There can be no doubt that an inviting outdoor play area is essential for a great early childhood setting. Children love nothing more than to run, skip and play outside, rain, hail or shine! These outdoor spaces become central places for children’s physical, social and emotional development, and when set up well, can be dynamic learning environments where children can explore and interact with the world around them. They also offer a unique opportunity for educators to create meaningful experiences that support children to connect with Country.
Outdoor play spaces are, by their nature, ideal settings for educators to weave sustainability and caring for Country into engaging, play-based experiences. Whether designing a new space or reimagining an existing one, educators can centre Aboriginal principles in the design process to create something truly meaningful.
Making culture visible
One of the best things you can do to achieve this, is to make culture highly visible in the play space. This could mean planting a bush tucker garden and including signage that highlights language names for plants and their uses in Aboriginal culture. Such a garden might not only include bush foods, but could also include plants that are traditionally used in cultural activities, such as lomandra grasses for weaving.
Create learning experiences around these special plants, inviting children to touch, explore and engage with processes such as weaving.
Creating outdoor environments that reflect the natural Australian landscape is a beautiful way to encourage children to connect with Country. Think less metal play structures, and more natural-looking features, like winding creek beds and dirt pathways, rocks, logs and sand.
Image of CELA member Woden Valley ELC's outdoor environment
This can also include thoughtfully incorporating Aboriginal tools and cultural elements into the learning environment. For example, using natural woven baskets or creating ‘play’ fire pits where children can engage in imaginative play around campfires and outdoor cooking.
The inclusion of yarning circles is another popular way of bringing Aboriginal cultural values into outdoor playscapes. Yarning circle spaces can be established as a permanent feature, using elements such as sandstone blocks arranged in a circle, or as a flexible option by incorporating Aboriginal-designed outdoor rugs within the space. Either way, yarning circles encourage children to share their thoughts and ideas in a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Images of CELA member Stroud Preschool's outdoor area
Ethical sourcing and working with community
There are Aboriginal businesses who specialise in incorporating Aboriginal values into outdoor play space designs, and engaging with community like this is a great way to get fresh ideas and ensure you are doing things in respectful ways.
Deadly Ed is one such organisation, working across New South Wales and Queensland to support early learning services in transforming outdoor spaces into environments where curriculum, learning and cultural appreciation can truly thrive.
If you are unsure where to begin, exploring the Supply Nation directory or reaching out to your local council or Aboriginal business networks can be a valuable first step in guiding your journey.
Photo of yarning circle mural designed and painted by @wendyrix_artist
Designing for connection, belonging and shared learning
There is also a growing movement towards incorporating Aboriginal design into the actual design of playscapes.
A beautiful example is the Yirran muru playscape, located in Shellharbour. This unique space was created after extensive community consultation and was designed with not only play in mind, but with embedding Dharawal cultural knowledge and practice. The process started with a cultural map, which included Dharawal travel routes, cultural landmarks and seasonal calendars, and ended in the development of a playground that truly goes above and beyond.
It's a place where children and families of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can connect with Aboriginal culture and history in a fun and meaningful way.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer
Image via Shell Harbour Civic Centre
Designing spaces that are deeply connected to the Country that they are situated on, encourages us to reimagine what outdoor playscapes look and feel like, and envision a space that brings together past, present and future, weaving cultural elements into man-made places.
Aboriginal consultancy, Murawin, has created a place-making framework called the Barra Marruma methodology, which uses story and metaphor to pass on knowledge, foster collaboration and embed meaning.
Barri (in Dunghutti language) means Country or Place, and Marruma means to build or construct.
The methodology isn’t just about building physical spaces, but also strengthening relationships, honouring history, and shaping future collaboration.
If you really want to challenge your design thinking, I’d encourage you to check it out.
How to get started
Designing outdoor play spaces with Country in mind is far more than an aesthetic choice; it is a meaningful commitment to respect, connection and learning. When educators intentionally embed Aboriginal perspectives into outdoor environments, they create spaces where children can develop a deep sense of belonging, responsibility and appreciation for the land they play on every day. These environments invite children to slow down, observe, care for living things and engage in storytelling, collaboration and shared experiences.
- Start with what you have already
Look at your existing outdoor space with fresh eyes. Small changes like adding locally sourced logs, rocks, sand or natural pathways can begin to shift the environment towards a more natural, Country-connected space.
- Make culture visible in simple ways
Begin with achievable elements such as signage using local language, introducing bush tucker plants, or incorporating natural materials like woven baskets into play areas.
- Connect with local community
Seek guidance from local Aboriginal community members, organisations or businesses to ensure your approach is respectful, relevant and grounded in local knowledge.
- Create spaces for listening and sharing
Set up a simple yarning circle using stones, logs or outdoor mats. This can become a meaningful place for storytelling, reflection and connection.
- Embed learning through everyday play
Use natural materials and environments to invite exploration. Activities like water play in creek beds, caring for plants, or weaving with grasses can build connection over time.
- Take a gradual, reflective approach with children
Involve children in shaping the space by inviting their ideas, observations and questions. Notice what they are drawn to, reflect together, and let their interests guide what you introduce next. This helps build a deeper, shared connection to the environment over time.
Natural weaving and rock paths at Stroud Preschool
Further reading
Amplify! Engaging children in an Acknowledgement of Country by CELA
Amplify! From comedy to climate care: Gabby Millgate’s nature pedagogy journey by CELA
Amplify! How to build implicit and explicit cultural safety in ECEC spaces by Lisa Walker
Amplify! Making culture visible and learning through reflective practice by Styles Street Community Long Daycare Centre
Amplify! How Highgate ELC built their knowledge of local Aboriginal culture with artist Reverend Glenn Loughrey by Darren Halim