Hidden just off Mandurah Road in Baldivis, XLR8 Obstacle Course is Western Australia’s only purpose-built, permanent, military‑style outdoor obstacle course. Attached to Baldivis Health & Fitness, this tight, action‑packed course is all about getting outside, getting muddy and having a seriously fun time together – whether you’re booking a private party, tackling a family event, or signing the kids up for a school holiday challenge.
Sessions generally begin with a group warm‑up and stretch, led by one of the friendly XLR8 trainers. This is a good chance for everyone to loosen up, get their bodies moving and hear the safety rundown.
From there, groups usually head out for a dry walkthrough of the course. The instructors explain each obstacle and demonstrate how to tackle it safely so even complete beginners and younger kids know what to do before the sprinklers and mud come into play.
Once the practice run is done, the real fun starts. The sprinklers are turned on, the mud puddles fill up and it’s time to race or simply challenge yourselves against the course.
Expect a great mix of classic obstacle‑race elements: think tyre walls, a sea container climb, cargo nets, rope climbs, tilted walls, wire crawls, balance beams, monkey bars, “The Beast” tunnel of tyres, sandy commando crawls and lots of muddy sections and sprinklers. The focus is very much on teamwork and encouragement – faster participants help others over obstacles, kids cheer on parents, and there’s a big emphasis on finishing together rather than who comes first.
There are multiple course lengths and event formats to suit different ages and fitness levels. Public events include kids‑only obstacle races (generally for ages 5 to 14, with 1km, 2km and 3km options), family obstacle events where mixed teams of adults and children complete the course together, and adults’ events with longer distances such as 3km, 5km, 7km and even 10km. For family events, there’s plenty of flexibility around children’s ages as they stay with their adult team at all times. The only firm rule is that every team must include at least one adult and one child. Cut‑off times (for example, two hours for the family event) are generous so most families can complete the course at their own pace.
In addition to the big public events throughout the year, XLR8 is open for private bookings all year round. You can hire the obstacle course for birthday parties, sports team wind‑ups or kick‑offs, school or club team building, or just because you have a group of friends who love a challenge. The 500m loop used in our visit sounded easy on paper, but two laps at speed, with mud and sprinklers going, turned out to be a solid workout and a huge amount of fun. For birthday parties, XLR8 can provide invitations, a personalised completion certificate for each child and can either organise a barbecue for you or you’re welcome to BYO food. Private party age recommendations are generally from around 8+ for kids to get the most out of the course, though private bookings can sometimes cater for younger ones depending on the format.
One of the things that stands out at XLR8 is how inclusive the set‑up is. Events are deliberately designed so that people of different fitness levels can still participate together. If your child is a little nervous, they can skip or modify obstacles with the support of the instructors; if you’re an adult who hasn’t exercised in a while, you’re encouraged to go at your own pace, walk between obstacles and focus on completion rather than speed. For the more competitive, some events offer timing so you can see your result on your finisher’s certificate, but there’s no pressure to race if you don’t want to. The whole environment is very “no judgement, just have a go”.
At the end of the session, families line up for an “army‑style” hose‑off shower to remove the worst of the mud. A complete change of clothes and shoes for everyone is essential, and most families bring a towel plus a large bag for muddy gear. Old clothes and enclosed shoes that you don’t mind getting stained (or even throwing away) are highly recommended. Some participants also wear gloves or knee and elbow pads, particularly if they’re prone to grazes, but this is optional – three‑quarter leggings or long pants can help protect little knees when crawling. Bring plenty of water, and consider a hat and sunscreen for hot days, as the course is outdoors.
Baldivis Health & Fitness also runs a personal training studio on the same site, with one‑on‑one training, “Fitness for All Abilities” programs, and a very popular Kids Boxercise class for ages 7–12. These indoor programs often tie in with the obstacle course, with kids sometimes getting course time as part of their session. It’s a nice option if you’re local and your child loves the XLR8 events – they can keep building confidence, strength and fitness year‑round in a structured, supportive environment.
Overall, XLR8 Obstacle Course is a brilliant option if your kids love Ninja Warrior‑style challenges or you’re simply looking for something different to do together as a family. The mix of mud, teamwork and outdoor fun builds resilience and confidence, and you’ll walk away with tired legs, muddy smiles and a sense of achievement. Keep an eye on upcoming event dates and booking links via their website and Eventbrite pages, and be sure to book early – family and school holiday events can sell out quickly.
XLR8 Obstacle Course
Address: 1633 Mandurah Road, Baldivis WA 6171, Australia
Opening hours: Course is open year‑round for private bookings and scheduled public events (session times vary; check the website or Eventbrite listings for current dates and start times).
Official website: https://www.baldivisfitness.com.au
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Jacqui is a busy mum to 4 kids who is currently working at Armadale Fitness & Aquatic Centre managing the aquatic programs.
In her free time, Jacqui enjoys getting out & about with her family checking out new places and spending time at Coogee Beach as a volunteer surf lifesaver.
You can follow Jacqui on Facebook and Instagram as Perth Tweens.
