Heathcote Reserve

This park is absolutely gorgeous, offering beautiful views of the river and the city in the distance. There are BBQ’s to cook food. Use the picnic tables to relax and eat at. Public toilets and a restaurant here also.
The park is perfect for children young and old. Explore the Pirate Ship, or take the littlies to smaller children’s play area. Play football on the grassed area, or relax on a rug.
There is something for everyone here

Heathcote Reserve is a park that covers the tip of the peninsular of Applecross, and sits atop the highest part of the peninsular. Simply put the view of the city from here is insane! The Swan River stretches out before you and the city sparkles in the distance. It looks even more spectacular at night, with all the coloured lights from the city’s buildings reflecting on the water.
A lot of weddings take place at the park and at the adjacent Blue Water Grill. You can go and enjoy the space at any time though, and there is a really great kid’s playground too. This would make a wonderful spot for a first date, having a picnic or perhaps fish and chips on the park bench, just taking in the view.

I’ve been here a couple of times now and the view is just amazing.
My first visit last year was for buffet breakfast with the family at Blue Water Grill restaurant. We had a delicious buffet breakfast, consisting of continental foods, bakery goods, hot selection and as much tea and coffee as you can handle. This was the Easter weekend and was about $ 30 per person.
After breakfast there’s a great playground to keep the little kids and the big kids amused. There’s a huge pirate ship and lots of equipment to suit all ages of kids. There’s also a large grassed area, picnic tables, bbqs, toilets, lots of shaded areas and that amazing view of the Swan river. Attached to the Blue Water Grill is a kiosk that sells coffee and snacks, so you can relax while watching the kiddies or taking in the view.
Also in the grounds is the Heathcote Cultural Centre and Heathcote Museum and Gallery, located in the refurbished hospital buildings on site. This hospital was used for the treatment of patients suffering with mental illness.
Two weeks ago some friends and I were here for an interactive horror night. I had read a few articles on Heathcote that said the place was supposedly haunted, so this, the bad weather and flickering lights in the car park added to the atmosphere. We had a fun time and finished the night wandering around the grounds. Also caught a glimse of a wedding reception in the Blue Water Grill.
Next time would like to try their lunch or dinner. :)

I truly believe that Heathcotte reserve is the most beautiful spot in Perth with the most breathtaking views second from Kings Park.
Very fond memories of this place as an Applecross kid from way back. I’d advise any tourist reading this that this place is a must see and I bring all tourist friends new to Perth here.
This was one of this first few places I went when I moved back here from Toronto and couldn’t really remember Australia. Some family friends took us up there to get fish and chips and enjoy the view.
But I stress don’t get fish and chips from the kiosk. Now days where we used to sit on the grass with our fish and chips is now the blue water. You can also enjoy a good BBQ here, the BBQs are free and they just put new ones in. There’s an incredible play structure here for the kids too so you can relax, have a snag and a wine and let the kids do their thing.
I haven’t heard good things about the Bluewater from most people, however my Mom went recently and she found it to be lovely different strokes for different folks I guess. I’ve been invited to a business lunch there soon I guess I’ll find out in due time!

Kids know this joint. You might be all like «I’ve never taken my kids here.» That’s cool; they know it. They’ve been here with other kids or their school or relatives or something. I’m not saying you don’t know your kids very well, I’m just saying that if you were to ask your kid «do you know where the big playground with the massive pirate ship?» They would be like «YES.» Not just «YES,» but «YES CAN WE GO THERE NOW PLEASE???» This is because the playground at Heathcote is really, really cool. To the point that even as an adult, you’re gonna wanna play in here. I love playing chasey with my son around the play equipment here because it’s so huge that he can actually lose me completely. There are also bells, an endless array of slides, climbing ropes and sandpits for kids to play on. Which is great, because they’re going to be amused no matter what you do, which means that after a bit of fun, you can head to the coffee shop to grab a latte. THAT’S RIGHT, THIS PLACE HAS A COFFEE SHOP. And the coffee is pretty good to boot. If you’re wondering, you are completely reading this the right way; you can bring your kids here, play with them until the just want to amuse themselves and then settle down with a shitty magazine and a coffee. Now you understand why this place is awesome. Don’t bother looking for directions here, just ask your kids.

Heathcote is a captain you want to sail with!
Situated on a hill in Applecross that overlooks the swan, what better place to pop a pirate ship and let the games begin? This playground is super cool and certainly 10 notches up on the «pirate ship» in Cairns, that is made to look like a glorified clothes line by this well designed masterpiece.
Yes there are slipping hazards– life isn’t all about bubble wrap– the danger element is part of the fun. As I tested out the ins and outs (strictly quality control for my niece who shall definitely be calling this her local hang out in Perth.) I was having a field day. I can think of no better place for a pirate themed party!(subject to an actual boat, but more practical for little-​ies on land.)
With a selection of cafes and kiosks close at hand, there really is no reason to leave, subject to a lack of stamina or obligations of life. This is as much a playground for parents as it is for children! What a perfect excuse to go!

Lovely to visit. Big kids playgrounds for 5+ and a separate playground for the younger ones. A lookout with city views, great big grassy area, the upscale BlueWater Grill restaurant and a little walk down to untouched riverside below.
We often go here at night, when there is nobody else around, just to have a relaxed little night time picnic on the grass or below on the sand. It’s well lit and has everything you need — barbecues, toilets and during the day there is a kiosk selling ice cream and drinks.

Heathcote Reserve, or as it is called, the pirate ship, or the pirate playground, is a fabulous place to visit, not just for the playground and the history of the buildings, but also for the view — absolutely breath taking!
The buildings were once part of a hospital for the mentally ill and there is something a bit almost spooky about these buildings. I often find myself wondering about the people who were here many years ago.
The playground are for kids is wonderful, but be careful of letting younger children onto the pirate ship by themselves. There are many high areas and lots of ladders and steps, plus there are lots of levels and one can easily lose track of your children.
There is also a smaller playground which is much tamer for younger children. This area consists of swings and lots of sand with a tiny slide and a little boat.
There are barbecue and toilet facilities available. Plus the Blue Water Grill is on site if you would like a nice meal. Otherwise, a small kiosk adjacent to the restaurant provides hot meals and drinks for visitors.
Once the kids have had enough of playing, you can go for a walk down below Heathcote along the beach.