parks Jacqui Kavanagh parks Jacqui Kavanagh

aughtie drive adventure playground, albert park

There just seems to be no end at all to the wooden platforms, turret, bridges, and cubby holes of this intricate adventure playground.

There just seems to be no end at all to the wooden platforms, turret, bridges, and cubby holes of this intricate adventure playground.

The fun here is also endless, with slides, swings, lots of grassy picnic spots, BBQ and nice city views - it'd make a great place for a family gathering. This is a fave for Mamma and the crew on a windy or cold day as it is protected from the elements, there are also good sails to provide sun shelter too.

There is plenty for the BIG kids here and most toddlers will enjoy clambering on the lower parts of the playground - this place is a real marvel and we love it.

the nitty gritty

Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206

toilets - lots of car parking - BBQ's - sun shelter

Mamma's special mentions: Once the kids have had enough of playing, head to Bayside Social for some food.

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officer district adventure playground, officer

Words cannot describe the scale of this incredible park here. Mamma has never seen play equipment like this before!

Words cannot describe the scale of this incredible park here. Mamma has never seen play equipment like this before!

Let’s start with THOSE slides! Dozens of spongy multi-coloured steps lead you up an astounding hillside, where two HUGE 20m long, twisty slides are waiting for you to slide on down! You’ll definitely get your step count up here! (Note - you do need to be 1.2m to go down the slide).
Spread over multiple levels you will also find:

A parkour zone
A water pump area
A vehicle themed toddler playground
A zip line
Adventure zone with equipment for older kids
Multiple Swing sets
An off leash dog area
An amazing look out spot
Wetlands Area

There is 10 spectacular hectares to enjoy and Mamma says that the equipment here is unlike anything you have seen before!
There’s a giant orange climbing dome full of rope nets, rocking chairs and hidey holes to explore.

Just next to the dome is a giant log swing and adventure equipment including what Mamma can only describe as a ‘human metronome’! You stand on the the pole and grab hold of the handles, and it tips you forward on to the next climbing structure.. be warned - you will need your bravery jacket on for this one!

This is definitely a destination playground and one you will NEED to spend hours at and come back to many times to explore everything properly!

the nitty gritty

Lansell Avenue
Officer, 3809


undercover BBQ facilities - parking - toilets - picnic tables - limited playground shade - water play

Mamma’s special mention
Goody Two Shoes is a nice little spot for a tasty treat before or after a play here!

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somerfield reserve pirate park, keysborough

Ahoy there me hearties! It’s time to set sail with those little scallywags and head to Keysborough’s hidden treasure - Somerfield Reserve Playground aka Pirate Park. 

Ahoy there me hearties! It’s time to set sail with those little scallywags and head to Keysborough’s hidden treasure - Somerfield Reserve Playground aka Pirate Park. 

With two pirate ships and a towering look out to plunder, Mamma’s little pirates had no trouble spending several hours sailing the seven seas and making Mister Mamma repeatedly walk the plank. 

Nestled amongst the overt pirate themed equipment are playground classics like seesaws, a nest swing, carousel ring and huge metal tunnel slide.

Once the kids have wrangled the octopus seesaw, rung the ships bell and followed the multiple paths dotted with rum barrels, they might just be lucky enough to see a pod of seals sunbathing by the rocks. 

the nitty gritty

39 Somerfield Drive North, Keysborough 3173

undercover BBQ facilities - limited street parking - toilets - picnic tables - lots of trees - basketball court - limited playground shade - bins

Mamma’s special mention
Once the kids have had their fill of pirate play, head on over to Third Space Cafetorium for some delicious sweet treats!

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dablam street playground, clyde north

Dablam Street Playground in Clyde North, is a fresh playground with something the whole family will enjoy - even the furry ones!

Stage 32 District Park

Here’s a fresh playground with something the whole family will enjoy - even the furry ones!

This park spreads out over 2.5 hectares and features a full size basketball/sports court, pump track, grassy area for ball sports plus a playground boasting two HUGE slides, high rope net climbs, swings, rocking emu, seesaw and a teepee.

There’s a path criss-crossing around the playground, so if the little ones aren’t too keen on the pump track, they can scoot around the path instead.

There are multiple undercover picnic tables, BBQs and toilets - so it is the perfect spot to bring a picnic and enjoy the day.

