The original natural landforms of the Centennial Parklands have been considerably modified to adapt to engineering and architectural works and the varying aesthetic interests of a public park. 

Landforms have contributed to the landscape character and spatial quality of the Parklands and are identified as follows:

• ridges and cliffs are associated with the weathered sandstone geology which forms outcrops in places and is covered with Aeolian sand deposits, resulting in steep slopes and gentle undulations; considerable sandstone outcrops and ledges survive in cliff areas at the eastern end of Queen’s Park, which provides an element of contrast;
• hilltops are mostly culturally modified and form the upper surface of the reservoirs and a small section of Queen’s Park;
• steep slopes are mostly culturally modified areas of the natural topography or associated with structures such as the reservoirs, road and pond embankments; more natural, yet modified, steep slopes occur as part of the sand dune formation overlying the sandstone geology including sandy hillocks of the Bird Sanctuary in the Central Zone and a hill immediately west of the Darley Road Entrance gate; and
• gently undulating areas dominate the Central Zone and the majority of Queen’s Park and have been adapted for various public functions but most commonly for active sport.