Koombana Foreshore Playground sits right at the heart of Bunbury’s stunning waterfront and is one of those places where you can easily break a journey – and then end up staying for hours. Part of the award‑winning Koombana Bay foreshore redevelopment, it combines an eye‑catching, nautical‑themed Playground with a calm swimming beach, shady lawns, BBQs and a lively café, making it a brilliant stop-off if you’re travelling through to the South West or staying locally.
The first thing the kids will spot are the two huge bright red “funnels” that tower over the main play area. These are linked by a rope bridge and surrounded by climbing nets, ladders and platforms, creating a bit of an adventure course for confident climbers. A long metal slide whooshes down from the structure, and from the higher platforms you get lovely views across Koombana Bay. This part of the Playground is definitely aimed more at older or more adventurous kids, and ours happily spent ages looping between the funnels, bridge and nets.
Younger children are well catered for too, with a separate smaller play zone that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Here you’ll find a smaller metal slide, lower climbing elements and gentle ramps and steps. There’s plenty of softfall and sand, and the layout makes it easy to keep an eye on little ones while still being close enough to see the big kids on the main structure. Benches and low walls around the edge give you somewhere to perch with a coffee while the kids potter and play.
The water play area is where our kids spent most of their time. A series of hand‑operated pumps, channels, gates and basins lets children work together to send water flowing around the sand and concrete waterways. They can dam, divert and release the water, which turns into a big collaborative engineering project as they experiment with how it all moves. It’s very hands‑on, very wet and very fun, so bringing a change of clothes or at least a towel is a good idea, especially on cooler days.
Just beyond the main play space there’s a huge flying fox that’s more suited to older kids and tweens. The launch platform is a short climb, and then they can zoom down the long cable towards the foreshore. This section isn’t shaded, so queuing can get hot in the middle of the day, but it’s a real highlight for thrill‑seekers and a good way to burn off that last bit of energy. Nearby, in‑ground trampolines offer another outlet for bouncy legs and are a hit with a wide range of ages.
There are several swing options, including a nest swing under shade sails that’s great for siblings to share or for children who prefer a more supported swing. Standard swings are also available, and the mix means toddlers through to teens can find something that suits them. The surfaces and paths around the Playground are mostly smooth and level, making it easier for prams and wheelchairs to move between the different play zones, picnic areas and the beach.
One of the standout features of the Koombana Foreshore redevelopment is its focus on accessibility and family‑friendly amenities. Close to the Playground you’ll find a modern toilet and shower block, as well as an upgraded accessible “Changing Place” facility with extra space and equipment for families who need more than a standard accessible toilet. This makes Koombana Foreshore a genuinely inclusive spot for a wide variety of families and carers.
Right next to the toilets is the beachside café and kiosk (Hello Summer Kiosk), which is perfectly positioned for grabbing coffees, ice creams and simple meals without having to load everyone back into the car. With plenty of seating nearby, it’s easy to set up a base camp while the kids dart back and forth between the café, Playground and beach. It works just as well for a quick pit stop on a road trip as it does for a lazy half‑day by the water.
The foreshore itself is a huge drawcard. The beach at Koombana Bay is generally calm and shallow, which is ideal for young families wanting a paddle or a gentle swim. Shade sails along parts of the foreshore provide some respite from the sun, and there are showers and taps for rinsing off sandy feet and salty hair before heading home. On a still day you can sometimes spot dolphins out in the bay, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre is just a short walk away, so it’s easy to turn a Playground visit into a full Bunbury waterfront outing.
Picnic‑wise, Koombana Foreshore is very well set up. Large grassed areas surround the play space, dotted with picnic shelters and free electric BBQs that are perfect for family gatherings or birthday parties. Some of the shelters are solar‑powered and there are lots of different seating options, from shaded picnic tables to an amphitheatre‑style area where you can sit and take in the view. It’s one of those spots where you can unpack a picnic, let the kids roam between the grass, Playground and beach, and still feel like you’re part of the action.
Parking is straightforward, with large car parks close to the Playground and foreshore, so you’re not lugging bags and scooters too far. The wide shared paths along the waterfront are ideal for bikes and scooters and link Koombana Foreshore to other parts of Bunbury’s waterfront, so families staying nearby can easily walk or ride down for a play. Free Wi‑Fi in the precinct is a bonus if you’ve got older kids or teens who want to stay connected, or if you’re planning your next stop while the little ones play.
Overall, Koombana Foreshore Playground is a brilliant all‑rounder: big, modern and packed with play value, but also practical, accessible and easy to visit whether you’ve got toddlers, school‑aged kids or a mix of ages. Combined with the beautiful beach, café, BBQs and excellent facilities, it’s a must‑do stop if you’re in Bunbury or passing through on your way further south.
Koombana Foreshore Playground
Address: Anchorage Cove, Bunbury WA 6230
Opening hours: Open daily, 24 hours (Playground and foreshore)
Official website: City of Bunbury – Koombana Bay Foreshore
Location
Member Reviews
Place Categories: Beachside, Playgrounds, Near Cafes, With Toilets, and With Water Play
