Despite a revamp and the addition of two mini golf courses Yarralumla Play Station continues to exude the rather run-down, or dare I say it country/outback town fun park, feel that it has had for years. I hasten to add that this is a complement!
While the Canberra themed mini-golf courses, which incorporates miniature models of many of the city’s major buildings like the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Tidbinbilla Tracking Station and Telstra Tower, justifiably attract many players, for me, ‘Bluebell’ is what makes the Play Station especially worth a visit.
Bluebell is a rather battered and rusty miniature train (albeit with new covered carriages) which has been doing the rounds now since 1973. A piece of history much loved by kids of all ages.
Added to these, there is a petite petting park with Herb the miniature Galloway steer, Pepper the pony and Poppy the lamb. You need to take the train ride to get to them – see website below for petting costs.
Also here is a small café with outdoor and indoor seating. Though I have not eaten here, the food offering seems quite good with lots of options for children. I can vouch for their coffee.
The three circa 1910 NSW train carriages on-site have been restored and are available for functions – i.e kids parties.
The Play Station is located within Weston Park, one of Canberra nicest parks, on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin – well worth a visit in itself. Besides the Play Station, the park offers great views across the lake, a decent selection of children’s play equipment, BBQ areas, bike and horse trails, a beach area on the lake foreshore (don’t get to excited about that aspect!), toilets and, most importantly from a visitor perspective, is the place in Canberra City where you are almost guaranteed to find kangaroos.
Yarralumla Play Station
Costs
Mini Train Ride
Single passenger $5 and ten plus tickets $4 each.
Mini Golf
Children Under 15 – 18 holes $10, 36 holes $15
Adults – 18 holes $14, 36 holes $20
Family passes also available, see website.
Opening hours
Mon – Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Sat – Sun : 8.00am to 5.30pm
Entry to Weston Park is free with vehicular access between 7am and 10pm during daylight saving, or until 8pm during other months. Foot and cycle access 24/7.
Getting to the Weston Park and the Play Station
The park is easily accessible by car with ample free parking beside the Play Station.
By bus, from the city centre take bus No 1 towards Woden, alighting in Yarralumla at the Schlich St/ Novar St stop. From here it’s a 5-10 walk to the park entry and about 30 minutes to the Play Station.
I generally visit the park by bicycle, combining it in a ride around the west basin of the Lake Burley Griffin. So can you. See my general reviews on cycling around the lake.
This is my last CANBERRA – INNER SOUTH review.
For other CANBERRA reviews click HERE.
The Rambling Wombat 