The Blue Boat House—officially known as the Crawley Edge Boatshed—is one of the most photographed locations in Perth. Sitting on the Swan River, this small yet iconic structure has drawn in locals, tourists, and photographers for years.
As a Perth Wedding Photographer, I had always driven past it but never stopped to see it for myself—until a storm gave me the perfect excuse.
My First Visit to the Blue Boat House – In the Middle of a Storm
My first-ever visit to the Blue Boat House wasn’t on a calm, sunny day like most people’s—it was during the storm that left over 50,000 homes without power in Western Australia.
On May 25, 2020, the remnants of ex-Tropical Cyclone Mangga hit the coast, bringing heavy rains and fierce winds. While most people were staying indoors, I was motivated by my wife and some dramatic storm footage I had seen in the media. So, I grabbed my gear, my wife, and decided it was time to visit this landmark I had driven past for 14 years but never actually stopped at.
Lucky for us, there was a break in the storm long enough to get some shots. We didn’t get completely soaked—just “a bit” wet.
And on that day, I also learned something new: the famous “Blue Boat House” is actually called the Crawley Edge Boatshed.
Crawley Edge Boatshed AKA The Blue Boat House
For those unfamiliar with this iconic location, the Blue Boat House is more than just a pretty Instagram spot. It’s been around since the 1930s and has undergone multiple restorations, including its signature blue paint job in 2001.
It’s a magnet for photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the soft light creates a dreamlike reflection on the Swan River.
Is This Image Real?
Short answer: Yes.
The stormy shot I captured that day was 100% in-camera—no Photoshop tricks. The only editing I did was some minor spot-cleaning to remove water droplets from the lens.
To achieve this look, I used:
A 30-second exposure time
A 10-stop neutral density filter
A tripod.
If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, here’s a quick explanation:
A long exposure means the camera captures everything happening over a set amount of time. In this case, 30 seconds. Normally, this would let in too much light and completely overexpose the image, but the neutral density filter blocks excess light, allowing me to get this dramatic, moody shot even in stormy conditions.
I had my normal tripod ready to use and it broke. So I had to use the tiny tripod from the photo... At one point the tripod and my camera took a tumble down the stairs courtesy of the wind 😭
Best Times to Visit the Blue Boat House
If you’re planning to visit the Blue Boat House, timing is everything:
Best Time of Day
Early morning (for softer light and fewer crowds)
Sunset (for a golden glow over the water)
After rain (for reflections on the jetty and dramatic skies)
Best Days to Avoid Crowds
Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Avoid midday if you don’t want harsh shadows or long lines of tourists.
Parking & Safety Tips
Parking is limited near Mounts Bay Road, so expect a short walk.
Kings Park Avenue is like a cheat code for parking, I always find a spot here
Use public transport if you don’t want to deal with parking.
Be careful crossing the road—traffic moves fast!
The Blue Boat House & Wedding Photography
As a Perth Wedding Photographer, I always look for unique, timeless locations that can add something special to a couple’s love story. The Blue Boat House is perfect for engagement or wedding portraits because:
It’s a Perth icon, instantly recognisable and full of charm.
The long jetty and water reflections create a naturally stunning composition.
The soft lighting at golden hour makes for breathtaking couple photos.
If you’re looking for an engagement or wedding shoot location, I’d love to help you capture something truly special here!
Want This Photo on Your Wall?
This stormy Blue Boat House print is available as a framed print or canvas. If you’d like to order a copy, check out my print store.
Want free shipping? Send me a message on Instagram, and I’ll hook you up with a coupon!
Final Thoughts
My first visit to the Blue Boat House was anything but ordinary—but that made it even more memorable. Whether you’re a photographer, a tourist, or a Perth local, this iconic landmark is always worth a visit.
As you can see in the photo, I had my camera set up and ready to capture the scene—except, well… things didn’t go exactly as planned. My tripod broke, so I had to improvise with the tiny one you see in the shot. Not ideal for stormy conditions, but hey, you work with what you’ve got.
Then, just when I thought I had it under control, a massive gust of wind sent my camera and tripod tumbling down the stairs. 😭 Watching my gear bounce down the wet wooden planks was one of those slow-motion, heart-sinking moments. Thankfully, my camera survived (along with my sanity), and I still managed to get the shot.
And if you’re planning a wedding and want photos at this stunning location, let’s chat! You can get in touch here.
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