Burswood: Park, Swan River and Matagarup Bridge

Burswood combines a riverside setting and parkland with cultural experiences and major venues. At its heart is Burswood Park: 53 hectares on the banks of the Swan River on the Burswood Peninsula. City views, birdlife and other wildlife are as much a part of its character as walking paths and a heritage sculpture trail. You can explore the park through wildlife watching and walking, or choose a route that highlights cultural heritage.

Park, River and Getting Around

Burswood Station is on the Armadale/Thornlie rail line at the northeastern end of the park. From there, it is a 15-minute walk through Burswood Park to the banks of the Swan River. This gives you a clear point of reference if you want to consider the station, park and river together when planning your day.

The River Journeys Interpretation Node brings the traditional stories of Joorolup to life. Visitors can also learn about the significance of this land, where jarrah forests once grew, and the role of the yakkan in sustaining life along the river. These themes add a cultural perspective to the natural and parkland setting.

Matagarup Bridge: Connection and Cultural Interpretation

The 370-metre-long Matagarup Bridge connects Optus Stadium and the Burswood Peninsula with East Perth. Since July 2018, it has provided pedestrians with access between Burswood and East Perth. As a tourist attraction, it also connects the Burswood Peninsula with the Perth CBD. Its curved arches can represent black and white swans or the Wagyl, a water serpent of significance to local Noongar culture. The bridge’s form therefore combines practical orientation with a possible cultural interpretation.

Activities and Events

Matagarup Mini Golf is located in Burswood Park on the Swan River. The 18-hole course features themes from Western Australia. The front nine holes are accessible to wheelchair users. This specific limitation is useful to keep in mind when planning: the accessibility information applies to the front section of the course, not to all 18 holes.

For live performances, Crown Theatre presents musicals, concerts and live theatre productions. Its two-level auditorium has seating for up to 2,260 people. Optus Stadium has a different focus: it hosts AFL, soccer, rugby league and rugby union games, as well as concerts by some of the world’s biggest musicians. A visit to the park, an evening at the theatre and a sporting event are different occasions around which you can plan your trip.

On the Burswood Peninsula, Matagarup Zip Climb is a family adventure attraction. The climb includes 314 steps and leads to an open viewing platform 72 metres above the Swan River. These figures give a clear sense of scale; the climb is also quite different from a walk in the park or a round of mini golf.

Find a Hotel to Suit Your Trip

When looking for a hotel in Burswood, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to spend time in the park and by the river, learn about the Joorolup stories, see a performance, or attend a game or another event?

Discover more destinations: Bindoon, Newman, Stirling City, Schroeder, Chittering, Ringbark, Denbarker, Swanbourne.

See the broader travel overview: Western Australia.