What To Do At Kent Street Weir – Perth

The Kent Street Weir in Perth is a stunning location. On hot days, this park is ideal for a picnic thanks to its proximity to the city and abundance of trees providing shade.

There are some great fish that will eat breadcrumbs, and turtles will swim up to you if they hear you rustling bread or other food.

A variety of plants can be found there, providing excellent photo ops.

Kent Street Weir, situated on the banks of the Swan River in the centre of CBD, provides a picturesque scene that is sure to please any tourist in search of a break from the city.

This place gets packed at dinnertime, so going there during those hours is not a good idea. Learn everything you need to know to have a wonderful time at Kent Street Weir with this helpful guide! You should definitely check this place out when you arrive in town.

To the north of the weir is a wetland, and to the south is the river, making the grassy park on this side of the weir a haven for both humans and avian visitors.

The Kent Street Weir can be found in the Canning River Regional Park. Some of the most beautiful estuarine vegetation in the entire Swan Canning Riverpark can be found in the section just below the Kent Street Weir. The Kent Street Weir is a famous landmark on the Canning River where estuarine and riverine waters meet.

Water upstream of the weir is typically cleaner than water further downstream because the tidal influence is reduced. This is especially true during the winter months when there is typically more precipitation. Alluvial islands have changed since the building of the Kent Street Weir, with some disappearing, new ones appearing, and others merging with the main channel banks.

The pedestrian crossing atop the concrete piles at the Kent Street Weir makes it a popular gathering place. There is a designated canoe launching area, as well as barbeques, covered picnic tables, a playground, and a children's area.

In addition to being the location of the Park, the Canning River Eco Education Centre aims to educate the public about environmental issues and the Canning River and Park.

Castledare Miniature Railway is located west of the park. There are two train stations, plus the signal boxes, turntables, and storage sheds necessary to keep the miniature trains running, across more than five kilometres of track. Looping around Fern Lagoon, the path takes a winding route.

Enjoy a Picnic

Kent Street Weir  is a great place to have a picnic with friends and family due to its open grassy areas. Beautiful, level grounds with plenty of trees for shade make it simple to find the perfect picnic spot.

If you'd rather grill outside, there are grills available. Families with young children may want to pick a spot in close proximity to the playground so that adults can keep an eye on the kids more easily.

There's plenty of room for a big picnic at Kent Street Weir. You can spread out your rug and relax in the shade provided by the surrounding trees and grassy areas. A few shaded gazebos are available nearby, furnished with picnic tables and barbeque grills. If you prefer convenience, there's always the option of ordering takeout from  Canning River Cafe.

Playground

The parking lot doubles as a fantastic playground. There are swings, bouncy animals, a climbing structure, and a slide at this sandbox playground. There's a regular-sized swing and a smaller one for toddlers. A small flying fox, wooden bridge, and slide are included in the  play set. A standalone chain climbing wall is also available. Three small bouncy animals sit on one side for toddlers. In the middle of the day or during the summer, the playground can get very hot due to the limited shade provided by the trees. A picnic table and bench can be found at the playground's edge.

Take Pleasure in a Nature Hike

Multiple paved paths allow visitors to walk or ride bikes while exploring the park's many different areas. Many young children use the tracks to confidently and unaccompanied ride bicycles and scooters.

Keep an eye out for snakes, even if you're using the sealed bearings, as we saw a large dugite cross the trail in front of us while we were there.

You can ride your scooter or bike on the paved paths that wind through the park. Another option is to take a stroll through the woods by crossing the river on the bridge. However, we are aware that snakes are active in the area during certain times of the year, so please use caution.

The longer walk to Masons Landing is a one-way 4km Butterflies, while the shorter  Banksia Loop walk, is 1.5 km. The walkways are mostly smooth and suitable for strollers.

We don't call the activities that can be done in our parks "hiking," "rambling," "trekking," or "tramping," but those names are all appropriate. In Australia, this activity is known as "bushwalking," and it encompasses everything from strolls along well-maintained paths to challenging multi day treks that are best left to the physically and mentally prepared.

