Supreme Court Gardens

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Description

The Supreme Court Gardens in Perth, Western Australia, are one of those places that quietly win you over without trying too hard. Located at the eastern edge of the city’s central business district, this public park sits right between the historic Supreme Court building and the gentle curve of the Swan River. It’s hard to imagine that this calm, leafy space used to be part of the old riverbed—it’s now a place where you can plop down on the lawns, listen to the rustling of mature trees, and feel the hum of city life fading just a bit.

These gardens blend heritage charm with a modern sense of openness. You’ll find well-maintained green spaces, flower beds that seem to know exactly when to bloom, and wide open lawns perfect for picnics. And honestly, nothing beats that moment when sunlight filters through the canopy and lands on your picnic spread—especially if you’ve grabbed some takeaway from a nearby café. The site has evolved alongside Perth’s history, originally tied to the early civic buildings like the original Court House and Government House. Even though the Supreme Court building still presides over the park’s edge, the gardens feel far from formal. They’re welcoming and surprisingly relaxed.

What makes this park stand apart from other inner-city green spaces is the mix of nature and culture. During festival season, the Jubilee Orchestral Shell (that lovely stage tucked amid the gardens) hosts performances, concerts, and community events that fill the air with laughter and live music. I once caught a late summer jazz evening here, and it was pure magic—sitting barefoot on the grass, twilight settling in, music drifting across the river. It’s these moments that turn a simple outing into something memorable.

That said, the Supreme Court Gardens aren’t just about events or aesthetics. They carry a quiet dignity connected to Perth’s civic history. Wander around and you’ll uncover little nods to the city’s past—traces of the original landscaping, and the architectural grace of neighboring heritage buildings. At the same time, it’s refreshingly accessible, fully open to the public, with paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Families feel comfortable here, office workers unwind here, and visitors find it a great spot to rest between sightseeing walks around the Perth city centre.

Key Features

• Expansive Lawns: Open, well-kept lawns ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or simply stretching out under the sky.
• Historic Charm: The gardens form part of Perth’s oldest civic precinct, sharing space with iconic landmarks like the Supreme Court building and Government House.
• Jubilee Orchestral Shell: A unique outdoor performance space for cultural festivals, art shows, and concerts.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths, entrances, and nearby parking make it inclusive for all visitors.
• Green Canopy: Shaded areas with mature trees that help cool the summer air and create a soothing environment.
• Public Amenities: Convenient access to public restrooms, benches, and picnic areas.
• Family-Friendly: A safe and relaxing place for kids to run around, chase bubbles, or admire garden displays.
• Event-Friendly: Home to community markets, cultural festivals, and various outdoor performances throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

If you ask me, the gardens feel their best during spring and early autumn in Perth. Around late September to November, everything’s in bloom, and the mild weather makes it easy to linger outside. The scent of fresh blossoms mixes with salty air from the river, and birds chatter in the background like an unplanned soundtrack. During summer, you can still enjoy it—but maybe plan your visit for the cooler early mornings or late afternoons when the sunlight slants through the trees just right. Bring sunscreen, trust me.

Winter has its charm too—it’s quieter, and the lawns are extra lush. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a rain-soaked reflection of the ornate Supreme Court building in a puddle; it’s oddly beautiful. And for those who love community vibes, keep an eye out for annual festivals like the Perth Japan Festival or outdoor music performances that often pop up in the warmer months. It can turn a simple day in the park into something unexpectedly delightful.

How to Get There

Getting to the Supreme Court Gardens is simple, whether you’re a local commuting across town or a traveler exploring the Perth city area. The gardens sit within walking distance of key city landmarks and public transport hubs. If you’re coming from the Elizabeth Quay area, you’ll find the gardens just a short stroll inland, framed by Barrack Street and Riverside Drive. Bus and train stations are fairly close by, and there’s even a ferry terminal within walking distance if you’re arriving via the Swan River route.

For those driving, parking isn’t too far, though spaces can fill up quickly during major events or lunch hours. There are wheelchair-accessible parking spots, and pathways from all sides make entry easy. I usually prefer walking from the shopping district—it’s about ten minutes and takes you past other historical spots like Stirling Gardens and the old Treasury buildings. It’s a pleasant build-up to arriving somewhere that feels like a mix of old-world calm and new-world energy.

Tips for Visiting

First piece of advice—slow down. The Supreme Court Gardens are best enjoyed when you give yourself time to linger. It’s not a spot to rush through on your way somewhere else, though many people do that daily. Bring a picnic blanket, maybe a good book, and watch how Perth’s city rhythm changes around you. Mornings are particularly peaceful; you’ll see joggers and office workers grabbing a breather before their day kicks in. By midday, local workers spill into the park for lunch breaks—it’s a perfect window for a bit of people-watching.

A few practical notes: public restrooms are available nearby (always handy when traveling), and the gardens are fully open to the public year-round. They often host pop-up events, art shows, and live performances, so if you’re timing your visit, check local event schedules before heading out. Seating can be limited during concerts, but that’s part of the casual vibe—most folks bring picnic chairs or sit on the grass under the trees.

If you’re visiting with little ones, there’s plenty of space to run around, and the riverside nearby gives parents good visibility while kids play. The paths are smooth enough for prams and wheelchairs, and you’ll notice how well-maintained everything feels. In hot weather, grab an iced drink from a nearby café before you head in—it’s Perth, after all, and even in the shade it can get toasty.

For photography lovers, late afternoon light is unbeatable. The contrast between the old Supreme Court building and the green lawns makes for dramatic shots, especially if the sky decides to cooperate with a few streaky clouds. I once caught a sunset behind the trees that made the whole garden seem golden—those are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after you’ve left.

To wrap things up, here’s the thing about the Supreme Court Gardens—they’re not grand in a flashy way, but they’re quietly impressive. It’s a peaceful green space in the heart of Perth city, where the dignity of history and the ease of leisure coexist beautifully. Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, make time to stop by. Sit down, breathe, and let this small pocket of Perth work its quiet charm on you.

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