Stand at the East Perth end of the Swan River and watch the cable-stayed bridge arc 72 metres into the sky. The central span is 160 metres of pure geometry: stainless steel cables fanning out from twin arches like wishbones, or a pair of flying swans, depending on the angle. It doesn’t look purely functional. It looks designed. That matters, because Matagarup Bridge opened in July 2018 and immediately became one of Perth’s most photographed pieces of modern infrastructure, and it’s earned that status rather than just claimed it.
But it’s not just a photo opportunity. Walk it. The 560-metre total pedestrian crossing (including approach ramps) connects East Perth, the old industrial precinct now filling with apartments, to the Burswood Peninsula and the Optus Stadium precinct. It’s real transport infrastructure that happens to be beautiful, which is rarer than it should be. And its name, Matagarup, is the Whadjuk Noongar word for the area around nearby Heirisson Island, meaning roughly “place where the river is only leg deep, allowing it to be crossed”: Indigenous naming built into new infrastructure, officially adopted by the WA Government in 2017 as a permanent tribute to the Traditional Owners.
Who Will Enjoy It
Anyone doing a Swan River walk from Elizabeth Quay or East Perth, since the bridge is a natural extension of that route and free at any hour. Photographers chasing golden hour or the night lighting. Families heading to or from an Optus Stadium event, for whom the bridge is the main pedestrian route in. Thrill-seekers wanting the bridge climb or zip-line, which are standalone activities rather than an afterthought.
The Bridge Itself
Matagarup Bridge is a three-span steel cable-stayed structure, built by a York Civil/Rizzani de Eccher joint venture at a final cost of around $91.5 million, opened to the public on 14 July 2018 after a construction process that ran well over its original schedule. The main span everyone photographs is 160 metres of cable suspension between twin arches; the total structure, including the 100-metre approach ramp on the East Perth side, runs to 560 metres. The bridge deck sits 72 metres above the Swan River at its highest point, with 8 metres of clearance below for river traffic.
It’s free to walk 24 hours a day, with no gates or tolls. Pedestrians and a dedicated cycling lane share the crossing (cyclists are asked to keep to around 20 km/h), and the deck is wide enough (9 metres) that foot traffic rarely feels congested, even around Optus Stadium events.
The signature feature after dark is the lighting: 900 metres of multicolour LED wrapped through the cable geometry, cycling through colour and intensity rather than running to a fixed schedule. It’s occasionally themed for major events (it was lit purple for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, and featured as Australia’s “postcard” location for Eurovision 2023). For photography, the window from about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset through to 10pm gives you the best mix of fading sky colour and full LED effect.
Walking the Bridge
From East Perth, the approach runs through the East Perth Riverfront development on a gradual, clearly marked path, so you’re ramped up to height rather than suddenly exposed. Once on the main deck you’re 72 metres above the river with unobstructed views: south toward Burswood parkland, north toward the CBD skyline and Heirisson Island. Early morning and late-afternoon light both work well for photos.
The crossing itself takes 10 to 15 minutes at a relaxed pace, closer to 20 to 30 minutes if you stop for photos. On the Burswood side you emerge directly into the Optus Stadium precinct and the wider Burswood parkland, which is where a short bridge walk can easily become a half-day outing.
Bridge Climb and Zip-Line
The bridge climb opened on 26 January 2021, followed by the zip-line in December 2021, both operated commercially as Matagarup Zip+Climb. These weren’t bolted-on gimmicks: the original bridge design included handrails along the arches and maintenance stairs specifically so climbing could be added later.
The Bridge Climb takes you up and over the top of the structure via an elevated viewing platform, with prices currently starting from around $99. The Express Zip (zip-line only, from the bridge structure down to Burswood) starts from around $119. The combined Zip+Climb experience starts from around $165. All three are weather-dependent, since cable structures are sensitive to strong wind, and they run on scheduled bookings rather than walk-up, so check zipclimb.com.au for current pricing and availability before you plan around them, as tour pricing shifts from what’s listed here.
Getting There
From the CBD, walk the river path from Elizabeth Quay through East Perth to the bridge; it’s around 20 minutes and gives you foreshore views before you reach the crossing.
