Perth Riverside Segway Tour

Perth’s riverfront opens up nicely on two wheels, and this one-hour Segway tour gives you a quick look at the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, and John Oldham Park without the plodding pace of a walking tour. You glide beside the Swan River, hear local stories through a personal radio, and cover a useful slice of central Perth.

I like the short training session for first-timers and the small group, limited to 10 people. I also like the mix of city sights and greenery, especially John Oldham Park with its waterfall and fountains. The main catch is time: one hour passes quickly, so this is a brisk introduction rather than a full Perth sightseeing day.

Key points at a glance

• Three contrasting stops: See the Perth Bell Tower, modern Elizabeth Quay, and leafy John Oldham Park in one compact route.
• Good for first-time riders: Training and an assessment come before the tour, with guides praised for patient, clear instruction.
• Small group size: A maximum of 10 participants keeps the ride easier to manage and makes it simpler to hear the guide.
• Personal radio included: You can listen to commentary while moving instead of trying to stay shoulder to shoulder with the guide.
• A lively local introduction: Guides such as Harriet, Winona, Jill, Erin, Adam, and Seth have been praised for friendly instruction and useful Perth facts.
• Strict rider requirements: You must be at least 12 years old, weigh between 45 and 118 kilograms, and wear flat, covered shoes.

Why a Segway works well on Perth’s riverfront

Perth is spread out enough that walking between its riverfront sights can eat into your day. A Segway gives you a faster way to connect the central attractions while still keeping you outdoors and close to the scenery.

You are not sealed inside a bus, and you are not simply being pushed from one photo stop to the next. You move under your own control, with the guide setting the pace and sharing information through a radio system. That makes the tour feel active without demanding the effort of a long walk.

The route also has a useful variety. The Bell Tower gives you a recognizable Perth landmark, Elizabeth Quay brings in the city’s newer waterfront development, and John Oldham Park adds water, trees, fountains, and a waterfall. In an hour, you get a compact sample of Perth’s central character.

I would not choose this as your only city tour if you want long stops, detailed museum visits, or time to study architecture. It works best as a first look, a fun way to get your bearings, or a change of pace after more traditional sightseeing.

Meeting at Barrack Street Jetty

The tour starts at Shop 3, Barrack Street Jetty, across from pier 2. This puts you close to the Swan River and the central waterfront, so the setting feels appropriate from the moment you arrive.

Allow enough time to find the shop and settle in before the riding begins. The supplied details do not specify how early you should arrive, so check the booking instructions for the exact meeting time. Wear clothing suited to the weather and choose flat, covered shoes. You will want stable footwear rather than sandals, heels, or anything loose.

Bring a camera if you like taking pictures, but keep in mind that you will be riding. The best photographs will come during pauses or at places where the group can safely stop, not while you are trying to operate the Segway and frame a shot at the same time.

Learning to control the Segway

The first part is practical. You receive rider training, safety equipment, and an assessment before setting off. That matters because the machine responds to your balance and body movement, not to a conventional handlebar or pedal system.

If you have never used a Segway, expect a short period of adjustment. Several riders with no previous experience found the controls easier to pick up than expected, while older participants were able to gain confidence with patient help from the guide. Erin was singled out for supporting a nervous older rider, and Adam, Justin, Leanne, and others were praised for clear instruction.

That support is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You are not expected to arrive already knowing how to ride. The guide can help you become comfortable before the group heads toward the public riverfront.

The assessment is also useful for the guide. It helps confirm that each participant can control the Segway and follow basic safety directions. If you feel uneasy during training, speak up early. It is far better to ask for help at the start than to hide your nerves once the group is moving.

The activity is alcohol-free, so do not take part if you have been drinking. The operator also does not allow pregnant women to ride because of the risk of falling. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility or motor control issues, and children under 12 cannot participate.

Rolling past Perth Bell Tower

Once you are comfortable, the route heads toward the Perth Bell Tower. It is one of the city’s clearest visual markers and gives the tour an easy starting point for discussing Perth and its riverfront.

