Gija Jumulu
Adansonia gregorii
Its pale swollen trunk is the clue. This ancient boab travelled more than 3,200 km from the Kimberley to Kings Park in 2008.
Martinvl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Parks And Gardens
Parks and Gardens in Perth
Use this page to choose Perth parks and gardens by view, shade, walking effort, facilities, family needs and weather. It covers city gardens, river foreshore parks, botanic gardens, picnic reserves, walking areas and nearby national parks.
Last updated: 2026-10-16
Look closely
Three details to find in Kings Park
Use shape, texture and colour rather than walking past the plants as scenery. Flowering and leaf cover change with the season.
Red-and-green kangaroo paw
Anigozanthos manglesii
Look for the fine hairs covering each red stem and green flower. The colour and curved flowers make WA’s floral emblem easy to recognise.
David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Ashby's banksia
Banksia ashbyi
The orange cylinder is hundreds of small flowers packed together. Older spikes become woody cones, so compare different stages on the same shrub.
Dcoetzee / Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Read the Kings Park story of Gija Jumulu · Plan a Kings Park visit
Park Planning
How To Use The Parks And Gardens Guide
This page is for visitors and locals comparing Perth parks, gardens, foreshore reserves, walking areas, picnic spots and nearby national parks. Use it for outdoor time between attractions, a family picnic, a city viewpoint, a low-cost day out or a longer nature-focused trip from Perth.
Good first choices are Kings Park for city views, botanic garden walks and a broad first visit; Queens Gardens, Stirling Gardens and Supreme Court Gardens for shorter central stops; South Perth Foreshore for river views; Whiteman Park for a larger family outing; and John Forrest or Yanchep National Park for a longer trip outside the inner city.
Choose by time, weather, budget and transport. For one hour, stay with central gardens or a river foreshore. For half a day, use Kings Park or a larger reserve. For hot weather, check shade and water access. For public transport, start with central Perth, South Perth and inner-city parks before looking at hills or national-park pages.
Quick Choices
Quick park choices
- Best city view: Kings Park.
- Best picnic-style planning: river foreshore parks and large suburban parks.
- Best garden visit: botanic gardens and formal garden pages.
- Best hot-day caution: choose shade, water, toilets and shorter walks.
- Best family park plan: one playground or nature area plus a nearby food or toilet stop.
Best Parks
Best Parks And Gardens In Perth
Start with these priority park, garden and outdoor attraction pages.
Kings Park
Plan Kings Park with named garden highlights, the Federation Walkway, family play areas, free buses, accessible routes and a practical first-visit plan.
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Park and botanic garden
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Best for
- Parks, gardens, views, walking
- Area
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Time needed
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Good without a car
- West Perth and city-edge location
Formal garden
Queens Gardens, East Perth
Queens Gardens is an old-style city garden with waterlily ponds, lawns and trees. The Peter Pan statue gives children something to seek out, but the ponds and quieter corners are the reason to stay longer. It is a public garden, distinct from the former Queens Gardens car park discussed in separate city planning news.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
River foreshore
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is a chain of reserves, not a single lawn with one address. Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade, Mill Point and Clydesdale each give a slightly different angle across the Swan River. Decide whether you want the ferry, a playground, a picnic or a longer waterside walk before choosing where to start.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, families
Family park
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park can fill most of a day: bushland, picnic areas, playgrounds and transport heritage are spread over a large site. Park entry is free , while museums, rides or booked activities may have separate prices and hours. Decide on a few stops instead of arriving at the main gate and expecting everything to be within one short walk.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, parks, outdoor visits
National park
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest rewards a full day more than a rushed waterfall stop. There are picnic sites, winter-flowing falls, historic railway country and tracks ranging from a short stroll to a more demanding walk. The park is also being improved, so check the current trail and parking notices before following an older map.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
Yanchep National Park
Choose a koala visit, Crystal Cave tour and named walk, with prices, picnic information and practical access advice.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
- Cost
- Standard vehicle $17; concession $10; valid park pass accepted; cave tickets extra
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours for a short visit; half a day with a cave tour and picnic
- Good without a car
- Easier by car
City Parks
Perth City Parks And Gardens
Central Perth parks and gardens for short visits, walking and city-based planning.
