East Cottesloe Nature Play Trail

Set in reclaimed parkland alongside Railway Street in Cottesloe, you can find a one of Perth’s newest nature playgrounds, East Cottesloe Nature Play Trail. Including a scooter track, a fenced toddler park and wooden climbing equipment, this nature playground has something to suit kids from tiny tots to teens. 

Opening in September 2023, this new nature trail replaces an older pre-existing playground, known as the Purple Dinosaur Park. The parkland has since been extended, running a number of blocks. 

The new play area now includes a fenced toddler park at the Perth Street end – What we thought of as the start of the trail. In an homage to the previous playground, this new section includes a purple dinosaur for children to sit or climb on. My daughter was hoping it was a rocker, but it does not rock. 

The main part of the toddler play area contains a huge sandpit surrounded by sandstone rocks and reclaimed timber logs to climb over. On the rail line side, there is a wooden cubby structure for imaginative play. While I didn’t spot them during out visit, there are also apparently carved fossils to discover. A perfect area for little dinosaur hunters! 

Reclaimed tree stumps are located in the centre, and are gradual in height, so that children can climb them like a tower. Two little boys were enjoying climbing and jumping off into the soft sand during our visit. 

The crowning glory of this section is the addition of a community toy library. This metal cabinet to the rear of the sandpit is packed full of recycled toy trucks, cars, diggers and other sand toys, all free for anyone to use. 

Outside of the fenced area, you will find a birds nest swing. Great for swinging with friends or for older siblings who may not want to hang with the tiny tots. 

This is also where the trail begins. This is made from firmly packed gravel, perfect for practicing riding scooters or bikes. Along the way to the next bigger sections, there is a small fairy bridge and there are smaller climbing structures. These are perfect for little people learning balance and confidence. 

Past the fairy bridge and a railway crossing, you will find a small scooter and bike track. This looks like a road with signs and a fuel pump. In addition, there’s log seats for adults to sit and cool their heels while the kiddos have fun. Had I realised this was here, we would have packed a scooter! 

After that, further along, there is a larger climbing structure made from reclaimed logs. Miss 9 found this challenging, and yet fun at the same time. It’s definitely an area where you’ll find yourself saying, “Make a plan, how will you get to there?” There are rocks and logs surrounding where adults can rest or kids can practice balancing at a lower level. 

Subsequently, you’ll come to a car park area. This middle section of the play trail has a magical play spot built under shady fig trees. Sensory totems featuring musical elements, colourful windows and more are a delight. The gaps are great for playing peek-a-boo. The fig trees also have low straight branches for easy climbing. Another example of spots where kids can take risks and learn confidence in a controlled space. 

In addition to the totems, we found a water fountain and stepping stones to leap across. The water fountain has a drinking fountain, a bottle spout and a dish for your dog. 

Continuing on, the next section has the biggest climbing structure of the whole playground. This is known as the “Timbersaurus” and is reminiscent of the previous dinosaur playground. Built from reclaimed timber and wharf rope, this includes a slide and rope swings. 

Miss 9 loved this section of the playground the most. Moreover, I appreciated that it includes shade sails, making it more sun-safe. 

Adjacent to the “Timbersaurus” at the end of the pathway are timber giant towers. These are strung with wharf rope loops. These provide a climbing and balancing challenge for older children and teens. In addition this makes good a hangout space, as well as the log seating and a horseshoe seating space nearby. 

Overall, we enjoyed our visit to East Cottesloe Nature Play Trail. We spent approximately an hour exploring and then stopping at Miss 9’s favourite bits on the way back. It’s not a typical sanitised playground. It’s reminds us of the Kings Park Naturescape. There are opportunities to fall and scrap knees in this play environment. So, with this in mind, parents and guardians will need to keep their kiddos within eyeshot. Especially with a busy road nearby. However, the fun and benefits outweigh the risks. Overall, this kind of play also helps build resilience, confidence in one’s own abilities as well as stronger muscles. 

If you have a child who loves trains, this is a great space to see trains on the Fremantle line pass by. We saw trains approximately even 10 to 15 minutes. 

We’d suggest bringing sunscreen and hats. Even though there are shade sails and shady trees, there are still open areas. 

The only thing missing from this playground is more parking and a toilet block. They’re the only things we’d suggest Town of Cottesloe perhaps adding in future. It could be a difficult park if you’re toilet training a bub or you’re a postpartum Mum for instance. The nearest loo is a bit of a hike at the Civic Centre or The Grove Library. 

Otherwise, we loved the experiences this playground provided, to climb and explore and grow. If you’ve got active children who love to climb, this playground is sure to be a hit! 

East Cottesloe Nature Play Trail

Located on Railway Street, Cottesloe, between Perth Street and Albion Street. 

Free parking is available opposite Bert Street. On the other hand, Cottesloe Train Station is within easy walking distance, or there are bus stops along Curtin Avenue on the opposite side of the rail line. 

If you’re in need of refreshments or treats during you’re visit, La Bomb Cookie & Gelato is also within walking distance, near the train station.