Guide to Perth Parks
Day Note:
Kings Park is the ultimate Perth park, and one of the largest central city parks in the world. Located slightly uphill from the city centre, you get incredible views over the city and the river, plus there are heaps of different things to do there, especially if you time your visit to match up with the Kings Park Festival or one of the outdoor cinema seasons.
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Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
Contact:
- +61 8 9480 3600
- visit website
Location:
- Fraser Avenue
- Perth,WA6005
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Map
Description:
Kings Park, Perth's answer to Central Park, is a short walk uphill from the city centre and has 400 hectares of parks and bush to enjoy. Views over the city of Perth and the Swan River abound from the front of the park, where you can walk the Federation Walkway and explore the Botanic Gardens with thousands of examples of native wildflowers, trees and birdlife. Stop for a meal at Fraser's Restaurant or grab a snack at the cafe; watch the kids play at the Synergy Parkland or if you're feeling fit, climb the DNA Tower.
Day Note:
Pinnaroo Valley is actually a cemetery but don't let that put you off - it's worth visiting in the evening, around dusk, when all the kangaroos come out to feed.
Day Note:
Araluen is beautiful all year round but it really shines in spring when special gardens are planted. Locals famously like to go up to Araluen in the spring to check out the tulips.
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Araluen Botanic Park
Contact:
- +61 8 9496 1171
- visit website
Location:
- 362 Croyden Road
- Roleystone
- Araluen,WA6111
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Map
Description:
Established in the 1930s by youth volunteers, Araluen Botanic Park is a superb botanic parkland in the hills area. Surrounded by tall forests, it has spectacular terraced gardens, waterfalls and rock pools. There are picnic, barbecue and restaurant facilities as well as numerous special events held throughout the year. In the summer months, the amphitheater is the venue for concerts or you can catch a movie in the outdoor cinema. If you are in Perth during the spring season do not miss the tulip display.
Day Note:
One of the easiest parks to access when you're visiting Perth, the Supreme Court Gardens are right in the middle of the city and are beautifully kept. You will recognise that you're in the right place when you see the giant kangaroo sculptures on the street.
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Supreme Court Gardens
Contact:
- +61 8 9461 3444
- visit website
Location:
- St Georges Terrace
- Perth,WA6000
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Map
Description:
Opened in 1845, this is the city's oldest garden. Originally planted in fruit trees, Stirling Gardens was later transformed into a larger botanical garden. This larger area is now called the Supreme Court Gardens encompassing the original site, the Supreme Court buildings, Francis Burt Library and Government House Gardens. The grounds are predominantly grassed areas with numerous flower displays and large palms. A point of interest is the kangaroo sculptures and water feature in the Stirling Gardens at the corner of Barrack Street and Saint Georges Terrace.
Day Note:
Whiteman Park is just east of the city and is home to numerous attractions including Perth's favourite wildlife centre, Caversham Wildlife Park. Like many Perth parks, Whiteman Park offers free gas barbecues so pack a picnic and some meat to throw on the barbie.
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Whiteman Park
Contact:
- +61 8 9209 6000
- visit website
Location:
- Lord Street
- Whiteman
- Perth,WA6068
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Map
Description:
Embracing an area of 2400 hectares, Whiteman park offers a wide range of recreational activities and attractions. Bike paths, walkways and a tram line link wonderful barbecue spots amidst parklands, farmland and bush. Mussel Pool is one of the more popular picnic destinations. Enjoy the selection of arts and crafts shops, a Motor Museum, a Tractor Museum and a cafe. Kids will love Whiteman Park, particularly the large undercover playground. Events are held throughout the year - phone for details.
Day Note:
Spend a relaxing afternoon on the well-kept lawn of Hyde Park and you'll never want to go home. It's not huge, but the large trees and meandering pathways around the lake provide numerous nooks and crannies for a rest or a lie down to read a book. It's also a great people-watching spot.
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Hyde Park
Contact:
Location:
- Throssell Street
Description:
Home to several festivals and fairs throughout the year, as well as a favourite place for wedding photography, Perth's version of Hyde Park centres around a lake and is surrounded by walking paths, free barbecues and children's play equipment. Old trees provide year round shade and a luscious lawn is great for lying in the sun with a book.
Day Note:
Well worth a day trip, the John Forrest National Park gives you a look at what Western Australian bushland is like without having to drive too far from the city.
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John Forrest National Park
Contact:
- +61 8 9298 8344
- visit website
Location:
- 28 km east of Perth
- Greenmount
- Mundaring,WA6056
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Map
Description:
Visiting a forest while in Western Australian should be on the top of your list. John Forrest National Park is one of the oldest and most-loved picnic areas located in the Darling Ranges. The main tree species found in the area are Jarrah, Marri and Wandoo, home to an abundance of bird life. Take time to enjoy the extensive walking trails and visit the lookout for the fantastic views. Other features are the 100 year-old railway tunnel, the two waterfalls and rock pool. The park has a tavern and several picnic areas with barbecues.
