Nature play in the heart of Perth. So large and magical you almost forget you’re in a city. Flowing creeks, waterfalls, rope climbs, mud kitchens and make your own cubbies. The possibilities here are endless. Rio Tinto Naturescape provides a picturesque place for your children’s imagination to run wild.
There are multiple different areas that all seem to merge seamlessly into one perfect nature playground. The areas are great for big kids and toddlers with a lot of care and supervision in certain areas.
The mud kitchen was a good first option for my daughter to get her stuck into some messy play. Apparently mixing water and mud was ice cream in her mind! It was great to see her getting creative. Using spoons to mix it all together, cupcake trays and jugs to move around her creations. Despite it being busy with school holidays it was still easy for all the kids to get a piece of the action.
Next, we moved onto Paperbark waterhole. With a flowing waterfall, this area was amazing to play in and around. We enjoyed going for a walk in the cool water and splashing rocks. The waterhole is surrounded by small pebbles that can be a bit harsh on the feet so I would recommend thongs for this one, carrying a toddler across with no shoes is a bit uncomfortable.
Visitors are advised to bring towels and spare clothing for their children, as they are likely to get wet. Kids are encouraged to play in the streams and build dams with rocks in Paperbark Creek. Their imaginations will be sparked by areas like ‘The Prickly Thicket,’ ‘Boomerang Bridge,’ and ‘Kulunga Gully.’
There are two large aerial walkways called ‘The Python’ and ‘The Bungarra’, which stretch 7m high and 40m long which will test the bravery of visitors.
The Python offers views over the Kings Park bushland as it snakes its way through the treetops.
At the end of the Python, you’ll find the cubby building area. This is a fun spot where they have the frame work for a cubbie and then let your little ones create the rest with the materials provided both natural and recycled. My daughter loved her little house and of course we were back in the kitchen making whatever we could imagine. They also had craft activities on run for the school holidays, we got to make nature masks with items from the area like leaves and bark.
Discover the crazy heights of the Bungarra. It’s nooks and crannies which are made from recycled timber and steel and along the walkway you’ll find strange looking upside down trees.
Next to the Bungarra is The Tangle, a web of climbing rope shaded by Rottnest Island Pines of the tangle.
There is also an additional waterhole for wading.
Disappear down The Burrow and explore its cool tunnels.
Not for the faint-hearted are two very tall tree hides! Will you be brave enough to reach the top?
With four separate creeks and water holes, tree climbs, rope swings this park has so much to offer. Take the kids lunch, a blanket and set up along the park. Little kids may need a little more help navigating some of the areas. This place is not the best for prams. It is possible but you will have to abandon it on the side at certain points so bring a baby carrier or extra pair of hands.
You are permitted to bring along snacks into the park but large picnics are not permitted and there are no bins within the site. So don’t forget your rubbish bag!
Numbers of visitors are controlled to the Rio Tinto Naturescape and they do close entry if they are at capacity. If you are planning on visiting in a large group you do need to book in advance or you may be refused entry. The site is open Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays) 9.00am – 4.00pm. Rio Tinto Naturescape is closed for the whole of February due to the risk of fire to the area.
The main entrance to Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is located on May Drive in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
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For more information visit www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/area/naturescape
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Place Categories: Nature, Perth City, Playgrounds, Playgrounds, With Toilets, and With Water Play
