Riverside Gardens in Bayswater is one of Perth's best-kept riverside parks, with a long river path, open lawns and a huge dog beach. Here's why it's my favourite local picnic spot.
A river park for the locals
Everyone knows about picnics on the South Perth foreshore and at Matilda Bay. Fewer people know about Riverside Gardens in Bayswater, a long, grassy stretch of riverbank that’s quieter, greener and easy to reach from the city.
It’s where I go for a weekend picnic when I want river views without hunting for a parking spot.
Quick facts
- Where: Riverside Gardens on the Swan River in Bayswater.
- Facilities: Open lawns, shady trees, picnic shelters, barbecues and a play space for kids.
- Dogs: One of Perth’s best off-leash dog areas, with a small river beach.
- Walks: River path west to the Maylands peninsula or east to the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary.
- Best time: Late afternoon, when the heat has gone out of the day.
“Riverside Gardens have a lovely walking and cycling track by the river. Very peaceful.”
FLT1904, Tripadvisor review
What’s there
Riverside Gardens runs along the Swan River, with open lawns, shady trees and a path along the water. It has picnic shelters, barbecues and a play space for kids. The City of Bayswater has the latest on facilities and upgrades, including a new urban forest being planted along the foreshore.
Dogs love it too
Riverside Gardens has one of Perth’s best off-leash dog areas, with a little river beach where dogs can swim. On weekend mornings, it’s full of happy, wet dogs. If you’re not a dog person, set up away from the off-leash section.
“doggy heaven, I love this place and so do my dogs. Huge off lead space with a little beach on the Swan River.”
ScubaTuna, Tripadvisor review
Walk or ride the river
The river path is perfect for a walk or a gentle ride. Head west and you’ll reach the Maylands peninsula, or go east to the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, a restored wetland where you can spot waterbirds.
How I do it
- Pack light: grab picnic supplies and a coffee from the Bayswater shops on the way.
- Go late: late afternoon is lovely, with the light on the water and the heat gone out of the day.
- Bring the family: it’s an easy, relaxed spot to bring my nieces and nephews for a run around and a picnic.
“This is a wonderful place for families and our canine family members.”
Chizzel, Tripadvisor review
Looking for more riverside ideas? See my guide to Matilda Bay picnics and river walks. And for the best view of the city skyline, try a coffee and a walk along the Como foreshore.
Featured image: Steelkamp, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It has open lawns, shady trees, picnic shelters, barbecues and a play space, all along the Swan River.
