City Beach Oval Playground

Perched on the hillside of City Beach Oval, this nature play space is a lovely mix of local history, imaginative play and wide-open green space. Set just off Fred Burton Way, the Playground sits alongside the large district sports oval, so it’s a great spot to combine a play, a kick of the footy and a family picnic in one outing.

The first thing kids will spot is the pair of twin mirrored hill racing slides cut into the slope. They’re fast enough to feel exciting but still suitable for most ages, and wide and sturdy enough for parents to ride down with toddlers on their laps. Because they are built into the hill, access is easy for confident walkers and little climbers alike, and there’s plenty of space at the bottom to safely come to a stop.

The rest of the Playground continues the nature play theme. Children can test their balance on stepping and balancing logs, clamber along timber edges and explore simple obstacle routes they create themselves.

Balancing ropes add a bit of a challenge for “little monkeys” who love to hang, stretch and practise their coordination.

A basket swing offers a popular spot to lie back, sway and spin – great for siblings or friends to share, or for children who prefer a more relaxing play option.

Imaginative play comes very naturally here. The scattered logs, open layout and connection to the surrounding trees make it easy for kids to turn the space into whatever story they dream up – a campsite, a forest hideout, a race track or a fairy garden. Many families will find themselves lingering while the kids “cook” at a pretend campfire, gather “ingredients” from the bark and leaves, or build little homes for toy figures and imaginary creatures.

One of the most special features of City Beach Oval Playground is “The Happy Tree”. This 300‑year‑old tuart tree was originally carved in 1975 by retired orchardist and Perth author Ralph Soderlund. Over the years he created different characters in the trunk and began hosting Happy Tree Parties in 1988, where local children would gather to hear stories about the characters he had carved.

The tradition became much-loved in the community, and when Mr Soderlund moved away, the Town of Cambridge continued to host events to keep the magic alive. Sadly, the tree fell during strong winds in 2019 at its original Hovea Crescent location, but it has been thoughtfully given new life at City Beach Oval. The trunk, including the original smiley face and Mr Gnome carving, now forms the base of a free community library where children can swap and exchange books. Larger pieces of the tree have also been repurposed as edging logs around the Playground. It’s a beautiful way to preserve a piece of local history and adds a unique storytelling element to a visit.

Beyond the play equipment, City Beach Oval itself is a big drawcard. The grounds include both upper and lower sports fields used for AFL and cricket, along with passive open and treed lawn areas that are ideal for ball games, running races, frisbee or simply letting kids burn off energy in a big, safe space. The oval is a designated recreation and sports space with features such as play equipment, lighting, drinking fountains, accessible parking, public toilets and sports facilities, making it well set up for family use as well as club activities and events.

Facilities are family friendly. There are public toilets at the clubrooms near the oval, which were open during our visit. There are no formal shade sails over the equipment, but the upper part of the Playground benefits from natural shade from mature trees at various times of the day. It’s still a good idea to bring hats, sunscreen and water, especially in the warmer months. Parking is generally easy, with plenty of bays along Fred Burton Way serving both the oval and the Playground.

City Beach Oval is also designated as an off‑leash dog exercise area, although dogs are prohibited on the oval three days before, the day of, and three days after the City to Surf event. Families visiting with dogs should keep an eye on signage and be mindful of children playing on and around the equipment during busier times.

Altogether, City Beach Oval Playground is a lovely choice for toddlers through to primary-aged children, with enough variety to keep them entertained while adults enjoy the relaxed, leafy setting. The combination of nature play, the unique Happy Tree story and library, wide green ovals and practical amenities makes it a spot you can easily stay at for a morning or afternoon, especially when paired with a visit to nearby City Beach itself.

City Beach Oval Playground

Address: Fred Burton Way, City Beach WA 6015
Official website: City Beach Oval – Town of Cambridge

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