Kings Park

This huge playground for the city and central suburbs is just about everything you could want a park to be. A large area of natural bush, threaded through with unsigned bush walks, is bordered to the south and east by broad bands of carefully manicured lawns and gardens, these in turn encompassing the excellent Botanic Gardens. From many of these are tremendous views across to the city centre and Barrack Street jetty, particularly beautiful at sunset, and very popular with picnickers. The main visitor area is at the end of Fraser Avenue, opposite the State War Memorial, one of many memorials in the park as well as one of the best city-viewing spots. There’s a kiosk (Mon-Sun 0900-1700), some superb tearooms and restaurants, the visitor centre and public toilets. Here you can pick up a map of the park, self-guided walking maps, and details of the various ongoing events and activities.

There are free guided walks from outside Aspects Gift shop (bookings not necessary, more info: http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/walks/free-guided-walks), usually focusing on either the Botanic Gardens or the history of the park, but with variations in winter and spring looking at the local wildflowers and bushland. Walks usually take about 1½ hours, bushland walks about 2½ hours. Also close by the War Memorial is a lookout, and underneath this the Aboriginal Gallery (T9481 7082, http://www.aboriginalgallery.com.au, Mon-Fri 1030-1630, Sat-Sun 1100-1600), a workshop and gallery for local artists.

Away from the views is a large area devoted to families with young children. Hale Oval has an extensive, imaginative playground, several free electric BBQs with covered seating (though strangely no tables), plus a kiosk-café, Stickybeaks (T9481 4990, 0830-1700), with a good range of snack meals and takeaways. There are also events held at the playground, contact the café for details. Other BBQ areas are located at the Pines, off Fraser Avenue, Saw Avenue and Lakeside. The latter two picnic areas are at the west end of the park. Some BBQs, including those in the Pines, are wood-fired with wood provided free, and may be out of bounds in summer.