The free Yellow CAT bus also runs from the city out toward East Perth, with a stop near the old cemetery roughly 20 minutes from the CBD and a short walk from the bridge approach. East Perth Train Station is the closest stop, about a 15-minute walk from the bridge, while Perth Stadium Station on the Airport line sits right on the Burswood side and is the better option if you’re heading to the stadium precinct directly rather than crossing the bridge itself.
During major Optus Stadium events, dedicated shuttle buses and additional train services run directly to the stadium precinct, and access to the train and bus station on the Burswood side stays open even during nearby Perth Park construction works affecting some pedestrian paths further south toward Crown Perth.
By car, East Perth Riverfront has both street parking and dedicated car parks, though on event days it’s worth using public transport instead.
Combine With Optus Stadium and Burswood
The bridge functions as the gateway to the Burswood side of the river rather than a standalone stop. Optus Stadium sits about 500 metres from the bridge; even without a match or concert on, stadium tours run regularly and are worth doing for the architecture and sightlines alone. Burswood Park, the parkland surrounding the stadium, has riverside walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds, and is easily a two to three hour add-on. Heirisson Island, visible from the bridge deck, has its own short walking trails and Noongar cultural and heritage significance if you want to extend the loop further.
What Locals Know
Regular East Perth and Burswood commuters use the bridge daily rather than treating it as a tourist stop, and locals will tell you weekday mid-mornings are the quietest window if you want photos without crowds. On Optus Stadium event days, the bridge becomes packed in both directions for an hour either side of kick-off or doors, so if you’re not going to the event, avoid crossing in that window. Wind is a real, recurring factor locals plan around, not just a line in the FAQ: on blustery days it’s noticeably exposed at deck height, and the climb and zip-line operators will cancel or reschedule bookings without much notice if gusts pick up. Perth’s evening river breeze also means the bridge cools down fast after sunset, so a light layer is worth having even in summer if you’re staying for the night lighting.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, and it costs nothing to find out. The crossing itself is a good piece of urban design, not just an Instagram backdrop, and it sits at the centre of a walkable loop connecting the CBD, East Perth, Burswood parkland and Optus Stadium. The climb and zip-line are worthwhile add-ons if you want an adrenaline hit and don’t mind paying tourist-attraction prices for it, but the free pedestrian crossing alone justifies the trip from the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to cross the bridge?
Nothing. The pedestrian and cycle crossing is free, 24 hours a day. You only pay if you book the Bridge Climb, Express Zip or Zip+Climb experiences.
Is it safe to walk at night?
Yes. The integrated LED lighting means the deck is never dark, and it’s a busy pedestrian corridor well into the evening, especially on event nights at Optus Stadium.
How long does the crossing take?
10 to 15 minutes at a casual pace, longer if you stop for photos.
Can you cycle across?
Yes, on a dedicated shared path at a recommended speed of around 20 km/h.
What does Matagarup mean?
It’s the Whadjuk Noongar name for the area around Heirisson Island, meaning roughly “place where the river is only leg deep, allowing it to be crossed.” The WA Government formally adopted it as the bridge’s name in 2017 as a tribute to Traditional Owners.
What’s the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings for quiet photography, golden hour for the best natural light, and 30 to 45 minutes after sunset through to 10pm for the full LED lighting effect. Avoid crossing in the hour either side of major Optus Stadium events unless you’re heading there.
What if the weather’s bad?
Rain is fine, you’ll get wet on the exposed crossing but there’s no safety issue. Wind is the real constraint, particularly for the bridge climb and zip-line, which can be cancelled or rescheduled in strong gusts.
Can I combine this with other river attractions?
Yes. It’s an easy walk along the river path to Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower, roughly 15 to 20 minutes north, and to Burswood Park immediately on the other side.
How do I get there without a car?
East Perth Station is about a 15-minute walk from the East Perth approach, the free Yellow CAT bus stops near the old cemetery about 20 minutes from the city, and Perth Stadium Station sits right on the Burswood side if you’re coming from the stadium end. Extra train and bus services run on event days.
The Close
Matagarup Bridge is what infrastructure looks like when beauty is treated as part of the function rather than an afterthought. It costs nothing to cross, it connects two useful precincts, and it’s one of the few pieces of Perth’s built environment that looks as good up close as it does from a distance. Walk it in daylight for the views, come back after dark for the lighting, and if you want the adrenaline version, book the climb or zip-line ahead of time and keep an eye on the wind.