AUSTRALIA. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is adding three purpose-built play areas as it gears up for its late 2026 opening.
The entertainment spaces form part of Australia’s first major airport development in over 50 years, set to usher in a new era for the region.
Developed in partnership with Play9 Studios, the three play areas will be located across the terminal and built around a narrative that highlights key stages of Nancy-Bird Walton’s life, paying tribute to one of Australia’s foremost aviation trailblazers.
At the Central Pier, A Dream of Flight tells the story of Walton as a “bird without wings” who grows into Australia’s youngest female pilot. The zone features an interactive Play9 Twinkle Tree and Whoosh elements, creating a compact play space for younger children.
The Angel of the Outback zone at the West Pier highlights Walton’s Gipsy Moth and her contribution to establishing the Flying Doctors. It includes a custom rope-play retro plane wing, a Kidszone Corner and Cloud Twinkle Poles.
The narrative continues at the East Pier’s Future of Flight zone, which explores Walton’s modern-day impact through an interactive Plane Fuselage, Kaleidoscope Turbine, Cloud Twinkle Poles and Kidszone screens that recognise her role in establishing the Australian Women’s Pilots’ Association.
The play areas feature specially designed, gamified and fact-based wall graphics, complemented by content from the Play9 Library. ✈
