Hyde Park is only 2km outside of the city off Vincent Street in North Perth/Highgate. Originally known as Third Swamp this area was gazetted as a public park in 1897. After falling into disrepair the park was restored in June 2012. It is a lovely park with lots of green spaces around two wetland lakes. There are lovely flat walking paths which circumnavigate the lakes. Total distance is 800 m so one lap will take around 30 minutes.
Hyde Park is a great place to experience the seasons and do some tree tracking (observing the same tree through the seasons). The avenue of plane trees planted around the lakes between 1897 and 1899 lose their leaves in autumn then display their bare branches in winter before becoming lush and green from spring into summer. Experiencing the different seasons also gives a whole new outlook to the park. The rather gloomy photos reflect a showery winter's day while on a return journey mid summer the park was lush and green. Now for autumn and spring visits to complete the seasons! It is amazing the difference the tree canopy makes to the feeling of the park.
There are three main play areas. The main castle themed playground off Throssell Street is a universal access all abilities playground with ramps and ground level play equipment. Equipment includes a liberty swing however you may need to obtain a key from the City of Vincent to access it. You may also find coffee and icecream vans near this playground.
The Liberty swing at Hyde Park.
The smaller playground is off Glendower Street and in summer there is also water play at the Water Playground off Vincent Street.
There are barbecues, picnic tables and benches scattered around the park. There are also several gazebos and a stage area. Keep in mind that Hyde Park is a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations and areas of the park can be hired by the public for events.
You can follow the LifeTrail around the lakes and use the fitness equipment located at regular intervals to learn about your body and how exercise can be of benefit.
There are several toilet blocks and drinking fountains located through the park including these decorative ones near the playground. Parking is available on all four surrounding streets however it is always busy here.
If you are lucky you may spot long necked turtles in the lakes. Hyde Park is also popular with bird watchers due to the large number of birds which inhabit this space. Signage around the lake will help you identify the birds you see. In spring you may see ducklings or cygnets. In winter the bare branches allow you to spot nesting boxes and their inhabitants.
There is a grove of Jacaranda trees which provide a stunning show in Spring. The Moreton Bay figs with their enormous canopies and massive roots offer fantastic areas for kids to climb and explore. Other trees in the park include Port Jackson Figs, Pines, Swamp Cypress, Red Cedar, Bunya Pine as well as a few Eucalyptus and Melaleuca.
We enjoyed walking around Hyde Park after exploring the North Perth Walk which identified historic buildings but also showcased some fabulous urban art. As we were parked in North Perth we walked the few blocks down Fitzgerald and then Vincent Streets to Hyde Park which took about 5 to 10 minutes. These are busy streets so on the way back we headed up Ethel Street before using a cross street to cross back over Fitzgerald Street to our car.
Hyde Park is also an easy stopover on the Highgate Urban Art Trail.
To read more blogs go to:
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.