Full steam ahead at Yarralumla Play Station

Posted on 7 September, 2018

There aren’t many places these days that encourage you to put away the phone and get lost in the moment.

Yet at Yarralumla Play Station, it’s easy to do. With a miniature train, animal farm, mini-golf courses and a cafe, there’s no shortage of activities to make you forget about your newsfeed and keep the kids entertained.

Yarralumla Play Station business and development coordinator Tanya Squires says it’s the perfect place to relax, have fun and reconnect with each other.

“We really encourage people to be in the moment, put the mobile phones away and get back to the simple things, like connecting with the people you’re with and having a great time,” Tanya says.

Originally built in 1973, the venue underwent a massive transformation in 2014 when Jason Perkins took on ownership and created and built what is now the Yarralumla Play Station. Recent changes have included an extension to the café, the introduction of two mini golf courses and the restoration of four historic NSW train carriages circa 1910, to be used for functions.

A favourite at the Yarralumla Play Station has become Bluebell the miniature train, which runs from 10am and departs every half hour. The train stops halfway at the Farm Friends Station where those on-board can feed the friendly cow, horses, alpacas, goats, pigs, birds and other animals that live on-site.

“The Farm Friends is such a hit with the kids and whilst this is not a petting zoo, the animals are always friendly and ready for a feed,” Tanya says.

Set between the miniature railway tracks are two mini-golf courses and the heritage trains, while the newly refurbished Station Stop Café includes quirky decor, seats from the 1910 Heritage Railway Carriages and a kid’s corner to keep the little ones entertained. There’s also an extensive menu to cater for all appetites, including plenty of fresh in-house bakery items, coffee and all-day breakfasts.

“There’s plenty of pram room and it’s perfect for family catch-ups or mother’s groups,” Tanya says.

The venue is also available to hire, for anything from kids’ parties, birthdays, engagement parties and even weddings.

“We like to tailor to the person so we really can cater for it all,” Tanya says.

“We can add on jumping castles and activities for kids’ parties, or for adults parties we can include a beautiful canapé menu. We turn 45 this year, so it really is about being an inclusive place to come and enjoy yourself.”

the essentials

What: Yarralumla play station
Where: 9 Pescott Lane, Yarralumla
When: Open seven days, 8.30 – 4.30 Monday – Friday and 8.00 – 5.30 weekends
How much: Entry and parking is free.
Web: yarraps.com.au

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