Sunset Heritage Precinct, Dalkeith

Perched high above the Swan River in Dalkeith, Sunset Heritage Precinct is a beautiful blend of riverside parkland, nature play and WA history. Once the grounds of the former Sunset Hospital – an early 1900s “Old Men’s Home” – the site has gradually been transformed into a community space with landscaped gardens, paths and a lovely nature-based Playground, all gifted to the people of Western Australia with support from His Majesty the Sultan of Johor.

The nature play area sits on a gentle slope overlooking the river, making it a really scenic spot for a play. On the ground level you’ll find plenty to balance on and climb, with chunky timber logs, ropes, monkey bars and other low climbing elements that encourage kids to move in different ways.

A large wooden xylophone invites musical play, and there’s a cute wooden play house and a messaging tube that younger children especially enjoy experimenting with.

The star of the Playground is a multilevel timber treehouse structure. Children can clamber up through the platforms to enjoy glimpses of the water and the surrounding heritage buildings, and underneath there’s a wind chime made from metal pipes that tinkle in the breeze or when kids tap them.

A birds nest-style swing nearby is great for lounging or for siblings to share, and the whole play space has a relaxed, natural feel that fits in with the historic grounds.

Underfoot, the main play area is filled with fine, soft sand, with a woodchip edge around the outside. It’s ideal for digging, so it’s worth throwing a bucket, spade or a few toy trucks in the car. The surrounding lawn is lush and well maintained, giving plenty of room for younger kids to toddle or for families to spread out a picnic rug or kick a ball.

The Playground is not fenced, so close supervision is important, especially for speedy toddlers. That said, the designers have set the play area a good distance back from the road and the car park, which gives families a buffer and makes it feel reasonably secure. 

Around the play space there is plenty of informal and formal seating, with benches, logs and shady spots under the trees where adults can relax. It’s a peaceful place to sit with a takeaway coffee while the kids explore, with birdsong adding to the atmosphere – kookaburras were happily calling during our visit.

Public toilets are available within the Sunset Heritage Precinct where the old hospital buildings stand, which makes it practical for longer play sessions.

The old chapel building nearby now provides shaded seating alongside the barbecue facilities, and this whole area sits conveniently close to the play space and toilets, making it a handy hub for picnics and birthday parties.

Because much of the play here involves climbing, balancing and negotiating uneven natural surfaces, the space is generally best suited to preschoolers and primary-aged children rather than very young toddlers. Confident climbers will love the challenge of the treehouse and higher elements, but little ones may need ongoing help.

Part of the charm of Sunset Heritage Precinct is its sense of history. As you wander the wider grounds you’ll find interpretive plaques that share stories from the site’s past as Sunset Hospital, adding an educational element to your visit. Families can stroll past the heritage-listed buildings, which sit silhouetted against the sky above the river, and follow pathways to lookouts with beautiful views across Melville Water. The setting, at the edge of the Dalkeith peninsula, means you’re surrounded by impressive homes and river scenery, giving the outing a special “hidden gem” feel despite being so close to the city.

If you have the time and energy, it’s well worth extending your adventure beyond the immediate Playground. Down the hill, within just a few minutes’ walk, is the fantastic Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space – one of Perth’s flagship inclusive Playgrounds. It’s easy to combine both parks in a single outing, with Sunset Heritage Precinct offering a quieter, more natural play experience and Jo Wheatley providing a larger, fully fenced, all-abilities destination right on the river’s edge.

Sunset Heritage Precinct is a lovely choice for families looking for a quieter, nature-based Playground with a sense of history and beautiful river scenery. Pack coffee, a picnic and sand toys, and allow time to both play and wander – it’s the kind of spot where you can easily linger for a few hours and then roll on to the Jo Wheatley All Abilities Play Space for even more fun.

Sunset Heritage Precinct

Address: 89 Birdwood Parade (near the corner of Wavell Street), Dalkeith WA 6009