This has been on my list for years and the opening of a brand new play space gave me the nudge I needed. I was not disappointed with the playground or the wetlands! Mary Carroll (1891 - 1971) was a well-known naturalist and taught at Gosnells Primary School from1923 to 1956. She would regularly take her students on nature walks around these wetlands. The reserve was created in 1971 and named after Mary Carroll. Mary Carroll Park is a major bird sanctuary encompassing two wet

Sir Frederick Samson Memorial Reserve (Samson Park) is a significant Bush Forever reserve with substantial Jarrah, Marri and Tuart woodland. The reserve is home to over 50 bird species, reptiles and bats and it features an abundance of native plants so is spectacular in Spring. Traditionally part of the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people the site was taken over by the Armed Forces during WWII and established as Melville Military Camp. The camp was demolished in 1955 and in 1

This is a short there and back hike along fire trails in the Stinton Cascades Nature Reserve. There are many trails weaving through the various sections of reserve but for this one you start from Gardiner Road. As you turn off Brookton Highway onto Gardiner Road there is a property immediately on your right with a dirt layover which is the perfect place to park. Walk along Gardiner Road to the edge of the property where you will find the trail head. The trail heads steeply

Roley Pools is located along the Canning River (Djarlgarro) below the Canning Dam in Roleystone. It can be accessed from Soldiers Road, Collins Road (stairs) or Thompson Road. This is a place of Noongar stories - past present and future. Traditionally Roley Pool was an important place to gather bushfoods and hunt kangaroos but it also has a long history as a swimming hole and even had a diving board and change rooms installed here in more recent history. Construction of the

While out and about exploring the street art around Victoria Park and East Victoria Park we ventured further to explore some of the nearby parks and came across some absolute beauties. Rayment Park Located in Lathlain this park caters for all ages with three playgrounds. The large nature playground has a boat, fort, swings, ropes, bridges, musical play, stepping and balance logs - all with lots of room to move! A ropes playground with a spinner and a double flying fox (7am

Lake Fresca is located in the Italian themed Bridges community in Ellenbrook off Milano Parade and Ponte Vecchio Boulevard. As a suburban park there is no street side parking around the park but you can use the small carpark at the retail precinct off Ponte Vecchio Boulevard. This is also where you will find the beautiful (and accurate) sundial tower, picnic benches and a fully fenced playground. There are no toilet facilities. Near the playground is the main blue bridge cr

Woodlupine Brook Reserve in Beckenham is a narrow park that follows Woodlupine Brook between Mills Park Reserve and Roe Highway, where it disappears under the road. The brook has been developed as a living stream combining it's drainage function with grassy parkland. Footpaths criss-cross over the stream at various intervals allowing you to interact with the brook as you wander through the park. We started our walk heading east from Mills Park Nature Playground through lands

We came across this park by accident but hopped out to have a wander around. From our starting point on the eastern edge it just looked like a park with a walking path around a lake. The lake was quite pretty as we wandered the path, passing some swings and enjoying the birdlife. As we got further around we came to a picnic gazebo and discovered a second lake which had a playground on the far side, built to jut out into the lake. This second lake definitely had a bit of w

Harold Boas Gardens tucked away in West Perth is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies and you can see why when you wander through this beautiful shady haven. The gardens, first developed as Delhi Square from 1897-98, were redeveloped in the 1970's into their present form and named after prominent architect Harold Boas, who was instrumental in the design of many Perth buildings including the Emu Brewery on Mounts Bay Road. The gardens are also popular with local office work

Joondalup has a green belt running through the centre of the suburb which allows for a short but pretty walk. As the parks are local there are no parking bays but we managed to park on the kerb in Aswan View at the Water Tower Park. You could also park at nearby Candlewood shops. Water Tower Park has a small playground and a viewing platform (which looks as though it is an evening gathering place for teens so just give it a quick once over if the kids are playing here). As

This beautiful reserve is tucked away at the back of Gidgegannup on Wooroloo Brook. You can access it by turning off Toodyay Road onto Reen Road and travelling 8.5km to the reserve which will be on your left. There is a sign at the entrance to the reserve but it is angled so is easy to miss. The track in to the reserve is red dirt and single lane so you may have to pull over to pass another car on the short road in - easy with a sedan but perhaps more problematic in a 4WD.

