Perth's town planners sure are wising up to the need for child-friendly spaces at the city's major public area and tourist hotspots, with play areas just for the kids popping up all over. From Kings Park, to the Perth Cultural Centre, and from Fremantle's Esplanade Park, to the brand new Optus Stadium and just about everywhere in between, you'll find a playground. Elizabeth Quay is no exception.
The Island Playground at Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay's Island Playground provides an extra incentive for visiting families to have a look around. The playground has a marine theme and although small, has something to keep most kids occupied. I say 'most' as it probably isn't suitable for the youngest of children who can't yet walk.
The centrepiece of the playground is a multi-level play structure, with an adjoining smaller tower. The structure appears to have been designed as a nod to the art of boat building in WA, with its wooden planks, steel ladders, ropes and masts.
The play structure is quite impressive
Note to self for next time - if your almost three-year-old climbs to the top and gets stuck coming back down, do a bit of a stretch before you go up. Some of the heights between the platforms are high (for short people, anyway) and is I'm fairly sure I pulled a muscle trying to retrieve her and was still sore the next day. Oww.
The log steps and sand play area
There is a rope tunnel linking the two towers, along with a rope bridge for the older kids. Down at the smaller tower is a slide, which is the easiest way down. Otherwise, it's a steel ladder or a steep wooden ladder with ropes.
The playground has a water play area with a pump and rocks. There's also a separate fountain for drinking water.
The rope tunnel
Children finding their balance can practice on the log steps. There is a tripod swing and an undercover bench to sit, plus a couple of benches dotted around.
The tripod swing
As mentioned, it's not the biggest playground but definitely makes fantastic use of the space available. The ground is covered primarily in mulch, with a small grassed area and sand around the log steps.
The water play area
In the best news for parents, the
Isle of Voyage cafe is right next to the playground, in case you need a coffee, sweet treat, lunch, dinner or breakfast on the weekends.
Weeeeeeeeeee!
If you are visiting Elizabeth Quay with children, the island playground is certainly worth checking out. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in activities available.