You will see the tower from the outside as you pass. This is a sightseeing ride, not a dedicated Bell Tower visit, so do not expect an extended interior tour or a detailed examination of the bells. The benefit is that the landmark fits naturally into a larger route instead of taking up the whole hour.

The radio communication helps here. A guide can point out details while the group is moving, and you are less likely to miss information if you are a few metres behind. That is especially helpful for first-time riders, who may be concentrating on posture, speed, and steering.

Guides are accredited, and several have received state or national awards. The practical value is more important than the title: the strongest feedback consistently points to guides who explain controls clearly, answer questions, and keep the mood relaxed. Jill, Winona, Harriet, and Seth are among the guides praised for combining local information with a friendly manner.

Elizabeth Quay and the modern waterfront

The tour continues through Elizabeth Quay, the newer development on Perth’s riverfront. This is where the ride gives you a clear contrast with the city’s older landmarks.

Elizabeth Quay is best appreciated as a public waterfront space rather than as a single attraction. You get changing views of the river, open areas, and the development’s pedestrian features as you glide through. It is also a good place to notice how Perth has turned its central river edge into a destination for both locals and visitors.

You should not expect a long stop at every feature. The one-hour format keeps the group moving, which is part of the appeal but also limits how much detail you can absorb. If a particular part of Elizabeth Quay catches your eye, make a note of it and return later on foot.

The group size helps here. With no more than 10 participants, the guide can keep an eye on the riders and respond to questions without managing a large crowd. It also makes the ride feel less like a convoy and more like a guided outing.

John Oldham Park brings a change of pace

John Oldham Park is the route’s green pause. After the open riverfront and built-up areas around Elizabeth Quay, the park gives you trees, water features, fountains, and a waterfall.

This is one of the most appealing parts of the itinerary if you want more than city streets. The park adds natural scenery without requiring a separate trip outside central Perth. You can glide through a setting that feels calmer and more enclosed, while still remaining close to the city.

The waterfall and fountains give the guide specific points to highlight, and they also make good photo subjects. Still, remember that this is a moving tour. The amount of time available for photographs depends on the guide’s route and the group’s pace, so you should not plan on a long, unhurried park visit.

I like this part because it prevents the tour from becoming a simple line between landmarks. You get a taste of Perth’s public gardens as well as its riverfront development. For families with teenagers, it can also break up the sightseeing with something physical and playful.

Returning across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge

The route loops back toward the starting point across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge. This gives the tour a proper finish rather than simply retracing every metre of the outward journey.

A bridge crossing also changes your view. From the riverfront, you see Perth from a lower, more open position. On the return, the bridge provides another angle on Elizabeth Quay and the surrounding waterfront. The exact view can depend on the conditions and the pace of the group, but this final section should feel like a satisfying close to the loop.

Because the tour lasts only an hour, the route is tightly planned. You will see several places, but the experience is about moving through them rather than stopping for a full guided visit at each one. I would pair it with later walks around Elizabeth Quay or the Bell Tower if you want more time at the individual sights.

What the guide adds

A Segway is fun on its own, but the guide turns it into a Perth introduction. You hear about the city’s past, current events, nearby sights, and other things you can do during your stay.

The best guide feedback centers on communication. Harriet helped nervous first-time riders, Winona was praised for being lively and informative, and Jill was remembered for adding small pieces of local history. Other guides, including Seth, Erin, Adam, and Justin, were praised for patience, clear directions, and a reassuring approach.

The personal radio is a useful feature rather than a gimmick. It means you can listen without stopping every few minutes or crowding around the guide. That lets the group keep moving while still receiving commentary.

The tour is conducted in English. If you enjoy asking questions, the small group should make that easier than a large coach tour. If you prefer complete silence while sightseeing, the running commentary may feel like more than you want, though the radio allows you to control how closely you listen.