Formal garden
Stirling Gardens
Stirling Gardens sits among Perth’s civic buildings yet has the feel of an old garden rather than a wide event lawn. It is the city’s oldest garden, with kangaroo sculptures that visitors often recognise before they know its name. Take a few minutes to look beyond the statues at the trees, paths and surrounding architecture.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
Formal garden
Supreme Court Gardens
Supreme Court Gardens has long been one of Perth’s major city lawns, near Barrack Street and the river. Redevelopment works are underway in 2026 , so do not plan a visit around an old image of open grass. The outer pedestrian routes and toilets can change during construction; check the City’s works update before travelling solely to see the garden.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, river areas
Council House Gardens
Beside the City’s Council House, these small formal gardens provide a quieter pause between St Georges Terrace and the river precinct. They are well suited to a brief sit or a look at the planting; they are not a substitute for the larger lawns at Langley Park or Supreme Court Gardens.
- City garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, short stops
Family park
Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square
Wellington Square is now commonly presented with its Noongar name, Moort-ak Waadiny . The playground and broad open space make it a good city stop with children, but a family can also use the lawns without queuing for equipment. Look at which part of the park suits your group before crossing the whole square.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, city parks, outdoor visits
Formal garden
Harold Boas Gardens
Harold Boas Gardens is one of Perth’s quieter green spaces, with a lake, cascade and mature trees close to city streets. It is a good choice when a big riverfront lawn is more than you need. Sit by the water for a while, then explore the paths rather than rushing through for a single photograph.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, quiet outdoor visits
City park
John Oldham Park
John Oldham Park is a surprising patch of greenery beside Perth’s Narrows Interchange. Its small lakes and waterfalls feel tucked away from the roads, even though the city is close. Go for a short, unhurried walk rather than expecting a large park with sports fields.
- City park
- Best for
- Parks, walking, outdoor visits
Foreshore
River And Foreshore Parks
River-side reserves, foreshore spaces and walking areas around Perth.
Island reserve
Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island sits between East Perth and Victoria Park in the Swan River. It has a long Nyoongar cultural history and a fenced kangaroo area, but a visit should be about more than trying to tick off an animal sighting. Give yourself time to walk, read signs and notice how the river divides around the island.
- Island reserve
- Best for
- River areas, walking, outdoor visits
River foreshore
Langley Park
Langley Park is the broad strip of lawn between central Perth and the Swan River. Its appeal is simple: room to walk, sit and see the skyline from a low, open space. The size also makes it an event venue, so a quiet day on the grass and a festival day can feel like different places.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, open space
Point Fraser Reserve
Point Fraser offers a waterside walk with a purpose: its constructed wetland helps treat runoff before it reaches the Swan River. You can enjoy the skyline and boardwalk without needing an event ticket or a restaurant booking. Take time to read the interpretation and watch birds from the path.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, city visits
Victoria Gardens, East Perth
Victoria Gardens sits at the eastern edge of Perth beside Claisebrook Cove. It is a smaller green stop with a river outlook, useful if you are already walking the East Perth waterfront. Its name is shared with parks elsewhere, so put East Perth into your directions.
- City park
- Best for
- Gardens, river areas, city visits
River foreshore
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is a chain of reserves, not a single lawn with one address. Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade, Mill Point and Clydesdale each give a slightly different angle across the Swan River. Decide whether you want the ferry, a playground, a picnic or a longer waterside walk before choosing where to start.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, families
River reserve
Dyoondalup / Point Walter Reserve
Point Walter’s river edge combines shady grass, a jetty, playgrounds and the striking sandbar visible at lower water. The City of Melville also uses the name Dyoondalup . Choose a picnic or riverside walk independently of the reserve’s mountain-bike trails, and check the current viewing-platform notice before setting out for those structures.
- River reserve
- Best for
- River areas, picnics, outdoor visits
Walking area
Matagarup Bridge
Matagarup Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle link as well as a landmark. It joins East Perth with the Burswood stadium precinct across the Swan River. Walking the bridge gives you a different river view from driving past it; it does not require booking a commercial bridge climb.
- Walking area
- Best for
- Walking, river areas, city views
Formal Gardens
Botanic Gardens And Formal Gardens
Garden-focused pages that need official-source checks before detailed visitor information is added.
Kings Park
Plan Kings Park with named garden highlights, the Federation Walkway, family play areas, free buses, accessible routes and a practical first-visit plan.
