Buggbuddys guide to playgrounds with nature play in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best nature playgrounds and parks in Perth! Kids love burning off energy at parks and playgrounds, and Perth’s got some of the best in the world. Best of all, they’re all FREE!
Why do we love nature playgrounds?
Nature play gets kids back in touch with nature. It provides important learning opportunities as well as a chance to get grubby and build or play with natural materials. In other words, a chance to delight in water play or let kids can get hands-on in mud kitchens or work together at sand tables with their friends.
We’ve also added details of where playgrounds are close to local coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Therefore you can grab a bite to eat before or after your play, or grab a takeaway coffee on the way. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug! 😉 Get out into nature play today and make some precious memories with your kids today!
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The Rannoch Tay Reserve in Hamersley offers a number of different experiences for Perth families. There are four different areas of the reserve, comprising of a nature play area, two BBQ areas with a more traditional playground and swing set, and open spaces. For kids that like to ride bikes or scooters, there are pathways linking all the areas. The two open spaces (one overlooked by BBQ areas) provide enough space for a game of football or cricket and are great for kids to run around in. There are a number of water fountains around the reserve and shady areas Read more…
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Dyoondalup Point Walter Playground, set along the stunning Swan River foreshore and next to Walter’s River Café, has been transformed with a beautiful new play space that celebrates Noongar culture and the natural landscape. The centrepiece of the Playground is a striking tower structure, designed in collaboration with Noongar artist Sharyn Egan. It reflects stories of Djunda, a tall female spirit with long flowing white hair, and honours Dyoondalup (Point Walter) as a “place of white sand.” The result is a thoughtfully designed, culturally rich Playground that offers much more than just a run-of-the-mill play experience. This is a very Read more…
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Gibbon Park, Mosman Park Gibbon Park is the latest nature playground in Mosman Park. This park includes a mix of nature play elements and traditional play equipment that’s sure to satisfy active children! On arriving Miss 6 raced straight for the traditional play equipment first. What kid can resist a slide? This part of the playground is covered with shade sails, has a soft fall rubber base and is surrounded by grass. Great if you’re not a fan of sand. This playground appears to have been installed in 2012. It features climbing ropes, climbing walls, a tunnel and slide, Read more…
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Hidden amongst trees along the Swan River foreshore, in the shadow of Optus Stadium, the Chevron Parkland is a wonderful nature play experience in Perth. The 2.6 hectares of rehabilitated parklands and nature-based playgrounds were opened as part of Stadium Park in 2018, and the area has grown and matured in that time. While the below aerial image is dated, it may help you to locate some of the play elements that are well hidden by the now-mature trees and bushes. There are six nature play areas within the Chevron Parkland, all designed to encourage children to explore, each play Read more…
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Dianella Open Space Playground, part of the Dianella Regional Open Space, is one of the most exciting and challenging Playgrounds in Perth for adventurous kids. Located just off Light Street, this large nature‑inspired playspace is tucked into the surrounding bushland. This gives it a an explore and discover feeling. With a mix of sand and rubber play areas and big climbing opportunities, there are plenty of ways for kids to test out their balance and bravery. The toddler area features play equipment designed with younger children in mind, which is covered by shade sails in the summer months. This Read more…
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Edwardes Park Nature Playground is an extension to the existing small playground and sits adjacent to a large oval. Made from recycled material it makes a nice addition to the suburban area and utilises material from the Henderson waste treatment facility. Edwardes Park Nature Playground features a double flying fox including one to suit disabled children with an access ramp. I found it to be particularly high and struggled to hold it and get my daughter in. The playground hosted a large black pipe to climb on or slide down with tyre steps leading to it. This was a perfect Read more…
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Just 4km from Mandurah City Centre, Osprey Waters Foreshore Reserve in Erskine is a gorgeous estuary-side spot that combines a fantastic nature play space with wide-open green areas, scenic walking paths and plenty of space for family adventures. Set along the Mandurah Estuary, it’s the kind of park where you can easily spend a few hours – or the whole day – between the Playground, foreshore, barbecues and exploring the riverbank. The first thing kids usually spot is the series of nature play mazes. There’s a wooden and rope maze to weave through and a log maze that challenges kids Read more…
