From the whimsical calls of nature playgrounds, where the wild-hearted can connect with the earth, to the exhilarating splash of water parks and the daring heights of skate ramps, Bunbury Geographe is a haven for families seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and playtime bliss. Discover some of the region’s most immersive spaces to play…
Big Swamp Playground (Bunbury)
Located within the serene Big Swamp Wildlife Park, Big Swamp Playground makes education as fun as it comes. With interpretation on a diverse range of indigenous species dispersed through the playground, young explorers are encouraged to discover the importance of ecological conservation, all while clambering on large, ship-like structures, making their way through a two-story maze, and climbing towers.
Designed to be an all-inclusive space, the pathways and structures are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, ensuring easy accessibility for everybody.
Hot Tip: Visit the Bunbury Wildlife Park right next door where the kids can meet dingos, interact with the wildlife, and have kangaroos and birds feed from the palm of their hand.
Mangrove Playground (Bunbury)
Take the family on a walk through this ancient mangrove on the banks of Leschenault Inlet before letting the kids run wild in Mangrove Cove, a new all-abilities nature playground featuring climbing frames inspired by mangrove roots, ladders, slides rope nets and rope bridges for kids of all ages to explore.
A walkway weaves its way through the playground, leading to a lookout deck with a panoramic view over the Inlet — as well as the existing Mangrove Boardwalk that winds through the stand of white mangroves. Complete with barbecue, picnic and toilet facilities, the ground level of the playground includes a wheelchair accessible sand pit and tunnels, water play area, basket swing, drums, chimes and cubbies.
Koombana Bay All-Access Playground (Bunbury)
What could be more enchanting than a playground with the beach as its backdrop? Stroll along the scenic pathway that graces Koombana Bay, and you’ll be greeted by an expansive playground that unfurls along the foreshore, offering miles of joyful escapades against the serene hum of the ocean. Sitting at the heart of Bunbury, just a stone’s throw from the Dolphin Discovery Centre, this all-access play space is an absolute winner, promising an exhilarating time spent explorng great red climbing funnels, a complex network of pipes and pumps for water play, and an epic flying fox that will have the kids squealing for hours.
The best part? When the kids are ready for the next activity, they can just put their bathers on and run onto the beach for a dip in the ocean!
Sykes Foreshore Splash Park (Bunbury)
Few towns are lucky enough to have their very own themed splash park, but this one is a treasure trove with over 40 aquatic delights. Imagine a nautical paradise featuring a mammoth tipping bucket and interactive sprays, all shaded to provide a cool retreat during the sunny season. Still need convincing? Sykes Foreshore Reserve also boasts an expansive boat-themed playground that’s sure to captivate both the young and the young at heart. With thoughtful amenities like unisex baby changing facilities, barbecue spots, and picnic areas, this park has been meticulously designed with family at the forefront, ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all.
Hot Tip: The Leschenault Inlet opposite the splash park has a little beach by the jetty, perfect for a paddle.
Koolambidi Woola (Bunbury)
Koolambidi Woola is Noongar for ‘celebrating young people’, and what a space for celebrating young people it is. Bring the children and check out this brilliant space (don’t forget to pack the skateboards and scooters) with multi-sports courts, parkour spaces, skate park and multiple trampolines. Catering for beginners to advanced level skaters, there are jumps, ramps and rails to excite all abilities.
If skating isn’t your thing, there’s also mini golf, beach climbing nets, a concrete climbing wall and even a giant hamster wheel to keep everyone in the family occupied — just don’t forget to pack your hats and sunscreen, as the shade is as scarce as a dull moment here.
Donnybrook Apple Fun Park (Donnybrook)
With its vast array of apple-themed and colourful equipment, from towering slides to interactive games, and zones designed for all ages, the Apple Fun Park is an ode to the famed Donnybrook apple and a testament to the joy of play. It is the biggest free entry playground in Australia.
Watch the kids experience the thrill of their lives as they take a spin down the curly apple peel tube slide or the speed tube slide after clambering up the eight-metre Apple Crate Tower. With 16 awesome swings — like the epic Hurricane Swing — trampolines, a giant hamster wheel and giant spinning orb, rock climbing walls and flying foxes, the opportunity for adventure is endless.
Green spaces intertwined throughout the play area make it an easy choice to while the day away here, with mature deciduous trees providing shade to parents watching over their children as they chugg around on the low ride-on mini train or splash around in the water in the nature play zone.
Capel Skate Park (Capel)
The Capel Region beckons all skating and BMX enthusiasts with its array of skateparks and pump tracks, seamlessly woven throughout the area. Make your mark at the Capel Skate Park, where half and quarter pipes transition into an ensemble of epic skating features, promising a perfect blend of challenge and flow for every skill level. Complete with a nature play area, amphitheatre, outdoor table tennis table, and half basketball court, this is the spot for the adrenalin seeker in your family to test out their abilities!
