Whale Playground Scarborough

Set right on the Scarborough foreshore, Whale Playground is one of those parks where you can easily spend hours while the kids disappear into imaginative play. Inspired by Noongar culture and the form of a blue whale skeleton, this $1.4 million Lotterywest‑funded Playground is a real hero of the Scarborough Reserve redevelopment and a must‑do on a family day at the beach.

The centrepiece is the giant whale structure. Little ones usually start at the whale’s head, which doubles as a small concrete slide – it’s perfectly sized for toddlers and younger children, but it is quite fast, so a bit of supervision is handy for very little legs. 

Bigger kids love climbing the ladder into the belly of the whale, crawling along the long mesh tunnel, then whooshing down the enclosed slide back to the sand. Underneath, a log swing hangs in the “belly” so children can sway back and forth as waves roll in behind them.

At the opposite end, the whale’s tailbones stretch out over the sand. Monkey bars run along the structure, leading to a birds nest swing hanging from the tail. This is a great spot for siblings or friends to pile in together and swing while they take in the sea breeze. Around the main structure, sculptural “whale bones” rise from the ground – brilliant for climbing through, scrambling over and balancing along, and ideal for kids who like more open‑ended, physical play.

Alongside the whale is a wooden fort that’s always busy with pretend play. Underneath you’ll find “eggs” in the cubby space, while the top level has a lookout with a gorgeous Indian Ocean view – perfect for pirate, mermaid and dolphin spotting. The sides of the fort offer a climbing net and rope for adventurous kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

Nature play has been woven right through the space. There are sand pits with diggers and sand play equipment, wooden stepping paths and rope balance beams, giving children plenty of chances to test their coordination and explore different textures. Soft‑fall surfacing links the main play areas and there are ramps between spaces, making it easier for prams and wheelchairs to move around. Elevated wheelchair‑accessible sand tables mean children of all abilities can get in on the sensory sand fun.

In recent years the Playground has also had a handy refresh to help it cope with the huge number of families who visit. Extra swings have been added, including a birds nest swing, a regular strap seat swing and a tandem all‑abilities swing, which spreads the crowds and gives children of different ages and abilities more ways to join in. The mesh surrounding the ladder up into the whale’s body has been updated so it’s now more transparent, making it easier for parents and carers to keep an eye on little climbers. One of the sand pits is now bordered by a mesh fence as well, which helps contain busy toddlers and slows down the inevitable bolters.

Facilities around Whale Playground make it easy to settle in for half a day or more. There is a good amount of shaded seating, including tables and chairs in an undercover section right by the play area, plus a long grassy reserve to the north with several free gas BBQs and picnic tables. It’s an ideal setup for birthday parties, casual sausage sizzles and summer evening catch‑ups. The wider Scarborough Beach foreshore offers three public toilet blocks with parent change facilities within walking distance, and being in the heart of Scarborough means you’re only a short stroll from plenty of family‑friendly cafés, ice‑cream spots and eateries.

A particularly special part of Whale Playground is the artwork woven through the space, created in memory of siblings Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin and their grandfather Nick, who were tragically lost in the MH17 disaster. Images of the children’s artwork are printed throughout the Playground, adding a poignant and beautiful layer of meaning that many families find very moving.

With its stunning ocean backdrop, accessible design and mix of big‑ticket play equipment and nature play, Whale Playground is a standout on Perth’s Sunset Coast. Combine it with a splash at Scarborough Beach, a visit to the rock‑climbing wall or skate park along the foreshore, and something delicious from one of the many nearby cafés, and you’ve got the perfect family beach day.

Whale Playground Scarborough

Address: Scarborough Reserve, The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
Website: City of Stirling – Scarborough Reserve

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