Wellington Street

Harold Boas Gardens Quick Guide

Age group: Toddlers to primary schoolers
Playground: Brand-new upgrade with toddler and big-kid zones
Nearest coffee: Molo across the road, E-Sense open weekends
Facilities: Toilets, water, bins, seating
Parking: Paid street parking, easier on weekends
Dog friendly: Yes, on-lead
Water features nearby — supervision essential
Pram-friendly: Paths throughout the gardens, however some stairs. Mulch surface in the play area.

Tucked just off bustling Wellington Street, Harold Boas Gardens is one of Perth’s most enchanting family destinations — where imagination blooms, ducks drift by and adventurous play is just a hop, climb and slide away.

Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, preschoolers or primary-aged kids, this lush green oasis invites play, wonder and connection — right in the heart of West Perth.

Harold Boas Gardens

A Hidden Gem with Fairytale Charm

Named after architect and long-time City of Perth councillor Harold Boas, this peaceful garden was established in the early 1900s and many of the towering trees still standing today were planted over a century ago.

Winding pathways lead you through gentle waterfalls, serene ponds and over quaint wooden bridges. There are secluded nooks for hide-and-seek, open lawns for wild running and surprises tucked into every corner.

Our toddler Kai instantly dubbed it a ‘fairy garden’ — and honestly, we couldn’t have described it better. One magical moment? Just beside the playground, he discovered a vine-covered, cottage-like structure nestled among the trees. He was convinced a fairy lived inside — or perhaps a sleeping princess. These whimsical, unexpected touches are what make Harold Boas Gardens feel like stepping into a storybook.

Upgraded Playground: Where Nature Meets Adventure

As part of the City of Perth’s Playground Renewal Program, the newly upgraded playground blends nature-inspired elements — think palm fronds, ants and native blue-banded bees — with dynamic structures that challenge and delight.

It’s a playground designed for climbing, sliding, swinging and adventurous play, with features that grow alongside your child’s confidence.

Main Play Structure (For Bigger Kids & Confident Climbers)

At the heart of the playground are two multi-storey towers, connected by an enclosed net bridge that invites kids to test their balance and coordination. Children can ascend the towers in a variety of ways:

Net climber
Scramble net (with support bar) and angled metal ring tunnel climber
Traditional ladders

Once at the top, thrill-seekers are rewarded with:

A windy enclosed metal tunnel slide
Fireman poles positioned on different levels and towers — perfect for kids who love a dramatic exit
A net tunnel that links to the second tower for even more climbing adventure

There are also talk tubes located on the lower levels (one on the connected cargo net structure and the other on the first level of the opposite tower), perfect for giggling conversations across the playground.

The towers are mostly enclosed, offering a sense of safety while encouraging brave, independent play. However, there are open sections near the fireman’s poles, which include a significant drop — adding to the excitement but requiring active supervision, especially for younger climbers.

Junior Play Area (Perfect for Adventurous Toddlers)

Just beside the main structure is a smaller, toddler-friendly play zone that’s thoughtfully designed for younger climbers, featuring:

A Small slide
A Climbable boulder
Circular cargo net with support bar
Ladder and climbing net

Kai spent ages testing out each section independently — building confidence and feeling part of the action while still staying within his comfort zone. Eventually, he even braved the larger structure… with a little help from Mum!

Swings & Softfall Surface

A two-bay swing set includes:

One baby/toddler seat
One regular swing for older children

The entire playground is covered in softfall mulch, which not only provides safe cushioning underfoot but blends beautifully with the garden setting.

Teacher Tip: Play structures like these offer endless opportunities to develop balance, core strength, problem-solving and imaginative play — all in one session!

Nature Play & Open Green Space

Beyond the structured play equipment, Harold Boas Gardens is a dream for open-ended play.

Shady trees, boulders to climb, ducks to spot, trees to climb and waterfalls to listen to — the garden invites kids (and their adults) to slow down, look closer and explore.

There’s room to:

Kick a ball or have a picnic on the lawns
Imaginative play
Balance across rocks and scale trees

The park is divided into four main zones, making it ideal for birthday parties, nature walks or a relaxed family outing. It’s even a popular wedding location thanks to its lush, almost enchanted beauty.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Feature	Details
Toilets	On Wellington Street, near the playground
Seating	Four park benches near the play area + shaded additional seating around the gardens
Drinking Water	Water fountain nearby
Waste Bins	Located throughout the park
Dog-Friendly	Yes, on-lead
Shade	Natural tree cover throughout the garden and playground

Safety Notes:

Playground is not fenced
Close proximity to water features — stay close to little ones
Metal slide may heat up in warmer months — test before use

Coffee Near Harold Boas Gardens

Great play deserves great coffee — and there are several quality cafés nearby:

Café	Open	Highlights
Molo Coffee	Weekdays 7AM–2PM	Across the road. Quiet, stylish and perfect for takeaway.
Scotty’s Café	Weekdays 7AM–2PM	Two-minute drive. Fast service and friendly vibe.
E-Sense	Weekdays 6AM–2PM Weekends 6AM–1PM	Open weekends! Great for sit-down brunch. Kid-friendly meals too.

☕ Parent Tip: Grab a takeaway from Molo if you’re in the middle of a play session or plan a relaxed morning with brunch at E-Sense on the weekend.

Getting There

Corner of Wellington Street & Havelock Street, West Perth

By Train: City West Station (approx. 200m)
By Bus: Yellow CAT stops right by the gardens (Stop 12928)
By Car:
- 3-hour paid on-street parking available
- Easier to find spots on weekends

Final Thoughts

Harold Boas Gardens is a rare inner-city treasure — the kind of place where your child can test their limits, follow butterflies or pretend they’ve found a fairy’s hideaway.

The newly upgraded playground caters to both little legs and bigger kids, while the gardens encourage families to slow down, play creatively and connect with nature.

Whether your child is climbing a tower, whispering through a talk tube or simply sitting under a tree, this is a park that makes memories — and we’ll definitely be back.