Queens Gardens is a beautiful park tucked away in East Perth near the WACA and Gloucester Park. There is plenty of paid parking available in the area on a weekend (unless a major event is underway) or you can use the free CAT buses. The site was originally used for horse racing before becoming a clay mine which produced bricks between 1860 and 1890. These bricks were used in many of Perth's historic buildings of that era. In 1894 the brick kilns were removed and the old cla

Shh! Don't let this secret out! Nestled in a copse of trees along the waterfront of North Cottesloe is the Secret Gnome Garden. This delightful hidden "garden" between Marine Parade and Little Marine Parade is a delightful discovery for both children and adults. We discovered the Secret Gnome Garden on our Cottesloe to Swanbourne walk. Walking along the coast keep an eye out for an unusual house. Cross the road to explore the bushy bit and you will encounter a path lead

Allen Park is a pocket of coastal bushland in Swanbourne, classified by the National Trust for it's high conservation value. It includes a number of sports grounds as well as 8 ha of bushland surrounding Melon Hill. Melon Hill is a 40 m high dune which formed part of the coastal defences up until 1991 when it became open to the public. You can access the hill from the car park at Odern Crescent, the Heritage Precinct on Claire Copse/Kirkwood Road or from Sayer Street on the

This beautiful little park is a hidden gem right in the middle of Joondalup. Entry by car is off Grand Boulevard, opposite Collier Pass, into a small car park or you can easily access this park on foot from Lakeside Drive. There are a few trails that loop around including the boardwalk across the small lake in front of the TAFE. Paths are paved and ideal for kids on bikes and scooters. Some pass through bush while others border the parkland. Kids can explore the rocks and

Ascot Waters is a lovely residential development nestled on the banks of the Swan opposite Ascot Racecourse. We had come here to walk the Kuljak Island Trail but had to explore further when we saw how lovely this area is. Entrance to Ascot Waters is off Garrett Road at either Waterway Crescent to the north or Resolution Drive to the south. Both intersections are marked by a large white racing horse so you can't miss them! Where you start and finish your walk will depend on

Burswood Park is home to a unique collection of bronze sculptures celebrating Perth's historical figures. The sculptures have been designed and produced by artists Joan and Charles Smith. Make sure you get up close and look at the intricate details and facial expressions of the sculptures. The Heritage Sculpture Trail meanders through the park and along the riverfront showcasing the bronze sculptures and other public works and landmarks. It is an easy 30-45 minute walk an

Located around and behind the Subiaco Arts Centre these gardens stretch between Hamersley and Bagot Roads. This is a delightful park just a few hundred metres from Subiaco’s main street and right next to Subiaco Primary School. Parking is available at the Arts Centre but fees apply weekdays. Be aware that if an event is on or during school drop off and pick up finding a spot may be difficult. Walking past the Arts Centre we found the artwork Nel Raggo In the Ray based on

After heading out for a morning bushwalk along the Victoria Dam Trail we needed a coffee and conveniently Masonmill Gardens was just minutes down the road. The small cafe area has tables outside overlooking the beautiful gardens and once we had our caffeine fix we had a wander around. There is an 18 hole mini golf course set amongst the gardens and a small nature playground area near the restaurant. The rest of the gardens were beautiful in mid autumn. There are stunning ro

Broadbeach Park is a great place to go to for a play on the playground but also provides an opportunity for a lovely walk through the green zone and back or alternatively if you are game to cross busy Whitfords Avenue you can return via the beach itself or the beach dual use path. Broadbeach Park is on Broadbeach Boulevard in Hillarys and there is limited kerbside parking on Waterston Gardens on the eastern side of the park. Initially we set off on the paved path on the ou