Gloucester Park, Harness racing venue in East Perth, Australia
Gloucester Park is a harness racing venue along the Swan River banks in East Perth with a lit oval track situated beside the WACA Ground. The facility provides nine function rooms for private events and three restaurants that operate during race nights.
The venue opened in 1929 as Brennan Park and received its current name in 1935 to honor Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. From 1977 to 1979, it hosted World Series Cricket matches played on artificial pitches, giving it an important place in cricket history.
On Friday nights, people gather here to watch Western Australia's best harness racing horses compete for significant prize money. The races attract both dedicated betting enthusiasts and casual visitors who come for the spectacle and energy.
The venue is easy to reach from central Perth and has parking available plus various facilities that make it convenient for a full day. It is best to arrive early, especially when expecting large crowds on race nights.
The grounds hosted cricket matches from 1977 to 1979 where artificial pitch surfaces were used instead of grass, a notable shift from traditional cricket. This unusual use shows how adaptable the venue has been throughout its history.
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