Sandy Beach Reserve has long been one of Bassendean’s most loved riverside spots, and the addition of the Sandy Beach Playspace has truly transformed it into a destination Playground. Tucked at the end of West Road right on the banks of the Swan River, the reserve combines wide open grass, shady mature trees and a sprawling nature play area that invites kids of all ages to climb, splash and explore for hours.
The heart of the playspace is an impressive multi-level tower structure that immediately grabs the attention of adventurous kids. Two large timber towers are linked by bridges and smaller platforms, with slides dropping from different heights.
One slide is lower and more approachable for younger children or those who aren’t fans of heights, while the taller enclosed slide is perfect for thrill-seekers who love a fast ride down. The solid construction means grown-ups can join in to support younger children if needed, which is handy given the height of some elements.
Surrounding the main tower is a fantastic mix of traditional and nature-based play equipment. Kids can swing high on the swings, tackle the beehive-style climbing frame and race their friends on the double flying fox.
Lower down there are tunnels to crawl through, additional smaller slides suited to toddlers, balancing poles and beams, rope elements, teepees and lots of nooks to spark imaginative play. The whole area feels designed to encourage risky play in a considered, natural way, with logs, rocks and timber woven through the Playground rather than bright plastic.
Water and sand play are big drawcards here, especially on warm days. Children can experiment with channels and trickles in the water play area and then head straight to the sand for digging, building and messy fun. Being right on the river, it’s easy to combine time on the Playground with a wander down to the sandy river edges for a paddle or shell collecting. The Playground is not fenced and the river is only a short walk away, so close supervision of younger children is important, but there is generally a clear line of sight across the reserve.
Paths wind all around the playspace and through the surrounding parkland, making it a great spot for scooters and bikes. Kids can ride loops around the Playground, while adults stroll under the shade of the existing trees that were carefully retained during the upgrade. The Town of Bassendean has also added extensive landscaping around the playspace, so the whole area feels green and well-integrated with the natural riverside environment rather than dropped in as a separate structure.
Facilities have been thoughtfully upgraded to match the scale of the Playground. The old toilets have been replaced with a new block connected to sewer, offering four unisex standard cubicles, a unisex accessible cubicle, an ambulant cubicle and a baby change table, making visits much easier with prams and little ones. The overall park and toilet block have been designed to be accessible, with paths and facilities suitable for prams and mobility aids, though not every single piece of play equipment is fully accessible for all abilities. A lovely touch is the extensive use of locally sourced jarrah hardwood in the play structures, much of it salvaged and repurposed from mine sites, which adds to the natural look and sustainability of the project.
For picnics, Sandy Beach Reserve is very well set up. There are barbecues and picnic tables dotted around the reserve, as well as additional picnic tables and seating closer to the playspace itself. Large areas of grass mean you can easily spread out a picnic rug or set up camp chairs under the shade of the mature trees while still keeping an eye on the kids. During the warmer months the reserve is also used for local events, so it can have a lively community feel on weekends and holidays. Parking is usually straightforward, with bays and verge parking spread around the reserve.
Being right on the Swan River, it’s worth planning for the natural environment as well as the play equipment. Mosquito breeding can be an issue in wetlands along the river, especially in the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to pack repellent, hats and light, long-sleeved clothing if you’re staying into the late afternoon. Dogs are welcome in the wider reserve but must remain on a lead in this area, and there is still plenty of open space away from the Playground for exercising four-legged family members.
Sandy Beach Playspace really does feel like a “big ticket” Playground for the eastern suburbs – a $1.62 million nature-based project created to be a regional drawcard for families. Between the towering slides, flying fox, water and sand play, riverside location and excellent family facilities, it’s the kind of place you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon. Expect it to be busy at peak times, but the space is large enough that adventurous kids can roam and discover new corners of the playspace all visit long.
Sandy Beach Playspace, Bassendean
Address: Sandy Beach Reserve, end of West Road, Bassendean WA 6054
Official website: Town of Bassendean – Sandy Beach Playground
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Member Reviews
Place Categories: Nature, Playgrounds, With Toilets, With Water Play, and Super Park