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Park and botanic garden
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Best for
- Parks, gardens, views, walking
- Area
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Time needed
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Good without a car
- West Perth and city-edge location
Formal garden
Queens Gardens, East Perth
Queens Gardens is an old-style city garden with waterlily ponds, lawns and trees. The Peter Pan statue gives children something to seek out, but the ponds and quieter corners are the reason to stay longer. It is a public garden, distinct from the former Queens Gardens car park discussed in separate city planning news.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
Formal garden
Stirling Gardens
Stirling Gardens sits among Perth’s civic buildings yet has the feel of an old garden rather than a wide event lawn. It is the city’s oldest garden, with kangaroo sculptures that visitors often recognise before they know its name. Take a few minutes to look beyond the statues at the trees, paths and surrounding architecture.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
Formal garden
Supreme Court Gardens
Supreme Court Gardens has long been one of Perth’s major city lawns, near Barrack Street and the river. Redevelopment works are underway in 2026 , so do not plan a visit around an old image of open grass. The outer pedestrian routes and toilets can change during construction; check the City’s works update before travelling solely to see the garden.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, river areas
Formal garden
Harold Boas Gardens
Harold Boas Gardens is one of Perth’s quieter green spaces, with a lake, cascade and mature trees close to city streets. It is a good choice when a big riverfront lawn is more than you need. Sit by the water for a while, then explore the paths rather than rushing through for a single photograph.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, quiet outdoor visits
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens
Wanneroo Botanic Gardens is an attraction with mini golf, not a council reserve where every feature is free. The gardens provide the setting for daytime mini golf and some evening Glow Golf sessions. Pick the activity and session first, especially if you are arranging a family outing with different ages.
- Botanic garden
- Best for
- Gardens, families, outdoor visits
Botanic garden
Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen sits in a sheltered Roleystone valley, so a visit feels different from a flat city garden. Spring brings the tulip festival, but the established trees, paths and changing plantings make it worth considering outside festival dates as well. It is a ticketed park; look at the current calendar before deciding when to go.
- Botanic garden
- Best for
- Gardens, Perth Hills, day trips
Families
Family Parks And Playground Areas
Family suitability, playgrounds, BBQs and toilets can change. Check official sources before visiting.
Kings Park
Plan Kings Park with named garden highlights, the Federation Walkway, family play areas, free buses, accessible routes and a practical first-visit plan.
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Park and botanic garden
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Best for
- Parks, gardens, views, walking
- Area
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Time needed
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Good without a car
- West Perth and city-edge location
Family park
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park can fill most of a day: bushland, picnic areas, playgrounds and transport heritage are spread over a large site. Park entry is free , while museums, rides or booked activities may have separate prices and hours. Decide on a few stops instead of arriving at the main gate and expecting everything to be within one short walk.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, parks, outdoor visits
Family park
Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square
Wellington Square is now commonly presented with its Noongar name, Moort-ak Waadiny . The playground and broad open space make it a good city stop with children, but a family can also use the lawns without queuing for equipment. Look at which part of the park suits your group before crossing the whole square.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, city parks, outdoor visits
Formal garden
Queens Gardens, East Perth
Queens Gardens is an old-style city garden with waterlily ponds, lawns and trees. The Peter Pan statue gives children something to seek out, but the ponds and quieter corners are the reason to stay longer. It is a public garden, distinct from the former Queens Gardens car park discussed in separate city planning news.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
River foreshore
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is a chain of reserves, not a single lawn with one address. Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade, Mill Point and Clydesdale each give a slightly different angle across the Swan River. Decide whether you want the ferry, a playground, a picnic or a longer waterside walk before choosing where to start.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, families
City park
John Oldham Park
John Oldham Park is a surprising patch of greenery beside Perth’s Narrows Interchange. Its small lakes and waterfalls feel tucked away from the roads, even though the city is close. Go for a short, unhurried walk rather than expecting a large park with sports fields.
