Baking under the summer sun, there are few communal spaces that seem more idyllic than a public park. Escape to the City, a 1956 documentary film produced by the Commonwealth Film Unit, reveals that Australia’s national parks have been a casual leisure destination for decades.

One obvious reason is their stark beauty: the film showcases the parks as havens of natural flora and fauna. We explore the lush bushlands of Kings Park in Perth, before hopping over to Sydney's Royal National Park, where rowboats slice across the river.

Looking back, it’s evident that cars, fashions and architecture have changed dramatically in the past 70 years. But our habit of gathering, relaxing and appreciating nature remains much the same.