oldham Park, and the suspension bridge gives you more variety than the one-hour length suggests.

I would skip it if you need a slow, detailed look at each attraction, cannot meet the age or weight requirements, or have balance and motor control concerns. For everyone else, $69 buys a well-supported ride, useful orientation, and a good chance of a few laughs along the way.

The best reason to choose it is simple: you cover a lot of central Perth without turning sightseeing into a march. The guide handles the history and safety, while you get to enjoy the river, the parks, and the city from a fresh height.

FAQ

How long is the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

The tour lasts one hour. Starting times vary, so you should check availability when booking.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, Barrack Street, Perth 6000, across from pier 2.

What sights are included?

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

Is training included?

Yes. Rider training and an assessment are included, along with safety equipment and an experienced guide.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide speaks English, and the personal radio system is used so you can hear the guide during the ride.

What is the minimum age?

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

Who cannot take part?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people under 45 kilograms or over 118 kilograms, and people with mobility or motor control issues. You should also not participate if you have been drinking alcohol.