- City park
- Best for
- Parks, walking, outdoor visits
Yanchep National Park
Choose a koala visit, Crystal Cave tour and named walk, with prices, picnic information and practical access advice.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
- Cost
- Standard vehicle $17; concession $10; valid park pass accepted; cave tickets extra
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours for a short visit; half a day with a cave tour and picnic
- Good without a car
- Easier by car
Lake reserve
Lake Leschenaultia
Lake Leschenaultia is a popular Hills swimming and picnic area, with sandy edges, shaded lawn and bushland beyond the beach. It can also close quickly in dangerous fire conditions. A visit works best when you check the lake notice on the day and treat the water, bike tracks and camping as separate activities with separate rules.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake areas, families, day trips
Yokine Reserve
Yokine Reserve is part of a busy regional open space used for sport, walking and play. It is not a single little playground. If you are meeting friends, agree on a landmark or side of the reserve first; the City lists several play areas and bookable sports space.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, parks, outdoor visits
Clarkson Reserve, Maylands
Clarkson Reserve is on the Swan River in Maylands , not in the northern suburb of Clarkson. The name can send a map search in the wrong direction. Use 50 Clarkson Road as your destination for a relaxed river-edge stop with a playground and picnic facilities.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, parks, outdoor visits
Reserves
Nature Reserves And Lake Parks
Lake, conservation and reserve pages for walking and outdoor planning.
Lake reserve
Galup (Lake Monger)
The Town of Cambridge now calls this reserve Galup , although older maps and directions still use Lake Monger. The lake and surrounding paths are good for an easy walk and birdwatching. Its water is protected wetland habitat, so come for the shore and lookouts rather than a paddle or a fishing trip.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake walks, birdlife, outdoor visits
Lake reserve
Herdsman Lake Regional Park
Herdsman Lake is a wetland visit close to the city. Birds and open water draw walkers, but the shore is habitat rather than a swimming spot. The whole park is larger than one picnic area, so pick an access point and a realistic walking distance before heading out.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake walks, birdlife, nature
Conservation reserve
Bold Park
Bold Park is a large piece of coastal bushland above City Beach. Its draw is walking among native vegetation and looking out from Reabold Hill, not manicured flowerbeds or an all-day picnic lawn. Start with the length and surface of the walk you want, especially if you have only an hour.
- Conservation reserve
- Best for
- Walking, nature, reserves
Regional park
Manning Park
Manning Park combines a lake-side picnic area with a more energetic climb above Hamilton Hill. You can enjoy the lower park without taking the stairs or the limestone Davilak trail. If the view across Cockburn Sound is your reason for going, allow for an uneven climb and changing weather on the ridge.
- Regional park
- Best for
- Parks, walking, lake areas
Conservation reserve
Wireless Hill Park
Wireless Hill has bushland walks and a very visible layer of communications history. The former radio-station buildings make this more than a wildflower stop, while the open grounds provide room for a picnic. A museum visit, however, needs its own opening check; park access does not guarantee the buildings are staffed.
- Conservation reserve
- Best for
- Walking, nature, local history
Nature reserve
Piney Lakes Reserve
Piney Lakes has both restored bushland and an established play area in Winthrop. The City of Melville’s EcoHub and the Bidi Katitjiny trail give it another layer beyond a normal playground stop. Choose the developed paths for an easy visit or allow extra time for the wetland and bushland trails.
- Nature reserve
- Best for
- Nature, walking, families
Lake reserve
Perry Lakes Reserve
Perry Lakes Reserve offers wetland views and open recreation space in Floreat. It is easy to treat it as a quick lake photo stop, but the bird habitat, paths and grassed areas make a slower visit more rewarding. Choose a route that stays on designated paths around the water.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake areas, walking, outdoor visits
Lake reserve
Bibra Lake Reserve
Bibra Lake offers two rather different outings. One is a slow walk beside a wetland where birds and changing water levels set the pace. The other is the large regional playground on Progress Drive. Plan for the one you want; its playground gate hours do not define access to every part of the surrounding reserve.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake areas, walking, families
Perth Hills
Perth Hills And National Parks
Parks and nature areas that may suit longer outings or day-trip planning.
National park
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest rewards a full day more than a rushed waterfall stop. There are picnic sites, winter-flowing falls, historic railway country and tracks ranging from a short stroll to a more demanding walk. The park is also being improved, so check the current trail and parking notices before following an older map.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
Yanchep National Park
Choose a koala visit, Crystal Cave tour and named walk, with prices, picnic information and practical access advice.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
- Cost
- Standard vehicle $17; concession $10; valid park pass accepted; cave tickets extra
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours for a short visit; half a day with a cave tour and picnic
- Good without a car
- Easier by car
National park
Serpentine National Park
Serpentine Falls is a popular day trip, especially when winter rain gives the cascade some force. The national park is also a place for short walks and longer trails. Its falls area can fill before midday, so a relaxed late start may end at a closed entrance even while the park’s published hours still appear on a search result.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
Botanic garden
Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen sits in a sheltered Roleystone valley, so a visit feels different from a flat city garden. Spring brings the tulip festival, but the established trees, paths and changing plantings make it worth considering outside festival dates as well. It is a ticketed park; look at the current calendar before deciding when to go.
