Parks Gardens and Reserves

Council House Gardens

These pretty gardens right in the centre of Perth City give the Council’s administration buildings a formal frontage and highlight the heritage listed building.

The current Council House Gardens were developed following the refurbishment of Council House in 1999. 

The majority of the gardens are planted on the roof of an underground car park and many of the trees that date back to the 1860’s were retained during the redevelopment.

The garden is also the perfect spot for some quiet reflection in the CBD.

Supreme Court Gardens

The stunning Supreme Court Gardens are part of an important open space area in the City’s Central Business District.

More than 100 years old, the garden is semi-enclosed by mature trees and gardens and was formed following the reclamation of the Swan River shallows in 1903.

It was planted as gardens back in 1920.

Merging with Stirling Gardens, the Supreme Court Gardens contain both the Supreme Court (1903) and the oldest building in the City of Perth; the old Court House.

The gardens received an extensive upgrade in 2015.

Langley Park

Langley Park is one of the biggest open spaces in the Perth CBD, it runs along Riverside Drive adjacent to the Swan River.

The park was created by reclaiming land from the Swan River between 1921 to 1935, to provide open space near the city.

A pioneer of civil aviation in WA, Major Norman Brearley used the park as an airstrip in the 1920s and it continued to be used as an operating airstrip for some time.

Langley Park’s location makes it a popular place to view the annual City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks, which are held on the river every year on 26 January.

It’s also a great open space for group exercise sessions and hosts the annual Polo in the City event every year.

Ozone Reserve

Developed in 2003 with the inclusion of a man-made lake known as Lake Vasto, Ozone Reserve was also recently redeveloped with trees, dense shrubbery and native plants.

The primary purpose of Lake Vasto is to store treated bore water to irrigate approximately 54 hectares of foreshore and parklands from Queens Gardens in East Perth to north of Council House.

An interesting feature of the reserve is the ‘Monument to Migrants’ – an eight-metre high stone and bronze statue that was a gift to the City from the Abruzzese Emigrant Association.

Vasto, Italy (in the Abruzzi region) is one of the City of Perth’s Sister Cities and has been since 1989.

Point Fraser

Whether you’re looking to visit a restaurant at Point Fraser or enjoy the fresh air, this scenic part of the city doesn’t disappoint.

Point Fraser was named after the botanist Sir Charles Fraser. The area was developed in 2003 as an innovative urban wetland to intercept drainage water and strip it of nutrients before it enters the Swan River.

Point Fraser features a series of pathways and boardwalks with interpretive signage detailing the environmental, historical and cultural trails. You can also hire bikes and canoes at Point Fraser, take the kids to the playground or use the public barbecues.

Heirisson Island

Heirisson Island is nestled between the suburbs of East Perth and Victoria Park on the Swan River.

The island is an important part of the City’s Nyoongar heritage and a beautiful oasis of calm in Perth, full of kangaroos.

The Nyoongar name for the area is Matagarup (meaning ‘leg deep’) which has been retained for the island.

Heirisson Island is listed on the Western Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs’ register of Aboriginal sites.

In 1998 five female western grey kangaroos were introduced to the island, followed by a female with a male joey in 2000.

The island is popular with tourists who want to experience WA’s native flora and fauna.

Queens Gardens

Queens Gardens is a stunning urban oasis right in the heart of East Perth, overlooking Optus Stadium.

The site of these gardens has always been closely associated with the development of the City of Perth; initially used for recreation purposes including horse racing and later as a clay mine and brickworks. Bricks produced here are part of some of Perth’s most prominent buildings including The Perth Town Hall, Barracks Arch and the Cloisters Building.

The gardens were officially opened in 1899 and named Queens Gardens for Queen Victoria in honour of her Diamond Jubilee. Main features of this glorious garden include its water lily filled lakes (the old clay pits), manicured lawns and a large variety of trees and shrubs. 

It also features a replica of the Peter Pan statue located in Kensington Gardens in London.

Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens is one of Perth earliest gardens, first planted in the 1800's.

For many years the park was surrounded by light industry and residences and lay unrecognised.

Then the area was upgraded in the 1990s as the centre piece of the Claisebrook Cove Village development.

