ABSTRACT
The shores of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia, have been central to the cultural, commercial, and recreational life of the city since European settlement began in 1829. From the late nineteenth century onwards, riverside structures promoted new aquatic leisure practices and offered modern, inventive and decidedly physical experiences of the river centred on the body. Evolving swimming techniques, diving styles and mechanical amusements provided new and unexpected bodily experiences of touch, proprioception and kinaesthesia (body position and movement). This chapter examines the history and traditions of bodily engagement with the river through three case studies: the Perth City Baths (1898; demolished 1920), the Crawley Baths (1914; demolished 1964), and the Water Chute (1905; demolition date unknown). The sensory history of these venues explores how cultural changes and technological developments facilitated the rise of new aquatic leisure practices.
