Chevron Parkland, Optus Stadium

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 space is inspired by the Noongar six seasons.

Weitj Nest – Djeran Season

This area has been designed for young children, it is fully fenced and includes a small slide, water play (not sure if in working order), music play, a bird’s nest swing, and balancing logs.

There is also a gorgeous wooden emu carving, follow the emu tracks to find a series of hatching emu eggs.

There are plenty of public artworks to spot all around the parklands. 

Mia Mia Hill – Makuru Season

This area is the ultimate back to basics nature play zone. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they build their own teepees and forts from sticks, climb trees, boulders and logs. Many of the wood-based elements are now quite weathered, so watch out for splinters! 

Yaargan Dry Creek – Djilba Season

Yaargan Dry Creek represents a dried-up creek with river stones, plants, rocks, logs and wooden bridges.  The Whadjuk name for a long-necked turtle is a Yaargan, there are 8 bronze discovery turtles and 4 carved turtles located throughout the Chevron Parkland. Can you find them all?

Qwandong Towers – Kambarang Season

Seek out the bright red quandong berries in the treetops! This area is a big hit with older kids. They’ll love scaling the huge climbing structure, then sliding down the long tunnel slide.

There’s plenty of high and low ropes to scale the Qwandong Towers, it’s a brilliant climbing structure, just no shade. 

And be sure to seek out nearby Deep Gorge.

Bullung Hangout – Bunuru Season

You’ll need to watch young children around this play space as it is right on the edge of the water. The Whadjuk name for pelican is Bullung and for a white crane it is Bulland, birds that are regularly found in the Bily Lake. Children can climb the ropes and try to spot some birds.

Numbat Burrows – Birak Season

If you have kids who love to play hide and seek or crawling through tunnels, they’ll love this play space!

All play areas have very limited shade, bring a hat, suncream and a bottle of water.

There are a number of BBQ areas, shelters, picnic facilities and drink fountains in and around the play areas. In addition to the play spaces, there are 4 lawn areas big enough to kick a ball on.

The Chevron Parkland is free for everyone to enjoy and open all year round, there is lots of free parking available at Stadium Park on non-event days.

Bring your bike or scooter, there are plenty of pathways and bike racks along the river.

There are public unisex toilets located outside the stadium, and near the mini golf. It may be difficult for little ones who are ‘busting’ to hang on, so try to have a toilet break before heading into the parkland.

Be sure to check out the nearby Optus Stadium Sensory Playground too. 

Find Chevron Parkland at 333 Victoria Park Dr, Burswood. A short walk north west of the carpark, on the river. 

Discover more playgrounds in Perth here.