Roberts Road, Subiaco

Since the opening of Optus Stadium in 2018, the iconic Subiaco Oval, which originally opened in 1908, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a bustling hub for AFL games, it has now been reimagined into a vibrant community space. The Subiaco Oval area is a beautiful spot where families, sports lovers, and history enthusiasts can come together to relive old memories and create new ones.

The newly revamped site offers a fantastic playground, perfect for younger children. The nature-based playground is fully sheltered and features a range of equipment, including seesaws, a shopfront, a cooking station, a small climbing structure, and a tic-tac-toe game. In a nostalgic nod to the Oval’s history, parts of the playground have been constructed using old stadium seating.

Outside the sheltered space, there’s a swing set with two traditional swings and a birds-nest swing.

Next to the playground is a parkour course, offering older kids an exciting space to climb, jump, and test their ninja skills. My own children, being a bit older, especially enjoyed this area.

Beyond the parkour course, you’ll find stepping logs and balancing beams for further adventurous play.

The Oval and surrounding grassed areas are perfect for a game of footy or a casual run.

The Oval and surrounding grassed areas are perfect for a game of footy or a casual run. Section 208 is still intact, offering a great place to watch games or simply relax. Kids will also love sitting in the old dugouts, which adds a fun historical element to their visit.

There are also basketball and netball courts for more sports options.

For those who prefer walking or cycling, the Sandover Medal Walk runs around the Oval’s circumference, making it ideal for scooters, bikes, or jogging. Having grown up attending footy games at Subi Oval, I particularly loved the Sandover Medal Walk and the history it encapsulates.

For history buffs, the refurbished heritage gates at the corner of Haydn Bunton Drive and Roberts Road are a special highlight.

Beneath the Pavilion, you’ll find an open-air museum that celebrates the rich football history of the site, offering a glimpse into Subiaco Oval’s legacy.

Additionally, the Noongar Six Seasons Bidi Trail, which begins near the heritage gates, adds a beautiful cultural touch, featuring Aboriginal artwork and honoring the local Indigenous heritage.

The amenities at Subiaco Oval include toilets located in the Pavilion building, water fountains, BBQ facilities, and ample scattered around the playground area making it a perfect spot for family picnics or gatherings.

Parking is conveniently available along Subiaco Road, behind the Oval, or along Roberts Road. On Sunday mornings, the Subiaco Junior Football Team uses the Oval for games and Auskick sessions, bringing the community together in a lively and energetic setting.

Whether you’re there for a family day out, a walk around the Oval, or to immerse yourself in the site’s history, the newly transformed Subiaco Oval is where recreation, culture, and heritage come together seamlessly. Make sure to visit and rediscover all it has to offer.