A number of original trees still exist on the site and it also features many artworks that celebrate the Indigenous history and culture of the area.

Mardalup Park

Built on the former East Perth Gas Works site, Mardalup Park is right on the river’s edge and has a rich Noongar history.

Located at the eastern end of Brown Street in East Perth, the park was created in 1997.

It was used by many Noongar families as a camping ground in the past - Mardalup is a Noongar term; its English translation is ‘place of small marsupial’.

Mardalup Park also features many artworks constructed from materials from the old Gas Works and is the ideal spot for picnics for families or somewhere to sit back, relax and enjoy the city.

Claisebrook

Developed in the 1990s as part of Claisebrook Cove Village this inner-city park features natural wetlands, plus shaded walkways and lawns.

A central ‘channel’ also features artwork representing East Perth’s natural wetland state and the power of water to sculpt the landscape.

The channel leads in to and out of the lake, providing water to irrigate approximately 10 hectares of East Perth parklands while still proving an ornamental feature for the reserve.

The channel ends at Claisebrook Cove and water for the lakes is sourced from the Claisebrook storm water drain.

Underpasses also provide safe access along the walkway to Claisebrook Cove where you will find numerous cafes and restaurants overlooking the lake.

Wellington Square

If you’re looking for a space to run around with the kids, take your dog for an off the lead walk, kick a footy or just enjoy a picnic, then you’ll love Wellington Square.

Originally a swamp that was drained in the 1830s, in the early days of Perth’s history it was used to exercise horses. The ground was also known as the Recreation Ground or the "Rec". 

Prior to the construction of the WACA Ground in the 1890s, the park was the main cricket ground in Perth.

Cleared in 1898 to form a series of cricket fields, the ground was named in honour of the Duke of Wellington, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the time of the settlement of the Swan River Colony.

In the 1900s the ground was used for West Australian Football League matches.

Perth Rugby Club (later Perth-Bayswater) also used the square from the late 1920s as a training venue.

Urban Wetland

An outdoor classroom and entertainment venue that promotes conservation and education; the Urban Wetland is freshwater fun for children to explore.

The wetland is home to plant and animal species once common throughout Perth including native fish, frogs, and invertebrates.

Before European settlement the Perth CBD was dotted with freshwater wetlands, and this urban wetland provides the perfect learning platform for those looking to learn about an often fragile ecosystem.

It also has a stage which makes it ideal for events and steps which offer passers-by seating should they want to stop and reflect for a moment.

The Urban Wetland monitors water quality in a partnership program run with the WA Museum and is a feature of the Perth Cultural Centre’s sustainable approach to landscaping and design.

Northbridge Piazza

Come to the piazza, stay a while... take in a free movie, listen to some music, enjoy an exhibition or just sit on the grass and watch the world go by. The choice is yours.

During the day, the Piazza is a quiet space for sitting with a coffee in hand, but at night when the area comes alive, it fills up with people and can often be a focal point for the area.

The piazza space has been flexibly designed to encourage community use for performances, exhibitions, festivals, sporting events and other cultural activities.

Perth’s first permanent LED screen is a major attraction, operating 24 hours a day and showcasing a variety of features such as films, creative presentations, sport and music.

Lake Street Plateia

Celebrating and recognising Northbridge’s well-established Greek community, is the Plateia Hellas (‘Plateia’ meaning centre or square in Greek and ‘Hellas’ is the ancient Greek name for Greece).

This public piazza has become a gateway to the Northbridge entertainment district and is situated on Lake Street between Aberdeen and Newcastle Streets.

The stone and water Nexus sculpture is the feature of the area and is designed by Simon Gauntlet and Russell Kingdom based on classical Greek architecture.

A relaxed space, the Plateia is surrounded by Mediterranean style trees and landscaping inviting you to stop, sit and spend some time simply watching the world go by… it is also a favoured city venue for performances, markets and festivals.  

Close to cafes, shops, alfresco and dining, it is one of the cultural features of central Northbridge.

Russell Square

A beautiful green space in the centre of Northbridge, Russell Square was named for Lord John Russell, the Secretary of State and Colonies, 1839, and Prime Minister, 1846 to 1852. 

