The Decoy Paddle Steamer

The Decoy Paddle Steamer offers a distinctive way to gather on the Swan River, with private charters departing from its berth at Mends Street Jetty on the South Perth foreshore. Rather than a conventional bar or function room, it is a restored paddle steamer used for corporate events, weddings, private celebrations and publicly ticketed entertainment. The vessel is fully licensed, with catering arranged through a range of Perth providers and options that can be tailored to the event.

The boat’s character comes from its history and working features. The lower deck includes a renovated bar with commercial appliances for chilled drinks and espresso coffees, while the exposed 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin-cylinder steam engine can be seen at the rear. When the vessel is underway, passengers can watch the paddles and engine in operation, adding a genuine maritime element to the experience. The Decoy was salvaged and restored from Bunnings engineering workshops in Manjimup, and remains a long-standing feature of the South Perth foreshore.

Upstairs, new covers and clears help manage the elements while keeping the views open. The deck looks towards the Perth city skyline, Swan River and Kings Park, creating a changing backdrop during a daytime or evening cruise. Onboard staff handle service, while drink arrangements can be adjusted to suit the function. Catering may range from freshly cooked paella and grazing tables to cocktail catering and full buffet options, depending on the chosen provider and event requirements.

The Decoy suits groups looking for a venue with a strong sense of place, including wedding parties, corporate gatherings and private celebrations of 40 or more guests. Its ticketed programme also caters to live music audiences, with past event formats including tribute acts, jazz, blues and strings. For anyone planning an event in Perth and wanting more than a static venue, the combination of a historic paddle steamer, river views, licensed onboard service and flexible catering makes The Decoy a practical and memorable option. A 4.7 Google rating from 95 reviews indicates a strong response from previous visitors, though the experience is primarily centred on charters and scheduled events rather than everyday walk-in bar service.