Hillcrest Park in Bayswater is a great spot for families looking for a fresh, non-sand Playground with loads of space to run and play. Set along Coode Street between the Jamison-Frame Pavilion and the cricket practice nets, the newer Playground sits on the edge of the oval and is an easy after-school stop if you’re coming from Hillcrest Primary nearby.
One of the first things families will appreciate is that the main play area is not sand based, which is ideal if you’re not keen on taking half the park home in your car. The main multi-level climbing structure offers plenty to explore. Kids can head up via platform stairs to a top deck that features a wooden bridge, twin slides, a bubble window and a colourful “stained glass” style window to peek through. There’s also a steering wheel up high, perfect for driving pretend boats, trucks or spaceships and encouraging imaginative play.
For little climbers, Hillcrest Park has some fun challenges. One side of the main structure features a double rock climbing wall that’s perfect for friends who like to race each other to the top.
On the other side, there’s a rope web to scramble up, plus a smaller rope net suspended under the slide platform. These elements suit confident preschoolers and early primary-aged kids who enjoy testing their balance and coordination.
Around the main structure, there are a couple of stand-alone pieces of play equipment to keep kids busy. A bird’s nest (basket) swing lets children swing solo or pile in with a friend or sibling, making it a popular spot for cooperative play.
At the opposite end of the play space, closest to the grass, there’s a two-seater spring rocker that’s great for younger children who enjoy gentle bouncing.
The Playground is positioned right next to a large grassed oval, giving families loads of open space for ball games, chasing, kite flying or simply letting the kids run off some energy.
During visits, it’s common to see younger children enjoying the Playground equipment while older siblings make the most of the oval with footies, soccer balls and scooters. The Jamison-Frame Pavilion often hosts fitness or community activities, and the Playground is close enough that children can happily play while parents or carers are involved in classes nearby, provided supervision is maintained.
Hillcrest Park already has the infrastructure in place for shade sails over the Playground, with poles installed and ready for coverings in the warmer months. This is a big plus for Perth summers and should help keep the equipment and soft-fall surface cooler once the sails are in place. There is also a covered wooden picnic table near the cricket practice cages, making it easy to bring snacks or lunch. Families can set up here to watch kids playing either on the Playground or running around the grass.
Across the far side of the oval, there is a second, older Playground with a sand base. This traditional-style play area features a swing set and spring rocker, as well as a larger main structure. Here you’ll find a curly slide, two different styles of rock climbing walls, monkey bars and a fireman’s pole, which will appeal to more confident climbers and slightly older kids. A telescope at the very top level invites children to play look-out games, while a pretend shop underneath encourages social and imaginative play. This older Playground does not have shade sails, so it relies on natural shade from nearby trees, making it more comfortable in the cooler parts of the day.
Parking for Hillcrest Park is available along Coode Street and in the carpark opposite the park, making access straightforward. If you’re in need of caffeine or a treat before or after playtime, there are family-friendly café options just a short drive away.
With its mix of newer non-sand play equipment, a huge oval, an additional older Playground, and nearby coffee options, Hillcrest Park is a solid choice for local families and a good destination if you’re exploring Playgrounds around Bayswater.
Hillcrest Park
Address: Coode Street, Bayswater WA 6053
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Place Categories: Playgrounds, Near Cafes, Non Sand Based, and With Shade
