Top 5 Play Spaces in the Harvey Region

1. Karragarup Play Space

The Karragarup Play Space is a nature-inspired playground overlooking the Leschenault Estuary at the Ridley Place Foreshore and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

In Nyungar language, Karragarup translates to “place of the crabs” – and you certainly won’t miss the Blue Manner crab that pays homage to the cultural significance of the site. The centerpiece of the space features a giant Blue Manner crab that children love to scramble over and under. A swing dangles from one of his pincers and there is a water-misting function on the other. At night you might even notice the crab’s beady eyes light up.

There are interactive play options for children of all ages and capabilities. It’s a play space that nurtures curiosity with swings, structures and steps, including a cubby structure inspired by the Avicennia Marina (which is a fancy name for our native grey mangrove).

For the high energy kiddo’s there are two flying foxes (which are perfect for races) as well as a balancing rope course.

While the kids are tiring themselves out, adults are welcome to lounge around on the large grassed area and take in the picturesque estuary views. You can make a day of it and fire up one of the available BBQs which both provide shade and seating. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

2. Old Coast Brewery

This is the place to be for parents who want to enjoy delicious food, craft beers and cider, and maybe even get to finish a sentence or two because the kids are entertained.

Located halfway between Mandurah and Bunbury, the Old Coast Road Brewery is set on a scenic 60-acre rural property.  The large open deck overlooks a lush green oval where the kids are more than welcome to kick a footy, chase a Frisbee or play a game of backyard cricket. If you didn’t come prepared with sports equipment, you can hire a totem tennis kit or a bocce set.

Parents can settle into the Beer Garden which overlooks a fenced off playground, replete with swings, slides, climbing nets and cubbies.

And we’re not even at the best part yet! Within viewing distance of the undercover area you’ll find the Wonders of WA mini-golf course which is great fun for both kids and adults. The 18-hole course takes approximately one hour and will see you putt-putting alongside replicas of Western Australia’s most loved natural icons. You’ll find miniature versions of Wave Rock, Rottnest Island, The Pinnacles and more. It’s pay and play on the day (no bookings required) and they have family pricing available.

When your kids wear off their energy, they have colouring in, toys and video games available. Dogs are allowed her as long as they are leashed and seated with their owners on the lawn area.

3. Binningup Beach Foreshore Waabiny Playground

Binningup Beach has long been one of WA’s hidden gems and now there’s even more reason to explore it with a newly refurbished foreshore area and play space.

The main attraction of the Binningup playground is without a doubt the Waabiny pirate ship. Named via a local competition, Waabiny is a Nyungar word that translates to ‘play’ or ‘playtime’. There are multiple ways to board or disembark from the ship from ladders, climbing frames, slides and ropes; it’s simply a matter of your little pirate’s creativity and courage!

The colourful park has shade sails which cover the other activities which include swings, spring-riders, musical elements and an inclusive merry-go-round.

With the playground within a stone’s throw of the beach you’ll find kids bouncing between the two, while the adults can set up camp on the sand under one of the permanent shade structures. Binningup Beach is bordered by reef, so be sure to remember your masks and snorkels.

Binningup Beach is also a popular fishing spot where anglers are known to reel in Bream, Tailor and Yellow Fin Whiting.

4. Treendale Farm Hotel

It’s not hard to see why the Treendale Farm Hotel is a multi-award winning venue. While the food is spectacular and the service is quick, the real draw card is how well the Treendale Farm Hotel caters to children of all sizes. “The Treendale” – as it’s known by the locals – boasts 3 large play areas as well as plenty of lawn area to run off some steam. You’re even allowed to bring the family pooch!

You’ll find the biggest play area outside, with plenty of dining options closeby. This sheltered and gated play space features a full size sail boat, windmill, cubbies, slides, climbing structures and even a fireman’s pole.

Nearby there is a sheltered and fenced off space with plenty of soft play equipment, making it a great place to let the little ones explore. Through large doors they can toddle their way inside to find a padded jungle-gym style obstacle course. The indoor space can be overlooked by the vast inside dining area.

The Farm is a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy – decorated with vintage farming tools and vehicles. The kids will be delighted by the huge wall murals featuring some of our native flora and fauna, painted by well-known artist James Giddy.

If you’re visiting over the holidays, check ahead for the School Holidays at the Farm itinerary. Past events have included disco’s, dodgeball, face painting, bouncy castles and much more. Bluey even dropped by once!

5. Clifton Park Nature Play

As you turn into the suburb of Clifton Park you’ll be welcomed by an expansive nature play space that will keep kids of all ages entertained.

The Lucy Victoria Avenue Nature Play Space has drawn on themes of its stunning surrounds with wood chips, balancing logs and a climbing rockery. The fort always captures the attention and imagination of its visitors and it acts as the unofficial HQ of the park. An extra high slide complete with climbing wall also proves to be a favourite. For older kids seeking a challenge, the layout of the play space follows a rough circuit, which enables them to map out their own obstacle course across logs, tunnels, climbing walls and ropes.

Right next to the nature play space you’ll find a smaller playground with sand and swings which is safe and accessible for smaller tots.

Locals have tapped into the potential of this site and it’s an increasingly popular place for parties and picnics. A pavilion – with bench seating and a BBQ – is nestled in among the eucalyptus trees and creates a comfortable vantage point to keep an eye on your children. Alongside the play space is a large lush oval that is a great place to kick a footy or fly a kite.

For those who like to wander, the Clifton Park oval is bordered by a wide footpath which winds around to the picturesque Collie River. It’s a beautiful walk and you’ll be sure to see an amazing array of the Harvey Regions bird life and maybe even a dolphin!