Birdwood Reserve Dalkeith

Nestled beside the Swan River in the affluent suburb of Dalkeith, Birdwood Parade Reserve (also known as Birdwood Park) is a leafy riverside green space managed by the City of Nedlands. The reserve sits between Birdwood Parade and the Esplanade, slightly above river level, offering sweeping views of Melville Water, Kings Park and the Perth CBD. It consists of green open spaces, native bushland, walking paths and playgrounds, including the Birdwood Nature Playground near the historic Sunset Hospital precinct.

 

Long before European settlement, the land now known as Birdwood Parade Reserve sat within the traditional territory of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) was a vital part of Noongar life, providing food, transport and spiritual meaning. The river foreshore in Dalkeith, including what is now Birdwood Parade Reserve, was used for fishing, gathering and ceremonial purposes.

 

Colonial Settlement & Naming

In 1831, Scottish settler Adam Pearson Armstrong established Dalkeith Cottage on a grant overlooking Melville Water. Named after his hometown in Scotland, it gave rise to the name “Dalkeith” for the suburb today.

 

Institution Building & Sunset Hospital

In 1904, Parliament designated the elevated site between Birdwood Parade and the Swan River as an ‘A’ Class Reserve to build the Old Men’s Home (opened 1906) for destitute men relocated from Mount Eliza. Constructed using local limestone and a military-style layout, the complex could initially house up to 400 men, later expanding to about 750 during the Great Depression.

 

In 1943, it was renamed Sunset Hospital and in 1964, women were accepted for the first time.

 

The facility closed in 1995 and was heritage-listed in 1997 as part of the Sunset Heritage Precinct.

 

Creation of Birdwood Parade Reserve

The area beside the hospital and what is now Birdwood Parade Reserve was preserved as part of the foreshore bushland and landscaped grounds. It includes the Nedlands War Memorial (erected in 1940) at the corner of Birdwood Parade and Waratah Avenue.

 

Natural Bushland & Conservation

Today the reserve spans 5.7 hectares between Birdwood Parade and the Esplanade, managed by the City of Nedlands as a bushland corridor featuring native Tuart, Jarrah, Marri, and Banksia trees. It forms part of the Karak Bidi and Karda Bidi walking trails along the Swan River and is overseen under dedicated management plans for its environmental and heritage values.

 

Heritage Places Inside the Reserve

Gallop House (c. 1872–77), located within the park, is the oldest private residence in the City of Nedlands and is heritage-listed (State Register Place No. 01834).

 

The Sunset Hospital complex sits alongside the reserve and is also on the State Register (Place No. 03374) with national heritage recognition for its cultural, architectural and natural significance.

 

Accessibility & Amenities

Located roughly 7 km west of Perth’s CBD, the park is easily accessible by bus routes 23 and 24, with nearby stops right on Birdwood Parade.

 

There is free street parking, public toilets and picnic facilities near the playground and heritage sites.