When it comes to chilling out, Hyde Park has got your covered. Follow the walking path around the lake and look up at the plane trees to reconnect with nature.
Take in the familiar scent of the eucalyptus and melaleuca trees, two Australian icons. If you know your botanics, also look for the swamp cypress, red cedar and Bunya pines, among the more unusual species present in the park. The jacarandas in the southeast corner bloom in the heart of summer, a spectacular photo opportunity.
Before Perth was settled by Europeans, the local Noongar people called this place Boodjamooling. It was part of a series of wetlands that connected Claisebrook Cove to Herdsman Lake, known as Perth’s “Great Lakes District”.
Upon establishing the “Swan River Colony” in 1829, the area was named Third Swamp Reserve. Just a couple of years later, about 15.5 hectares (38 acres) of the swamp were turned into parklands and named Hyde Park.
The park has public toilets, barbecues and drinking fountains, which means you can easily spend half a day here with the whole family. Let the kids run wild in one of the playgrounds, splash around under the fountain or kick a ball while you work up a sweat on the free exercise equipment. The shady park lends itself to jogging and team sports as well.
Have a picnic on the lawn in the shade of the huge Moreton Bay figs. Watch out for the Australian ibis, because these long-beaked black-and-white birds have adopted the cheeky habit of stealing peoples’ food.
The pavilion’s stage is a regular venue for concerts and cultural shows. A fixed feature is the Hyde Park Fair in autumn with market stalls and food trucks, rides, arts and crafts demonstrations and multicultural displays.
Hyde Park is located within walking distance of the central business district, just 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) to the north. Because it lies on the borders of the inner-city suburbs of Northbridge, Mount Lawley and Highgate, it’s easy to get to the park by public transport. If you come by car, metered parking spots are available in the surrounding streets.
