Jackson Wilding Reserve, Karrinyup

Tucked away in the suburbs of Karrinyup, Jackson Wilding Reserve is a brilliant spot if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Playground. Set alongside Newborough Primary School, this reserve offers both a fantastic nature play space and a more traditional Playground, making it a great choice for families with children of different ages and interests.

The nature play area is the star of the show and is a real contrast to the more sanitised Playgrounds many kids are used to. Built largely from recycled timber and old tree branches, some of which are painted in bright, eye-catching colours, the space invites children to climb, balance, imagine and get grubby.

The centrepiece is a low wooden maze that kids will love navigating as they try to find their way to the middle and back out again. It’s constructed so that adults can still easily see over the top, which helps keep everyone in sight and avoids little ones feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Around the maze, there are plenty of natural play elements to explore. Wooden balancing logs and stepping stones encourage kids to test their coordination, while a fort-like structure is perfect for climbing, perching in, or using as a base in imaginative games. This area is also great for a game of hide-and-seek or for hiding painted rocks for others to discover as they explore.

A timber bridge made from uneven logs adds an extra challenge for confident climbers and is a fun test of balance and bravery. 

Rope elements, including a rope bridge and balancing ropes, add even more opportunity for gross motor play as children climb, sway and swing.

Younger children are very well catered for too. The lower balancing logs and colourful stepping stones are ideal for toddlers finding their feet, while carved logs scattered around the Playground double as quirky seating for adults and kids. 

A bench wrapped around a tree provides a shady resting spot to sit and watch the action or enjoy a snack.

A short wander, roughly 50 metres away from the nature area, brings you to the more traditional Playground. Set on sand, this section features two slides, monkey bars and ladders to climb, along with a small flying fox for kids who love a bit of speed. The combination unit underneath the main structure makes a great “shop” or cubby, and it’s easy to see children of various ages coming together here for imaginative play. Nearby, there are two swings – one toddler seat and one standard swing – covering both little and bigger kids’ needs.

The reserve itself is surrounded by generous grassy areas, ideal for kicking a ball, playing chasey or spreading out a picnic rug. Paths weave through the park and are perfect for bikes, scooters and prams. Jackson Wilding Reserve is also a popular dog walking spot for locals, and there’s a handy water fountain with a bowl section suitable for both people and their pets, making it easy to keep everyone hydrated on warm days.

For families looking to linger, there’s a barbecue area with a shelter and picnic table, along with several park benches dotted around the space. This makes Jackson Wilding Reserve a good option for casual family get-togethers or low-key kids’ birthday parties, especially for families who love the idea of nature-based play.

There are a few things to be mindful of when visiting. The park is not fenced from the road, and the nature play area in particular sits relatively close to the street. If you have little “runners” or very young children, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them. The traditional play area is set further back from the road, which may feel a bit more relaxed for parents of fast-moving toddlers.

Because so much of the Playground is constructed from recycled wood and old tree trunks, there’s always a small chance of scrapes, scratches or splinters. Many kids relish the chance for real, slightly “rough around the edges” play, but it’s worth being aware and perhaps packing some wipes and a small first aid kit just in case.

Shade at Jackson Wilding Reserve varies. The nature play section benefits from the mature trees surrounding it, so at certain times of day there’s a decent amount of natural shade and respite from the sun. In contrast, the traditional Playground has minimal shade, particularly over the sand and equipment. Hats, sunscreen and water are a must, and on hot days you might find it more comfortable to visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

One notable omission is toilets – there are no public toilets within the reserve itself. The closest facilities are likely to be at nearby cafés or other local venues, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting with toilet-training toddlers or plan to stay for an extended play.

Overall, Jackson Wilding Reserve is a fantastic, slightly wild-feeling park with a great mix of natural and traditional play elements. It offers opportunities for climbing, balancing, swinging and imaginative play, and has enough variety to keep toddlers through to teens busy and engaged. If your kids love to explore, challenge themselves and don’t mind getting their feet dirty, this Karrinyup gem is well worth a visit.

Jackson Wilding Reserve

Address: 95 Wilding Street, Karrinyup, Western Australia

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