Point Fraser Foreshore Reserve has a fresh new look thanks to a complete Playground renewal, transforming the space into a nature‑based play area right on the edge of the Swan River. Just a short stroll from the Perth CBD along Riverside Drive, this is a great stop for families with school‑aged kids who love climbing, balancing and exploring, with the bonus of gorgeous river views and wetlands all around.
The original Point Fraser Playground, built in 2005, has been replaced with a more natural, landscaped play space designed to better meet community needs. The new layout still makes the most of the sloping site, but the equipment has been updated to nature play‑style structures and softer, organic shapes. It feels calmer and more integrated into the surrounding foreshore than the older metal equipment ever did.
The hero of the new Playground is a large spider‑net climbing frame that invites kids to scramble right up off the ground, building confidence and coordination as they navigate the ropes. It’s ideal for older children and more adventurous younger kids with good balance. Nearby, a wide concrete slide has been built into the slope, offering a fast, smooth ride back down the hill.
A basket swing has been added as part of the upgrade, giving kids a fun spot to swing together or lie back and relax while looking up at the sky. The basket design works well for a wide age range – little ones can sit or lie with an adult, and big kids can push each other. Around the main elements, the play area is framed by planting and gentle mounding, keeping that nature‑play feel and creating small nooks for imaginative play.
Beyond the Playground, Point Fraser is still all about its beautiful riverfront setting. Families can wander along the series of boardwalks and paths that weave through the wetlands, spotting waterbirds and enjoying views across the Swan River to South Perth and the Narrows. Interpretive signage around Point Fraser and neighbouring Lake Vasto explains the area’s role as a demonstration wetland treating stormwater before it enters the Swan, as well as sharing environmental, historical and cultural stories about Boodjargabbeelup, the Noongar name for this stretch of foreshore.
It’s easy to make a full outing of a Playground visit here. There are large grassy areas for picnics and ball games, barbecues, benches and public toilets within the reserve, and the On the Point dining precinct is just a short walk away if you’re after coffee or a meal with river views. Active families can also hire bikes, kayaks and stand‑up paddleboards from About Bike Hire at Point Fraser to explore more of the Swan River and nearby paths. Since the opening of the Boorloo Bridge, you can even link your Playground stop with a walk across to Heirisson Island to see the kangaroos, or continue exploring other riverfront parks and trails.
Access is straightforward by car, bike or on foot. Point Fraser sits off Riverside Drive with a dedicated pay‑and‑display car park serving both the recreational area and the adjacent waterfront venues. Paths around the foreshore and through the wetlands are wide and generally pram‑friendly, though the Playground itself is on a slope and more physically demanding than your average suburban park. If you’re coming from the CBD or nearby East Perth streets, simply follow the river edge and you’ll soon see the reserve and its distinctive boardwalks.
With its upgraded nature‑based play space, sweeping river views and easy city access, the renewed Point Fraser Playground is a fantastic option for families looking for an inner‑city adventure. Older kids will love the climbing challenges and speedy slide, while the whole family can enjoy wandering the wetlands trails, watching the birdlife and soaking up one of Perth’s prettiest foreshore spots.
Point Fraser Foreshore Reserve, East Perth
Address: Riverside Drive, East Perth WA 6004
Opening hours: Open daily (public foreshore reserve; Playground and paths accessible at all times)
Website: Point Fraser – Visit Perth
Find more playgrounds in Perth
Location
Member Reviews
Place Categories: All Abilities, Perth City, Walks and Picnic Spots, Playgrounds, Near Cafes, Playgrounds, and With Toilets
