Let the River Do the Heavy Lifting

There are few easier Perth plans than sitting by the Swan River with food and nowhere urgent to be. The view changes slowly, the paths give restless people somewhere to walk, and the city feels close without feeling busy.

South Perth, Matilda Bay, Claisebrook Cove, East Perth and the foreshore around Applecross all offer different versions of the same simple pleasure.

Pack Light

• A picnic rug or two makes any patch of grass feel deliberate.
• Takeaway is perfectly acceptable picnic food.
• Bring layers if you are staying toward sunset.
• Choose a spot near a path if some people will want a walk.

The only real rule is to keep it easy. A river picnic should feel like the plan you make when you want to see people but do not want to organise an event.