There has been much debate about Perth’s new Elizabeth Quay during its construction.
150 000 of soil and clay had been removed from the ancient river bed to make way for the Quay; resulting in blocked traffic, altered road thoroughfares and costing the state $440 million. During construction of Elizabeth Quay everybody in Perth had something to say (positive and much negative). I was even one of the nay sayer’s and I’m all for tourism.
Then on the 29 January 2016 with much fan fare the new Elizabeth Quay was officially opened. So last weekend we went to see the beginnings of the state governments new vision for Perth.
Would I be able to see our premiers vision of how Elizabeth Quay will help make Perth a welcoming and vibrant city?
We park at the City of Perth car park on Terrace Road and walk a short distance along the Swan River. For those who don’t want to drive the Esplanade (now called Elizabeth Quay) train station is adjacent to the Quay.
We are greeted by the Bell Tower that houses the 12 bells from St Martins in London.
Walking across the street we notice that the black fencing that barricades off the future apartment development blocks/plots surrounding the Quay has been drawn and coloured on like a giant blackboard. It doesn’t look like graffiti it just looks like kids have had fun.
As we walk down the wavy cobbled stone path the lively Elizabeth Quay opens up to us.
I see that not only is the South Perth ferry (that has had to double its service since the opening) chugging through the water but there are several luxury launches putting about.
To the city side of the Quay the Fringe Festival is going strong (29 Jan – 6 Mar). There are a few food vans and people have made use of the sun shades provided – which are needed as the recently planted native gum trees are all still quite immature and not providing any shade at this stage.
We continue along to the BHP Billiton Water Park that I had told Mr7 would be a highlight of our trek (I have even packed a towel and spare clothes). But alas it is to no avail. We arrive just as the water has stopped. We stand and wait. Then one small section of water bubbles out a foot high, another section to the far side is doing the same, water spurting up a foot high – wow (eye roll). Mr 7 is not impressed – at all. However the hoards of tiny tots that are playing in the water are having fun.
We pass the Embargo Bar and Food an open air bar and coffee area – but there is virtually no one in there, probably because there is little shade. I mean it should have been full in there as thousands of people are walking around the Quay.
There is some art works along the water front and the main art called First Contact – symbolising how the Indigenous saw the first Europeans when they arrived is getting the most attraction.
We enjoy walking across the winding footbridge that spans the inlet to the Quay,
taking in the vistas looking back into the city, across the Swan River and over to Kings Park.
The footbridge takes us to the Island Playground. Little ones are playing in the water, sand pits and on the climbing towers.
Next to the playground is the old Kiosk. It was originally located on the reclaimed foreshore that has now been dug away to make way for the Quay. The Kiosk is historic and has had a varied life and so it was taken apart brick by brick and rebuilt on the “island”
Having looped around most of the Quay we are now back at the revamped Barrack Street Jetty and in front of the Bell Tower. I have never seen the Bell Tower from this angle and am enchanted to see the thousands padlocks of love chained to the balustrade along the entrance to the tower.
On the way back home we reflect on what we each thought of the new Elizabeth Quay.
- Lewis (aka Mr7) to say the least is extremely disappointed as the activities for kids are focused towards toddlers and preschoolers.
- Steve questions if the trees once fully mature will provide enough shade.
- As for me? I feel a bit under-whelmed. At the moment I question how much Elizabeth Quay will be utilised after the initial rush has worn off. However I can see the potential of what it will become when all the apartments are built with plenty of restaurants and bars to attract visitors to the area.
It will become that vibrant attraction for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
What do you think? If you are in Perth would you visit Elizabeth Quay?
Please tell me your thoughts in the comments.
Linking Up With:
- Essentially Jess #IBOT
- Wander Mum #CityTripping
This place has such interesting architectures and great things to just look at – like that upside down ice-cream cone (Bell tower).
Haha Hung, I never thought of the Bell Tower being an upside down ice-cream cone.
Oh wow, thanks so much for this. When we moved back to Melbourne from Perth back in 2010 they’d only just announced these plans. It’s fascinating to see the finished product!
