The Hales Park, Forrestfield

Nestled within the Hales Estate in Forrestfield, The Hales Park is a fantastic nature-based Playground that offers plenty of opportunities for kids to climb, swing and explore. Tucked away among the homes, it feels like a neighbourhood adventure spot where families can easily while away a few hours.

The hero of the Playground is the towering wooden play structure, which stands at an impressive 9 metres tall. This main tower has a huge enclosed tunnel slide that twists down from the top, delivering a thrilling, fast ride that is best suited to confident climbers and older kids. When we visited, my seven-year-old and her friend couldn’t get enough of racing each other to the top and zooming down the 14-metre slide, their excited giggles echoing across the park.

Access to the slide is via the first level of the structure, which is reached by a series of climbing elements. A bridge connects the main tower to a secondary platform, where kids can choose how they’d like to get up or down. There’s a cargo net ladder for those who love a physical challenge, a wooden ladder for more straightforward climbing, and a fireman’s pole for brave kids who enjoy an extra burst of adrenaline on the way back to the ground.

On ground level, the fun continues with a double flying fox. One of the flying fox seats is a standard pommel seat, while the other is an all-abilities harness seat, making it more accessible for children who need extra support. Side by side, these let siblings and friends race each other, and they were a real highlight of our visit.

Running alongside the flying fox is a series of balancing beams and timber posts for kids to weave between. These natural-style play elements invite children to test their balance, coordination and imagination as they hop from post to post or create their own obstacle courses.  Scattered throughout the Playground, you’ll also find stepping and balancing logs, which help tie the whole nature play feel together.

A basket swing frame is positioned next to the timber poles, and there is a separate swing set in the play space. 9When we visited originally, only one standard swing was installed with another to be added later0. Combined with the flying fox and slide, there are plenty of options here for kids who love that swooping, swinging sensation.

While The Hales Park is definitely geared towards older children and confident climbers, there is still something for younger ones. A sandpit area, partially shaded, features rocks and a simple mud kitchen, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy digging, pouring and creating. The sand, rocks and natural textures give little ones a calmer, more sensory place to play away from the height and speed of the big tower.

Around the edge of the play area you’ll find two small shaded picnic shelters and some bench seating. These are handy for parents and carers to sit and supervise or enjoy a snack break, while kids dash back and forth between play sessions. There is also a small strip of grass suitable for a picnic rug or a quick game of chasey, although it’s not a large open field.

Most of the Playground surface is covered in woodchips, so enclosed shoes are highly recommended to keep little feet comfortable. Shade across the main play equipment is limited, and on our hot-day visit the equipment and ground warmed up quite quickly. Make sure you pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. There is a drinking fountain on site if you forget your water bottle or need to refill.

It’s worth noting that there are currently no toilets or BBQ facilities at The Hales Park, so you’ll want to plan shorter visits or use nearby amenities before arriving. For families who live locally or are visiting friends in the area, it’s an excellent spot for a play date, but it might not be ideal for a long half-day stay without a toilet break option.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time at The Hales Park. The combination of a towering slide, flying fox, nature play elements and a quieter sandpit area kept the kids entertained for ages, and they were far from ready to leave when it was time to go. If you’re in the Perth Hills or Eastern suburbs and looking for a new adventure Playground to explore, The Hales Park in Forrestfield is well worth a visit.

The Hales Park, Forrestfield

Address: Corner of Gala Way and Mandon Street, Forrestfield, WA 6058

Official website: The Hales Estate – Satterley

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