Boddington Community Resource Centre, Wuraming Avenue, Shire Of Boddington

Tucked along the leafy banks of the Hotham River, the Hotham River Foreshore Adventure Play Park in Boddington (also known as Hotham Park) has quickly become a favourite family stop for road trips and country getaways. Just off Albany Highway and around 1 hour 40 minutes (about 130km) south-east of Perth, it’s an easy detour for a leg stretch, play and picnic, or a relaxed day trip in its own right.

The adventure Playground makes the most of its sloping riverside setting.

Hotham River Foreshore Adventure Play Park

Many kids will make a beeline for the double flying fox, which has both a pommel seat and a harness seat so younger or less confident children can still join in the fun.

Hotham River Foreshore Adventure Play Park

From there, families can clamber up the big boulders to the top of the hill to discover a series of tunnels. A rail along the top tunnel adds a welcome layer of safety, but this Playground still has a strong sense of adventure – the rocky terrain and uneven ground mean you’ll want to keep a close eye on toddlers and little explorers.

Older kids are well catered for with plenty of challenging climbing equipment. There’s an aerial rope walkway and an impressive red climbing net, reached only by hauling yourself up the wooden poles – a real test of balance and upper-body strength.

More traditional play equipment hasn’t been forgotten either, with a wide slide perfect for racing friends, as well as swings and rockers dotted through the space so siblings of different ages can all find something they enjoy.

Hotham River Foreshore Adventure Play Park

Nature play is a big focus here. Children can balance and hop across logs and stumps, tackle ropes and dig in the sand. A highlight is the water play area, where a pump feeds a little stream and dam walls. Kids can spend ages diverting the flow, splashing, paddling and experimenting – a change of clothes or a towel in the car is a good idea. There’s also sand play for those who love to dig and build.

Beyond the main Playground, the wider foreshore precinct is a dream for active families. Bring scooters, skateboards or bikes to make the most of the skate park and the very hilly pump track, which are popular with older children and teens.

. A basketball half court invites a quick game or a casual shoot-around, while an outdoor gym along the riverside lets adults squeeze in a workout with a view.

The river itself offers ramp access for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and walking paths along the foreshore connect to longer local trails, including the scenic Hotham River Foreshore and Lions Weir walk.

Practical facilities make it easy to settle in for a few hours. You’ll find undercover barbecues, picnic shelters, plenty of seating, drinking fountains, ample parking and clean public toilets. The park also benefits from an on-site café, All Walks of Life, and an adjoining library, giving families even more options for coffee breaks, snacks and a quieter pause between play sessions.

With its combination of adventurous nature play, skate and bike facilities, river access and excellent amenities, Hotham River Foreshore Adventure Play Park is well worth planning into your route if you’re heading towards the Great Southern, or as a relaxed rural day trip from Perth. Boddington itself is a charming small town, and the park makes an ideal base for stretching little legs, burning off energy and enjoying the fresh country air before you continue your journey.