The weekend is coming and it’s time to stop putting off a catch-up with the grandparents. You wanna take ‘em out for some lunch, go for a walk, or maybe just grab a coffee and spend some quality time with the people in-directly responsible for your existence.
There’s a lot to consider when taking the oldies out – accessibility, noise, space, location, their capabilities… The list goes on, so we’ve put together a few different ideas around Perth for you to spend some quality time with Nan and Pop, while still keeping it enjoyable/easy for all parties involved.
Sure it’s an obvious one, but when was the last time you hit up Kings Park for a lazy Saturday arvo stroll? Being Perth’s premier tourist attraction means it’s also incredibly accessible, with a huge car park (and plenty of ACROD bays) along with wheelchair-accessible picnic areas and restaurants. The walk around the park isn’t overly intense, but if it is a bit much the Perth Explorer Bus has a paid hop-on/hop-off service which is also wheelchair accessible.
The Swan Yacht Club in East Freo offers primo riverside views along amidst the spacious restaurant and outdoor area, again with plenty of space to move around. Sundays can get pretty busy with families and lots of kids running around (not necessarily a bad thing), so if you’re looking for something a bit quieter maybe try pop down for a Wed-Fri lunch special which includes a middy of beer/wine (if the grandies don’t mind a tipple).
One of Perth’s most celebrated and loved inner-city spots, Hyde Park offers easy access, gentle rolling pathways, public access barbecues and a heap of shady trees to park under for the afternoon (just bring some outdoor chairs). There are toilets to the east and west ends of the park, with a car park and plenty of parallel parking along all streets. Grab a coffee and pastry treat from Chu along William Street, or go old school and pack your own picnic hamper.
The Perth Cultural Centre has unlimited options for food and things to do, with relatively easy access throughout. The Art Gallery Of WA always has fantastic exhibitions on for the cost a donation on entry, likewise PICA across the pathway, or grab a bite/pint with the oldies under the shady trees at PICA Bar next door.
No longer sports reserved for just the elderly, lawn bowls and croquet clubs can be a heap of fun for young and old, not to mention the added bonus of super-cheap meals and drinks. Most places around Perth offer really cheap hire options, and the bar stool banter is always free. Personal faves include North Perth Bowling Club, Mosman Park Bowling Club for some spectacular riverside views, and The West Australian Croquet Association in Mt Lawley.
If you want to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air, Kalamunda is only a short drive with a heap of lovely cafés to grab a bite or coffee. Jack & Jill, Elevated Grounds, Esther Café, Haynes Street Larder, Mason & Bird and more are all within walking distance of each other – just pop your head in to see if the space works for you. On your way back why not pop into Zanthorrea Nursery, which specialises in Australian native plants and will be irresistible for the green-thumbed grandparents out there.
Okay maybe this one’s a little more Nanna-friendly (although we’re sure Pop’s not gonna complain about a delicious sandwich platter), but there’s a bunch of different High Tea options around our fair city to choose from. The Harbour Master inside Freo’s Esplanade Hotel gets the nod for its value (starting at $38 pp) and proximity to the esplanade itself, perfect to walk off the savoury/sweet treat bonanza. Some other options include the High Tea at Haven Lounge in The Westin, or the universally-adored Rochelle Adonis in Highgate.
Cover photo: Rochelle Adonis.