There is also an adjoining fenced off-leash dog park so the doggos don’t miss out on the fun either!

the nitty gritty

Cnr Portobello Bvd and Dablam Street, Clyde North 3978

undercover BBQ facilities - limited street parking - toilets - picnic tables - pump track - full basketball court - limited playground shade - fenced off leash dog park

Mamma’s special mention
There are SO many playgrounds in Clyde - Check out all of the CLYDE PLAYGROUNDS here

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heatherton 'troll' park, clayton south

For years now, Clayton South’s Heatherton park playground aka “Troll Park”,  has been guarded by two towering trolls who, to this Mamma’s relief, permitted an afternoon of playground fun… toll free! 

For years now, Clayton South’s Heatherton park playground aka “Troll Park”,  has been guarded by two towering trolls who, to this Mamma’s relief, permitted an afternoon of playground fun… toll free! 

Whether the kids are sliding through the mouth of an angry looking three tongued troll, balancing on a troll foot spring or traipsing the traditional playground equipment adorned with toothy troll smiles, it’s pretty obvious how this playground got its nickname.

There are a multitude of slides for sliding, multiple swings for swinging, two equipment structures for climbing and exploring and a giant wooden hut for hiding from hungry trolls. And once the kids have vanquished those pesky beasts, why not explore the rest of the park?

Since the playground is part of the greater Heatherton Park, it’s the perfect place to bring the scooters or bikes along. Follow the footpath through the sensory wrought iron walkway (adorned with various bits and pieces to clang, clash and bash) and you will find vast open areas of grass, perfect for running off that extra kid energy. 

Mamma’s hot tip - though there is some shade available from the park’s beautiful towering trees and undercover bbq/picnic area, the playground itself offers little respite from the sun so be sure to slip slop slap before getting there! 

the nitty gritty

1 Ireland Rd, Clayton South 3169

undercover picnic tables and bbq facilities - walking track - toilets - limited on street parking - basketball court - open green spaces

Mamma's special mention
Once the kids have had their fill of the outdoors, why not sample some of the cutest cakes in town over at The 1985 Kafe, just a few minutes drive down the road.

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monterey community playground, frankston north

Monterey Community playground in Frankston North has a basketball court, a BBQ and shaded picnic tables, some quirky animal statues AND a toilet - the perfect recipe for a fun day of play!

Playgrounds don’t have to be all shiny and new in order for some good old fashioned play time! You just need some fun equipment including climbing structures, slides, swings - some large open grassy space, and some shaded picnic tables to have a good time!

Monterey Community playground in Frankston North has all of this - PLUS throw in a basketball court, a BBQ, some quirky animal statues AND a toilet - and you have the perfect recipe for a fun day of play!

The colourful equipment might not be the newest on the block, but the little ones will still love climbing through tunnels, playing shops, sliding down multiple slides and begging to be pushed some more on the swingset!

Mamma’s crew particularly love the wide open space to kick the footy and roll down hills and the basketball court too! Don’t forget your scooter or skateboard to do some tricks on the skate ramps! Bring a picnic lunch, a ball or two and you have the fun times sorted!

the nitty gritty

14N Monterey Blvd, Frankston North, 3200

BBQ- picnic tables - basketball court - toilets - drinking fountain - skate park

Mamma's special mention:
Grab a meal down the road at Dainton Brewery Taphouse

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talbot park playspace, oakleigh south

Sail the seven seas aboard Talbot Park playground’s very own pirate ship or glide through the air on the reserve’s brand new flying fox. With ample ropes to climb, towers to explore, large tunnel slide and multiple swings to choose from, this mamma’s kids had to be lured back to the car with cheese sticks and sultanas. 

Mamma loves a good playground transformation and Oakleigh South’s Talbot Park Playspace is no exception. After two and a half years of public consultation, planning and designing, this new playground has everything little hearts could desire. 

Sail the seven seas aboard Talbot Park’s very own pirate ship or glide through the air on the reserve’s brand new flying fox. With ample ropes to climb, towers to explore, large tunnel slide and multiple swings to choose from, this mamma’s kids had to be lured back to the car with cheese sticks and sultanas. 

With a strong focus on complimenting the newly established landscaping, most of the equipment is wood based with splashes of neutral grey which beautifully highlight the gorgeous native trees that surround the reserve. 

18th century ball game lovers should follow the path past the nest swing, beyond the flying fox and across the old toilet block, to find two bocce courts (aka stretches of compressed sand for the kids to roll around in) which are due to be upgraded in the coming months. 

There is some shade cover over the pirate ship and newly renovated picnic table/bbq area but other than that the playspace is very much open to the elements, as is the rest of the reserve. 