Many of our trails have been graded in accordance with the Australian Walking Track Grading System to help you determine if they are suitable for your needs and whether or not you will have the enjoyable experience you are seeking while walking on them. All of our thousands of kilometres of trails have not been categorised to these standards just yet, but they all share the same kinds of descriptive data.

The TrailsWA website is a great resource for learning more about Western Australia's trails, including those maintained by Parks and Wildlife. These pages also feature details about our country's two longest hiking routes, the  Bibbulmun  and Cape to Cape. The nearly 1000- and 150-kilometre routes of these hikes, respectively, are divided into shorter sections that can be completed by virtually anyone.

If you plan to spend the night on your bushwalk, minimise your impact by staying on well-trodden paths and using designated camping areas. As an added bonus, you'll be less at risk of harm because of getting lost and more likely to receive medical attention in the event of an emergency.

Several clubs provide a variety of hikes led by knowledgeable guides who also provide navigation and safety instruction. You can learn more by contacting the Federation of Western Australian Bushwalkers.

Various cross-country navigation competitions are organised by the Orienteering Association of Western Australia and the Western Australia Rogaining Association. Before we give the green light for any event to take place in one of our parks, we conduct an impact assessment (for more information, see "Holding an Event in a Park").

Paddling a Canoe or Kayak

Interactive demo Canoes and kayaks can be launched from this location, making it a popular destination. The Canning River is a popular place for quiet paddles and novice groups to enjoy the river's flat, tranquil waters.

Western Australians have long enjoyed canoeing and kayaking, and the popularity of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is on the rise.

There is a wide variety of activities that can be done while in a kayak, from relaxing on calm rivers while watching birds to casting a line (for more information on fishing, see here), exploring remote beaches, islands, and lagoons, to the exhilaration of surfing or navigating rapids.

TrailsWA also provides additional details on canoe and kayak routes, including those maintained by Parks and Wildlife.

Do not enter the water unless you are an experienced swimmer. Your paddle craft must be appropriate for the weather, and you must wear a flotation device or lifejacket that fits properly.

Seasons and times of day have a huge impact on paddling conditions. Winds, tides, and currents are crucial elements to consider when paddling in the ocean or an estuary. If you're looking for more details, check out the Ocean Paddling Be Safe website.

Paddling on the open ocean is subject to marine law, including regulations regarding required safety gear (for more information, go to the Department of Transport).

When paddling down a river, it's crucial to pay attention to the water's depth and velocity. Western Australia's largest paddling event, the Avon River, takes place at the beginning of August, and competitors hope for enough rain by then so they can test their skill and fitness on the rapids rather than having to "port," or carry their craft around them because of the drought.

River levels are monitored by the Department of Water and Environment Regulation, but paddlers will need specialised local knowledge to make sense of the data.

See our Safety and Kayaking tips for information on how to have fun on the water without risking injury to yourself.

Have Some Fun Paddleboarding

An abundance of paddlers in canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards populate the weir. In addition to being an ideal spot for first-timers or anyone looking to take it easy on a paddle down the Canning River, the area is also great for putting on hands-on displays.

Many people can be spotted canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at the weir. The calm waters make hands-on display also this area a perfect place for beginners or for people wanting to go for a relaxing paddle up and down the Canning River.

Caving

Exploring underground caverns is known as "caving," and it's a popular pastime.

The difficulties of this activity range from cave to cave, but they typically involve climbing up and down pitches, through tight spaces, and over and under bodies of water (although actual cave diving is separate and much more dangerous sub-specialty undertaken by very few cavers).

Modern protective gear and clothing have had a major impact on caving in recent decades. One of the best things about caving is that novices can get started with minimal preparation.

You won't get as much out of caving if you're not physically fit, but you also won't need to be ready to climb the Matterhorn to have fun with it.

