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  • Writer's pictureOut and About

Rio Tinto Naturescape - Kings Park



Rio Tinto Naturescape is the ultimate free nature play adventure situated right in the heart of Kings Park. This is a play space like no other in Perth where you can wade along creeks through the bush, hide in towering tree hides, look down from aerial walkways, make muddy potions and challenge yourself in tricky rope tangles. Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is designed to encourage unstructured nature play in a bushland environment.



Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is closed every Monday, all of February and on public holidays as well as on days of Total Fire Bans, Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings or Severe Weather Warnings. In March Opening Hours are from 8.30 am - 12.30 pm and then from April through to October Opening Hours  are from 9am - 4pm. It always pays to double check the Kings Park website bgpa.wa.gov.au on the day to avoid disappointment as conditions can change and influence opening hours.



As you arrive the towering Python beckons, feel your heart thump as you CLIMB through the giant mouth and up into the treetops. Black cockatoos (karaak and ngoolaark) feed all around you, and the wind rushes through your hair as you slither back down to the ground. 



Where to next? BUILD a cubby in the bush?



Follow the path to the Billabong and Dragonfly Corner. At Peppermint Base you will find the Kooyar Kep Wetland. What can you hear? HIDE in the Tree Hide. How far can you see!



You set off again, ready to find the next adventure. Weave through Kulunga Gully - what will be on the other side?



Can you make it through the Tangle without touching the ground? Massive upside-down tree trunks loom all around, and ahead of you the huge shape of The Bungarra comes into view. You CLIMB up and up. Do you dare to look down?



Time to go beneath the earth, navigating the tunnels of The Burrow to find your way to Paperbark Waterhole. Listen to the sounds of the bush, observe and LEARN about the life all around you.



Or take off your shoes PADDLE and BUILD a dam in Paperbark Creek, as the cool water flows around your legs. EXPLORE the rocks and pathways, crossing over a deep billabong. What can you see?



Let your IMAGINATION loose and mix up a magic potion at the The Spring?



And then head back and do it all again!


There is no line of sight between the different play zones at Naturescape and with open water children must be supervised at all times.  The kids WILL get wet so bring a towel and a change of clothes.


Rio Tinto Naturescape is an educational facility and offers a range of diverse activities catering to different age groups.


School holiday activities

Naturescape offers a range of nature-based activities and programs during the April, July and October school holidays. 


Special events

Special events are held throughout the year, including Kings Park Nature Play Days. For more information about what's on in Kings Park visit the What's On calendar. 


Zippy’s Bush Kindy 

Zippy’s Bush Kindy, an early learning adventure for little nature lovers aged 3-5 years, runs daily during school terms.


After school programs 

KIN Wilderness Wanderers is focused on connecting with the beauty of the natural world. Each week children will explore the bushland using the principles of nature connection and core routines to create mysteries and adventures. This program is brought to you by Educated for Nature.   

  

Conditions of Entry

This is a unique play space and to respect this amazing natural environment there are Conditions of Entry:

  • Adult supervision is required. There are tall climbing structures, open water, large rocks and other features that are intentionally designed to challenge young visitors. Make sure your child stays within their capability.

  • The water is not suitable for swimming or drinking. Children in nappies must not sit in the water.

  • Be gentle! Please don’t pick flowers, damage trees or chase animals.

  • Take your rubbish with you.

  • Paths and boardwalks are generally accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues and for parents with prams.

  • Please leave your pets at home. Assistance dogs are welcome.

  • Please don’t throw rocks, or throw anything from tall structures found here. Any dangerous behaviour is not allowed.

  • No bikes, scooters or balls.

  • Shade tents, big eskies, trolleys and chairs are not permitted.

  • Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Penalties apply.

  • Find a staff member if you need help or first aid.

  • Organised groups of 10 or more including community and childcare groups must book to come to Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park.   Free group bookings are available during school holidays and on weekends only, subject to availability.   Unbooked groups may not be granted entry at busy times. Contact the Education Bookings and Support Officer on education@bgpa.wa.gov.au 




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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.


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