- Botanic garden
- Best for
- Gardens, Perth Hills, day trips
Walking area
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is a Hills waterfall you can approach by a short lookout walk or fold into a longer bush circuit. Those are very different outings. The cascade is most dramatic after rain; a photograph of peak flow is not a promise of the same scene on a dry spring or summer day.
- Walking area
- Best for
- Walking, Perth Hills, nature
Lake reserve
Lake Leschenaultia
Lake Leschenaultia is a popular Hills swimming and picnic area, with sandy edges, shaded lawn and bushland beyond the beach. It can also close quickly in dangerous fire conditions. A visit works best when you check the lake notice on the day and treat the water, bike tracks and camping as separate activities with separate rules.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake areas, families, day trips
Walking area
Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is best approached as a river walk with changing conditions, not as a guaranteed white-water spectacle. The bridge and surrounding countryside draw people during the Avon Descent and after winter rain. The river can rise quickly; the same water that makes the rapids dramatic makes the banks and rocks dangerous.
- Walking area
- Best for
- Walking, river areas, day trips
Regional park
Mundy Regional Park
Mundy Regional Park is a network of bushland, granite outcrops and viewpoints rather than one single car park. Lesmurdie Falls is the best-known stop, but there are shorter and longer routes through the wider park. Decide on a trailhead first; a map pin labelled only ‘Mundy’ may leave you far from the walk you intended.
- Regional park
- Best for
- Walking, Perth Hills, nature
Without A Car
Parks Without A Car
Use these central and inner-city park pages for car-free planning, then check Transperth before travelling because routes and timetables can change.
Kings Park
Plan Kings Park with named garden highlights, the Federation Walkway, family play areas, free buses, accessible routes and a practical first-visit plan.
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Park and botanic garden
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Best for
- Parks, gardens, views, walking
- Area
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Time needed
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Good without a car
- West Perth and city-edge location
Formal garden
Queens Gardens, East Perth
Queens Gardens is an old-style city garden with waterlily ponds, lawns and trees. The Peter Pan statue gives children something to seek out, but the ponds and quieter corners are the reason to stay longer. It is a public garden, distinct from the former Queens Gardens car park discussed in separate city planning news.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
Formal garden
Stirling Gardens
Stirling Gardens sits among Perth’s civic buildings yet has the feel of an old garden rather than a wide event lawn. It is the city’s oldest garden, with kangaroo sculptures that visitors often recognise before they know its name. Take a few minutes to look beyond the statues at the trees, paths and surrounding architecture.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, walking
Formal garden
Supreme Court Gardens
Supreme Court Gardens has long been one of Perth’s major city lawns, near Barrack Street and the river. Redevelopment works are underway in 2026 , so do not plan a visit around an old image of open grass. The outer pedestrian routes and toilets can change during construction; check the City’s works update before travelling solely to see the garden.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, river areas
Formal garden
Harold Boas Gardens
Harold Boas Gardens is one of Perth’s quieter green spaces, with a lake, cascade and mature trees close to city streets. It is a good choice when a big riverfront lawn is more than you need. Sit by the water for a while, then explore the paths rather than rushing through for a single photograph.
- Formal garden
- Best for
- Gardens, city visits, quiet outdoor visits
City park
John Oldham Park
John Oldham Park is a surprising patch of greenery beside Perth’s Narrows Interchange. Its small lakes and waterfalls feel tucked away from the roads, even though the city is close. Go for a short, unhurried walk rather than expecting a large park with sports fields.
- City park
- Best for
- Parks, walking, outdoor visits
Island reserve
Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island sits between East Perth and Victoria Park in the Swan River. It has a long Nyoongar cultural history and a fenced kangaroo area, but a visit should be about more than trying to tick off an animal sighting. Give yourself time to walk, read signs and notice how the river divides around the island.