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Hillarys Beach Park at Whitfords Nodes has grown into one of the northern suburbs’ best all‑round coastal parks – a big, shady picnic spot with a great all‑abilities Playground, direct beach access and the added bonus of the famous exercise stairway and ninja warrior‑style fitness course just a short walk away. The Playground itself is large and thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of traditional and nature play spread through soft white sand and rubber softfall. Younger children are drawn straight to the main climbing structure, which you can access via a gentle ramp. Along the way there are musical Read more…
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Considering Wanneroo is built on old market garden land, it is very fitting that the recently upgraded Frederick Duffy Park is farming themed. This great little park has something for everyone. Set amongst mature gum trees the park has plenty of shade for playing and picnics. At the centre of the park is a big gazebo with a BBQ, picnic tables and a water fountain. Leading off from the picnic area is a circular concreted path, great for little kids on scooters and bikes. Connecting the picnic area to the toddler playground are some “naturescape” style stepping stones and Read more…
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As part of Perth Zoo’s Master Plan 2040, Perth Zoo’s playground has been revitalized into a bigger and better nature-based play space accessible to children of all abilities to enjoy. This award-winning playground is designed to celebrate Perth Zoo’s animals and their work in conservation and breeding, and it has already been recognised as having the region’s best landscape architecture! This state-of-the-art playground includes a ‘cloud’ deck, climbable giant numbat, 40m rope tunnels, feather hammocks, sand pit and nature play trail. At the heart of the playground is the ‘cloud’ deck, which has a mist system that stimulates clouds while Read more…
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Joe Saunders Park in Champion Lakes is a great place to take the kids with plenty on offer for all ages. Set amongst the backdrop of the very impressive purpose built/man-made lake and close to the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre – which hosts rowing, canoeing, dragon boating and triathlon events throughout the year. The playground itself is set on white sand with plenty of wooden structures including a great climbing fort with slides. swing setplay kitchenbalancing and climbing logs and rocksrope bridge and shade sails for warmer days. It does get hot and the UV seems to be high any time Read more…
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Enright Reserve in Hamilton Hill is a fantastic all-rounder park that caters for a wide range of ages and abilities. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, it combines a nature play space, a more traditional Playground, fitness equipment and a big oval, so it’s easy to fill a whole morning or afternoon here with the kids. The nature-based Playground is ideal for little climbers and imaginative play. Younger children can confidently tackle the old tyres that lead up to a plastic tunnel slide, and there’s a second plastic tunnel to crawl through or balance across, which is great for Read more…
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Set in the heart of family-friendly Landsdale, Hardcastle Park is a welcoming neighbourhood Playground that offers a lovely mix of traditional and nature play. With a big open grass area, sand play, climbing equipment and a peaceful suburban setting, it’s an easy spot for local families to burn off energy, enjoy a casual catch up and let the kids play for ages. One of the first things you notice on arrival is the large grassed space that sweeps out beside the play equipment. It’s ideal for laying out a picnic rug, kicking a footy or soccer ball, or letting the Read more…
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Grado Park is one of those local parks that doesn’t try to be flashy, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll keep coming back. Nestled on the corner of Piazza Link and Grado Way, this hilltop park offers a peaceful, nature-rich space that’s ideal for families with older kids, sunset chasers, and anyone needing a breather from the daily grind. The park is built around a natural rise, and while it’s not a steep mountain, you’ll definitely feel the gentle uphill walk, whether you choose the ramps or stone stairs, it adds a little adventure to the visit. Natural mulch, mature Read more…
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Lake Treeby Adventure Playground has settled in as one of the go-to adventure Playgrounds south of the river. Set in the scenic suburb of Treeby, it offers a mix of nature play, big climbing structures and lakeside paths the whole family can enjoy. Parking is available along Torwood Avenue. As the name suggests, this playground is situated beside a beautiful man made lake and surrounded by large shady trees which are perfect as we enter the warmer months! The playground has many exciting areas, there are two slides, one tall slide for the big kids and a smaller slide Read more…
