Paddle Steamer Decoy
Paddle Steamer Decoy
4.5
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Perth's favourite live music venue and very own paddle steamer. Also available for private charter.
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Paddle Steamer Decoy
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
28 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
LindaT
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Went on an evening tribute act cruise and had a great time. Drinks were a standard pricing for these days and the wine was good quality. Friendly staff and the entertainment was fantastic. We were so impressed that we are looking to book the boat for a private function. It’s nice to be able to move around the boat and go onto the front deck when taking a break from the band. So happy that the Decoy is back in operation!
Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the positive feedback, your support is much appreciated. Ticketed events will be back from Sep 2024, meanwhile we are accepting bookings for private charters, corporate events, Christmas parties, weddings, school functions - if you need an events venue for up to 220 people we are here to assist!
We hope to see you onboard again soon.
Kind Regards, Decoy
Written May 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle G
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
Fantastic night, captain Simon and his lovely wife looked after us. Band was fantastic and the bar staff worked so hard great value for money. Landslide put on a great show. Ps thx Domino's pizza yummy
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for these kind words, we have passed on your comments to the staff. It's great to see such positive feedback after The Decoy's recent renovation!
Written October 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnsonPerth
Western Australia49 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Excellent evening on the river with Paddle Steamer Decoy!
3 hour cruise from 6pm to 9pm. Easy parking at Mends Street Jetty. The cruise goes out under the Narrows Bridge and stays around Applecross to enjoy the city views before returning back to South Perth.
Soul on the Swan - fantastic entertainment! The duo played for 2.5 hours - great mix of music for those who wanted to dance or just sit back and enjoy the music and river views.
Good table service for drinks and food (or you could purchase directly at the bar downstairs). Reasonable prices, tasty food. Ticket price included a free alcoholic beverage. Good seating and cover from the river wind for those who needed it. Open air option also available for those who preferred that.
Really enjoyed this cruise!
3 hour cruise from 6pm to 9pm. Easy parking at Mends Street Jetty. The cruise goes out under the Narrows Bridge and stays around Applecross to enjoy the city views before returning back to South Perth.
Soul on the Swan - fantastic entertainment! The duo played for 2.5 hours - great mix of music for those who wanted to dance or just sit back and enjoy the music and river views.
Good table service for drinks and food (or you could purchase directly at the bar downstairs). Reasonable prices, tasty food. Ticket price included a free alcoholic beverage. Good seating and cover from the river wind for those who needed it. Open air option also available for those who preferred that.
Really enjoyed this cruise!
Written January 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eden
75 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Went on a music tour because I always wanted to ride this and also to check it out as a potential function venue. Performance was ok but not $60 worth. No real food on board other than crisps. Would have been nice to have been advised of this beforehand. Downstairs smelt of diesel, upstairs was cold. Hid drunk people edge me off my table. More drunk people standing in the doorway, which is a safety hazard, so more drunk people were pushing passed me all night. The kids were better behaved than the adults. I thought we were passed high school. No staff controlling anything or looking after the passengers. Bar was under stocked- like not even cans of diet coke- and overpriced. As a function venue, any more than thirty people and your party would be split.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI Eden, thanks for your review. The Decoy has been out of service for so many years and we are working hard to bring it back for the enjoyment of Western Australians and visitors alike. The events season is just a special period of time at the end of this season whilst we are blessed with this unseasonably warm weather where we were presenting new acts and variety. The particular cruise you were on was very popular indeed... we may need a celebrity exit in future!! There was an excess of bar stock for all product lines including Coke Zero at standard bar prices however being a boat we are unable to carry every product line unfortunately. There were over a dozen staff on constant duty so am unclear what you mean by that comment - no unsafe or unruly behaviour is (nor was) tolerated.
Decoy accommodates 220 guests and we regularly host functions to that size.
Thank you for taking the time to write your review, we willl review your feedback and do hope to see you onboard again in Spring and appreciate your support.
Kind Regards, Decoy
Written April 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Walking Critic
Perth, Australia1,136 contributions
Dec 2015 • Solo
Ever since I've been in Perth the Paddle Steamer Decoy has been a South Perth feature that looms across the water from Barrack Street (and now Elizabeth Quay). She is not only a part of local history. She is a treasure.
Recently under new ownership, I had the pleasure of a walk-over as renovations were underway and near completion. I have travelled on her quite a few times before and I know what it is like gliding through the "narrows" and under the shadow of Kings Park, a sense of history pumping through my veins.
