Hidden Gems - Mary Carroll Park Wetlands and Playground - Gosnells
- Out and About
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
This has been on my list for years and the opening of a brand new play space gave me the nudge I needed. I was not disappointed with the playground or the wetlands!
Mary Carroll (1891 - 1971) was a well-known naturalist and taught at Gosnells Primary School from1923 to 1956. She would regularly take her students on nature walks around these wetlands. The reserve was created in 1971 and named after Mary Carroll.
Mary Carroll Park is a major bird sanctuary encompassing two wetland areas divided by Eudoria Street. It is the known breeding site for12 species of water bird and up to 35 different species have been spotted here.
The eastern wetland has been developed with pedestrian bridges and the Unice Robinson Lookout viewing platform installed in 2023, allowing access to the stunning wetland. When we visited in winter the water levels were high after recent rain but the wetlands do dry out over summer.
A limestone path allows access to the viewing platform with paved pathways linking to nearby suburban streets for a full loop around this wetland. It is a 10-15 minute walk from the playground to the viewing platform and return, another 10-15 minutes from the playground along the western edge and return and possibly a 30 minute walk for the full loop.
The western wetland has a fully paved path around it but views are limited by the thick bush. There is an interesting bushfood garden on the western side and a wider view of the wetland on the northern edge. This loop is also a 10-15 minute walk.
A brand new all abilities playground opened in Winter 2025 and it is fantastic! Fully fenced with gated access on each side the park features so many different ways to play including a giant gilgie with climbing features, an outdoor gym, flying fox, swings and sensory play items all shaded by mature trees and shade sails with an Aboriginal art motif. Noongar culture is referenced throughout he playground with Noongar words, the six seasons and interpretive signage. There are toilets including a Changing Places facility, barbecues and picnic shelters and a small car park with additional roadside bays along Eudoria Street.
This is a fabulous place to take the kids for a play followed by a walk to the viewing platform and then a scooter or bike ride around the western wetland.
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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, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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