by Shannon Meyerkort (follow)

South Of The River (124)      Parks and Playgrounds (53)     

Put forward as a nominee for the 2016 Best Australian Playground of the Year it’s easy to understand why locals are happy to share this awesome new $3.5 million space. Part of the new Austin Lakes development in South Yunderup, approximately 15 minutes from Mandurah or an hour south of Perth, Adventurescape is a large farm-themed playground with a huge range of unusual attractions and definitely worth the drive.



There is not one but two full-sized tractors that have been sunk into the ground so that kids of all ages can climb aboard. Near to both are a range of life-sized fibreglass farm animals from cows to sheep to pigs, some grazing in the open grassy space, others in and around the woodchipped playgrounds. You can climb on them all.



The focal point of the playground is the 8.5m tall windmill slide, set high on a peak. Its metal tube slide carries sound remarkably well and you can hear conversations from kids at the top like they’re standing next to you. It is very fast too, and kids who dawdle at the bottom will quickly find themselves knocked into the woodchips as the next in line shoots down at speed.



There is also a double flying fox, spanning a massive 35 metres. Be warned though, they seem to be weighted only for kids, and any adult who tries to take a sneaky go might find themselves scraping their bottom along the woodchips.

Other fun inclusions are a six-way swing, a ropes course, slightly smaller slide in the shape of a pig (complete with a chair in the shape of an apple), sandpits, giant tractor tyres and a maze. It is a very textural playground with things to climb, bendy paths, and the farm theme that is both hilarious and relatable.

In short – kids will love it.



But since it is parents who have to supervise, there are a few things worth noting.



Firstly, there is very little shade in the entire park. There are four standalone gazebos each with a table, benches and a free gas BBQ. These are great if you can nab one early on, but for everyone else, the shade is then limited to a few sparse trees or a large shelter way across the grassed area (there are also two standalone BBQs at the water’s edge if all the gazebos are taken). The BBQ we used was quite a low heat which you can’t adjust, taking a full 30 minutes (plus 20 minute heating time) to cook some sausages.



In summer, the sun would be brutal and there are almost no large trees in the entire park. That being said, there is a large lake at some distance from the playground, with a small beach, and while swimming is not allowed, you could easily bring a kayak or canoe down and enjoy a paddle on the lake. There are also two separate gazebos and BBQs on the far side of the lake.

Parking is currently limited, although people are using the verge space of what will eventually be stage two (skate park and multi-use courts). There are two toilets at the edge of the carpark, and bins near many of the gazebos.



The park caters for kids of all ages, with areas clearly designed for toddlers and younger children, and the exciting rides for the older kids.

To get there you must take the Pinjarra Road exit from the freeway, as you cannot get into South Yunderup off the Kwinana/Forest Hwy. From Pinjarra Road turn into South Yunderup Road, and then Inlet Boulevard.

Related article: Quarry Adventure Park, Meadow Springs

For reviews of other parks and playgrounds in Perth click here.

Essential Information
Adventurescape Playground
Inlet Boulevard, Austin Lakes, South Yunderup
15 minutes from Mandurah
60 minutes from Perth

#Parks And Playgrounds
#South Of The River

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