Perth is packed with beautiful national and regional parks that make it easy for families to swap screen time for green time. From lush riverside trails and shady picnic spots to tumbling waterfalls, caves and even treetop adventures, there’s a park to suit toddlers, teens and everyone in between. Whether you’re planning a full-day bushwalk, a gentle pram‑friendly wander, or a BBQ catch‑up with friends, this guide to Perth’s best national and regional parks will help you find your next family adventure in nature.
National and Regional Parks in Perth – North
Yanchep National Park
Yanchep National Park has been a much‑loved family picnic spot for generations, with shady lawns by the lake, free BBQs and the heritage‑listed Yanchep Inn for an easy lunch. Families can wander the koala boardwalk, spot birdlife and kangaroos, explore nine walking trails ranging from short strolls to full‑day hikes, discover Crystal Cave, join Aboriginal cultural experiences and even stay overnight at the campground. Adventure‑seekers will love Trees Adventure, where kids and adults navigate wobbling bridges, tightropes and ziplines high in the tuart and banksia woodland canopy. Read the Buggybuddys review of Yanchep National Park.
Yanchep National Park, Yanchep Beach Road, Yanchep – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/yanchep
Yellagonga Regional Park
Stretching around Lake Joondalup and surrounding wetlands, Yellagonga Regional Park is a peaceful slice of nature in Perth’s northern suburbs, rich in Noongar cultural history and early colonial stories. Families love walking or cycling the 16km Lake Joondalup circuit (or shorter sections), spotting kangaroos, turtles and waterbirds along the way – with a reminder to keep an eye out for snakes in warmer months. There are several Playgrounds dotted around the park, including Rotary Park in Wanneroo, and Neil Hawkins Park offers a lakeside Playground, picnic areas and boardwalks with beautiful water views. Read the Buggybuddys review of Perry’s Paddock.
Best access points include Ocean Reef Road entrance (opposite the white heritage house) and Neil Hawkins Park, 200 Boas Avenue, Joondalup – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/yellagonga-regional-park
Whiteman Park
Whiteman Park is a huge family favourite, combining bushland with Playgrounds, museums, tram and train rides, wildlife experiences and plenty of picnic spots. The Children’s Forest is a highlight for younger kids – a fenced bushland area designed to teach children about conservation, filled with huts, bridges, stepping stones and hidden animals to find with the “50 things to do in the Children’s Forest” checklist from the Visitor Centre. There are also several easy bush trails, wildlife spotting opportunities and lots of open space to burn off energy before or after visiting the park’s other attractions. Read the Buggybuddys review of Whiteman Park.
Whiteman Park, 233a Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman – https://www.whitemanpark.com.au
National and Regional Parks in Perth – East
John Forrest National Park
One of Australia’s oldest conservation areas, John Forrest National Park in the Perth Hills is perfect for families who love a mix of history, bushwalking and play. The main visitor area has BBQs, picnic shelters and a fantastic nature play space beside a creek, where kids can balance, climb and splash to their heart’s content. There are trails to suit all ages, from short 300m strolls to longer hikes taking in Hovea and National Park Falls (best in winter and early spring), and the historic Swan View Tunnel is always a hit with kids. With over 100 species of native animals, birds, reptiles and frogs, plus deep cultural significance linked to the Waugal (Dreamtime serpent) along Jane Brook, it’s a great spot to connect kids with nature and history. Read the Buggybuddys review of John Forrest National Park.
John Forrest National Park, Park Road, Hovea – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/john-forrest
Walyunga National Park
Walyunga National Park, north of the Swan Valley, is a peaceful riverside escape that’s ideal for families with older kids who enjoy more challenging bushwalks. Trails wind through rocky, hilly terrain alongside the Avon River, leading to scenic spots such as Syd’s Rapids where you can sit, snack and watch the water rush past in season. There are picnic tables, gas BBQs and toilets in the main picnic areas, making it easy to turn a hike into a full day out.
Walyunga National Park, accessed via Walyunga Road, Bullsbrook – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/walyunga
Gooseberry Hill National Park & Zig Zag
Gooseberry Hill National Park is best known for the iconic Zig Zag Scenic Drive, a steep, narrow road that traces the route once used by steam trains carrying timber down the escarpment. Families can slowly drive, cycle or walk sections of the route to enjoy sweeping views over Perth, especially beautiful at sunset, and combine it with short bushwalks and lookouts within the national park. It’s a fun way to weave a little local history into a scenic outing with the kids. Read the Buggybuddys review of the Zig Zag.
Gooseberry Hill National Park & Zig Zag Scenic Drive, Gooseberry Hill – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/gooseberry-hill
Mundy Regional Park & Lesmurdie Falls
Mundy Regional Park, on the edge of Kalamunda, is home to the spectacular Lesmurdie Falls – one of Perth’s best waterfall spots for families. From the Falls Road car park, it’s a relatively easy walk along gravel paths beside Lesmurdie Brook to two main lookouts with sweeping valley and city views, and in winter and spring the 50‑metre waterfall thunders down the escarpment. The shorter walks are manageable for younger children and confident toddlers, and wildflowers add extra colour during the cooler months, making this a great introduction to bushwalking and waterfalls for little explorers. Read the Buggybuddys review of Lesmurdie Falls.
