October 2016
The Crawley Edge Boatshed also known as the Blue House Boat, a Perth icon, is on my wish list of places to visit while in Perth. Situated on Swan River, on the banks of Matilda Bay, it is to your left while driving along Mounts Bay Road heading towards Fremantle. You can also take the Transperth bus no. 950 from Elizabeth Quay bus station and drop-off a few meters from the timber boardwalk of the boatshed.
Built in the 1930s, to house and shelter boats, it has changed ownership numerous times, as well as undergone various repairs and renovations over the decades after storms and floods. It was restored it to its former glory in 2004.
The boatshed is about 5km from the CBD and takes about 15 minutes to drive. It is just by the roadside of Mounts Bay road and there is no parking bay for you to stop. To park your car, drive ahead for about 500m and turn left into the Perth Dinghy Sailing Club. There are paid parking lots (free on weekends) there and then you’ll have to walk over to the boatshed.
Despite simply being a boatshed painted blue, it is one of the most photographed location in Perth. On our visit, we had to queue to take photos of the boatshed and ourselves. We also read about the place being usually occupied with wedding photographers taking bridal shoots. So do be patient for your turn.