Ardross

The quiet, dignified and attractive suburb of Ardross is situated on a peninsula jutting into the Swan River, about 10km south of Perth's CBD. On Ardross's eastern boundary is the Canning River's entrance into the Swan River and to its west is the broad Lucky Bay reach of Perth's major waterway.

Within the suburb's boundaries are the Wireless Hill telecommunications museum and lookout, from where you can enjoy some great river vistas. This is the landmark site of the first communications radio in Western Australia and is now an oasis for wildflowers.

The hill was mostly denuded for its original telecommunication purpose and then left to the ravages of weeds. Since 1985, however, extensive replanting of mostly native species has resulted in an amazingly diverse collection of 20,000 - 30,000 plants. The reserve is absolutely stunning in late winter and spring when the eagle-eyed observer can even find a few orchids amongst the spread of the obligatory Geraldton wax, wattles, grevilleas, callistemon, kangaroos paws and so on. The park is open to visitors 24 hours a day, and has many paths and a heritage trail.

It is a good family picnic spot, with some grassy and shaded areas, barbecues and playground equipment. The Telecommunications Museum is open on weekends.