We’ve enlisted the help of a WA local to find out the best Perth picnic spots – below is a guest post from the lovely Nina at West Australian Explorer of some incredible spots.
Perth is a city for outdoor lovers. The best way to make use of the fantastic parks, beaches and river that Perth is famous for is to take the family on a picnic at one of these great locations.
Perth Picnic Spots
John Forrest National Park
John Forrest National Park is WA’s oldest conservation area and makes for one of the best picnic spots in the Perth hills. The national park is located near Mundaring and is a great way to experience the natural bush landscape. The park is home to abundant wildlife, two waterfalls and plenty of seasonal wildflowers (find out here what makes West Australian wildflowers so unique). .
Kids will love eating their picnic inside the quaint fairy cottages that are scattered through the park. The bush setting provides plenty of activities for kids and they’ll be kept busy climbing boulders, exploring creek beds and taking a walk through the eerily dark Swan View tunnel.
For drinks and ice cream wander to the John Forrest tavern, where you’ll also get the chance to meet a very friendly tribe of Kangaroos.
An extra tip is to head to John Forrest National Park during the school holidays for some fantastic kids’ nature programs – see them here.
Kings Park
There’s a good reason why Kings Park is Perth’s number one tourist attractions. Along with stunning views of the city and beyond, Kings Park offers plenty of things to do and is home to some of Perth’s best kids play areas.
One of the best spots for families inside Kings Park is May Drive Parklands (this used to be known as Synergy Parklands). Here kids will have a ball playing on the island fort, wooden walkways and cooling off under the water fountains – where you’ll also find one of our favourite Perth picnic spots.
The luscious green grass makes it a perfect picnic spot and once done, take a walk up the hill to the DNA tower for panoramic views of the city.
Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is tucked along the Swan River in Brigadoon and is a quick drive from all the best attractions of the Swan Valley Wine Region. There are no picnic tables here but you’ll find some great picnic spots along the river banks where you can lay down a picnic blanket.
Kids will love exploring the banks of the river and taking a walk on the wooden bridge over the rapids. There’s a lovely 2.5 km walk along the river, with the extra advantage that the family pooch is allowed to come too.
Once you’re done, take the short drive to the Swan Valley for an afternoon treat at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
Scarborough Beach
There’s no shortage of beautiful picnic spots on Perth’s magnificent coastline but if you’ve got kids in tow, then Scarborough Beach is one of the best. (See some more Perth beach ideas here.)
The newly developed Scarborough beachfront has the perfect sunset views. The skate ramps, Whale Playground and basketball court will keep the little ones busy for hours.
If you don’t feel like bringing your own picnic, head to Scarborough on a Thursday evening for the Scarborough Sunset Markets and choose your dinner at one of the many awesome food trucks.
Yanchep National Park
Located in Perth’s northern outskirts, Yanchep National Park is a nature’s paradise and one of the prettiest picnic areas in Perth. The grassed area has plenty of picnic tables and gas barbecues to choose from. Just don’t tell the kids about the lollies at the Chocolate Drops Tea Room.
Once you’re done eating, take a walk on the family-friendly walking trails. These come with interpretive signs and teach kids about the environment and local history. Alternatively, visit the Koalas at the enclosure or take a guided tour of the Crystal Cave – Perth’s only tourist cave.
On weekends, Yanchep hosts the Wangi Mia Aboriginal Experience. This provides a great opportunity to learn more about the local Noongar Culture in a highly entertaining and interactive way.
Heathcote Reserve
Heathcote Reserve in Applecross lies along one of the most picturesque parts of Perth’s Swan River. Along with the awesome views of Perth and the river, Heathcote Reserve also home to the amazing Pirate Ship playground. Here kids can let their imagination roam free on the replica wooden ship.
One of the best Perth picnic spots for kids – the picnic area has plenty of shade and grass. For extra refreshments, there’s a kiosk adjacent to the play area that serves coffee and food. Also, take wander to the cultural precinct for a look at the art gallery.
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Matilda Bay Reserve
One of the great things about Perth is that we have beach and river. Both provide ample spots to picnic and spend the day outdoors. One of the best family-friendly Perth picnic spots is Matilda Bay Reserve in Crawley.
The foreshore has plenty of picnic tables and barbecues where you can easily spend the whole day and enjoy the picturesque surrounding. Kids love splashing in the water on a warm day and building sand castles on the foreshore. There’s also plenty of shade and shelter from the wind, making it a perfect spot for a hot summer’s day.
South Beach Fremantle
South Beach in Fremantle is another great picnic spot for a hot summer’s day. The shaded parklands and sheltered waters make this one of Perth’s most family-friendly beaches. Once you’ve cooled down you can spend the rest of the day on the green lawn.
Kids will be busy with the playground and basketball court. There’s also a great café for take away coffee and food.
If you’re heading south from Perth don’t miss a trip to South West Australia – just a short trip with so many things to see and do.
Author Bio – Nina
I grew up in Switzerland, travelled the world as a Flight Attendant and explored every continent. These days though, my favourite travel destination is Western Australia.
Along with my adventurous six-year old, we love discovering new parts of this huge Australian state. Follow our adventures and find out more about this unique part of the world on my blog www.westaustralianexplorer.com.
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