Jarrahdale, one of our oldest settlements, is a small historic town nestled in the Darling Range 45 kms south of Perth. Surrounded by national parks and bush reserves Jarrahdale was once prime jarrah milling country and much of the town heritage reflects this. Jarrahdale's forests, parks, rivers, orchards and vineyards offer a great escape in nature away from modern city life. It's National Trust listed heritage gives you glimpses of a bygone country life. Driving in along

Discover Subiaco and it's surrounds, including 6 local parks, using the Nature Passport developed in partnership between the City of Subiaco and Nature Play WA. The Nature Passport will have the kids creating, imagining and exploring nature through activities such as inventing a scent, building a muddy sculpture or going on a "wildlife" safari. Suitable for all ages, the Nature Passport is available to collect from all City Facilities (we picked ours up at the Library) or y

The Canning River Regional Park offers a number of walking, cycling and kayak/canoe trails following the Canning River up or down stream from the Kent Street Weir. There is a lovely park at Kent Street Weir with picnic and barbecue facilities including toilets, a small older playground and a canoe launching facility. There is a River Park Interpretation Node providing valuable information about the local environment, Whadjuk Noongar heritage and the cultural and historical s

Bushmead is a new development built on the old Commonwealth owned rifle range. It features The Giant Playground, Rushmore Green Toddler Playground and the Kadina Bush Trail which has been developed in conjunction with Nature Play WA and features as one of the trails on their app. THE GIANT PLAYGROUND This playground takes advantage of mature trees for shade and has lots open green space surrounding it. The playground is designed around three giants: Snottygobble, Argyle an

Cockman House is the oldest remaining house in Wanneroo. It was built in the 1850's using locally quarried limestone for it's 500mm thick walls and jarrah for it's timber ceilings. It was built close to the northern stock route, 8 hours travel from Perth along a sand track. The Cockman and Backshall families lived here from 1860 to as recently as 1987. At one point this tiny building housed a family with 13 children who topped and tailed 4 to a bed. A quick walk through t

A multipurpose paved 2.5km path loops around Lake Gwelup Reserve. There is plenty of parking at the Scouts Hall and adjacent public carpark off Huntriss Road where you will also find toilet facilities, picnic benches, drink fountains and a playground. Tennis Courts are also located here and are free to use. If it is too busy here informal verge parking is available along Segrave Street. Having last walked this trail in 2018 we decided we were due a refresher and were not dis

The first day of Spring needs to be celebrated outdoors so we set off for a quick walk before tackling the weekend chores. EDIT: Site improvements and carpark redevelopment along Ocean Reef Road will begin mid 2026. Vehicular access is still available from Ancestor Retreat in Woodvale near Cockman House. Beenyup Swamp lies within Yellagonga Regional Park on the south side of Ocean Reef Road in Woodvale. The trail is an easy, flat 2.4 km loop on it's own or it can be inco