I’m glad you enjoyed having a look Bec.
This looks like a huge development Sally. Thanks for sharing it with us. I do like how they’ve told the story of the old kiosk on the bricks.
I like that they have brought the history in with the new as well Lyndall.
I have been to Perth a few times but never long enough to do the touristy touristy stuff. Will have to make the effort and put this on the itinerary! Thanks. #teamIBOT
There are so many fun things to do and see in Perth Emily, like any city you just have to look for them.
I’ve yet to see it Sally-Ann. It looks a bit too concrete for me. But I may be biased. Many a ferry caught to Rotto in the 80’s there, I worked in restaurants in the late 90’s and 2005 (for a good 2 years) and had many a laugh and beer at the Lucky Shag. I’ll let ya know what I think of it once we get down there – I really hope it was money well spent, it sure has taken awhile! The first slab started in 2005/6 I’m pretty sure!! xx
You’re right Jo it does feel a little concretey at the moment, the apartment blocks are yet to be built and the trees are so small. But I can see there is potential.
I haven’t been to Perth before but it looks like a wonderful place. The new quay looks very modern and the architecture is beautiful.
Yes Rhonda they are really trying to put Perth on the map.
Probably a good thing the water park was not working with amoeba being found in the water. So glad my daughter didn’t want to play in it. We had a look at Elizabeth Quay the other night and while it was a hype of activity I wonder what it will be like once the laser shows and Fringe Festival have finished. Still it is good to see that Perth is getting a bit of an upgrade,.
That’s exactly what I thought when I saw the news a couple of days later Anne.
We haven’t been to Perth yet, Sally-Ann, but I can see it sometime in our future. I hope the city turns the pressure up on the water fountains so Mr. 7 can get a real drenching!
So do I Corinne, we are hoping to go one evening so we can see the water with the coloured lighting that is installed.
It’s got some pretty modern sculptures and buildings! looks nice! #theweeklypostcard
Yes Tanja there were lots of different things to look at.
Perth is such a beautiful city. I would love to visit it more often.
I look forward to the chance to meet you Jess the next time you visit, do let me know when you are over and we can grab a coffee.
Sally, I have mixed opinions about places like these. For example, in the city I live, the government wants to get rid of a refinery to build something like what you have presented in here. The thing is that they put a lot of emphasis on apartments and spaces for shopping. I really think we do not need more shopping complexes. What we need are places where the community can go and enjoy themselves (enjoy by having plenty of free facilities and activities). I imagine it is kind of the same deal in Australia. In other places, food halls and indoor markets are being built. I prefer that over another shopping mall.
Very similar Ruth, though I don’t think shopping malls are planned for this precinct – just restaurants, bars and small boutique shops. So tricky to get the right balance.
Wow, Elizabeth, I’m really impressed! You’re not helping me though, because I already want to visit Perth and you’re just making it that much more attractive. 🙂
erm … Did I hear that there are wineries nearby?
There certainly are Linda. The Swan Valley is only half an hour from Perth CBD, or take a getaway to the South West (Margaret River Region) a two and half hour drive.
It looks like an interesting and varied place and quite unusual architecture. I like the First Contact statue. I can see why it was met with mixed reactions but I am sure tourists will flock there….especially with the island playground and waterpark – great for younger children. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Yes the little ones are really well looked after, I think I would be returning there more often if my son was a couple of years younger. But we do want to go back and see the water park lit up at night – it is supposed to be pretty.
It’s really interesting to read this – I wonder if in 10, 20 years it will be this great hub in the city? I guess I forget the work and inconvenience behind a lot of places which seem such a big part of a destination a few years/decades later. #citytripping
I think I forget the annoyances soon after works have completed on a city project because then I am enjoying the destination or service. I guess this is what we call progress.
Hmmm… I think I have read more fun stuff to do in and around Perth from your blog that I would rather be spending my precious time in than this quay. WHEN (Not if but when) I do go to Perth, I don’t think Elizabeth Quay would be high in my priority of places to visit. #CityTripping
It is definitely not there yet in the tourism stakes Lyn but I can see the potential once everything is complete.