Early on in the city’s history it became known as 'Parco dei Sospire' - 'The Park of Sighs'. It gained this title as it was a favoured meeting place for the Italian community of 'Little Italy'. It was also opposite their favourite pub, the Victoria Hotel.

In October 1994 Russell Square was upgraded adding fencing and lighting, furniture and water features. Thirty sculptures were also designed and created by local artists Greg James and Drago Dadich; they add life to the square and are well worth a look.

Harold Boas Gardens

A serene lake, waterfall and rock cascade feature in this gorgeous inner-city garden. 

Named after architect and former City of Perth Councillor Harold Boas, the gardens feature a lake, waterfall and rock cascade.

With large grassed areas and ample shade from the well-established trees Harold Boas provides a peaceful respite for city workers.

Originally known as Delhi Square, the park was redeveloped in 1976, with many of the original trees planted in 1900 retained as part of the redevelopment.

The gardens are a popular location for wedding parties, with four areas set aside for wedding ceremonies.

Totterdell Park

Nestled in amongst the office buildings in West Perth is the charming Totterdell Park.

Small, but picture perfect, the park is named for Sir Joseph Totterdell, Lord Mayor of Perth from 1946 to 1953 and is surrounded by shrubbery to provide a tranquil oasis for nearby residents or office workers to relax in.

The playground has a soft fall play area with a large metal play frame featuring slides, climbing nets, ramps, monkey bars and a climbing wall.

There’s ample place for kids to kick a footy on the grassed area and lots of space to throw down a picnic rug and enjoy a catch-up with friends and family.

Totterdell Park also allows dogs to be off the lead. 

Kings Park

In the very heart of Perth, just a short stroll from the City centre, you’ll find 400 hectares of tall trees, stunning bushland, lakes, sculpted gardens and picnic areas.

Kings Park is popular with both locals and tourists; it’s the best spot in town to watch a glorious sunrise over the City and the Swan River and has a host of restaurant and café options including Frasers, Zamia Café and Stickybeaks.

Kings Park is a natural wonderland which contains the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden and is full of walking trails and running tracks surrounded by native plants, seasonal wildflowers and rich Aboriginal heritage.

It’s also home to the States War Memorial and the Flame of Remembrance which hosts Perth’s biggest ANZAC Day dawn service every year.

Magnificent views of the Swan River and City below also make Kings Park a popular place for taking photos.

May Drive Parkland

May Drive Parkland in Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a popular picnic precinct and features a fantastic adventure playground for kids.

The parkland is a recreation area for the whole family, on the western side of Kings Park, easily accessed via Saw Avenue or Poole Avenue. 

May Drive Parkland is particularly suitable for children over six years of age with a 75m long elevated walkway, island fort and large-scale replicas of extinct Australian dinosaurs to explore.

There’s also an interactive water misting forest for children to play in when the weather allows and Zamia Café for when they get hungry!

JH Abrahams Reserve

A popular picnicking and recreation reserve, JH Abrahams Reserve has extensive grassy and shaded areas with play equipment and picnic tables.

Also known as Pelican Point the Reserve is a popular off lead dog exercise area located between Matilda Bay Reserve and the Nedlands Yacht Club.

JH Abrahams Reserve also has significant conservation value.

Used as a focal point for recreational activities in the City, the Reserve is a great place to ride bikes and play with the kids in the sunshine, all with sensational river views.

Riverside And Crawley

It goes without saying that Perth is a very pretty city and one of the areas that makes it so stunning is the Riverside and Crawley.

Drive down Mounts Bay Road and you’ll find yourself on the edge of King’s Park with the glorious Swan River in front of you and Crawley ahead of you.

Crawley is where you’ll find the iconic Crawley Boat Shed and water statue of Eliza (often dressed up by local Uni students), you’ll also find Matilda Bay, a gorgeous spot to take a picnic blanket and the family and watch the sun go down right near the grounds of the University of WA.

On and around the Swan River itself you’ll also find plenty of tracks for exercise and sports, lots of spots to moor your boat, a few cafes and some perfect places for picnics and down time.

Whichever spot by the river or in Crawley you choose, one thing’s for sure…you won’t be disappointed with the view.