Cockburn Ice Arena — Attraction in Bibra Lake

We just had a BD at the arena. The package (penguin) i've paid for included, among other things, a choice of skates and a host who was assigned to assist for the entire duration. We also paid for platers to add to the chips, lollies, and juice that were part of the package. I also got an additional 8 skating aids to match the number of children at the party: On arrival the host turned her back after seeing me at the front counter (the place host was mean to greet us and show their customer service skills!) Awkward moment after the host turned back and realised the woman with two large bags on her both shoulders, a backpack, a large box with BD cake in her both hands and a birthday child holding her BD balloons were the BD party family. SURPRISE! The choice of skates was taken away from our guests as the host decided the cheaper plastic blue skates were better for all 10 children. WHY TO CHARGE FOR THINGS YOU ARE NOT PROVIDING AND ONLY MISLEADING US AND OUR GUESTS? The BD child ended up with painful blisters on her feet after help with measuring size and advice on the skates by the host.

We were told the food would come out in an hour from the start of our BD party time. Ok. Have requested for the cake to be brought in towards the end of the party. Half of the food that was ordered 4 weeks prior to the BD party - the platers were forgotten (our host actually told me "the kitchen forgot you had those on order"). FRONT DESK DIDN'T FORGET TO CHARGE FOR ALL AT THE START AND MADE A POINT OF COMING TO THE PARTY ROOM TO ASK FOR PAYMENT BEFORE THE START OF THE PARTY which wasn't problem on its own, but given the experience. The cake was wheeled in at the same time as our platers were forgotten. Then the trolley that also had bags or lollies and the discounted offer tickets (included in the BD party package) were taken away and I had to go catch the host and asked her to bring those back into the room citing "we better keep their inside as few things are going on here". The host was daydreaming and clapping hands while parents fussed over untidy table and making room for cake. She just literally stood there watching a couple of us running the party. Towards the end of the party, when I asked for a broom or a long handle to get the helium balons back , we were told that wasn't available. Parents had to go and find something from the kitchen to get the balloons that accidentally escaped kids' hands to bring the baloons back down. At one stage, we had a high chair leg for assistance, and then one of the parents brought long handled pincers to grab the ballon stuck to the ceiling. Spent the entire time keeping an eye on skates aids and collecting them and then helpful parents taking these back and getting tokens back so i coukd get the deposit back (total $80 worth of deposit). Returned all 8 tokens back to the front counter they did something, and I followed their direction to use the same card and pin...no deposit was processed, although thumbs up were given as if this was all done and dusted. I'm chasing this now.

For my experience as a parent ordering this BD package for my kid I would give 5 stars to our guest and their parents for all the help with running this party of 10 kids, and 1 start to the Cockburn Ice arena for the room well presented. The food when it finally came out was actually good. However, lack of customer service from the host, their projected opinion on what skates kids should have (the host clearly couldn't be bothered with providing the experience to our guests and did what worked for her slone), and likely lack of their experience with being a host to morebthan 1 child party, had added 2 hours of stress to my day that I could really do without. The front counter could do better by providing the receipts, ensuring all is run professionally and smoothly by keeping an eye on those unexperienced hosts or helping them, and processing payments of deposits for skate aids as...

Lots of fun for those with a bit if experience with oce skating. For those first timers, i recommend getting some tups or hints from someone because theres all types of skaters there - some fast that tend to stay around the middle but some hang around the wall and may not always watch out for the beginners. Last night (Friday evening) was a little crowded for a special event but not too bad. The arena is cold inside, so wear warm clothes. The Frostbite Cafe and 401 cabin is warm and great to have a bite to eat qnd something to drink. (Get in before 8:45pm and you'll be able to have something to eat and drink there.) Cabin 401 was so welcoming, nice and made so many adjustments for us. They had great customer service and the food and drinks wwre good. Our steak was large and cooked well with a really good serve of chips and large salad. It was delicious. I can't thank them enough for going out of their way for us. Thank you!! The staff at the skate hire kiosk were really helpful and seemed friendly and knowledgeable. Overall a great experience for us. The only thing I noticed that could perhaps improve was the customer service on the front desk and at frostbite Cafe and maybe check in on the beginners on the ice a bit more, but it was quite busy and late so I dont blame the staff for being tired! I dont know how they keep up with all the kids and adults alike. The games were fun for those who knew how to skate. Thanks for the good work everyone in making it fun and reasonably...

Wow - amazing.

Some rinks are rundown, dated and a bit depressing. Cockburn immediately feels professionally operated without sacrificing its appeal or sense of fun for newbies.

Facilities first; easy access / plenty of parking / quick & easy: front door -- reception & shop -- rink / clean / high quality.

Did a Tuesday Cheapskate, $15. Great atmosphere that night, all skill ranges, value perfect.

The biggest thing though is the people. This place is a case study for healthy workplace culture and community building and engagement.

I went in today for some advice and some skate tweaking. Friendly service is one thing. I got friendliness, genuine interest, a high level of knowledge, exploration of my specific needs based on my style, a variety of options delved into at length, testing trialling and correcting, all with A Grade banter.

Not only did I get it - I heard everyone around me getting it too. The pockets of crews hanging out here are full of genuinely talented and unpretentious people, welcoming and willing to share.

If you grew up in skate or surf crews, you know that the right people just love the sport and want other people to be able to feel what they feel, regardless of ability. The staff here are those people, actively fostering relationships with new generations and setting examples they can be secure in following.

Phenomenal work and a privilege to have it on our doorstep. Mad shout out to the shop team 🤘 and Cockburn Ice Arena reception...