RIVERSIDE DRIVE, PERTH

Riverside Drive, Perth Western Australia, is a road on the northern side of Perth Water which was planned in 1903, but which was not eventually completed until the 1930s due to the need to have reclaimed land on which to build the road. Construction of the road in the 1930s was seen as a threat to the lightering trade on the Swan River between Perth and Fremantle.

In the early 20th century the name of the road carried beyond its current length; proposed river-side roads were mentioned for South Perth and the northern shore of the Swan River as far as Peppermint Grove. Plans to widen were proposed in 1985 and in 1986. Significant changes in the landscaping along Riverside Drive were made in 1999.

At times of heavy rains and the Swan River flooding, Riverside Drive has been affected seriously, in the 1930s and 1940s as well as more recently. The pedestrian/bicycle path along the water is a magnificent way to take in the lovely vistas of Perth CBD's waterside location.

The Bell Tower (a specially built 82.5 metres high copper and glass campanile) located on Riverside Drive overlooking the picturesque Swan River is one of Perth's most unique and must see tourist attractions. Filled with fascinating historic content and boasting a unique and distinctive design (resulting from a major architectural competition) it has become an icon for Perth and Western Australia. The Swan Bells are a set of 18 bells hanging in the Bell Tower. Taking their name from the Swan River, which their tower overlooks, and forming a sixteen-bell peal with two extra chromatic notes, they are one of the largest sets of change ringing bells in the world.

This post is part of the Water World Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Outdoor Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Nature Footsteps Waters meme.