A spontaneous request for an adventure from two young nieces led to the discovery of one of Western Australia's most impressive regional playgrounds, proving that the best family moments often arrive unplanned.
The Unplanned Quest
During a recent family holiday in Boyup Brook, journalist Jade Jurewicz found herself confronted with the classic post-nap, pre-dinner lull. Her nieces, aged 9 and 11, posed the simple question that would define their afternoon: "Can we go on an adventure?" With 14 family members crammed into a four-bedroom cottage, complete with a caravan and extra mattresses, the appeal of escaping the cozy chaos was undeniable.
Setting off without shoes, limited phone reception, and no concrete plan, the trio embarked on their impromptu mission. Their first notable sight was a police car parked prominently on the town's wide main street, a moment that sparked curiosity and a slight adrenaline rush before they continued their exploration of the charming, compact town centre.
Discovering a Hidden Gem
After a brief stop where the girls purchased multicoloured bubblegum crayons from a petrol station, the adventure seemed to be winding down. That's when salvation appeared at the top of a hill: Sandakan Park, recently transformed in June 2025.
The park immediately revealed itself as something extraordinary. "The girls bolt towards it like I plunge towards a coffee in the morning," Jurewicz observed, noting the immediate excitement over features including a double flying fox, a multi-storey slide, and a ninja warrior-style course.
The park's design thoughtfully incorporates Boyup Brook's history and agricultural roots. The main attraction draws inspiration from the town's historic Flax Mill, while a red tractor, realistic plastic sheep, and windmills celebrate the region's farming heritage. The layout demonstrates remarkable inclusivity with dedicated zones for toddlers, a fenced area for dogs, and a fitness hub designed for seniors.
Pure Playground Joy
The nieces immediately embraced everything the park had to offer, taking ten turns each on the flying fox before turning their attention to the towering main playground structure with its three slides and multiple levels. The speed and determination with which they climbed impressed their aunt, who watched as they raced to the top and debated who would take the plunge down the highest slide first.
Despite their pleas for her to try the slide herself, Jurewicz declined, instead watching as the girls hurtled down, "shooting out the other end and arriving on the cushioned flooring with a plonk." The adventure continued with swinging, cartwheeling, and trampoline launching until a text from their mother summoned them home, met with a chorus of disappointed "naurrrrr."
The experience left them with dirty feet and happy hearts, a simple pleasure that perfectly captured the spirit of their unplanned adventure. When asked the next day what her favourite part of the holiday had been, one niece didn't hesitate: "The playground!!!"
Located approximately three and a half hours from Perth, Boyup Brook offered a powerful reminder that memorable family adventures don't require elaborate itineraries or expensive entrance fees. Sometimes, all you need is country air, bare toes, and the courage to take a tumble down a slide.