Crawling (and squeezing) through low passageways or tunnels and climbing (or descending) into whatever rooms the cave may feature are all par for the course on a typical cave excursion. In the span of a four- or five-hour journey, you may be able to exercise virtually every major muscle in your body.

Refer to our tips on surviving dangerous situations while participating in adventurous pursuits for more information on how to have a risk-free caving experience.

The formation of many caves has spanned aeons. They are easily destroyed with a careless nudge. Do not mark the cave walls with arrows or "This way out" signs made of chalk or spray paint.

Western Australia's largest caving group, the Western Australian Speleological Group, plans and leads cave exploration trips. The majority of caving groups in Australia are affiliated with the Australian Speleological Federation, of which this is a part.

Diving

There is a similarity between snorkelling and scuba diving, with the latter allowing for longer periods of time spent underwater with the aid of breathing equipment. As an added bonus, diving allows you to see more of our stunning marine preserves.

Each scuba diver is aware of the inherent risks of the sport. For this reason, preparation and good health are prerequisites. Some of our marine parks allow for commercial diving, and those businesses that have obtained licences to do so offer a variety of services, including dive tours and instruction for divers of all experience levels.

For those who have the necessary training and gear to dive without assistance, the Department of Transport provides regulations for both scuba diving (using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) and diving using surface supplied breathing apparatus (SSBA or hookah). And it is expected that all divers will be well-versed in all aspects of snorkelling.

Fishing

Nearly one-third of Western Australia's population takes advantage of the state's abundant fishing spots, making it one of the most popular recreational activities in the region.

To ensure that recreational fishing can continue for future generations, the Department of Fisheries collaborates closely with Recfishwest, the leading organisation for recreational fishermen.

Both groups publish resources that explain how to kill fish humanely, keep them fresh, and make the most of their meal with as little waste as possible, should you decide to keep some for yourself.

The agency has stringent rules that must be followed. There are severe consequences for breaking these rules, so it's in your best interest to be familiar with them and to act accordingly. Marine parks have their own set of rules and regulations, such as a ban on recreational fishing in marine nature reserves and sanctuary zones, and even more stringent rules in some marine parks' special purpose zones.

When fishing from or near the water for long periods of time, dangers such as drowning, being blown off rocks by winds (rock fishing is especially dangerous), being washed into the ocean by a big wave, or being trapped by the rising tide are all possibilities.

So, before you head out on a fishing trip, make sure to check the Bureau of Meteorology's weather and tide forecasts and then take some time to assess the situation once you get there. Always be on the lookout for danger!

Horse Riding

Many Australians take pride in and enjoy the tradition of horseback riding through scenic landscapes. Consequently, horseback riding is sanctioned as an appropriate means of appreciating and enjoying natural areas provided that it does not diminish the values of these areas.

On the other hand, there is always the danger of overuse and disturbance when natural areas are used for active recreation. Therefore, horse riding is restricted to areas where the impacts can be adequately mitigated and with permission only on lands managed by Parks and Wildlife.

A management plan, a sign, or authorised park personnel may provide this. Only the designated roads and trails should be used for riding in parks. In some parks, however, you can go off-trail on long, flat open spaces like sub-alpine plains and beaches.

Wilderness areas are off-limits to riders at all times. Riders should make sure they are riding in designated areas, which may or may not be marked depending on the park's volume of equestrian traffic.

It is imperative that riders be on the lookout for potentially dangerous environments, such as moss beds, bogs, threatened species habitat, or historic and aboriginal artefacts and sites, in parks at all times. The local park office should be able to provide you with useful information on finding such spots.

The park staff keeps an eye out for any signs of wear and tear on the equestrian trails or any other areas in the park. These areas may be closed or relocated temporarily or permanently if these effects become intolerable and no other methods of practise management are feasible. The park's administration will involve the appropriate user groups in the decision-making process whenever possible.

