Apple Fun Park Donnybrook

Donnybrook’s much-loved Apple Fun Park has long been a must-stop for families road-tripping through WA’s South West – and after its 2021 revamp, it’s better than ever. Once known as Australia’s largest free-entry Playground, the renewed park still packs a serious “wow” factor, with modern equipment, beautiful theming and loads of thoughtful touches for kids of all ages and abilities.

Set in the heart of Donnybrook, around two and a half hours’ drive south of Perth, Apple Fun Park sits just off the South Western Highway, close to shops and cafés for that essential coffee stop. The Playground celebrates Donnybrook’s apple-growing heritage, with features like a giant apple crate climbing tower, a farm ute, tractor, fruit-and-veg shop fronts and playful apple and pear characters that greet the kids as they arrive. It’s one of the biggest free-entry Playgrounds in WA and a real destination in its own right for visiting families and locals alike

The fully fenced Playground is cleverly zoned so that everyone from crawlers to adventurous tweens can play safely. Toddlers are well catered for in a dedicated, mostly shaded area with low, accessible equipment on soft-fall rubber, gentle slides, mini climbing features and plenty of space to explore without being overwhelmed by bigger kids. 

There’s a lovely focus on sensory play here too – musical elements like the large xylophone (complete with songbook so kids can follow along to favourite tunes), as well as textured surfaces and nature play features, encourage little ones to experiment and create their own sounds and games.

Slightly older children gravitate towards the sandy play zones, where there are diggers, scoops and sand-play structures to keep budding builders busy for ages. 

One of the standout features is the low ride-on mini train that circuit’s a little track; kids can sit astride the carriages and “chug” around under their own steam. It includes a clever braking system that engages when they sit down, making it fun yet reassuring for parents keeping an eye on young riders. 

There are also multiple styles of junior swings, so you’re unlikely to be stuck waiting long for a turn.

For primary-schoolers and tweens, the main drawcard is the towering multi-level climbing structure, designed to look like stacked apple crates. This impressive tower is packed with rope bridges, climbing nets, lookout points and twisty enclosed slides that swoop back down to ground level. Confident climbers can really challenge themselves here, while more cautious kids can explore the lower levels at their own pace. 

Nearby you’ll find a flying fox, a huge rope climbing net, in-ground trampolines and other dynamic equipment that encourages balance, coordination and a bit of adventurous play.

A bright red tractor, springers and a hamster-wheel-style spinner add to the “just one more go!” factor.

The redesign has put a big emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Wide, smooth pathways wind through the space, including into sandy areas, so children using wheelchairs or prams can move deeper into the play zones rather than watching from the edges. Many pieces of equipment are designed to be used in different ways by kids with varying abilities, and there’s a good mix of sensory, imaginative and physical play elements. The Shire highlights that over 100 play activities are packed into the park, with a dedicated early childhood zone, sensory and nature play, and integrated accessible features throughout.

Just across the road from Apple Fun Park on Reserve Street is Egan Park and the Pump Track, which is a huge hit with older kids, teens and adventurous adults. This youth-focused space features a flowing pump track, skills loop, learn-to-ride track, play nodes and a half basketball court – perfect for scooters, skateboards and bikes. The impressive skate park, designed and built by CONVIC Skateparks, offers challenges for both novice riders and experienced skaters looking to test out tricks and lines. It’s an ideal add-on to a Playground visit if your crew has energy to burn, though it’s worth noting that, like Apple Fun Park, dogs are not permitted in the pump track or skate park areas.

Apple Fun Park is also well set up for long stays and picnic stops. On one side of the Playground you’ll find a large, covered picnic area with multiple tables, electric barbecues, running water and plenty of grass for picnic rugs and sprawling play. Extra shaded seating and trees are dotted throughout, giving lots of options to escape the sun. While a good portion of the equipment is shaded with sails, some areas are still exposed, so hats, sunscreen and water bottles are essential, especially in warmer months. Clean toilets are located on site, and even they’ve been brightened up with colourful murals. The park is lit at night, and the play equipment and feature lighting make it a magical spot for an evening stretch-your-legs stop on a long drive

Another plus for families is the proximity to food and coffee. The Playground sits within a broader precinct that includes a café (Park Café), tourist information centre and local shops. Parents can grab a takeaway and relax at the shaded tables while the kids burn off energy, or wander into town for more dining options. The broader Donnybrook-Balingup and Bunbury Geographe region also offers plenty to explore, so it’s easy to build Apple Fun Park into a bigger day out or short break.

Apple Fun Park is open 24 hours a day and is floodlit at night, which gives families plenty of flexibility for arrival times and makes it an excellent stop on a South West road trip, whether you’re heading to Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton or beyond. Many families easily spend several hours here – and the only real downside is convincing the kids when it’s time to leave.

Overall, the redeveloped Apple Fun Park takes everything that was beloved about the original Playground and elevates it with modern, inclusive design, great facilities and a strong sense of place. It’s a brilliant, budget-friendly day out or road-trip break that will delight toddlers, teens and everyone in between.

The only problem with the Donnybrook Apple Fun Park is that it is so amazing your child will never want to leave! For those that live in the southern suburbs, you might like to take a drive down for the day, otherwise it is a fantastic place to stop if you are travelling to Bridgetown, Manjimup or Pemberton. Best of all, the friendly apple and pear are still there to greet the kids!

Apple Fun Park Donnybrook

Address: 19 Collins Street, Donnybrook WA 6239, Australia

Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Playground is floodlit at night.

Official website: Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup – Apple Fun Park

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