Native plants combine with alien-looking play equipment at
Macaulay Reserve in Inglewood.
While there is a nod to traditional playground gear, with swings and a slide, there are also some space-age looking climbing frames and spinning devices. It took my little playground veteran a little while to work out how to play with the tilted spinners, which can be stood on, sat on or held onto with legs flying in the air.
For littlies, there is an easy-climb rock wall, dubbed the 'phone wall' by my daughter, and a fun spinning propeller.
How does this one work?
And this?
Climbing the small 'phone' rock wall
Little one at play
Nearby, there is a large, open grassed area perfect for Frisbee, football or walking the dog. Paths around the open area are pram-friendly. The reserve also offers barbecues, picnic tables, and a public toilet.
Frisbee fun
Shaded picnic table
Macaulay reserve has been designated a 'native flora reserve' by the City of Stirling with a large variety of gum trees and Australian shrubs. Budding botanists might like to observe the interesting types of bark on different trees near the playground.
Nature Study One
Nature Study Two
Nature Study Three
We also enjoyed spotting various birds around the playground – including magpies which, luckily, did not swoop anyone.
Pigeon
If you feel like extending the outing, the playground is also near
Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre which you can read more about
here. Native flora aficionados might also want to explore the nearby
Hamer Eighth Reserve, AKA the Inglewood Triangle, which offers an intact example of banksia woodland.
Macaulay Reserve
The playground is shaded but unfenced