- Island reserve
- Best for
- River areas, walking, outdoor visits
River foreshore
Langley Park
Langley Park is the broad strip of lawn between central Perth and the Swan River. Its appeal is simple: room to walk, sit and see the skyline from a low, open space. The size also makes it an event venue, so a quiet day on the grass and a festival day can feel like different places.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, open space
River foreshore
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is a chain of reserves, not a single lawn with one address. Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade, Mill Point and Clydesdale each give a slightly different angle across the Swan River. Decide whether you want the ferry, a playground, a picnic or a longer waterside walk before choosing where to start.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, families
Wildlife
Wildlife And Nature Links
Wildlife, birdwatching and animal-viewing details need official-source checks. Do not touch or feed wild animals.
Birdwatching area guide
Birdwatching in Perth
You can watch wetland birds without leaving Perth for a long country drive. Herdsman Lake, Galup and Bibra Lake each offer a different walk and a chance to slow down. The best outing is often a short stretch with good views, not a race around a whole lake. Species and numbers change with the season, water level and time of day.
- Birdwatching area guide
- Best for
- Birdwatching, nature reserves, quiet walks
Yanchep National Park
Choose a koala visit, Crystal Cave tour and named walk, with prices, picnic information and practical access advice.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
- Cost
- Standard vehicle $17; concession $10; valid park pass accepted; cave tickets extra
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours for a short visit; half a day with a cave tour and picnic
- Good without a car
- Easier by car
Island reserve
Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island sits between East Perth and Victoria Park in the Swan River. It has a long Nyoongar cultural history and a fenced kangaroo area, but a visit should be about more than trying to tick off an animal sighting. Give yourself time to walk, read signs and notice how the river divides around the island.
- Island reserve
- Best for
- River areas, walking, outdoor visits
Lake reserve
Herdsman Lake Regional Park
Herdsman Lake is a wetland visit close to the city. Birds and open water draw walkers, but the shore is habitat rather than a swimming spot. The whole park is larger than one picnic area, so pick an access point and a realistic walking distance before heading out.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake walks, birdlife, nature
Lake reserve
Galup (Lake Monger)
The Town of Cambridge now calls this reserve Galup , although older maps and directions still use Lake Monger. The lake and surrounding paths are good for an easy walk and birdwatching. Its water is protected wetland habitat, so come for the shore and lookouts rather than a paddle or a fishing trip.
- Lake reserve
- Best for
- Lake walks, birdlife, outdoor visits
Conservation reserve
Bold Park
Bold Park is a large piece of coastal bushland above City Beach. Its draw is walking among native vegetation and looking out from Reabold Hill, not manicured flowerbeds or an all-day picnic lawn. Start with the length and surface of the walk you want, especially if you have only an hour.
- Conservation reserve
- Best for
- Walking, nature, reserves
National park
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest rewards a full day more than a rushed waterfall stop. There are picnic sites, winter-flowing falls, historic railway country and tracks ranging from a short stroll to a more demanding walk. The park is also being improved, so check the current trail and parking notices before following an older map.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
Walking area
Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is best approached as a river walk with changing conditions, not as a guaranteed white-water spectacle. The bridge and surrounding countryside draw people during the Avon Descent and after winter rain. The river can rise quickly; the same water that makes the rapids dramatic makes the banks and rocks dangerous.
- Walking area
- Best for
- Walking, river areas, day trips
Families
Family Park Planning
Check current facilities, playground information, shade, toilets, access and closures before visiting with children.
Kings Park
Plan Kings Park with named garden highlights, the Federation Walkway, family play areas, free buses, accessible routes and a practical first-visit plan.
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Park and botanic garden
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Best for
- Parks, gardens, views, walking
- Area
- Kings Park / West Perth
- Time needed
- Varies by walking route and activity
- Good without a car
- West Perth and city-edge location
Family park
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park can fill most of a day: bushland, picnic areas, playgrounds and transport heritage are spread over a large site. Park entry is free , while museums, rides or booked activities may have separate prices and hours. Decide on a few stops instead of arriving at the main gate and expecting everything to be within one short walk.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, parks, outdoor visits
River foreshore
South Perth Foreshore
The South Perth Foreshore is a chain of reserves, not a single lawn with one address. Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth Esplanade, Mill Point and Clydesdale each give a slightly different angle across the Swan River. Decide whether you want the ferry, a playground, a picnic or a longer waterside walk before choosing where to start.