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Just a short drive south of Cottesloe, you can find the Dutch Inn Playground located on Marine Parade, near Princes Street. This upgraded playground was completed in 2021, that offers a great range of features and activities for families to enjoy. With its ship-themed play structure, ninja-style obstacle course, and nature-based play area, this playground promises an adventurous experience against a stunning coastal backdrop. The main attraction of the playground is the boat-shaped play structure known as “Warton’s Wreck,” named after the Elizabeth, which ran ashore in 1839. For the maritime history enthusiasts, the remnants of this historic wreck can Read more…
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Tucked between the CBD and Northbridge, right opposite WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Perth Cultural Centre Playspace is a compact, quirky Playground that’s perfect for breaking up a day in the city. Set within the wider Perth Cultural Centre precinct – home to the Museum, Art Gallery, State Library and more – it’s an easy stop for families travelling by train or exploring on foot from Perth Station or the surrounding streets. The space has a strong sensory and nature play focus, making it a great option for kids who love to touch, balance, spin and explore. The playspace is Read more…
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Tucked along the banks of Bannister Creek in Lynwood, Bannister Creek Nature Playground is a small, leafy neighbourhood park that blends classic play equipment with plenty of natural elements. It’s the sort of space that invites kids to scramble, climb, balance and imagine, rather than just sliding and swinging in straight lines. The Playground sits beside Bannister Creek, which runs along the edge of the reserve behind a fence, giving children a chance to be close to water and wildlife without easy access to the creek itself. The play space is mostly sand and woodchip, and it’s shaded by mature Read more…
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Kwinana Adventure Park, also known as The Adventure Park, is one of Perth’s standout destination Playgrounds. Tucked in amongst the mature trees at Calista Oval, this huge, fully fenced play space combines nature play, water play and big-ticket adventure equipment in a way that keeps children of all ages happily occupied for hours. With more than 11,000 square metres of play area, excellent accessibility and thoughtful amenities, it’s well worth travelling for a full day out. The park is divided into distinct zones so families can easily find an area that suits their children’s ages and confidence levels. The Read more…
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Tucked away in Trinity Estate, Alkimos, Fontana Park is a compact yet exciting neighbourhood Playground that’s perfect for a quick play or a relaxed picnic stop. It has a modern coastal feel and rewards families who seek it out with a mix of fun equipment and lovely views from the higher level of the park. The standout feature is the big log swing, which is wide enough for multiple kids to share and tends to be the first thing they run to. Nearby, a rock climbing wall leads adventurous kids up to an impressive slide. The slide is fast and Read more…
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Iluka Foreshore Park is a nautical themed nature playground that kids of all ages are guaranteed to love! Iluka Foreshore Park is separated into three sections, the first consists of a wooden boat, it was perfect for my toddler to play on, he loved steering the boat and climbing the steps to the slide. On the other side of the boat is a netted ladder for the bigger kids who were having just as much fun as my toddler on the boat pretending to be pirates. There is a sandpit at the end of the slide, and rubber softfall flooring Read more…
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Located in the heart of the new community at Mandogalup, Florence Estate Park is A playground that beautifully incorporates wooden beams for its play equipment. This spacious playground is nested beside rows of mature trees, providing scenic greenery, and playing in the park feels like you’re right next to nature. My girls headed straight to the main play area, where the big slide is. The tall climbing structure features various climbing wall panels for kids to use. Missy 6 had no trouble climbing onto all of them, but younger toddlers might find the tallest one daunting. The flooring of this Read more…
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Tucked within Ariella Estate in Brabham, Ariella Adventure Park is a fantastic destination for kids who love to climb, explore and play outdoors. The star of the park is the bright dragonfly-themed play structure, which instantly grabs little ones’ attention as you arrive. The dragonfly’s body is made up of two large rope climbing frames joined by a bridge, leading to a tall enclosed slide that offers a good, speedy ride down. Confident climbers will love making their way right up to the top, traversing across the ropes and then racing each other down the slide again and again. Around Read more…
