A case study with Australian Indigenous children in Cherbourg, Queensland investigates children’s mobility and use of place, identifying planning and design shortcomings. By integrating perspectives from architecture, environmental and ecological psychology, and anthropology, the research yields practical outcomes for planners and architects. A transactional perspective was used to bridge cultural gaps and enhance understanding, emphasizing the importance of holistic, context-sensitive approaches. The study underscores the value of transdisciplinary research in producing application-oriented solutions and highlights the need for sustained, quality processes in collaborative projects to address complex socio-environmental issues effectively.