Bardon Park, Maylands

Bardon Park in Maylands is a gorgeous riverside spot that ticks a lot of boxes for families. Set on a gentle slope down to the Swan River, with views across to Optus Stadium and Belmont Racecourse, it combines a nature-inspired Playground, open grass, wetlands and a shared riverside path – perfect for a relaxed day out with kids.

The main, playground is closest to the car park and has a strong nature play feel. Children can clamber across a net bridge, balance along timber beams and tackle an arched climbing frame that challenges their coordination.

There’s a birds nest swing for group swinging, an unusual roundabout for spinning, and a popular flying fox that’s ideal for preschoolers and bigger kids who love a bit of speed.

A small musical area invites little ones to bang, tap and create their own tunes, and cute snail and tortoise sculptures give the space a playful character that younger children are drawn to.

This upper Playground also includes a rock garden that illustrates the six Noongar seasons, adding a subtle cultural and educational element to your visit. There is also a shallow water feature in this area which may not always be in operation; check signage on the day.

Down the hill, closer to the river, you’ll find a more traditional Playground. This lower play space features a classic multi-play structure with slides and a climbing wall, making it a good option for kids who enjoy straightforward Playground equipment as well as for those not quite ready for some of the trickier nature play elements above. Between the two Playgrounds, most ages are well covered – toddlers will enjoy the swings, sand and gentler play, while older children can test their balance, coordination and strength on the larger climbing and nature features.

Bardon Park is also a lovely place just to be outdoors. There are wide paths perfect for scooters, bikes and prams, and the riverside shared path connects you to longer rides and walks toward East Perth or further along the Maylands foreshore. Large grassy areas invite ball games, kite flying or simply spreading out a picnic rug. The wetlands and ponds attract birdlife, and it’s a pleasant spot to wander under mature trees while soaking up the river views. The park is also known locally as a vantage point for Australia Day celebrations and other fireworks displays along the Swan River.

Facilities are a big plus here for families. There are public toilets (including the distinctive ExeLoos), shaded picnic shelters, barbecues and plenty of seating dotted around the park. Water fountains – including dog bowls – are available, and there is good shade from both sails and established trees. The main car park off Fourth Avenue offers ample parking, including ACROD bays, and being right beside the upper Playground makes it easy to unload kids, scooters and picnic gear without a long walk.

Bardon Park is dog-friendly, with dogs allowed off-lead on the top oval area while remaining on-lead in other sections of the reserve, so it’s a handy spot if you’re bringing the family pup along as well. The combination of open lawn, paths, Playgrounds and river scenery also makes it a popular choice for birthday parties, community events and even small weddings; larger or more formal gatherings with equipment such as bouncy castles or food vans need approval and can be booked through the City of Bayswater.

Families should be mindful that there are areas of open water near the Playgrounds and along the river’s edge, so close supervision of toddlers and younger children is important. With that in mind, Bardon Park is a fantastic all-rounder: somewhere you can stay for an hour-long play or settle in for most of the day, with room to explore, ride, picnic and enjoy one of Perth’s most picturesque stretches of the Swan River.

Bardon Park, Maylands

Address: 18 Fourth Avenue, Maylands WA 6051
Opening hours: Public parkland – no formal opening hours listed (daytime visits recommended)
Official website: City of Bayswater – Bardon Park

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