Though fully fenced (and gated) from the main road, mamma’s need to be mindful that little legs are still able to gain easy access to the reserve’s carpark which sits conveniently next to the playground.

the nitty gritty

2 Coonil St, Oakleigh South 3167

bbbq- undercover picnic tables - bocce courts - toilets - limited shade - drinking fountain - botanic gardens - fully fenced 

Mamma's special mention:
If you’re ready for a sit down but the kids still have some energy to run off, head to the neighbouring suburb of Oakleigh and visit Honeyccino Kids Cafe!

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sir william fry reserve playground, highett

Set amongst the rolling hills, lake (with swans and ducks!) and walking trails of picturesque Sir William Fry Reserve, it’s hard to believe that this gem of a playground is situated off a major highway.

Set amongst the rolling hills, lake (with swans and ducks!) and walking trails of picturesque Sir William Fry Reserve, it’s hard to believe that this gem of a playground is situated off a major highway.

There is plenty to keep the little ones busy, with two seperate play structures with toddler friendly equipment at both, a large dual metal slide, swings and a sandpit (equipped with digger).

Though there is some shade around the perimeters of the playground thanks to the many trees and undercover bbq facilities, the equipment itself is very much exposed to the elements so don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and hats!

With large expanses of open grass as well as a number of walking trails, this is the perfect place to bring the scooter or a ball to kick about once the kids are done at the playground. 

the nitty gritty

Nepean Highway, Highett 3190

bbq facilities - picnic tables - toilets - off street parking - partial shade - skate park - rebound wall - lake - drinking fountain- walking trails - open grass

Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, head across the road to Southland and catch a movie at Vjunior cinema!

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roth hetherington gardens playground, keysborough

Nestled in the middle of the tranquil Roth Hetherington Reserve, this playground feels like a child’s oasis amongst the native botanical gardens.

Nestled in the middle of the tranquil Roth Hetherington Reserve, this playground feels like a child’s oasis amongst the native botanical gardens.

Though not fenced, this little gem is far away from any roads and feels completely safe - even better? The undercover bbq and modern toilet block (including change table) are all but a few steps away!

Decked out with a number of playground classics, a massive highlight was the  musical instrument equipment that got a walloping from both sets of little hands. 

Mamma’s kidlets also loved exploring the reserve itself, with huge garden beds featuring local flora from each state and territory, a bridge “to fight trolls on” and hidden trails to discover and get lost in. If you’ve got some keen little bird watchers in the family, look out for the Tawny Frogmouths that frequent the area.

the nitty gritty

6 Woollahra Ave, Keysborough 3173

Undercover bbq - picnic tables - toilets with change table - limited shade - drinking fountain - botanic gardens

Mamma's special mention:
Once you’ve finished exploring, why not head to Dandenong Market for some fresh produce and hot jam donuts!

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cameron avenue & progress park reserve playground, oakleigh south

Mamma can’t go past a good deal and two playgrounds for the price of one is as good as it gets.

Mamma can’t go past a good deal and two playgrounds for the price of one is as good as it gets.

Cameron Avenue and Progress Park Reserve playgrounds are a feast for the eyes, with brilliant pops of pink and yellow that carry across both spaces for the dopamine hit this mamma needed after a *very* early morning. If Pinterest designed a playground - this would be it. 

On one side of of the street you have the “big kids” Cameron Avenue playground which includes a tunnel slide, monkey bar frame, rock climbing wall, nest swing, multiple rope structures and it’s very own scooter/bike loop for the little adrenaline junky in the family.

On the other side you have the Progress Park playground which is a more traditional but equally beautiful play space with equipment that is more accessible to the smaller kiddies with swings, a couple of slides and a “merry-go-roundesque” inclusive carousel. 

There are undercover picnic tables at both playgrounds but if you are looking to fry up a couple of snags for the fam, the Cameron Avenue Reserve is where it’s at.

the nitty gritty

1-7 Cameron Avenue, Oakleigh South

BBQ facilities - picnic tables  - street parking - limited shade - scooter loop - drinking fountain

Mamma's special mention:
Kaiju Cantina is a stones throw away on the other side of the golf course and make a mean pizza!

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auburn grove playground, botanic ridge

This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.

This gorgeous little play space is just perfect for imaginations to run wild, and a haven for kids who get overstimulated at the larger playgrounds.

Mamma’s Little Miss thinks the playground is based from the perspective of an ant, as you wander amongst giant toadstools, try to climb up mushrooms, cuddle frogs, walk along caterpillars and hide in acorn cubbies!

