COLOURFULWORLD

Tuesday 5 May 2015

Playground with a view - Heathcote Reserve

The best children's playground south of the River is probably the Heathcote Reserve in the suburb of Applecross, at 56 Duncraig Road, just minutes from the Canning Highway exit of the Kwinana Freeway.




























Also known as the "Pirate Ship playground", because of the it's main feature -a wooden ship that kids can climb up and down - there are also swings and other equipment for toddlers.

The Pirate ship




















































Set high up on a hill, with 180 degree views over the Swan River, the park also has one of the best views over the city of Perth across the river, as well as other upmarket suburbs surrounding the           river.  There is also a walking trail close to the water below.


Views over Perth city CBD, across from the River Swan
There are small "ship like bows" from where you can sightsee
Views of the coast towards Applecross

Restaurant and Coffee shop


Formerly housing a mental hospital that operated from 1929 to 1994, the buildings now house the Heathcote Cultural Centre, and The Heathcote Museum and Gallery, a wonderful restaurant - Bluewater Grill, and a kiosk selling take-away coffee and food, with an outdoor eating area overlooking the playground.

The parking lot is limited, specially during restaurant opening times, but parking is also available down the hill.




















Apart from the kid's playground, there are gas barbeques as well as tables and chairs available for those who like to picnic under the shady trees.


Barbecue and in the distance you can see one of the ship "prows" from where you take photos

The late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger, grew up in this neighbourhood, and in the park you can see a memorial plaque placed by his family.



Roundabout at the entrance to Heathcote with a nice "flower" sculpture


Sculpture of an Octopus that can be seen on the mast of the Pirate ship
Outside wall with interesting brick rope work
In the parking lot, on the trees above the cars the birds greeted us with their loud shrieking.






















































It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon spent enjoying the outdoors with visiting friends.
Hope you also enjoyed seeing the pictures of another one of Perth's beautiful places.

Sunday, 26th April 2015

14 comments:

  1. Well you certainly showed your visitors some fab Perth spots Sami, here and in South Perth, last post. Must admit I had not heard of Heathcote Reserve but I do love Claisbrook.

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    1. Thanks Grace, I can't believe you don't know this park. We could meet up there one day for a coffee.

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  2. The Heathcote Reserve (or you) just caused the 2016/17 Perth-list for real :-)
    I (luckily?) fail to understand why people who should embrace life being so successful like Heath Ledger have to go like that.
    The brick rope work is really something special! As is the rest of it, thanks for sharing!

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    1. I agree with you, why would successful people go that way?
      A picnic at Heathcote Park maybe when you next visit?

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    2. Deal :-) A picnic would be great there!

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  3. You showed some very interesting places there. the pirate ship is beautiful.

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  4. Looks fabulous. I love the Aussie BBQ's that are free to use in great spots, you don't see these so often in Europe, maybe it's because of the weather! You have reminded me, Sami that I am long overdue a visit to Perth!

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  5. The free BBQ's are awesome! Let me know when you come over, would love to meet you.

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  6. Dearest Sami,
    What a lovely playground and such incredible view. Beautiful area and great photos. Loved that rope detail in brick.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Thanks Mariette, that brick work is lovely, never seen it anywhere else. It's certainly a great park with a great view!

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  7. Perth is beautiful indeed! I'd be delighted to live where such exotic little birds flitter around free! But that pirate ship captures my attention the most! My grandchildren - the girls, too! - would adore climbing all over it and enjoying the octopus!
    Beautiful photography. Wow. As always!

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    1. I'm sure your grand kids would love the ship and the whole park. There are a lot of birds in Australian cities and they aren't scared of humans, some of them can be quite a pest actually because of that!

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