Oh, the simple pleasure of an Aussie BBQ. There’s something so cathartic about hearing meat sizzle away on a hot plate as you gaze out at a stunning sight while sipping on a cold one. And there’s nothing better than a perfectly seared, juicy piece of steak, a soft bun and some good old tomato sauce.
Here are Perth’s most beautiful BBQ spots that you simply must scope out, with an esky full of your favourite local beers for good measure.
Call your mates, it’s time to fire up the barbie.
Burswood Park
Burswood
It’s easy to forget how wonderful Burswood Park is when you’re zipping by on Canning Highway on your way to the cas, but this spot should be high on your list of BBQ spots to visit. Sprawling grass, plenty of shade, play areas, a heritage trail and electric BBQs with views of the river… what more could you want?
Matilda Bay Reserve
Crawley
It goes without saying that Matilda Bay Reserve offers up one of the best views in Perth. There are a couple of picnic tables and BBQs dotted along the shore, plenty of trees to find shade under and heaps of parking (so long as you’re not stopping by during the week when the kids are at uni). Remember to try your luck at spotting one of the 20 resident bottlenose dolphins that frolic in the bay.
Cottseloe Civic Centre
Cottesloe
One of Perth’s most popular spots to get hitched, Cottesloe Civic Centre is also a winner if you’re planning on throwing a BBQ party. The main lawn is open to the public and offers stunning views of Cottesloe Beach and some seriously lush lawn to park your tushy on—you may not even need a picnic blanket. Park yourself under one of the palms, fire up the barbie and, who knows, if you stay long enough you might surreptitiously become a guest at a stranger’s wedding.
Bay View Park
Mosman Park
If we were multimillionaires we would move to Mosman Park in a heartbeat, but for now, we’re just going to have to pretend with a bounty of top quality BBQ meats at Bay View Park. Perched above Freshwater Bay, this spot offers sweeping views of the Swan and the city.
Heathcote Reserve
Applecross
An adventure playground inspired by a ship will keep the kids happy as you sizzle up a storm on the BBQs at Heathcote Reserve in Applecross. Situated among heritage buildings and landscaped gardens, take a gander at the art gallery and museum and then put your feet up on one of the picnic benches and marvel at the view of the river.
Araluen Botanic Park
Roleystone
If you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve, take a drive up to Roleystone to Araluen Botanic Park. This stunning, hidden garden spans across 59 hectares and features all kinds of beautiful blooms which you can ‘gram away at—so yes, the small admissions fee is 100% worth it. Electric BBQs are available for all to enjoy and there are some wood-fired BBQs dotted throughout the park. Plus, the legends at the Chalet Healy Tearooms will happily restock you with ice if it’s a particularly hot day. Be sure to visit in spring when the tulips are in bloom.
King’s Park
Perth
There are four BBQ spots to choose from at King’s Park, you’ll find them in the Lotterywest Family Area, Pines Picnic Area, Synergy Parkland and Saw Avenue Picnic Area. The BBQs are available on a first-come-first-served basis because sharing is caring. If you’re planning on throwing an event at the park be sure to book here.
Riverside Gardens
Bayswater
Dogs, dogs and more dogs, that’s why we love stopping by Bayswater’s Riverside Gardens for a barbie. There are a few BBQs dotted along the river, so pick your perfect possie (we’ll go for wherever there are the most dogs) and get that hot plate sizzling. Once your feast has been cooked to perfection, slide into a picnic table and watch your fluffy pals run around like crazy.
Point Walter Reserve
Bicton
Point Walter Reserve has got it going on. And by it, we mean a golf course, playgrounds, boat ramp, parking galore and, most importantly, stellar BBQ spots. Offering lovely river views and plenty of shade, this spot is very busy on weekends so be sure to head there early to stake out a good picnic spot.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine
A short drive from Perth, Serpentine Falls offers up waterfalls, picnic tables, BBQ and picnic facilities, along with the chance to spot Western Grey Kangaroos. Pack your bathers in case it gets hot enough for a dip in the rock pool.
Thompson Bay
Rottnest Island
We can’t forget our favourite island. Next time you feel a ship to shore escape calling set out for Thomson Bay at Rottnest Island and whip yourself up a BBQ feast to enjoy with the Quokkas (figuratively, please don’t feed the animals). Have a dip, enjoy some pigs in blankets and then grab a Simmo’s ice cream to cool down before boarding the ferry home.
Image credit: Jessica Wyld