Barrack Square

This is a large public square on the banks of the Swan River within walking distance of the CBD. A ‘one-way’ roadway with access from Riverside Drive separates the Swan Bells from facilities on the banks of the Swan River. These facilities include ferries to Rottnest Island, Swan River cruises, the ferry to Mends Street, South Perth and the Perth Zoo, as well as cafes, restaurants and bars.

Location: Ten minutes walking distance from the CDB down Barrack Street.

Summary:
Level or ramp access throughout the precinct
Artificial lakes around the Bell Tower are a potential hazard to people with a vision impairment
There is clear signage with several large maps of the local area

Public transport: Blue CAT bus stop 19, and ferry to Mends Street, South Perth.

Access from the CBD: Footpath slopes on Barrack Street vary from 1:15 (3.8°) at the city end flattening out to level past the Supreme Court Gardens at the river end. There are no regular resting places along the sloped section. Crossing Riverside Drive to access the Square is via a signalised intersection. There are three sets of audible signals on the southern side of the intersection.

Access around the Square: There is access to all external areas of the Square via flat wide paths and kerb ramps where required. There is a central flush crossing point in front of the Swan Bell Tower to the river side of the road. This pedestrian crossing can be located by hazard and directional tactile indicators.

Artificial lakes that are flush with the pavement and surround the Swan Bell Tower continue from the entrance of the tower to the roadway crossing point. Two boardwalks flank the artificial lake and lead from the Swan Bell Tower to the Barrack Square roadway.

One set of steps and two ramps with gradients of 1:16 (3.6°) provide access from the Swan Bell Tower level down to the roadway.

Seating: There is no seating in the park surrounding the Swan Bell Tower, however some seating is available on the wide footpaths on both sides of the roadway. Seats are 400mm high, have high supportive backs and armrests.

Drinking fountain: There is a split level drinking fountain on the river side of the wide pavement adjacent to some seating.

Information: Signage is clear and there are several large maps of the local area on the river side of the Square.

Lighting: Overhead lighting for night use.

Accessible parking:
Barrack Square- There are two accessible parking bays either side of the central crossing point. They are at footpath level, well signed and over four metres wide. There are also two universal drop-off bays adjacent to these parking bays.

Additional parking bays are a five-minute walk away in the Terrace Road ‘A’ Car Park where there are four accessible bays. Those unable to step up a kerb have to walk along the road for a short distance when coming out of the car park before accessing the footpath.

Information prepared by: City of Perth, October 2004

Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information however no guarantee is given that the facility is fully accessible.

Please advise the City of Perth of any access changes since publication.

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