Swan River, Major river system in Perth, Australia.
Swan River extends approximately 360 kilometers from near Corrigin toward the Indian Ocean at Fremantle, flowing through the Perth region. The waterway splits into distinct sections with varying characteristics, including areas shaped by reservoirs and changes in salinity as it nears the coast.
Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh encountered the lower sections in 1697 and named it after the black swans he observed there. This early European contact marked the beginning of recorded Western history for this river.
The river holds a name in the Noongar language and connects to their long-standing relationship with this country. Today, this Indigenous connection remains visible through art, stories, and the way the river continues to hold importance for the community.
Multiple locations along the river in the Perth area offer swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Check local conditions before your visit, particularly during warm months when water flow can vary significantly in different sections.
During summer months the upper sections dry out completely while water persists in the Perth and Melville basins, a striking contrast few visitors anticipate. This unusual pattern results from dam regulation and the intense evaporation typical of this dry climate.
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