Matilda Bay Reserve
Matilda Bay Reserve
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
206 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
60
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,857 contributions
May 2020
Matilda Bay Reserve is by the Swan River, over the road frorm the University of Western Australia (UWA). It is a large grassy area with trees. Many European people like it, becaue it reminds them of the lakes and rivers back home. You can swim or paddle, the water is placid. It's a good picnic spot. By the way, on the weekends, there are few UWA students around and parking is not usually a problem; you can get a good view of the city.
Written May 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perth Review
Perth, Australia252 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Just past that posh restaurant there’s a lot of federal land you can park on for free. All day and all night. It’s a godsend for UWA students.
There are grey ghosts and parking inspectors who will try to give you a ticket. They cannot touch your car so they can’t leave it on your windscreen.
The only way you can get fined is if you physically accept it from their hands. It’s an admission of guilt. Just don’t take the ticket.
Walk away.
Be kind but don’t accept the ticket. They can’t force you to take it.
Happy days.
There are grey ghosts and parking inspectors who will try to give you a ticket. They cannot touch your car so they can’t leave it on your windscreen.
The only way you can get fined is if you physically accept it from their hands. It’s an admission of guilt. Just don’t take the ticket.
Walk away.
Be kind but don’t accept the ticket. They can’t force you to take it.
Happy days.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gay15
Perth, Australia58 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
A shady strip of grass, sand beaches and trees edging the shoreline of the Swan River across the road from the University of WA. View across the water to the city skyline.
Great for a weekend picnic with family and friends, nice too for couples. An on site coffee shop provides drinks, icecream and snack type meals with outdoor seating right on the waters edge
Free to visit but some nearby parking has fees.
Great for a weekend picnic with family and friends, nice too for couples. An on site coffee shop provides drinks, icecream and snack type meals with outdoor seating right on the waters edge
Free to visit but some nearby parking has fees.
Written November 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MosLyn
Perth, Australia258 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
A beautifully tranquil stretch of river beach adjacent to the university now, it wasn't always that way. My father tells stories of the Catalina flying boats based at Matilda Bay in the 1940s. Initially the US Navy had a fleet of five of these amphibious craft. Then, in 1943, Qantas operated five Catalina flying boats between Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Matilda Bay in what was known as the Double Sunrise service - so called because the pilots saw two sunrises during the flight. There is a Wikipedia article called "The Double Sunrise".
I find it very hard to look at the boats quietly moored, families picnicking on the grass and kids splashing happily at the water's edge and imagine the screaming props of a Catalina lumbering into the air all those years ago.
I find it very hard to look at the boats quietly moored, families picnicking on the grass and kids splashing happily at the water's edge and imagine the screaming props of a Catalina lumbering into the air all those years ago.
Written January 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India185 contributions
Great picnic spot, plenty of shade on a hot day, right on the river and close to the city. We spent a few hours with friends and family. It was great. Good facilities and a cool view. Great way to spend a lazy Sunday.
Written January 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KGB777
Singapore, Singapore41,727 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
Another pretty park in Perth. This one is very close to UWA and I recall coming here as a uni student to chill in between lectures. Parking can be a bit of a challenge on weekdays but there's usually not too much of an issue on weekends. Good views out over the river.
Written November 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolfgang L
Perth, Australia155 contributions
And I am serious about when I say "find yourself a nice shady tree, and chill out!". Mat bay reserve, just a couple of steps away from UWA, is great for getting away from busy kings park during the wild flower festival. It's got a couple of BBQ pits nearby, lots of shady trees and a great view of the river. Bring a book and space out on the grass.. Also a great place to view the Australia Day fireworks!
Written September 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birt1964
Melbourne, Australia2,289 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
I was staying in a nearby hotel & had a couple of hours free before I headed to the airport. I go to Perth several times a year and often walk along The Swan River. I was delighted to explore the Matilda Bay Reserve and recommend it for a morning walk.
Written June 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robyn J
Perth, Australia87 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
A lovely spot to relax with a great view over the swan river and the city. Very relaxing spot to enjoy a picnic with lawns for children to play.
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
166ericae
Perth, Australia131 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
This would have to be the prettiest spot in the whole of perth for a visit, lunch, tea, coffee, walk, exercise, contemplating your next move etc HOWEVER!
There is NEVER any parking on UNIVERSITY DAYS!
What about our tourists ???
City of Perth council ! You need to do something ! And paid parking ? That's a BIG NO!
There is NEVER any parking on UNIVERSITY DAYS!
What about our tourists ???
City of Perth council ! You need to do something ! And paid parking ? That's a BIG NO!
Written September 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kuen Z
Perth Hills, Australia
Do we need to get permit / permission to have a small gender reveal at Matilda bay Crawley park? There will be around 10 ppl and it’s going to be a small celebration like picnic.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,857 contributions
A small picnic-style gathering may need a permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation. This will give you a designated area for your party. Please be aware, parking is very hard to find on weekdays, though not impossible..
Safari372753
Fremantle, Australia
Hi are dogs allowed on leash?
Jo M
Perth, Australia563 contributions
Hi, Yes it's a good place to have your dog, you can take them swimming and then have a picnic your dog is most welcome here :))
Will I able to see wildflowers in August?
GiPa_12
Perth, Australia50 contributions
Apologies for missing this question. The bet time in Perth is mid to late September. Areas North of Perth are best in August and areas down near Albany flower later still.
Look at web sites for Kings Park or Tourism WA.
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Claim your listingMatilda Bay Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Matilda Bay Reserve
- Hotels near Matilda Bay Reserve:
- (0.13 mi) Wonil Hotel, Perth - Handwritten Collection
- (0.34 mi) St Catherine's on Park
- (1.85 mi) Quest South Perth Foreshore
- (0.41 mi) Trinity on Hampden
- (2.78 mi) COMO The Treasury
- Restaurants near Matilda Bay Reserve:
- (0.11 mi) The University Club of Western Australia
- (0.13 mi) West Kitchen & Bar
- (0.49 mi) Matilda Bay Restaurant
- (0.25 mi) The UWA Tavern
- (0.32 mi) Bayside Kitchen
Matilda Bay Reserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 140 |
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Very Good Reviews | 60 |
Matilda Bay Reserve Photos | 99 |