The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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The red and black hull of the Lady Forrest is suspended next to the walkway.

Swan River Gallery

The Swan River has undergone many changes. This gallery traces the landscape's transformations as a result of natural and social influences.

See an old Swan River ferry and Lady Forrest, Fremantle’s first steam pilot boat, both restored to their original condition.

Hero Objects

A large green engine mounted on the floor, a wooden wheel mounted vertically on its side.

Cheynes III Steering Engine

ME 21, donated by Albany Whale World.

Denny Bros Engine

SS Perth main engine

ME 65_a, donated by Transperth.

The red and black hull of the Lady Forrest is suspended next to the walkway.

Lady Forrest

HB 01_LAD, donated by Fremantle Port Authority.

West Australian Seahorse

River of Life

Showcase

Wooden sail boat

Mele Bilo II

HB 18_MEL, donated by Harry Garland

A wooden ferry, its hull painted white and black, suspended next to the walkway.

Valdura

HB 77_VAL, donated by Swan River Authority

Romsey row boat

Romsey

HB 10_ROM, donated by WA Rowing Club

Deep Dives

A wooden sailing boat suspended next to two others next to the walkway.

Mucking About in Boats – Small Craft for Pleasure

From Tin Canoe to Australia II

Article

From the Swan River gallery walkway, viewing the Australia II yacht with the ocean through the large windows beyond is a highlight of the Museum.

Museum walking tour

Take the VSO tour

Tour

A man chats to the camera in front of a flowing river .

Valdura

Video

Video

The red and black hull of the Lady Forrest is suspended next to the walkway.

The Lady Forest.
Credit: WA Museum

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.