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Whitby Playground in Whitby is a hidden gem for families who love nature play and a bit of adventure. Around 40 minutes south-east of Perth, the Playground sits alongside a nature walk trail, so it’s easy to turn a simple park visit into a longer explore with the kids. The whole space has a very natural, earthy feel with lots of timber, stone and sand, making it ideal for imaginative play and active kids who like to climb, balance and scramble. The main play area is built into soft fall climbing mounds with two large slides that are sure to Read more…
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Playtime at Walter Padbury Park is wonderfully inclusive, with an all-abilities Playground set within the large district reserve in the heart of Thornlie. The reserve itself features three expansive sporting ovals catering for soccer, cricket and AFL, complete with practice cricket nets and club facilities, making it a brilliant destination for both active kids and families who want space to spread out. The fully fenced all-abilities Playground sits on soft-fall rubber flooring, creating a safe, comfortable surface for wheels and little feet. A standout feature is the ground-level, seated flying fox, designed so that children of all abilities can join Read more…
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Sandy Beach Reserve has long been one of Bassendean’s most loved riverside spots, and the addition of the Sandy Beach Playspace has truly transformed it into a destination Playground. Tucked at the end of West Road right on the banks of the Swan River, the reserve combines wide open grass, shady mature trees and a sprawling nature play area that invites kids of all ages to climb, splash and explore for hours. The heart of the playspace is an impressive multi-level tower structure that immediately grabs the attention of adventurous kids. Two large timber towers are linked by bridges and Read more…
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Augustus Park located in Jane Brook is situated overlooking a beautiful lake. The main play area is mainly made up of ropes which is something different to the usual playground. So if your kids love climbing and hanging this is a park for them. The playground is based on sand and wood chips. Some of the rope equipment which is at the park is rope monkey bars, a wobbly wooden bridge, spider web climbing areas, rope bridges, and balance ropes. There are shade sails covering the playground for extra protection from the sun. There are tables overlooking the lake and Read more…
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Found besides the waters of Lake Claremont is a small, but lovely nature playground. The play area has been designed for primary school aged kids, though little ones will love the sand play! The main fort structure is suitable for older kids, as it is made up of wooden steps and rope to climb up to the top. Once you’re at the top, the “floor” is also made out of rope, so there’s no solid surface to stand and play on. There’s a large concrete sand-play table, with a tyre to scoop up the course red sand, attached to a Read more…
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We discovered this great little park just around the corner from Little Banksia Cafe in Kensington. It has a lot of features including a nature play area and playground. The main play area is covered with shade sails and the nature play area is shaded naturally. The afternoon we went was warm so the natural shade and trees around the park were lovely. The playground area is sand based and has a good range of equipment. It has a double swing, one toddler and one normal and a bouncy balance board. There is a monkey bar activity for large older Read more…
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Neon Park in the Allara Estate at Eglinton is a gorgeous community park, blending imaginative play with a strong connection to local nature and wildlife. Set along Neon Lane, this unfenced neighbourhood park is inspired by the striking colours and patterns of the Australian Black Cockatoo, and you can see that theme carried through the landscaping, artful details and playful design of the space. The first thing kids tend to spot is the large egg‑shaped play structure. It’s a real standout, and for many children it quickly becomes the hero of the park. Kids can climb inside, explore, and slide Read more…
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The Caterpillar Playground in Mandurah, also known as Milgar Street Reserve, is a much‑loved local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked just off Park Road with plenty of parking, this colourful, fully fenced Playground makes an ideal spot for families with younger children, especially if you have a “runner” who likes to explore. There’s also pedestrian access from Reserve Drive, which is handy if you’re walking or cycling through the area. Do be aware that on weekends it can get busy, as the Playground sits right next to the BMX track and parking can fill quickly during events Read more…
