22 Mawson Cres

Mawson Park Public Playground in Hillarys has been transformed into a fantastic all-in-one family destination, where a refreshed main Playground, much-loved nature play area and picturesque lakeside paths all flow together. Just over 20 minutes north of Perth, this spacious, leafy park now offers families a full day out in one spot, with equipment to suit toddlers through to older children, plenty of room to roam and a relaxed, scenic setting by the water.

Parking is available along Mawson Crescent, with a short stroll down a gentle grassy hill leading into the heart of the park. The first area you’ll encounter is the nature Playground on one side of the lake. This section is a wonderful space for imaginative and sensory play. Set on sand, it features locally sourced wooden elements designed to promote balance, coordination and free exploration.

Kids can test their skills on balancing logs and a shaky bridge, clamber over textured mushroom steppers and a low-lying lizard sculpture, and swing on monkey branches.

Sand play fans will love the scoops, scales and sand conveyor belt, while the limestone edging and scattered rocks double as both seating and extra balancing challenges.

There are no shade sails here, but the mature trees cast generous natural shade, helping to keep the area cooler on warm days.

A sheltered picnic table and benches provide comfortable spots for caregivers to sit and supervise, and the surrounding open grass is great for running around or practising on scooters. Parents should be aware that the lake is close by; while some sections are fenced, it’s worth keeping a close eye on younger children.

From the nature play area, a paved path guides you around the lake towards the newly upgraded Playground. The walk itself is part of the experience, with a small, child-friendly bridge that feels almost magical as it weaves through mature trees.

Along the way you’ll find shaded picnic tables, BBQ facilities and bins, plus lovely lakeside views where ducks and other birdlife are often spotted.

Dogs are prohibited in this area, which helps maintain a calm, family-friendly environment. The paths are smooth and wide, ideal for prams, bikes, trikes and scooters, and accessible for all abilities. The full lake loop is easily walkable and makes a gentle circuit for families wanting a longer outing.

The upgraded Playground is the star attraction and has been thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones. The swinging area includes a basket swing, a double standard swing and an all-abilities toddler swing with a safety buckle, all set on soft-fall surfacing. This area enjoys good morning shade, making it a popular first stop for younger children.

Close by is a toddler-focused zone filled with inclusive and sensory-rich equipment.

Little ones can dig with an accessible excavator, enjoy a mini treehouse, spin on an inclusive carousel, bounce on springers, create sounds with a musical trio and test their balance on a spinning rodeo board.

For older or more adventurous children, the large multi-platform adventure Playground is sure to impress. This towering structure offers a network of five interconnected platforms linked by rope and wooden bridges, monkey bars and climbing walls.

Kids can explore pretend shops, tunnels and steering wheels, whoosh down slides, zip along a mini flying fox and choose between several fireman poles, including an extra-tall one from the highest platform.

The area is sand-based and edged by low walls that provide plenty of informal seating for parents and carers. There are currently no shade sails over this structure, so it can heat up quite early in the day; visiting in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended during summer.

A water fountain is located nearby and often attracts flocks of galahs, adding a fun wildlife-watching element to playtime.

With abundant birdlife, sweeping grassed spaces, good picnic and BBQ facilities and a fully walkable lakeside loop tying everything together, Mawson Park now offers an excellent all-in-one Playground experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed nature play session, a scooter-friendly lakeside wander or a big adventure on the climbing structures, this Hillarys favourite is well worth adding to your family’s park rotation.