The Vasse Village by Bunbury Farmers Market is an established family destination in the Southwest — a fresh-produce marketplace with a playground as bold and vibrant as the stalls it surrounds. Positioned along a major thoroughfare in the Vasse region near Busselton, the play space draws families, locals, and holiday-goers alike, adding to what has become one of the Southwest’s most recognisable retail destinations. Where the market has long been a key stop for fresh produce and artisan goods, the playground deepens the experience — giving children a reason to stay, and families a reason to linger.
Van Ryt Industries was engaged to design, supply, and install the playground equipment — a fruit-and-vegetable-themed timber collection that reflects the market’s identity, engages children across a range of ages, and elevates the overall visitor experience.
A Playground Built Around the Market
The product design brief called for something unmistakably market. VRI’s response was a curated selection of feature timber play products that translate the Farmers Market experience into play — finished in the bold, produce-inspired palette developed by the project’s design team. From bold structural elements to sensory features and social play anchors, every component reinforces the venue’s identity and encourages extended visitor engagement.
The standout feature is the 509-LFT Loaded Fruit Truck with Slide — a signature VRI product reimagined, complete with an integrated slide and imaginative play opportunities that draw children in from first sight. Alongside it, the 305-GEN General Store Shop Front provides a social play anchor, encouraging cooperative role-play that echoes the market’s community character.
The 331-BEE Beehive (Large) adds a distinctive vertical challenge and sculptural focal point to the space. The 131-POD Pod and 040-SCC Stacked Crates with Chalkboards provide quieter, creative play zones, while the 007-LSC Log Scramble, 005-LOG Log, 013-CLU Stilt Cluster, and 001-STU Stepping Stumps introduce natural-materials balance and gross motor challenge across multiple age groups.
Water Play and Sensory Features
A bespoke Water Play Trough Course adds an interactive, sensory dimension to the alfresco setting. The 604-WET Water Emitter Timber Clad integrates with the trough course to keep the timber aesthetic consistent throughout, while a customised 611-STA Sand Play Table provides a contained, tactile play zone for younger children. The 015-SPS Stump Picnic Setting completes the space with a natural gathering point for accompanying adults.
Collaboration and Design
This project was delivered in collaboration with Emerge Associates, Hargreaves Design Group, and LD Total — a multidisciplinary team whose combined expertise in landscape architecture and construction management was essential to delivering a project of this ambition within a working retail environment. Accessibility and pedestrian circulation were central to the design brief, with the playground layout carefully considered to accommodate families with prams and visitors of all mobility levels.
Delivering in a Complex Environment
The installation environment presented real logistical challenges. Discrepancies between service plans and actual on-site conditions required rapid decision-making and design adaptation. Tight timeframes, restricted access due to concurrent construction activities, and spatial constraints introduced by existing infrastructure — including overhead shade poles — demanded high levels of coordination, technical flexibility, and sound project management from the VRI team throughout.
The outcome reflects the team’s depth of experience and thorough working knowledge of the Australian Standards framework. The playground was completed on brief, on schedule, and to the standard of finish the Bunbury Farmers Market brand demands — a vibrant, lasting addition to one of the Southwest’s most-visited retail precincts.
Part of VRI’s Growing Hospitality Portfolio
Vasse Village is one of a growing number of hospitality playground projects across WA that Van Ryt Industries has delivered for venue operators seeking to increase dwell time, boost family appeal, and differentiate their offer. Other recent hospitality projects include the Bayswater Hotel, Charlie’s Paddock, Gage Roads A-Shed Fremantle, and BIG4 Dunsborough Holiday Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can VRI design a custom themed playground for a hospitality venue?
Yes. VRI works closely with venue operators, landscape architects, and project managers to develop custom themed playgrounds tailored to brand identity, site conditions, and budget. Vasse Village is a strong example — the fruit-and-vegetable theme was developed in collaboration with the design team and expressed consistently throughout every product in the installation.
Does VRI’s playground equipment meet Australian Standards?
All VRI playground equipment is designed in accordance with AS 4685, the Australian Standard for playground equipment and surfacing. This covers structural integrity, fall zone requirements, entrapment hazard prevention, and accessibility considerations.
How does VRI manage installation within a working hospitality or retail environment?
VRI has significant experience delivering installations within active commercial and retail environments. At Vasse Village, the team coordinated around concurrent construction works, restricted access, and existing on-site infrastructure to deliver safely and on schedule. Strong project management and thorough knowledge of Australian Standards underpin every VRI installation.
Does VRI offer supply-only playground equipment for venues outside Perth?
Yes. For customers outside the Perth metropolitan area, VRI offers supply-only options including delivery across WA. Contact VRI to discuss supply-only arrangements for your project.
Planning a playground for a hospitality venue or commercial development in WA? Contact Van Ryt Industries to discuss your project — from initial concept through to completed installation.
- 509-LFT Loaded Fruit Truck with Slide
- 604-WET Water Emitter Timber Clad
- 611-STA Sand Play Table (customised)
- 331-BEE Beehive — Large
- 305-GEN General Store Shop Front
- 131-POD Pod
- 040-SCC Stacked Crates with Chalk Boards
- 015-SPS Stump Picnic Setting
- 007-LSC Log Scramble
- 005-LOG Log
- 013-CLU Stilt Cluster
- 001-STU Stepping Stumps
- Custom Water Play Trough Course
