Stirk Park, Kalamunda

Kalamunda’s Stirk Park was a favourite of mine, back in the 80s when I was growing up in the Perth Hills. The park has long been a popular location for mothers group get-togethers and family picnics. The snazzy new playground and skate park at Stirk Park has just opened (Nov 2023) after a long-awaited redevelopment.

The adventure playground and skatepark are already a huge hit with hills families.

Covering the old playground footprint and more, the new playground has more than tripled in size! The park is suitable for kids of all ages – from tiny tots to teens.

There are three distinct zones. The playground on the carpark side of the stream is aimed at junior aged kids. Here there’s a large sand play area with table. 

A water pump provides water play – though the water pressure was low and just dribbling out.

A shop front provides imaginative play.

An easily accessible zig zag climber with slides, and firemans pole is great for little ones to toddle to the top of the ramp. A wide ramp means parents, grandparents and wheelchairs/prams can access the platform too.

A fun spinner is also designed to have a wheelchair or pram placed on it.

This zone also has a fun ropes-course style obstacle course of balancing logs and ropes. 

There’s swings, with an accessible seat. Plus, outdoor fitness equipment for the adults. 

Take a walk over the wooden bridge to explore the playground aimed at older kids, including tweens.

There’s a big tube slide, access is via ropes or the ramps.

A double flying fox, including accessible seat, is lots of fun.

And a challenge of who can swing highest on the swings just never gets old. 

Plus, there’s more stepping logs, a half sized basketball court and more. 

If you have little ones in tow, please be mindful the lake and stream are unfenced, and the playground is only partially fenced from the road/busy carpark.

During spring, there are always lots of fluffy ducklings around!

Kalamunda Skate Park

The Kalamunda Skate Park has been given the big thumbs up by local skater boys and girls. The concrete skate park features a Junior and Intermediate ‘Street Plaza’.

There’s steps, rails, ramps and more. Plus little daredevils will love the challenging Flow Bowl zone.

There was plenty of scooter and BMX action happening from kids of all ages. 

Throughout the new play area are picnic tables, benches and BBQ facilities. Most of these tables have shade. There are water fountains too. I’m a little confused as to why they have dog drink bowls though – as dogs aren’t allowed in Stirk Park. 

You’ll also find a small stage area, which hosts regular Jazz in the Park concerts and also Candles by Candlelight each year. There are public toilets (not yet upgraded) located in the park and ample parking, found near the play area. The large open grassy areas are perfect for ball games and the pretty, mature trees provide plenty of natural shade.

The historical Stirk Cottage, at the southern end of the park, is open to the public each Sunday afternoon 2pm to 4pm. Entry to Kalamunda’s very first house is by gold coin donation. 

Stirk Cottage was built in 1881 by Frederick and Elizabeth Stirk. They owned the large property, part of which later became Stirk Park. It’s hard to believe that a family of eleven people lived in this teeny tiny three-roomed cottage! 

The cottage was constructed using wattle, daub, jarrah saplings and mud. Inside, you can get an idea how life would have been like for the family over 130 years ago, with many artefacts throughout the cottage. 

With its location right in the center of Kalamunda town, it’s easy to walk to one of Kalamunda’s many cafes, the History Village or weekend markets. Be sure to check out the new Stirk Park playground and skate park! 

Find Stirk Park at 12 Kalamunda Rd, Kalamunda, 6076.

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