Cockburn ARC Playground

Cockburn ARC Playground sits alongside the impressive Cockburn ARC recreation centre, overlooking a beautiful wetland and offering plenty of space for kids to climb, balance and explore. It’s an especially good option if you’re already visiting the pools or indoor facilities at the ARC and want to add a dry-play stop before or after your swim.

One side of the Playground is dominated by a huge rope spiderweb structure that’s perfect for confident climbers. To move between different parts of the play space, kids can crawl through a tunnel, scramble up rock steps or hop across wooden stepping logs before whooshing back down the double tunnel slide. There’s a real sense of adventure as they pick different routes and challenges each time.

The main feature of the Cockburn ARC Playground is a large climbing obstacle course with something different on every side. Older children will love testing themselves on the rope climbs, platforms and balance challenges, and there’s plenty of space so multiple kids can play at once. 

From the central tower you’re treated to lovely views across the wetlands and over towards the ARC building and sports fields, which really anchors the Playground in its natural setting.

Younger children aren’t left out either. A birds nest swing offers a gentle, inclusive option for kids who prefer to sit and sway, and there are lots of lower-level nature play elements scattered around. Wobble logs, balancing beams and a wobbly bridge invite kids to practise coordination and build confidence, while a very large green snake winds its way through the native gardens, adding a fun, imaginative touch to the landscaping.

The whole area has been designed with families in mind. Wide ramps make much of the Playground accessible for prams and for children with mobility challenges. There are free barbecues and shaded seating, so it’s easy to settle in for a picnic or birthday catch-up. A drinking fountain is on hand for refills, and open grassed areas nearby are ideal for kicking a ball around or spreading out a picnic rug.

Paths loop around the surrounding wetlands, so packing scooters and bikes is a great idea. You can easily turn a simple park visit into a longer outing by taking a ride or walk around the water, spotting birds and enjoying the views. Being so close to Cockburn Central, it’s also a handy meeting point for families coming from different parts of Perth.

For toilet facilities, the closest options are at Cockburn Central Train Station, just across the way, and within the Cockburn ARC recreation centre during opening hours. With its mix of climbing challenges, nature play, accessibility features and wetland backdrop, Cockburn ARC Playground makes a great destination Playground for families in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Cockburn ARC Playground

Address: Midgegooroo Avenue, Cockburn Central WA 6164 (beside Cockburn ARC)
Opening hours: Public open space – accessible at all times
Website: Cockburn ARC

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