If you have some time spare in central Perth, do yourself a favour by grabbing a coffee from a roadside stall and strolling to Langley Park.
Langley Park was opened as early as 1937, but the park is heritage listed for a different reason. An army major, Sir Norman Brearley, used this strip of reclaimed land to pioneer civil aviation in Western Australia. Just imagine coming here in the 1920s and seeing his floatplane land on Perth’s first airstrip.
Today, this wide expanse of lawn between the city and the Swan River is where office workers come to grab some sun and relax during their breaks. Families also love Langley Park because it’s great for weekend picnics and children’s parties. The lawns are spacious and playgrounds, drinking fountains and toilets are welcome facilities. If you’re here for a workout, you’ll love the free exercise station.
Take a seat on a shaded bench and enjoy the breezes blowing in across the Swan River from the southeast, where the seaside suburb of Fremantle lies. Called the "Freo Doctor", the cool air does wonders for the soul on a sweltering sunny day.
Enjoy the river views as you sip the last of your coffee and stroll over to the exciting new development on Elizabeth Quay. Perth’s iconic Swan Bells tower is still there, but at its feet a cool entertainment hub has now popped up and it’s not to be missed.
Langley Park runs alongside Perth’s hectic Riverside Drive. The large lawn is bordered by Terrace Road on the other side and nicely tucked in between Victoria Avenue (west) and Plain Street (east). There are some metered on-street parking spots available, but it may be easier to take public transport to Elizabeth Quay and walk from there. The free blue CAT bus stops near the Bell Tower and the Transperth Ferry terminal is located in the nearest inlet.
The park hosts many sporting events and about once a year Circus Royale comes to town and sets up in Langley Park. The park is also a setting for New Year’s Eve and Australia Day fireworks shows.
