Matilda Bay Reserve has been a favourite picnic spot for Perth families for over a century. Found just minutes from the city and freeway, the riverside parkland makes for a central meeting spot too. For a cheap day out, throw down a picnic rug on the grassy banks of the Swan River and let the kids roam, climb trees and paddle.
The little beach is great for a splash about. Kids that enjoy a swim or paddle may like to jump off the jetty, just check the water for depth and hazards before doing so. Be sure to take along a bucket and spade too. Matilda Bay is also popular with families fishing, or using SUPs and riding bikes along the bike path.
With plenty of mature trees, it’s easy to find a shady spot to sit. The grassy reserve has plenty of picnic tables and free electric BBQs, as well as public toilets at Matilda Bay Reserve.
And if you don’t feel like taking a picnic? There are two great eating options.
Bayside Kitchen, is a beautiful brunching spot, on the backs of the Swan River. There’s plenty of tables inside and it boasts an incredible view. It’s also perfectly placed for grabbing takeaway coffees and snacks.
For little ones, there are high chairs and the will love playing their giant connect four and jenga. Kids have a few brunch options, like bacon and scrambled eggs. There are pancakes and mini burgers on the kid’s menu too, as well as cakes, slices and other freshly made food in the display cabinet. See the Bugybuddys review here.
The award-winning Matilda Bay Restaurant has picture postcard views of boats and black swans bobbing up and down on the Swan River. You’re almost guaranteed a million-dollar view of the city and river from every table. As well as fine food, and there’s a kids’ menu too! The Perth stalwart has to be one of my favourite special occasion restaurants, for sure.
And if the kids aren’t tired after all that outdoor activity, just a 5 minute drive along the river is the brilliant Jo Wheatley Playground. This enormous all-inclusive playground is a destination in itself, with so much for kids to explore and do.
There is plenty of paid parking on Hackett Dr, Crawley. Matilda Bay Reserve can get very busy on weekends.
Find Matilda Bay Reserve on Hackett Dr, Crawley
Find more picnic spots in Perth here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
