Karda Way Nature Playspace at OneOneFive Hamilton Hill is a fantastic blend of nature play, history and thoughtful design, set on the former Hamilton Hill Senior High School site. The redevelopment has transformed the area into a family‑friendly precinct with walking paths through native landscaping, layered play opportunities and a strong focus on accessibility.
The hero of the playspace is the impressive three‑tower fort, cleverly constructed from repurposed materials salvaged from the old high school. Kids can climb timber steps, tackle a mini climbing wall, test their nerve on hand and foot holds, cross the connecting bridge and whiz down the slide. It’s a great structure for adventurous climbers and lends itself well to imaginative play – it really feels like a lookout over the surrounding bushy gardens.
Scattered through the space are beautifully integrated nature play elements. A giant “fallen” log invites children to scramble along its length, with net ladders and off‑shoot branches to balance on, climb over and duck under.
Amongst banksia and grass trees, you’ll find a cosy log cubby, perfect for quieter play, hide‑and‑seek or a shady spot to rest with a friend. The underfoot surfaces are varied – woodchips, soft fall rubber, gravel and concrete paths – and there are wooden steppers and logs edging the garden beds, which naturally encourage balancing, jumping and exploring.
Water and sensory play are subtly incorporated via a dry creek bed that winds through the space. Kids can splash about after rain or use bark, twigs and leaves to build dams and divert imaginary streams, which is ideal for collaborative and open‑ended play. All around, the planting is distinctly West Australian, and as you wander the paths you’ll spot wooden sculptures representing local wildlife, mini pockets of nature play and bird nesting stands. The area is busy with bird life, making it a lovely spot to slow down and listen as well as play.
Accessibility has clearly been front of mind in the design. There’s a Birds Nest all‑abilities swing and a wheelchair‑friendly merry‑go‑round with seating and generous space for prams or mobility devices, both linked by soft fall rubber for easier access.
Nearby Harry Usher Park, within the same OneOneFive Hamilton Hill estate, further supports inclusion with ramps, ACROD parking bays and gentle paths, along with its own smaller nature play area that’s ideal for younger children or those who prefer a quieter corner.
Families will appreciate the practical touches that make this a great spot to stay a while. Free gas barbecues, picnic tables and a generous grassed area mean it’s easy to set up for a weekend barbecue, birthday gathering or school holiday playdate. The open lawn is perfect for a kick of the footy or a game of chasey between Playground sessions. Public toilets are available a short walk away at Harry Usher Park, which is very handy if you’re spending a few hours here.
As you explore more of the OneOneFive Hamilton Hill development, you’ll notice that play isn’t limited to just one Playground. The estate features little pockets of play and discovery dotted along the walking paths, making it fun to roam and see what you can find next.
With its mix of adventurous climbing, calmer nature nooks, inclusive equipment and plenty of room to picnic and relax, Karda Way Nature Playspace and Harry Usher Park together make a brilliant family destination in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Karda Way Nature Playspace & Harry Usher Park, OneOneFive Hamilton Hill
Address: Karda Way, OneOneFive Hamilton Hill estate, Hamilton Hill WA 6163
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Place Categories: All Abilities, Nature, Playgrounds, Non Sand Based, and With Toilets
