The 8 best parks in Perth

Fun fact – did you know that Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks? That’s right, more than 400 hectares of pristine landscape is perched just one and a half kilometres uphill from Perth’s city centre, offering everything from bushland walking trails, maintained gardens, playgrounds, spectacular cityscape views, and many a highpoint that overlooks the vast Swan River waters. Marvel at the 3000-odd species of native Western Australian flora or simply pull up at one of Kings Park’s eateries and breathe in that freshly yielded oxygen. It truly is an absolute godsend to have access to such breathtaking bliss.

Situated just 22 kilometres north of Perth lies 3,700 hectares of Swan Valley nirvana, namely Whiteman Park. Home to Western Australia’s only operational heritage electric tram, as well as vintage bus and steam train rides through thick bushland, Whiteman Park is a hit with both the young and old. Bringing it back to basics, the park also features four family-friendly picnic spaces and playgrounds where sitting around and doing the bare minimum is encouraged. Sandy pits and staple play equipment are all the rage at Village West and Village East playgrounds; while Mini Water Playground commands a dip; and Pia’s Place Playground encourages a sensory journey among the wood-centric, all-abilities kit.

Whether you’re searching for a romantic date spot, a pleasant setting for walking the dog, or a slice of peaceful solo time – this is the place. Although not as expansive as its London counterpart, Perth’s Hyde Park sure is reminiscent of the famed British parkland. Sitting just two kilometres north of the CBD, the glorious grounds are lined with gargantuan trees with the likes of pine, plane and jacaranda commanding your awe and attention to two central lakes – reeling in avid and aspiring photographers alike. Autumn brings a certain serenity to Hyde Park, where golden hues of dwindling leaves complement the misty morning fog that dissipates over the waters as the day breaks. Oh, there’s also a water playground, barbecues, fitness equipment and a kiosk for your nibbling needs.

Magnificence awaits at Crawley’s Matilda Bay Reserve. Grassy flats recede into a sandy shoreline which fades into the calm Swan River waters. Panoramic scapes of natural beauty and faraway skyscrapers are a vision to behold, cornered by Kings Park’s hillsides of green that descend into the river. Matilda Bay is easy on the eyes, there’s no doubt about it. Black swans paddle freely amongst the aquatic activity without a care in the world, effortlessly drifting between kayakers, swimmers and astray frisbees too. If fortune has it, Matilda Bay’s resident dolphins will dance around the waterborne platform that is within wadable reach – but by all means, remain bone dry along the gumtree-lined waterfront for an equally as tranquil experience as the moon inevitably rises right before your eyes. 

Located 37 kilometres southeast of Perth’s city centre, within the Darling Ranges of Roleystone, Araluen Botanic Park blooms. 14 hectares of heavenly, developed gardens blossom alongside the beauty of native flora and fauna – a contrast that can only be expected in Australia. Araluen is famed for its beds of remarkable tulips in the tens of thousands, meticulously colour-coordinated in rows upon rows for your viewing satisfaction from mid-August to October each year. Follow the maze of pathways around Araluen to witness Mother Nature at her finest, complete with the always-flowing Stinton Creek for those magical, musical notes of nature. Laze about the lawns that are ideal for a quaint midday snooze or feast over a barbecue of your cultivation.

Truth be told, Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve is one of the best parks in Perth – and its playground’s award-winning status proves it. The Applecross reserve sits along the banks of the Swan River, right on the tip of a southern peninsula. While the heritage-listed site boasts distant skyline vistas, an art gallery and precinct, as well as a wee café, it’s the playground that never fails to delight the kids. Fit with a wood-clad pirate ship that anchors itself as Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve’s centrepiece, imaginations are bound to be buzzing at an all-time high. Picnicking is highly welcomed and firing up the barbie is most definitely encouraged.

Located along the Swan River, McCallum Park is a go-to for the active people of Perth. The skate park has a strong local following thanks to its concrete bowl that varies in depth with six to nine-foot drops. The emphasis on exercising continues with three multi-purpose sports courts, outdoor fitness stations along the foreshore, and a small alcove where you can launch canoes, stand-up paddleboards and sailboats. Runners and cyclists make the most of the foreshore, with two separate walking and cycling paths running along the verge. The views of the Swan River and Perth City, picnic tables, sunsets and shaded areas make this a great picnic spot as well. 

While not your typical park, this repurposed rooftop car park is a dynamic community garden space, perfect for enjoying lunch or reading in the sun. A move away from the concrete surrounds of the Perth Cultural Centre, Urban Orchard provides an uplifting oasis in the creative heart of the city. Garden boxes are home to canary yellow and bright orange marigolds, tomato plants, olive trees and plenty of flowers. Along with being a fertile ground for plants, Urban Orchard is also a flourishing creative precinct. It plays host to live music and pop-up bars throughout both the Perth International Arts Festival and the Perth Comedy Festival.