Shorehaven's Treasure Island Adventure Playground, Alkimos

Shorehaven’s Treasure Island Adventure Playground in Alkimos is one of those rare parks where the theming is so good that it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped onto a storybook pirate island. Perched above the coast and looking out towards the Alkimos shipwreck, this large, ocean‑themed Playground combines big, exciting play equipment with an imaginative treasure hunt that keeps kids exploring long after they’ve tired themselves out on the slides.

The star attraction is the deconstructed “shipwreck” play structure. Kids can scramble up the 8‑metre climbing frame, weave through rope nets and platforms, and then whoosh back down via a long enclosed tunnel slide.  The ship’s hull is full of fun details – barnacles that glow in the dark, portholes to climb through, speaking tubes, and a big ship’s wheel for junior captains to steer as they imagine sailing the high seas. Nearby, a sculpted whale shark doubles as a tunnel and climbing piece, perfect for little ones who love crawling, hiding and popping out to surprise their shipmates.

The designers have done a brilliant job of providing play opportunities for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers have their own lower‑level equipment, including a custom‑made rocking wooden boat with a great wobble and a charming wooden shack with a double slide. These pieces were designed specifically for this Playground and sit in soft sand, so they feel adventurous without being intimidating. Scattered through the space you’ll find giant open storybooks featuring scenes and characters from the Playground itself – a lovely way for younger kids to connect what they’re seeing in real life with the stories on the page.

Big kids aren’t forgotten. There’s a dramatic rope swing area, backed by timber “target” boards and watched over by a cannon that looks ready to fire – ideal for imaginative games of dodging cannonballs or daring each other to leap.

A classic “walk the plank” element adds to the pirate role‑play, and there’s plenty of space under and around the main structures for chasey, hide‑and‑seek and other old‑fashioned games.

Palm Cove, a hammock zone nestled amongst palms, offers a relaxing spot that’s been designed with children of all abilities in mind, encouraging inclusive play and sensory downtime.

What makes Shorehaven’s Treasure Island especially memorable is the level of artistic detail. From water ripple patterns in the paving that remind you you’re on an island, to colourful parrots perched around the ship, to rice bags and crates scattered as if the cargo has just washed ashore, there’s something to spot in every direction. Much of the artwork was created by Jahne Rees, the artist behind other beloved Perth Playgrounds such as Scarborough’s Whale Park, and that same whimsical, coastal feel is evident throughout.

What really sets this Playground apart is the built‑in treasure hunt experience. There are six different treasure hunts to complete around the island, all guided by the beautifully illustrated Captain’s Notebook. Families can download and print one at home via the Shorehaven website.

The first quest starts at the clever Aligning Stone – peer through one hole to spot the real Alkimos wreck out at sea, and through the other to line up your first clue.

From there, kids follow a series of markers and puzzles dotted throughout the Playground until they discover the “hidden treasure”. You’ll need A3 paper and crayons for rubbings, so it’s worth popping those in the bag before you go if you plan to do the full experience.

One of the hunts challenges children to find 12 pieces of “lost equipment” scattered around the island, ticking each one off in their notebook as they go. Others weave in simple codes, observation challenges and map‑reading. The activities are easy enough for younger school‑aged kids to understand but still engaging and satisfying for older primary kids, making this a rare Playground that genuinely works for a broad age range. The Captain’s Notebook also includes a map, word sleuth, colouring page, pirate hat folding instructions, pirate jokes and a code to crack, so there’s plenty of quieter fun for those moments when little legs need a rest.

Practicalities for families are excellent. The Playground sits just metres from Oceans 27, so you can combine a play with takeaway coffee, brunch, lunch or even a sunset drink while the kids run off the last of their energy. There are free electric barbecues and lawned areas right beside the play space if you’d rather bring your own picnic.

Toilets, including baby change facilities, are located behind Oceans 27, a short stroll away. Shade is a mix of built structures and natural shade, so on hot days it’s still important to pack hats, sunscreen and water, but there are several spots where you can retreat from the midday sun.

Being so close to the beach gives the whole area a holiday vibe. After you’ve conquered the treasure hunts and explored every corner of the shipwreck, it’s an easy wander down to the sand to paddle, collect shells or watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. Recent upgrades to the Shorehaven estate also mean better paths, parking and connectivity, and the new Alkimos Train Station is only a short drive or bus ride away, making this northern‑suburbs gem more accessible than ever for families across Perth.

If you’re looking for a Playground that offers more than a quick half‑hour run around, Shorehaven’s Treasure Island Adventure Playground is worth the trip. Between the towering climbing structure, the immersive pirate theming, the clever treasure hunt and the cafes and beach right on its doorstep, you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here. Just be prepared: once your little pirates have had a taste of life on Treasure Island, they’ll be begging to return for another hunt.

Shorehaven’s Treasure Island Adventure Playground, Alkimos

Address: 27 Portside Promenade, Alkimos WA 6038
Opening hours: Public Playground, open daily (no entry fee; daylight visits recommended)
Official website: Shorehaven – Join the Hunt

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