Mundy Regional Park (Lesmurdie Falls car park), Falls Road, Lesmurdie – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mundy
Kalamunda National Park
Kalamunda National Park offers rugged valley views, steep trails and seasonal waterfalls that are best suited to families with older kids or teens who are up for a challenge. Bushwalkers can connect to sections of the Bibbulmun Track, spot wildflowers in spring and enjoy sweeping vistas over the Perth Hills. With limited facilities, this park is more of a “pack‑everything‑you‑need” hiking destination than a Playground‑style outing, but it’s a fantastic way to extend confident young walkers.
Kalamunda National Park, off Schipp Road, Kalamunda – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/kalamunda
Korung National Park
Korung National Park stretches along the Darling Scarp and includes a mix of jarrah forest, granite outcrops and scenic lookouts. It’s a great option for families wanting quieter trails, with a variety of walks and mountain‑bike tracks around the Bickley and Pickering Brook areas. Spring brings colourful wildflowers, and there are several picnic spots where you can stop for a snack with a view, making it a lovely alternative to some of the busier hills parks.
Korung National Park (various entry points around Bickley and Pickering Brook) – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/korung
Midgegooroo National Park
Midgegooroo National Park, near Armadale, features jarrah forest, granite outcrops and access to several family‑friendly trails and picnic areas. It’s a good choice for families looking to venture a little further into the hills without heading too far from Perth, with peaceful bushland, birdlife and seasonal wildflowers to discover. Pack a picnic, sturdy shoes and plenty of water, and enjoy a slower‑paced day immersed in nature.
Midgegooroo National Park (near Albany Highway and Jarrahdale Road, south‑east of Armadale) – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/midgegooroo
National and Regional Parks in Perth – South
Canning River Regional Park
Centred around Kent Street Weir, Canning River Regional Park offers an action‑packed day out that still feels close to nature. Families can picnic under trees, grab coffee or lunch at Canning River Café, ride the Castledare Miniature Railway on operating days, or let kids burn energy at the Playground and BMX track. Sealed paths make it easy for prams, scooters and bikes, and there are several signposted walks such as the 1.5km Banksia Loop and the 4km Butterflies, Birds and Bridges trail, which are great for introducing children to local wildlife and wetlands. Read the Buggybuddys review of Canning River Regional Park.
Kent Street Weir precinct, Kent Street, Wilson/Cannington – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/canning-river-regional-park
Serpentine National Park
At the southern end of the Perth Hills, Serpentine National Park is a popular spot for families seeking waterfalls, swimming holes (when open and safe) and scenic bushwalks. Picnic areas with BBQs and toilets make it easy to set up for the day before walking to Serpentine Falls or tackling the longer, more challenging Kitty’s Gorge walk with older kids. The park can reach capacity on weekends and warm days, so it’s wise to arrive early or phone ahead to avoid being turned away at the gate. Read the Buggybuddys review of Serpentine National Park.
Serpentine National Park, end of Falls Road, Serpentine – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/serpentine
Jandakot Regional Park
Jandakot Regional Park protects pockets of banksia woodland and wetlands in Perth’s southern suburbs. While facilities are limited, it offers families a chance to experience local bush close to home, with opportunities for birdwatching and quiet nature walks. It’s ideal for a simple, unstructured explore with kids who enjoy spotting wildflowers, insects and birdlife away from crowds.
Jandakot Regional Park (multiple access points near Jandakot and surrounding suburbs) – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/jandakot
Beeliar Regional Park
Beeliar Regional Park is a chain of wetlands and bushland reserves running through Perth’s southern suburbs, offering families plenty of spots for lakeside walks, birdwatching and play. Around Bibra Lake you’ll find walk and cycle paths, Playgrounds and picnic areas, while other sections of the park provide quieter bush tracks for spotting waterbirds and enjoying sunset views over the lakes. It’s a versatile option for everything from pram‑friendly strolls to longer family bike rides.
Beeliar Regional Park (including Bibra Lake and surrounding reserves) – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/beeliar
Woodman Point Regional Park
Woodman Point Regional Park combines beach fun with history and bush, making it a great all‑round family destination. Kids can swim, paddle and build sandcastles at the sheltered beaches, explore coastal walking trails and enjoy picnic and BBQ areas shaded by trees. The park also has historic sites linked to Fremantle’s maritime and quarantine past, adding an educational twist to a classic day at the beach.
Woodman Point Regional Park, Woodman Point View, Munster – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/woodman-point
From pram‑friendly river loops and shady picnic lawns to challenging hills hikes and thrilling treetop courses, Perth’s national and regional parks offer endless ways for families to connect with nature all year round. Exploring these green spaces is an easy, affordable way to get kids outdoors, spot wildlife, learn about Noongar culture and WA history, and make memories that last well beyond the school holidays. Pop a picnic in the car, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and let this guide inspire your family’s next wild adventure in Perth’s great outdoors.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
