Suburb Guide: Piara Waters
Mirvac's Suburb Guide for Piara Waters, Western Australia. See where to eat, shop and explore.
Green open spaces, a pop-up coffee caravan and thriving community gardens: this new Perth precinct is full of the pretty and palatable.
Snuggled in the gently sweeping countryside of south-east Perth, you’ll find Piara Waters: a flourishing area of buzzing local eateries, neighbourhood gardens and pretty nature reserves. Once used for farmland thanks to its lush soils, the area’s increasing popularity has seen it grow into one of the city’s hot new regions in recent years. Here, a few of its must-visit spots.
1. Harrisdale/Piara Waters Community Garden
Head to Piara Waters’ Community Garden on Friday mornings to find locals sipping on their coffees (grabbed from nearby Running Latte) and chatting while they tend to garden beds. Capsicum, red onion, artichoke, salad leaves, rainbow chard, eggplant, rocket, kale, fennel, mint, raspberries, strawberries and lavender are all growing here at present. “Everyone from the neighbourhood is welcome to help themselves. People are always stopping by to pick this or that,” explains Lynette Jones, who herself sometimes grabs a handful of rocket to add to her Running Latte toasties. “It’s such a lovely space.” The community garden was established by Mirvac as part of its suite of sustainability initiatives which build community spirit as well as state-of-the-art infrastructure.
2. Araluen Botanic Park
It’s easy to see why, in 1929, Araluen Botanic Park was gazetted as a holiday destination: dotted with creeks, old-growth trees and meandering paths, the sprawling, 59-hectare valley still retains its sense of escape. Wander the grounds and admire the many exotic plants (its camellias and roses have drawn international recognition), or spot the birdlife: the site attracts both migratory and resident feathered friends. There’s also a little lake with ducks, free community barbecues and a miniature train, which chuffs through the grounds during spring. Don’t miss the cosy on-site cafe, either; housed in a little log cottage and covered in wisteria, it’s a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the view.
362 Croydon Road
Roleystone, WA 6111
(08) 9234 2200
3. CY O’Connor Village Pub
If the name makes you picture a quaint little neighbourhood watering hole, you’re in luck; this pub is precisely that. Established by the Dawkins family on what was previously their family farm, there’s wide, sweeping verandas, big leafy trees and a fairy-light-strung beer garden. There are also craft beers on tap, an eclectic local-leaning wine list and a menu filled with artisan produce. “And we still have our own cows around the pub grounds,” adds employee Tom Kullner. “In fact, all beef on the menu is sourced directly from these cattle. That way, we can guarantee that we know exactly where the meat is coming from, and that it’s good, healthy and clean.” Don’t miss the Melt beef Wagyu spring rolls.
11 Erade Drive
Piara Waters, WA 6112
(08) 9397 0233
4. Cohunu Koala Park
Started as a private conservation park in 1975, Cohunu Koala Park has grown into a beloved local icon – and it’s easy to see why. “It’s so peaceful and leafy in this area,” says animal carer Karen Blakeley. “We’ve got 14 hectares for the wildlife here; it’s a lovely environment for them to live in.” Wander the property alongside the free-roaming emus, alpacas, llamas, ponies, donkeys, swans, pelicans and ducks, or take the kids to the kangaroo yard to hand-feed the resident roo. There are also crocodiles, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots and of course, koalas – but for many, the star attraction is Wilbur the pig. “People just come to see him, he’s lovely,” laughs Karen. “He sits when you tell him to, and he loves a scratch under the ear.”
Lot 103 Nettleton Road
Byford, WA 6122
(08) 9526 2966
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