In the old day, Decoy was the charter boat to hire for weddings and what a magnificent wedding venue. The upper deck is immensely spacious, the views outstanding. And the lower engine and bar ares are equally fascinating and glorious. I wish they would open her up on the jetty too, and not just for private hire. I'm sure you'd have people queuing up to board.
Recently under new ownership, I had the pleasure of a walk-over as renovations were underway and near completion. I have travelled on her quite a few times before and I know what it is like gliding through the "narrows" and under the shadow of Kings Park, a sense of history pumping through my veins.
In the old day, Decoy was the charter boat to hire for weddings and what a magnificent wedding venue. The upper deck is immensely spacious, the views outstanding. And the lower engine and bar ares are equally fascinating and glorious. I wish they would open her up on the jetty too, and not just for private hire. I'm sure you'd have people queuing up to board.
Written August 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark V
Perth, Australia9 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
My wife and I went on this boat for a Sunday afternoon and enjoyed every moment of the trip. The boat is renovated and upgraded, has live music with table service upstairs and a bar downstairs and outside seating. Good tapas style catering with very good service. Prices are not bad either. This is a really great way to cruse around the Swan River for a few hours with friends or family.
Written December 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony G
Perth, Australia51 contributions
Mar 2019
Tremendous Day. However there are a few things that need to be considered when booking. Young Children on the boat will require one adult to supervise each child, not a good time for those adults.
Staff and catering excellent albeit catering separately organised they knew the boat.
The party who organizes the scheduling and disembarking etc cannot be believed. commitments were not kept, i doubt he has a watch and uses a sundial in the evening. He was a major and the only disappointment.
Staff and catering excellent albeit catering separately organised they knew the boat.
The party who organizes the scheduling and disembarking etc cannot be believed. commitments were not kept, i doubt he has a watch and uses a sundial in the evening. He was a major and the only disappointment.
Written April 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl J
Melbourne, Australia39 contributions
Sep 2016 • Business
Loads of fun good food and despite some horrid weather around a smooth ride.
Staff were great and selection of beverages fine too. Highly recommended for company functions
Staff were great and selection of beverages fine too. Highly recommended for company functions
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldseadog44
Perth, Australia16 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
We were given four tickets for the Decoy as a Christmas present, so we booked with good friends for a Sunday afternoon trip, wonderful calm three hour traditional paddle steamer cruise down the beautiful Swan river and return, cold draft beer and wines, and antipasto available. Music supplied by a live band The Broken Pokers rounded off a wonderful Sunday afternoon.
Written February 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiwiinozzy
Perth, Australia75 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Great night on PS Decoy, great band, awesome staff, well priced drinks and food, cant wait to return, thank you guys!!
Written February 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does it have a scheduled departure? If so what day and time is it?
Written June 19, 2024
Hi, my 5 friends and I will be sailing on the Decoy this weekend, are we allowed to bring our own food to eat on board? Thank you
Written September 26, 2018
Hi there. Yes you can bring along your own food this Sunday. our kitchen will be open too if you need to buy some food. You can check our website for more details or contact us using the email and phone number listed (we are not allowed to publish website via this channel!)
Cheers for now,
Decoy Crew
Written September 26, 2018
What days & times does the Decoy run. Is it suitable for kids/babies? Also how much is it for Children under 10. Adults & Seniors? Have Relatives coming from the Uk. This looks great.
Thank you.
Written March 4, 2018
Hello Sue.
All scheduled cruises are listed here on the website (cant list the website here...?)
Its Sunday afternoons at the moment - departing 2 pm and returning to Mends Street Jetty at 5 pm.
There is a group discount for some cruises (depends on performers, crew and the time of year etc) - discounts possible for groups of 8 persons. If you see a cruise that might suit, email the email listed on the Paddle Steamer Decoy website for information about group discounts.
Thanks for checking in,
Decoy Crew
Written March 5, 2018
how do you book this was in perth recently and didnt know it was there
Written August 10, 2016
Look up ps decoy then follow prompts and a list of events, bookings and tickets will come up. Hope this helps.
Written August 12, 2016
Visiting Perth Dec 16 Arrive Australia 18.00 Staying Travelodge for 1 night before taking the train to Sydney Sunday am Would really like to squeeze a tour and dinner in - wondering what is the latest you do your sunset dinner cruise
Thanks in anticipation
Jan Shires
Written April 17, 2016
There is a twilight cruise leaving 6,30pm on the 16th Dec. returning at 10.00pm. If you don't arrive til 6.00 at Perth Airport you probably wont be able to take advantage. Look up ps decoy and you will be taken to their site.
Written August 12, 2016
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