John Oldham Park is one of those Perth spots that surprises you every time you visit. Hidden between the freeway and the Swan River off Mounts Bay Road, it feels a world away from the city traffic just metres above. Once you’ve pulled into the small paid car park and wandered over the footbridge, you’re suddenly surrounded by tall trees, birdsong and water views – it’s a real little bush escape on the edge of the CBD.
The main Playground sits right by the bridge and is ideal for a relaxed play while you set up a picnic. The equipment is basic and well maintained, with plenty for younger and primary school-aged children to climb, slide and explore. Shady trees and nearby picnic tables make it easy to keep an eye on kids, and there are a couple of gas barbecues close by if you want to stay for a sausage sizzle or simple family lunch.
Follow the path a little further into the park and you’ll find more places to play. There’s an additional roundabout and climbing frame, and then the star attraction for many kids – an impressively long slide that snakes down the hillside. It’s a gentle, low‑incline slide, so the ride is fun rather than scary, though it can warm up on hot summer days. The different play zones mean children can spread out and older kids don’t have to crowd the smaller ones.
What really sets John Oldham Park apart is the sense of adventure once you leave the main lawn. Paved paths wind through dense greenery, over little wooden bridges and alongside the lake, where you can spot ducks and other birdlife. A small waterfall trickles through the trees, making a lovely backdrop for photos and a calming spot for a snack break. The paths are mostly pram and scooter friendly, so it’s a good option for families with toddlers or mixed ages who enjoy a nature walk without going too far from the car.
Despite its tucked‑away location, the park is surprisingly convenient. You can access it from Mounts Bay Road and link up with the shared paths that run towards Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park and Jacobs Ladder, making it a handy stop on a city bike ride or walk. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and there are park benches dotted along the paths if you want to sit and watch the world – and the traffic – go by from a peaceful distance. Facilities include public toilets, drinking fountains and shaded seating areas, helping make longer visits with children much easier to manage.
All up, John Oldham Park is a brilliant little all‑rounder: enough Playground equipment to keep kids entertained, space to run and ride, and a natural setting that feels like a mini bush adventure in the very heart of Perth. It’s perfect for a quick play before or after city errands, a weekend picnic, or a low‑key family catch‑up away from the crowds.
John Oldham Park
Address: Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Official website: https://perth.wa.gov.au/community/hire-and-bookings/parks-and-gardens-hire/venues/john-oldham-park
Location
Member Reviews
Place Categories: Perth City, Walks and Picnic Spots, Playgrounds, Playgrounds, and Non Sand Based
