Supreme Court Gardens: shady gardens in the Perth Central Business District. Lying to the south of Stirling Gardens near the Swan River foreshore, Supreme Court Gardens surround the city's original Court House (built in 1836). Now restored, complete with wood shingled roof, it is today the home of the WA Law Society. An orchestral shell in the Gardens is a popular venue for outdoor concerts, including the well supported 'Carols by Candlelight' each Christmas.
Location: Cnr Riverside Dve. and Governors Ave., Perth CBD. Walk down Barrack St to Riverside Dve. Entry from Riverside Dve.

Hyde Park: the lakes in Hyde Park were originally called Third Swamp. It was being regularly used as a campsite for local aborigines when the first white settlers founded the Swan River Colony in 1829. The establishment of a path around the lake and other modifications took place in 1899. Since then it has been a popular for wedding photographs, family picnics and a tranquil place to take a walk, read a book under the trees, or watch the ducks swimming on the lakes.
Location: William Street, North Perth

Point Reserve, Bassendean: one of a number of riverside reserves on the Swan River upstream from the city of Perth. This park, with a pair of jetties that form the old Bassendean swimming baths, is situated immediately opposite the confluence of the Swan and Helena Rivers. It is a popular spor for fishing, kyaking and swimming in summer.
Location: North Street, Bassendean.

London Court

John Forrest National Park: Western Australia's most visited national park is situated in the foothills of the Darling Ranges to the east of Perth. The park has been a popular place for day outings and picnics by the people of Perth for over a century. Most people who grew up in Perth have childhood recollections of swimming in the numerous waterholes along Jane Brook, of cooling off under the waters tumbling over National Park and Hovea Falls, or running with delight to catch a glimpse of a steam train from the Eastern States upon hearing its whistle blow as neared the park's station. The steam trains have long gone (the line closed in February 1966) and the tunnel through which they travelled on their way down the hillside towards Perth is now part of a walking track. The tranquillity of the natural wandoo/jarrah/marri forests and woodlands, the granite outcrops and the walking tracks through the wildflowers that carpet the bush in spring is a major drawcard. Entry fee applies. Facilities include kiosk, picnic facilities, toilets.
Contact: (08) 9295 2244. Website. Location: 24 km east of Perth near Swan View. How to get there: by road via Gt Eastern Highway, turn onto Park Rd at Glen Forrest.

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Lake Leschenaultia: a popular day-trip destination and picnic spot among the locals. The lake is the focal point of a small bushland recreational area with a cafe, canoe hire, swimming, barbecue and picnic facilities, grassed areas and walking paths. This man made lake was constructed in 1897 to provide water for steam trains on the Kalgoorlie-Nullarbor railway line. The lake is stocked with trout and anglers are invited to try their luck between December and April each year. Wildflowers are in full bloom in September and October. Lake Leschenaultia is not the sort of place visitors to Perth would make a B-line for as a stand-alone destination, but it is ideal as a stopping place for a barbecue, picnic or a swim on a hot day for travellers on their way to or from the historic towns of Toodyay, York and Northam. Entry fees apply.
Contact: Website
Location: 46 km east of Perth. How to get there: by road Gt Eastern Hwy via Greenmount to Swayers Valley, left into Lion St, right into Elliot Rd, left into Rosedale Rd, Chidlow. Entrance off Rosedale Rd.

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Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park: a natural bushland reserve close to Perth, Yanchep features over 600 limestone caves and a koala sanctuary. Situated just beyond Perth's northern outskirts, Yanchep National Park gives a snapshot view of the tuart and banksia woodlands of the Perth costal plain. It abounds with native animals, water birds and plants in their natural surroundings. Western Grey kangaroos are commonly seen on the walk trails or grazing on the picnic lawns and golf course. Boat tours are conducted on Loch McNess; daily guided tours of Crystal Cave; Aboriginal cultural demonstrations on weekends. Park entry fee applies.
Contact: (08) (08) 9561 1004. Website. How to get there: by 51 km north of Perth via Wanneroo Rd. Coach tours visit the park daily.

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Serpentine Dam & Falls - a series of dams and a pretty waterfall down stream, situated to the south of Perth. Serpentine Dam was built in the boom years of the 1960s as a major water supply for the City of Perth which, at the time, was undergoing rapid expansion. The area surrounding the dam has been carefully landscaped to create a large and popular barbecue and picnic area. Several walking trails through the surrounding bushland lead to scenic lookouts. Serpentine Falls has a large natural swimming pool at its base. Kittys Gorge walking trail starts at the falls; it offers extensive valley views and passes through a small picturesque stand of virgin jarrah forest. Park entry fees applies.
Information sheet Location: near Jarrahdale, south of Perth. How to get there: by car, drive past Armadale on the South-West Hwy, take the turn-off to Jarrahdale, proceed along Kingsbury Dve. to the Dam. To visit Serpentine Falls, proceed along Kingsbury Dve. to South-West Hwy. Proceed along Serpentine Falls Rd.

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Noble Falls, Walyunga National Park

Walyunga National Park: an attractive bushland reserve renowned for its vistas over the Swan River coastal plain. A 1,790 hectare tract of bushland in the Darling Scarp on Perth's north-eastern perimeter, the park is particularly popular among bushwalkers; the River, Kangaroo, Echidna, Kingfisher and Aboriginal Heritage Trails are of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. Swimming is permitted at Walyunga pool though the water quality is questionable. White water canoeing on the Avon River is popular after rain, when the Park's string of placid pools turn into a raging torrent. It then becomes one of Australia's best white water canoeing courses and is part of the annual Avon Descent race each August. Wildlife seen in the park can include Kangaroos, Emus, Echidna, Black Duck and Teal.
Website and downloadable park guide. Location: 37 kilometres north east of Perth. How to get there: by car, via Great Northern Hwy; follow signs to park. Transperth buses run to the highway turn off only some 2 km from the park entrance.