Koolaanga Waabiny, Mandurah

Koolaanga Waabiny on Mandurah’s Western Foreshore is one of those Playgrounds that really lives up to the “epic” label. Set right on the estuary at Hall Park in Halls Head, this destination play space is part of the Mandurah Waterfront redevelopment and sits beside the popular Mandurah Skate Park. Its Noongar name is pronounced “kool-lung-ga waa-bin” and beautifully translates to “children playing”, while also referencing the local Swamp Sheoak trees that inspired the Playground’s design.

The hero of the Playground is the incredible 12‑metre-high climbing tower, shaped to echo the Swamp Sheoak trees that line the foreshore. Adventurous kids can climb up through a series of nets, platforms and internal ladders to reach lookouts with binoculars and sweeping estuary views.

From the top they can choose between the smaller straight slide or a thrilling spiral slide that winds its way back to the ground. A fully accessible ramp allows prams and wheelchairs to reach one of the lower platforms, and speaking tubes run from top to bottom so children can call down to friends and siblings waiting below.

In front of the tower is a huge viking-style snake swing that seats multiple children, perfect for group play and those kids who love a big, swoopy ride.

To one side you’ll find balancing logs, climbing elements and the ever-popular human hamster wheel – a real standout that tends to attract tweens and teens as much as younger kids. These more challenging pieces make Koolaanga Waabiny a great choice if you’re juggling a mix of ages, with plenty to keep older children engaged.

On the other side of the tower is a large, fully fenced play space designed with younger children and all-abilities play in mind. 

Inside the fence you’ll find a whole suite of swings, including standard swings, toddler buckets and more inclusive options.

There are climbing obstacles scaled for smaller legs, rockers, stepping logs and a roundabout.

Sand and music play zones encourage digging, scooping, banging and tinkering, while speaking tubes invite little ones to experiment with sound.

A concrete slide cut into the landscaping provides a gentle, confidence-building slide option for toddlers who are still working up the courage for the big tower.

What really sets Koolaanga Waabiny apart is how much thought has gone into telling local stories and celebrating Mandurah’s environment. Seating around the Playground has been created from salvaged timber from the Old Mandurah Bridge, and scattered throughout the space are large replica “egg” sculptures and carvings in logs and seats that reference local birdlife and animals of the Serpentine River. An art path links the main tower to a cluster of shaded cubby pods, telling the story of travelling along the waterways, while a distinctive “fish mungah trap” style fence nods to the traditional Barragup Fish Mungah Trap. The Playground’s name and many design elements were developed in consultation with Local Elders, Cultural Knowledge Holders and community members, so a visit here also becomes a gentle introduction to Noongar language and culture for kids.

The wider Western Foreshore precinct adds even more reasons to linger. Right next door is the Mandurah Skate Park, which caters for beginners through to advanced skaters and scooter riders with multiple zones and a competition bowl, plus a half basketball court for shooting hoops.

Hall Park’s generous grassed areas provide plenty of space for picnics, ball games and running around, and the estuary is just metres away if the kids fancy a splash on a hot day. The foreshore has been undergoing a broader transformation, with features such as the “Meeting Place” public artwork, under‑bridge event space and improved access helping to make it a year‑round destination for families.

For practicalities, Koolaanga Waabiny is very family friendly. There are modern toilet facilities with baby change amenities close by, along with plenty of picnic tables, shelters and barbecues dotted around the park. The mix of open lawns and trees means you can usually find a spot with at least some shade, though like most waterfront Playgrounds it can get bright in the middle of the day, so hats and sunscreen are a must. The Playground areas are a combination of fenced (for the younger children’s zone) and open (around the tower and swings), and with the estuary and skate park nearby it’s worth keeping a close eye on little explorers who like to roam.

It’s a good idea to pack scooters, skateboards or bikes so the kids can alternate between the skate park and Playground, as well as swimmers and towels if they’re likely to dip into the estuary. With Mandurah’s cafes and restaurants just across the bridge on the city side, you can easily turn a Playground visit into a full day out with coffee stops, lunch or fish and chips on the grass. Koolaanga Waabiny has quickly become one of the standout Playgrounds in the region and is also featured among Visit Mandurah’s top parks and Playgrounds, thanks to its towering climbs, inclusive design and stunning foreshore setting.

Koolaanga Waabiny Playground, Mandurah

Address: Leighton Place, Halls Head WA 6210 (Western Foreshore, Hall Park)
Website: City of Mandurah – Koolaanga Waabiny Playground

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