The park was named after Harold Boas, an influential Perth architect and town planner who served as a councillor for the City of Perth.
The sunken design was purposefully engineered to reclaim a neglected brownfield site, transforming former industrial railway land into a public green space.
The water features in the garden are fed by recycled groundwater, highlighting local water conservation practices.
The landscape architecture, specifically the rockwork and pond placement, is credited to the expertise of John Oldham, who was instrumental in designing several of Perth's prominent public parks.
The gardens serve as a critical 'green lung' in West Perth, providing a microclimate that is often several degrees cooler than the surrounding asphalt-heavy streets.
Harold Boas Gardens is a tranquil, sunken urban park situated in West Perth that features a series of interconnected ponds, waterfalls, and mature trees. The park was designed by landscape architect John Oldham and established on the site of a former railway marshalling yard. Its unique sunken design provides a natural acoustic barrier from the surrounding city traffic. The gardens contain several historic memorials, including a tribute to Harold Boas, a former City of Perth councillor and town planner. Visitors can follow paved winding paths that cross over water features via wooden bridges. The site is a significant piece of local heritage that preserves native and exotic vegetation in an otherwise high-density urban corridor.
From the wooden footbridge crossing the main central pond looking back toward the waterfalls.
Visit during the weekday lunch hour to witness the contrast between the quiet park and the nearby busy office district.
Bring mosquito repellent during the warmer spring and summer months due to the proximity of stagnant water features.
The park is relatively small, making it ideal for a quick nature break rather than a full-day excursion.
Do not attempt to swim or wade in the ponds, as the water is for display and habitat purposes only.
Maintain a quiet volume to preserve the park's atmosphere as a peaceful retreat; dogs must be kept on a leash.
