Zanthorrea Nursery in Maida Vale is much more than a place to pick up a few plants – it’s a destination in itself for families, gardening enthusiasts and anyone who loves being outdoors. Nestled in the Perth Hills, this award‑winning, family‑owned native nursery has a relaxed, tranquil feel that makes it very easy to linger. With winding paths, shady corners and beautifully designed display gardens, it’s the kind of place where you can happily spend a couple of hours browsing, playing and soaking up inspiration for your own backyard.
Specialising in Australian native plants, Zanthorrea offers an impressive range – over 600 varieties according to the nursery – catering for everything from full sun to deep shade and different soil types. Plants are clearly organised in handy sections such as ground covers, coastal plants, shade lovers, herbs, vegies and “bush tucker” edibles, so it’s simple to find what you’re after. Natives are the star here, but you’ll also spot seedlings, tube stock, some non‑native options, and practical garden supplies like potting mix, mulch and a great selection of pots. As an accredited nursery, their plants are guaranteed to be healthy and “hardened off” before you take them home, which is reassuring if you’re investing in a bigger garden project.
One of the loveliest ways to experience Zanthorrea is by wandering through the extensive display gardens. Paths wind through themed areas showing how different native plants look once established – think formal and informal styles, more natural “outback” sections, water features and pockets designed to attract wildlife. It’s a brilliant way to see plant sizes, colours and combinations in real life rather than relying on labels. There’s a sensory feel to the gardens too, encouraging kids (and adults!) to touch different textures, listen for frogs and birds, and enjoy the scent of foliage and flowers.
Keen little explorers will also enjoy spotting the nursery’s resident chooks scratching about, and there’s often other visiting wildlife to watch out for.
Families are especially well catered for. A large, shaded Playground and sandpit area gives children space to run off some energy while grown‑ups browse or take turns relaxing. The play space includes a fort, slide, fireman’s pole, giant tyres and plenty of opportunities for climbing and imaginative play.
Many Perth parents make a visit to Zanthorrea a weekend outing, combining plant shopping with time on the play equipment and a wander through the gardens hunting for the fun sculptures – including a dinosaur, a giant frog and a blue‑tongue lizard.
The nursery is pram‑friendly, with level paths and ramps, and there are toilets on site, making it practical for families with younger children.
Inside, the gift shop is a real highlight. It’s packed with Australian‑themed and nature‑inspired homewares, books, toys, garden ornaments, mugs, art, body products and more, including many locally made or fair‑trade items. It’s the sort of place you can easily find a unique present for all ages, from gardening gadgets and native‑themed decor to children’s books and little treasures.
There’s also an area dedicated to DIY fairy and miniature gardens, with tiny houses, figurines, ponds and accessories that kids adore – perfect for creating a magical pot or corner of the garden at home.
While there’s no full café, Zanthorrea has a welcoming coffee corner where you can pause during your visit. There’s self‑serve complimentary tea, coffee and water, plus a small selection of drinks, cookies and snacks available to purchase from the gift shop.
Seating both indoors (among the indoor plants) and outdoors lets you sit down with your cuppa while the kids regroup between Playground sessions or garden explorations. It’s simple but thoughtful, and adds to the “make yourself at home” feel of the nursery.
Dog‑loving families will be delighted to know that well‑behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, adding to the friendly, community atmosphere.
The staff are consistently praised for being helpful, knowledgeable and generous with their time, whether you’re a complete beginner planning your first native bed or an experienced gardener chasing a specific species. They’re happy to help with plant choices for tricky spots, advice on soil and watering, and suggestions for creating habitat gardens that support local birds and wildlife. Zanthorrea also occasionally hosts talks and events, such as presentations on native plant breeding and creating wildlife‑friendly gardens, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their updates if you’re keen to learn more.
If you’re looking to revamp your backyard, build a waterwise native garden, or just enjoy a peaceful outing where the kids are genuinely welcome, Zanthorrea Nursery is well worth the drive. With its combination of quality plants, inspiring gardens, family‑friendly facilities and a treasure trove of gifts, it’s easy to see why it has been repeatedly recognised as one of Australia’s best garden centres and remains a much‑loved Perth favourite.
Zanthorrea Nursery
Address: 155 Watsonia Road, Maida Vale, Western Australia 6057
Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm, 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Website: https://www.zanthorrea.com
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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.
