Our favourite spots for nature play around Freo
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
Cath Fitzhardinge is a passionate advocate for nature play as a gateway to a child’s development, wellbeing and creative learning—she helped us put together a list of some of the best spots for nature play around Freo. Can you tick them all off this summer?
“Raised in WA’s coastal country towns, I understand the magic of open skies and wild spaces, and I am so grateful to now be living in Walyalup (Fremantle) with my young family. I acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners of this land on which we live, learn and play, their custodianship and care for this country has provided us with beautiful opportunities to connect with the native flora and fauna that surrounds us.“
Cath Fitzhardinge—Local mum and Freo OT (of 20 years!)
Why our kids need nature play
“There’s so much evidence showing that playing outdoors develops children’s brains and builds active bodies”, says Cath.
🌿 Nature play allows children to use their creativity and imagination.
🌿 It develops their physical, cognitive, social and emotional capabilities.
🌿 Play outdoors offers children opportunities to learn to take risks and overcome fears.
🌿 They can make new friends, create imaginary worlds and learn to regulate their emotions.
“And there are some awesome spots for outdoor adventures around Freo—the amazing beaches, waterways along the Derbal Yerrigan, and the beautiful parklands within and just beyond Fremantle”, she says. “Enjoy them with your family… I can promise that you will all benefit from it!"
Where to enjoy the magic of nature around Freo
On the Derbal Yerrigan
Exploring one of our favourite spots at Kent St, Bicton.
Bicton Baths
Nestled in a cozy corner, Bicton Baths is the perfect spot to hide from the wind on a breezy day. With the new shark enclosure, parents can now relax even more while the kids jump of the jetty and swim in the shallow waters. Pack some bread and scoop nets for hours of fish catching fun.
Dyoondalup (Point Walter Reserve)
If you’ve got a big crew, Point Walter is the place to head. It’s the ultimate adventure spot, complete with two playgrounds, a small jetty and very, very long sand bar. Plus, there’s an epic mountain bike track that caters to most skill levels and is the perfect place for a picnic.
Blackwall Reach Reserve, Bicton
This quaint little beach and jetty at the end of Kent st are perfect for your mini adventurers. It’s small enough that they can’t wander too far, but just big enough for some decent jetty jumping!
Have some adrenaline seekers that are looking for a bit more adventure? Take them to Blackwall Reach Cliffs, just a 5 minute walk away.
Jenalup Beach
This secluded beach between Point Walter and Blackwall Reach Reserve is the perfect spot for an adventure with the kids. Take the track west and walk 10 minutes through the bush path to this stunning nature sanctuary.
Venture a Little Further and check out these gems
Chidley Reserve, Mosman Park
With only a few car parks, this teeny tiny spot is best ventured to earlier than later so you can nab a park rather than have to trek down the steep road. A warning, if you do get a park, you may never want to leave.
Russell Brown Adventure Playground, Mosman Park
This place is a hit with the wild ones. With rope swings a plenty they can climb and swing, and slide to their hearts' content.
On the Coast
Coogee Jetty (above)
Perfect for jetty jumping, with lots of different heights to suit all sorts of big and little adventure seekers.
Omeo Ship Wreck
This spot is perfect for the kids first snorkeling adventure, it is super accessible, shallow, and the City of Cockburn has just put in a brand new pontoon. There are also some great rocks for crab spotting and rock climbing too.
Pontoons
Pontoons are perfect for the kids to swim out to and jump off, and we are lucky that Freo is packed full of them. Check out South Beach, Omeo, Coogee, and Port Coogee for some of our favourites.
Inland Adventures
Bibra Lake
A beautiful spot for a nature walk, with plenty of space for the kids to run and play. Keep your eyes pealed and you might even spot some local wildlife.
Dwerda Weelardinup (Cantonment Hill)
Venture a little further from the Tuckfield oval playground and hike up the hill through the bush to catch a glimpse of one of the best views in Freo.
Manning Park
The City of Cockburn’s largest park is the perfect place to get lost on one of the many bush trails or spot some birdlife around the wetlands.
Booyeembara Park
Otherwise known as Boo Park, this amazing space offers a lot of different opportunities to engage with nature. Surrounded by bushland, with beautiful paths perfect for riding, scooting and skating. Just a stones throw from Fremantle this oasis has a stunning lake at the centre, hidden streams, and even a new mountain bike and pump track.
Monument Hill
The best spot in town for watching the sun set over the port and doing rolly pollies down the hill. Core childhood memories right there.
Monument Hill
Kids in Freo operates from Walyalup on Whadjuk Nyoongar Boodjar. We acknowledge the Whadjuk people as the traditional owners and custodians of these beautiful lands and waterways and extend our respect to their Elders, past and present. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Whadjuk community and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for their stewardship. Their connection to Country runs deep and their wisdom help us to better understand and respect the places that our families live, work and play.
