Davies Park

I fondly regard this park as one of the best in the inner city.
No it doesn’t boast rainforest walks, fountains or play-​pens for the kids.
But it is quiet.
And so much more peaceful than the packed New Farm park,
South bank or Botanical gardens.
Ease off a hangover, picnic or watch the douche-​baggery of Jet-​Skiers.
This little stretch of land is just perfect to spend a lazy day.
My favourite bit is the great little dog-​park by the river,
full of furry characters, puppy watching makes for highly amusing entertainment.
(In particular look out for a hilarious pug that tries to squeeze in the railings.)
A must-​see in West end.

So many things come to mind when I think of Davies Park. The West End Markets, for one, which are held there each Saturday.
Over the years, various festivals have used Davies Park as their site. Believe it or not, back in the very early 1990’s, Livid was held at Davies Park. It was also home to Triple Zed’s Market Day, and more recently, the West End Carnivale.
If you’re coming from downtown West End, you’ll walk past two fig trees, and if you turn to the left, it will bring you out to a soccer field. You can often have the field to yourself, especially if you go on a weekday. It’s a favourite for people with dogs. There’s a fenced off area behind the soccer field, which I originally thought was a dog park. It turns out that the fig trees in this fenced off area had a fungal problem (that is now treated and the trees are recovering well), and that’s why the barrier was erected. I’ll say this much– I have seen it used as a dog park, and have myself used it for this purpose and all seems fine with the world. You can enter in and out with no problems.
Behind the fenced off area is a slight decline which leads to the river. From here, you can take a leisurely stroll along the watery parameter of West End which will take you to Orleigh Park, yet another delightful patch of land to enjoy.
If, at the entry of Davies Park, you walk to the right, you’ll find yonder the fig trees, the West End community garden (Jane Street side). The gardens are handsome, and well maintained. The beds are deep, and loaded with nutrients judging by the quality of the plants growing there. If you’re a green thumb, or just curious, there’s usually someone working away in the garden to talk to.
In some downtime, do yourself a favour and go down to have a gander at what’s going on in Davies Park.