- River foreshore
- Best for
- River areas, walking, families
Family park
Moort-ak Waadiny / Wellington Square
Wellington Square is now commonly presented with its Noongar name, Moort-ak Waadiny . The playground and broad open space make it a good city stop with children, but a family can also use the lawns without queuing for equipment. Look at which part of the park suits your group before crossing the whole square.
- Family park
- Best for
- Families, city parks, outdoor visits
Island reserve
Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island sits between East Perth and Victoria Park in the Swan River. It has a long Nyoongar cultural history and a fenced kangaroo area, but a visit should be about more than trying to tick off an animal sighting. Give yourself time to walk, read signs and notice how the river divides around the island.
- Island reserve
- Best for
- River areas, walking, outdoor visits
Yanchep National Park
Choose a koala visit, Crystal Cave tour and named walk, with prices, picnic information and practical access advice.
- National park
- Best for
- Nature, walking, day trips
- Cost
- Standard vehicle $17; concession $10; valid park pass accepted; cave tickets extra
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours for a short visit; half a day with a cave tour and picnic
- Good without a car
- Easier by car
Map
Parks Map
Browse park and garden links by area without loading a heavy map script on this page.
Perth CBD
East Perth
West Perth
South Perth
Perth Hills
Northern Suburbs
Coast
Beach And Coastal Links
Beach conditions, facilities and coastal access details can change. Check official information before visiting.
Beach foreshore and park
Cottesloe Foreshore: a walk, a picnic and a view of the beach
Use Cottesloe Foreshore for a coastal walk, picnic or beach view while checking parking, access and the seasonal main-beach enclosure.
- Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
- Beach foreshore and park
- No general foreshore admission charge
- Best for
- Coastal walks, picnics and watching the sea
- Area
- Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011
- Cost
- No general foreshore admission charge
- Time needed
- No fixed duration; suitable for a short walk or a longer foreshore visit
- Good without a car
- Possible
Beachfront recreation precinct
Scarborough Beachfront
Plan a Scarborough beachfront day around the ocean, heated pool, Whale Playground, free Surf CAT and access equipment.
- The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
- Beachfront recreation precinct
- Best for
- Beach time, playgrounds, skating, food and pool swimming
- Area
- The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
- Cost
- The public foreshore is free; pool entry, food and purchases cost extra
- Time needed
- Allow two hours to a half day, depending on the activities chosen
- Good without a car
- Possible
Coastal regional planning guide
Perth's Sunset Coast
Plan one manageable Sunset Coast cluster from Cottesloe towards Two Rocks, with beach, harbour and transport comparisons.
- Coastal regional planning guide
- Best for
- Choosing a beach cluster rather than attempting the whole coast in one day
- Area
- Perth coast from Cottesloe towards Two Rocks
- Cost
- Public coast access is generally free; pools, attractions, food and some activities cost extra
- Time needed
- Allow a half day for one cluster or a full day for two nearby stops
- Good without a car
- Possible
Beach area comparison guide
Fremantle beaches: choosing between Bathers, Leighton, Port and South Beach
Compare the different locations, facilities and access arrangements at Bathers, Leighton, Port and South Beach, with nearby Coogee kept distinct.
- Fremantle and nearby southern coast
- Beach area comparison guide
- Best for
- Choosing a Fremantle beach by location, picnic facilities and access needs
- Area
- Fremantle and nearby southern coast
- Cost
- No general beach admission charge at the compared public beaches; parking, food and bookings are separate
- Time needed
- Choose one beach or combine a coast stop with a wider Fremantle visit
- Good without a car
- Possible
FAQ
Parks And Gardens FAQ
Are Perth parks and gardens free?
Many public parks are low-cost to visit, but entry, parking, tours, events and facilities can vary. Use the official website for current details.
Can I visit Perth parks without a car?
Some parks may be practical without a car, but transport details need checking. Check Transperth before travelling, as routes and timetables can change.
Are dogs allowed in Perth parks?
Dog rules can vary by park and can change. Use the official website for current details.
Do Perth parks have toilets, BBQs or playgrounds?
Facilities are not verified in this draft section. Check official sources before relying on toilets, BBQs, playgrounds, parking or accessibility details.
Which Perth parks are good for walking?
Use the Walking Routes page as the starting point, then verify trail conditions and access before visiting.