The Swan River, known to the traditional Noongar people as the Derbal Yerrigan, is the principal waterway running through Perth, Western Australia. It stretches approximately 72 kilometres from the white-water rapids at Walyunga National Park downstream through the city to its mouth at Fremantle, where it meets the ocean. The river's character shifts considerably along its length: the upper reaches near Walyunga feature rapids and a more natural, rural setting of farmland and vineyards, while the middle and lower sections pass through suburban and urban Perth, offering views of riverside houses, parklands, and the city skyline before widening into an estuary near Fremantle.

Several access points are well established for paddlers. A.P. Hinds Reserve in Bayswater (within the Swan Canning Riverpark) is a commonly used put-in, as is Garratt Road Bridge Park near the ANA Rowing Club in Bayswater. Mandoon Estate in Caversham serves as a launch point for upper-river trips, and Bicton Baths provides access to the Blackwall Reach section, where limestone cliffs rise from the water. The Matilda Bay and Elizabeth Quay areas are also used for urban paddling routes. Spring and autumn are generally considered the preferred seasons for paddling on the river.

Paddlers should be aware of several regulatory restrictions. Personal watercraft (PWC) are prohibited on all Swan River waters upstream of Windan Bridge. The ski area in front of Burswood Park and the jet ski area near Narrows Bridge are off-limits to paddlers. Water skiing is permitted between 8am and sunset. General speed restrictions apply to motorised vessels throughout the river, including an 8-knot limit within 50 metres of a river bank, moored vessel, jetty, or person in the water — conditions paddlers should factor into their safety planning when sharing the waterway with motorised traffic.

The lower river near South Perth and the Fremantle estuary is known for dolphin sightings. The Blackwall Reach section offers dramatic limestone cliff scenery. The upper Swan transitions into a quieter, more rural atmosphere. The river is managed as part of the Swan Canning Riverpark, and the broader waterway system connects with the Canning River, which joins the Swan in the lower reaches.