project
Little Flyers
| Client | Insight Early Learning Darwin |
| Location | Darwin, NT |
| Completion Year | 2017 |
| Sector | Education |
| Landscape Architecture |
| Project Manager |
Fiona Eddleston
Director & Landscape Architect
Bennett Architecture’s landscape architects partnered with a playground supplier to repurpose an old aircraft as the centerpiece of the Little Flyers Childcare Centre near Darwin Airport. The reconditioned plane was designed to look as if it had landed in a garden, creating an engaging play environment. Features such as ladders, ropes, and slides allow children to climb and explore, while custom control panels with lights and buttons encourage imaginative play. Additional activity boards support cognitive and motor skill development. Safe access to the wings enhances exploration, making the installation a beloved feature that promotes physical activity and creativity.
Key highlights
Bennett Architecture’s landscape architects collaborated closely with a playground supplier to transform an old aircraft into the central motive
Create a unique and engaging play environment by transforming an old aircraft into a central, aviation-themed playground feature.
Encourage imaginative and sensory play through interactive elements such as control panels, activity boards, and exploratory spaces within the plane.
Promote physical development with integrated climbing, sliding, and movement-based play opportunities.
Ensure child safety while maintaining excitement through carefully designed access points and secure fencing around elevated elements like the wings.
Deliver a memorable and iconic feature that enhances the identity of the childcare centre and supports holistic child development.
Project Story
Bennett Architecture’s landscape architects collaborated closely with a playground supplier to transform an old aircraft into the central play element for the Little Flyers Childcare Centre near Darwin Airport. The reconditioned plane became a focal point of the playground, creatively designed to appear as though it had landed in a garden field. Ladders, ropes, and slides were integrated to allow children to climb into the fuselage and explore the interior. Custom-designed control boards with levers, buttons, and lights were installed inside to stimulate imaginative and sensory play. Activity boards were also mounted along nearby walls to further support cognitive development and fine motor skills. Fenced access to the plane’s wings ensured safe exploration while maintaining the excitement of aviation-themed adventure. The project has become an iconic and much-loved feature of the centre, supporting both physical development and creative engagement for children.
