Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden in Centennial Park – now THIS is serious nature play! The $4 million play space opened in late 2017 and spans an impressive 6,500sqm in the heart of Centennial Park. Check out our reel!

More than a traditional playground

This is more of a nature-based play space than a traditional playground. Designed for children aged 2–12 years, it feels like a secret garden filled with winding paths, hidden areas and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.

Rather than having one central piece of play equipment, the garden encourages kids to explore at their own pace. They can follow paths through the bamboo forest, scramble over rocks and logs, disappear through tunnels, climb over mounds or find a quiet corner to create their own games.

What kids can explore

The garden combines natural elements with purpose-built play features, including:

• Artesian water play
• A giant slide
• Sand play
• Balancing logs and rocks
• Dry creek beds
• A bamboo forest
• Banksia tunnels
• Turtle mounds
• Cubby-building areas
• Centennial Park’s first treehouse

Paths weave through tunnels, gardens and mounds, with something new waiting to be discovered around every corner.

Water play

The water-play area is a favourite on warm days. Kids can splash through the shallow water and experiment with the jets, channels and different surfaces.

It’s worth bringing:

• Swimmers or clothes that can get wet
• A towel
• A complete change of clothes
• Enclosed shoes for exploring the rocks, logs and uneven surfaces
• Hats and sunscreen

Water-play availability can occasionally change, so check the official website before visiting.

Food and facilities

Bar Coco is located inside the garden and sells coffee, cold drinks, gelato and food from 10am–5pm daily.

You’ll also find:

• Toilets for children and adults
• A mixture of sunny and naturally shaded areas
• Additional cafés and kiosks throughout Centennial Park
• Plenty of nearby picnic spots
• Bike hire within Centennial Park

With so much else to see and do around the park, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day out.

Opening hours and entry

Entry to the WILD PLAY Garden is free and it is open from 10am–5pm daily.

The garden closes throughout August each year for annual maintenance. It may also close temporarily due to weather, maintenance or other operational requirements, so check the official website before setting out.

Getting there

The entrance is off Grand Drive, opposite the York Road Gates. Look out for the directional signs once inside Centennial Park.

Overview

• Age range: 2–12 years
• Entry: Free
• Opening hours: 10am–5pm daily
• Annual closure: Closed throughout August
• Coffee and food: Yes – Bar Coco is inside the garden
• Shade: Some natural shade
• Water play: Yes
• Bike/scooter track: No
• Toilets: Yes
• Fenced: Yes

Check out more park spotlights here!