Hillarys Beach Park, Whitfords Nodes

Hillarys Beach Park at Whitfords Nodes has undergone a revamp. This family friendly picnic spot now features a new playground including both traditional and nature play equipment. With it’s inclusive design, this park is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

We were surprised at the size of this park. This was our first visit and I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen so many picnic tables in one place!

Approaching the playground, Miss 5 was excited to see all the new equipment. She headed straight for the traditional section first, climbing up a twin-sided climbing wall. The underside is set up with a sand table and coloured balls, perfect for toddlers. This section is surrounded by fine white beach sand and rubber soft fall.

Miss 5 then ran up the ramp of the main play structure. This features musical elements and a clock and steering wheel at toddler height. The ramp also makes it accessible for kids in children’s size wheelchairs.

Further up another steeper ramp there’s binoculars for imaginary play and a small slide. A vertical climbing wall is mounted further along, with a taller double slide.

Adjacent at the ramp end there is a birds nest swing perfect for swinging with friends or siblings. At the slide end there is a climbing frame full of rope webs, ladders and balancing equipment. This was a hit with Miss 5. She especially liked finding Itsy Bitsy Spider in the web. Bigger kids will be able to climb across the top or swing across the hanging ropes like monkey bars.

Similarly, another nice addition is the pair of hopscotch grids painted on to the concrete. Miss 5 loved testing these out.

Nearby, in the centre of the sand, there is a sand table. This has a pulley system to help lift sand up to the platform. After that, kids can draw in the sand on the table or direct it down one of two pipes to a lower level. With a break in the limestone blocks surrounding the sand, it could be possible to carefully push a wheelchair to the lower level. A nice touch so siblings can play together.

After that we walked down to the nature play area. Miss 5 loved a small yellow spinner which is also designed for children in kids size wheelchairs. The handle is shaped in so a child in a wheelchair can be guided into the middle of the platform and hold the handle in front of them. Two or three kids Miss 5’s size can also easily ride together either holding the handle or sitting down.

Miss 5 was also taken with a carved log nearby. Either end is carved and painted to look like a crocodile’s head and tail. It’s a great log for balancing.

Adjacent to the crocodile we found the swings. There is a regular swing and a juniors inclusive swing with a sold harness. This swing is perfect for younger children and children with mobility issues who may need more support. Miss 5 tested both and they both got her thumbs up.

A sunshine yellow boat on springs. Another fun imagination play element that little ones will love. A great spot to pretend to play pirates or fishermen.

Beyond the boat and swings, there are lots of balancing logs to climb around on, and a swinging wooden bridge.

In addition, there are two wooden mia mias. These are perfect for camping and adventure games.

Concrete paths run all around the park in addition to a larger dedicated bike path running down the ocean side. With all these paths children could easily bring their bikes or scooters and ride laps in addition to having a play on the playground. This seems a safe spot to practise riding away from roads or for a family bike ride along the coast.

A lot of thought seems to have gone into the upgrades on this park. It’s great to see plenty of shading over the majority of the play equipment and seating located close by. The water fountain is even equipped with a nozzle to refill your water bottles!

Public toilets are located in the park. However, they are a bit of a walk along the path. So, if you’re toilet training it’s worth checking often if your little one needs to go so you’re not caught short!

Pack your swimmers and towels on sunny days. There is a beach access path via the carpark and also through the dunes off the bike path.

Hillarys Beach Park, Whitfords Nodes

Located on Whitfords Avenue, Hillarys after Angove Drive when heading northbound.

Ample free parking is available at Hillarys Beach Park, much of it shaded by trees.

If you feel the need for coffee or a bite to eat, Lot One Kitchen is located close by on the corner of Whitfords Avenue and Angove Drive.

Find more playgrounds in Perth