MV Perth was a ferry that operated on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia and it is the oldest wooden boat still afloat in Western Australia. In 1914, the keel of the SS Perth was laid down by Alfred E Brown – a New Zealand shipwright that first came to Fremantle in 1886. Built out of oregon and jarrah, its steam engine was built in Glasgow by McKie & Baxter. It was a doubled ended vessel with twin steering stations and twin propellers. It completed its maiden voyage from Barrack Street Jetty to Mends Street Jetty on 30 December 1914.
With a decline in patronage following the opening of the Narrows Bridge, it became an excursion vessel. In 1971 it was converted to diesel power with an engine from Kelvin Diesel. The old steam engine was left aboard until 1987, when it was removed and donated to the Western Australian Museum on Victoria Quay.
It was withdrawn in 1982. After having its superstructure removed, in 1985 a rebuild at Marco’s Slipway, Fremantle commenced. It was completed in November 1986 and leased to a private operator.
In 1998, it was modified by Ozco, Fremantle for use as a party boat. White pickets railings were added to resemble a paddle steamer. In 2007, it was sold to the WA Steamship Company.
Since 2007 the vessel has passed through a series of private owners. It is only since 2022 that plans have started in ernest to Save the MV Perth.
The time for MV Perth to reclaim her place on the Swan River has come – her history is still being written and we can all play a part in it!