In some parks, even the most skilled riders will find the terrain difficult. When riding in large or remote parks, riders may find themselves far from help if an accident occurs. Park visitors are asked to adhere to a few basic safety guidelines:

• Always bring along emergency equipment like rope and torches, as well as a first aid kit for both horse and rider, on any extended rides.
• Before you head out, make sure everything is in working order.
• Make sure your horse is well-trained and comfortable around the various park visitors, including other animals and cyclists.
• It's better to carry essentials in a backpack in case you get separated from your horse than in saddlebags.
• Make sure to tell someone back home about your travel plans if you're going to be gone for a while.
• Before setting out on your ride, be sure to check the forecast.
• In case the terrain becomes too difficult for the horse, a lead rope should be on hand.
• Helmets are required for riders under the age of 18 in parks. All other riders should consider doing the same.
• The rest of the group should stay with the injured person and their horse while one or (preferably) two riders go for help if the situation warrants it. The park staff needs to be notified immediately if a horse gets loose in the park.

Castledere Miniature Railway 

Every third Sunday of the month, between 10 AM and 2 PM, and on additional days during the school holidays, the Wilson Park Station Railway departs for a ride through the neighbourhood. Tickets to ride the miniature train cost $6 for adults, $3 for children, and children under the age of two ride for free. The train ride is very scenic as it winds through the woods.

Visit The Eco-Education Centre

At the Kent Street Weir, there is an eco-education centre that anyone can stop by and check out. Inside, you'll find an abundance of resources for learning about the park's flora and fauna, as well as displays made by local students.

Visitors can safely interact with objects from the park in a hands-on exhibit that promotes exploration and discovery.

To get acquainted with the flora, fauna, and avifauna of the park's surrounding wetlands and bush, stop by the Eco Education Centre. Our 4-year-old daughter was captivated by the stuffed animals on display, especially the possum that had been cleverly disguised as a log.

Grab A Snack At The Café

The park is home to the Canning River Café , which serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays from 7 am to 4 pm and on weekends from 7 am to 5 pm. You should call ahead if you plan to come with a large party because the café sees a constant stream of hungry customers.

The park's patrons love this café for its wide selection of tasty treats, including ice cream and hot meals.

Take On The BMX Track

Encourage the kids to bring their BMX bikes and give them free reign over the park's BMX track. Make sure they're wearing protective gear like helmets and pads, and keep an eye on anyone younger than 10 who isn't an adult.

A BMX track awaits riders as they enter the main park area. Children under the age of ten need to be closely monitored, and everyone should wear helmets and safety gear. A park bench can be found conveniently placed beneath a tree from which to keep an eye on things. Behind the BMX track, older children and teens can use a basketball hoop for shooting practise.

Take a Train Ride

Every month on the third Sunday, you can take a ride on the Castledare Miniature Railway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All riders must wear closed-toe shoes, and tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for kids. Check out their website for extended hours during the summer and winter breaks.

Take a Stroll to Mason’s Landing and Woodloes Homestead

It's about a 2.5-kilometer stroll from the weir to these two historic sites. There should be a walking path and signs to help you find your way there.

Mason's Landing features a picnic area, restrooms, a barbeque pit, and a place to launch kayaks and canoes. If you don't want to camp out at Kent Street Weir, then this is a great alternative.

WA's first architect-designed homestead, south of the river, was built in 1874 at the Woodloes Homestead. Located at the very end of Woodloes Street in Cannington, it is surrounded by recently built homes. Every month on the first and third Sunday, between the hours of 2 and 5, the homestead is available for tours. Two dollars is required for adults, while children and seniors pay only one dollar.

Go Bird Watching

Canning River Regional Park is home to an incredible variety of bird species. As you stroll through the park, keep your eyes peeled, because you might see as many as a dozen different species of birds.

Join the Park Runners

Those of you who plan on getting your heart rate up can benefit from arriving at the park early to jog around. In each community, volunteers from Park Run set up a timed 5-kilometre course for residents to run, walk, or jog in.

On Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., a group of runners gathers at the Kent Street Weir to begin their run through the park. Everyone is welcome to participate in this free, lighthearted run. A fantastic method of seeing the park and getting some physical activity all at once.