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G.O. Edwards Park in Burswood is a beautiful, sprawling green space that has been steadily upgraded over the last few years, transforming it into a true all-rounder for Perth families. Tucked between Great Eastern Highway, Burswood Road and Craig Street, the park combines traditional play equipment, nature play, exercise stations, a fenced dog park and a picturesque lake, all shaded by mature trees. There’s a car park directly off Burswood Road, making it an easy spot to pull in with kids, scooters and the family dog. The main Playground immediately grabs attention with its steep enclosed red slide built into Read more…
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Ernest Johnson Reserve in South Perth is a welcoming community space with a great little Playground, wide open ovals and facilities that make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours with the family. Located on Pilgrim Street, it’s set back from busy roads and has its own car park, so access is straightforward, even with prams and younger kids in tow. The Playground is spread across several smaller play zones rather than one big structure, which helps to keep different ages occupied without it feeling overcrowded. Each section has benches or seating close by, making it easy for parents Read more…
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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 Read more…
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The Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space is an amazing park purpose-built for all ages and abilities. Carefully built around and under existing trees, covering 10,000sqm with wheelchair access throughout, a sensory garden, flying fox, climbing obstacles, slides, swings, picnic areas, water play, toilet facilities and fully fenced… it certainly ticks all the boxes!!! The main wooden structure has ramp and stair access, decks, two slides, and a balancing beam. Underneath there is a cubby house with a shop window and fun coloured glass blocks. There is a nature play area that backs onto the wooden structure, it is step Read more…
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Just 5 minutes drive from Garden City Shopping Centre, atop Wireless Hill, is a beautiful is Wireless Hill Nature Playspace. We arrived in the middle of the day, and amazingly the play area is naturally shaded by the surrounding trees, even at noon. It was so quiet and peaceful, with by birdsong come from the surrounding bush land. Miss almost 3 really enjoyed Wireless Hill Nature Playspace . She found lots of balancing beams, logs and rocks to climb. There are steps carved out of logs running up to a platform. A lot of the play area is surrounded by Read more…
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Calling all climbers! The recently revamped play space at Flinders Park in Hillarys is ideal for kids who love a challenge. The playground reopened several months ago and now boasts various rope ladders and climbing frames, plus balance and stepping logs for kids to test their agility. The play structures are best suited to older children but my toddler was still able to climb up some of the ladders and enjoy the slides. Underneath is a pretend ‘store’ where all ages can employ their imagination. There is ample space for digging and sand play so it’s a good idea to Read more…
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Sunstone Park – previously known to locals as Adventure Tower Park – is a standout neighbourhood Playground in the Calleya Estate, set along Sunstone Boulevard in Treeby. Surrounded by new homes and wide streets, it’s very much the community’s central “adventure” space, with a huge tower, plenty of grass to run on and family‑friendly facilities that make it an easy meet‑up spot. The hero of the park is the towering adventure structure, rising around eight metres above the ground. Confident climbers can make their way up via metal ladders to the lower level, where a smaller slide gives younger children Read more…
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Tucked just behind Subiaco Arts Centre on Hamersley Road, Theatre Gardens Playspace feels like a little green escape in the middle of busy Subi. Mature trees, wide lawns and a meandering creek make this a gorgeous spot for kids to burn off energy while grown-ups relax under the shade. The centrepiece of the playspace is the water play. A fountain at the top of the area feeds a trickling brook that winds its way down through rocks and channels. Kids can experiment with building dams, blocking the flow and then lifting the hatches to release a rush of Read more…
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Tucked within the Kingsford estate in Bullsbrook, Brookbank Park is an impressive community Playground blends nature play with more traditional equipment to create a brilliant all‑ages destination. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a tree‑lined brook, it’s the sort of park where you can easily settle in for a few hours while the kids explore, climb, splash and play. If you have an aeroplane-loving child, this playground is absolutely worth adding to your list. Planes regularly fly overhead throughout the day, and the aeroplane-themed rocker rides scattered through the playground make the whole space even more exciting for Read more…