Is $69 good value for one hour?

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Perth’s waterfront. You can walk around Elizabeth Quay and the riverfront without paying an activity fee. The price makes more sense when you count the equipment, safety gear, rider training, assessment, guide, and radio communication.

You are also paying for a compact route that links several areas without asking you to walk between them. For a first-time visitor with limited time, that can be worthwhile. You get transport of sorts, but the ride remains part of the attraction rather than a simple transfer.

The value is strongest if you want an active experience and have never ridden a Segway. It is weaker if you already know Perth well, dislike guided activities, or want to spend an hour lingering at one site.

The near-perfect 4.9 rating from 66 ratings matches the main strengths: friendly guides, easy-to-follow instruction, local information, and the novelty of seeing Perth from a different height and pace. I would treat that rating as a sign of reliable delivery, not a promise that every participant will love balancing on a moving machine.

Who should book it?

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time visitors who want a quick look at central Perth
• Adults and teenagers who enjoy active sightseeing
• Families with children aged 12 and older
• Couples looking for something more playful than a standard city walk
• Perth residents wanting a fresh view of familiar places
• Nervous beginners who want an instructor-led introduction to Segways

The minimum age is 12, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Weight limits are strict: the minimum is 45 kilograms and the maximum is 118 kilograms. The information also lists a 120-kilogram restriction, so if you are close to the upper limit, confirm the operator’s current terms before booking.

This is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with mobility or motor control issues. You must also be comfortable following instructions in a public outdoor setting. Flat, covered shoes are strongly preferred.

The activity is not aimed at young children, and it is not a substitute for an accessible sightseeing option. If you have concerns about balance, coordination, or falling, contact the operator before paying.

Practical ways to get more from the hour

Book this early in your Perth stay if you want the guide’s suggestions for other things to do. The tour includes information about current events and nearby activities, so it can help shape the rest of your visit.

Wear clothing that suits the weather rather than dressing only for photographs. You will be outside for the full experience, and covered shoes will make the training and riding more comfortable.

Try not to focus on taking pictures while moving. Listen to the guide, keep your attention on the route, and use safe pauses for photographs. You will enjoy the ride more if you give yourself time to learn the controls instead of trying to operate the Segway like a camera platform.

I would also keep your schedule flexible after the tour. The hour gives you a good overview, but Elizabeth Quay, the Bell Tower area, and the riverfront deserve a slower look if you have the time.

Should you book the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a short, active introduction to Perth and like the idea of covering the riverfront without walking the whole route. The combination of training, radio commentary, a small group, and patient accredited guides makes it a sound choice for first-time riders.

Skip it if you want deep visits inside attractions, have mobility or balance concerns, or would rather set your own pace. At $69, the experience is best value when the Segway ride itself is part of what you want, not just a way to move between sights.

For most suitable participants, I would put it high on a first Perth itinerary. It is easy to fit into a day, gives you the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, John Oldham Park, and the Swan River in one loop, and adds a bit of harmless adventure to the city sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the Perth Riverside Segway Tour?

The tour lasts one hour, including the guided ride through Perth’s riverfront areas.

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 passes the Perth Bell Tower, continues through Elizabeth Quay, visits John Oldham Park, and follows the Swan River before returning across the Elizabeth Quay suspension bridge.

Is training included?

Yes. Rider training and an assessment are included before the guided ride begins.

Is the tour suitable for Segway beginners?

Yes. Training is provided, and the guides give instructions on using and controlling the Segway. The activity is still not recommended for people with mobility or motor control issues.

What is the minimum age?

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

Are there weight restrictions?

Yes. Participants must weigh at least 45 kilograms and no more than 118 kilograms. The activity information also lists a restriction for people over 120 kilograms, so check the operator’s current terms if you are near the limit.

What should I wear?

Wear clothing suited to the weather and flat, covered shoes. Bring a camera if you would like to take photographs, and do not participate if you have been drinking.