It is not known when the first jetty at Mends Street was built, however, with the opening of the Perth Zoo in October 1898 it was recognised that a regular cross-river ferry service was needed.

A few months later, Charles and his partner S. W. Copley started operating the PS Duchess, a locally constructed vessel.

Duchess made its inaugural run to Mends Street Jetty on 11 December 1898, and plied the route for the following 29 years.

In 2023 the jetty was extended and modernised for better accessibility, and the extension floats on the water to match the height of the ferry entrance instead of a fixed platform.

Mends Street Jetty is served by Transperth ferry services to Elizabeth Quay operated by Captain Cook Cruises.