Whilst there aren’t any swings or slides here, kids will still enjoy trying to balance on beams, climb up rock poles and use their imaginations in some nature play.

the nitty gritty

4 Auburn Grove,  Botanic Ridge 3977

nature play elements - no toilets - some street parking

Mamma's special mention:
After a play head to Vue Bar and Restaurant for a yummy meal!

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sandfield reserve, carrum downs

Here’s a reserve with everything! Huge multi-court, skate park, parkour and TWO fully FENCED playgrounds!

Here’s a great reserve that has something the whole family will enjoy!

Sandfield Reserve in Carrum Downs is a brand new colourful youth space, that boasts a full size multi sports court- basketball, netball, there’s even cricket stumps painted on the rebound wall which also doubles as a rock-climbing wall, a parkour area and an updated skate park. Not to mention great wall art as well!

And for the littlies, just off from the court area, there are twoTWO separate FENCED playgrounds! Both offer plenty to keep the little ones climbing, swinging, sliding and flying! One has smaller slides and play equipment for the littler ones.

Even the fur babies are covered here, with a fenced dog park complete with obedience training equipment and a time-out area for overstimulated pups!

There’s also heaps of grass area to kick a footy or set up a picnic. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours with the family - except there are no toilets - so make sure you factor that into your play!

the nitty gritty

Sandfield Reserve, 49R Sandfield Dr, Carrum Downs, 3201

basketball court - rock climbing wall - fully fenced playgrounds - skate park - some shaded seats - free street parking

Mamma's special mention:
After all that play you will need to refuel at the nearby family friendly Dainton Brewery Taphouse

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rosebud jetty foreshore playspace, rosebud

This little gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already!

This little hidden gem will become one of your favourite playgrounds, if it isn’t already! Tucked in beside the jetty and amongst the bushes, you might not even notice it as you drive past - so keep your eyes open!

Here there are three great slides - one steep and FAST, with the most amazing view, and two smaller slides. The slides might be stainless steel, but being brushed they aren’t too hot, however, still best to time a morning play for this one in summer.

There’s also a flying fox, swings, round about, plenty of nature play and a spectacular view of the water!

There are lots of ways to climb to the top of the steep hills - ropes, ant hills and stairs plus there are heaps of natural elements around the space as well- tree stump balancing trails, pebbles and spaces for a bush cubbies too. 

There’s a bike path running parallel with the water, shaded picnic tables, toilets and, of course, Rosebud Pier is right there, too!

the nitty gritty

Jetty Road, Rosebud

public toilets - beach nearby - BBQs- picnic shelters - water fountain - some shade - small carpark

Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Just up the road you can get some spectacular bagels from NYC Bagels.

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portobello blvd playground, clyde north

There’s something for everyone at this playground! Parkour obstacle course - tennis court - basketball court and GIANT slide!

There’s something for everyone at this playground!

The little ones will love the climbing structures, little slide, balancing beams that look like mushrooms and swings - plus the braver ones can enjoy the HUGE twisty slide and high climbing tower with a rock climbing wall!

The older kids can test their skills on the ultimate park warrior obstacle course! This track will have you flipping, climbing, balancing, swinging and more as you try to get through all of the challenges at your fastest speed!

There’s also a full basketball court AND tennis court and the adults can even have a workout with the fitness equipment!

Throw in the under cover BBQ area and picnic tables, toilets (only open in Summer and Winter) water taps and refill stations and you have the perfect recipe for an active day spent outdoors!

37 Portobello Reserve, Clyde North 3978

the nitty gritty

Warrior obstacle course -BBQs - Undercover picnic tables - toilet - tennis court - basketball court - free street parking

Mamma's special mention
Head up the road to the awesome Deoro and Co for some yummy coffee and food!

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maple park, clyde

The playground is bright, tall and green and boasts some unique equipment encompassing the natural hills, like balancing poles, ladder bridges, a huge twirly slide, little wooden circle bouncers and more!

Wow this new playground has it ALL!
With a little lake as its background - a path perfect for scooting around and sprawling green hills surrounding the play area, Maple Park in Clyde is not your average local playground!

The playground is bright, tall and green and boasts some unique equipment encompassing the natural hills, like balancing poles, ladder bridges, a huge twirly slide, little wooden circle bouncers and more!

PLUS, there is a path for bikes AND a pretty perfect little pump track!
Throw in the undercover picnic tables, BBQs and toilet and you have the recipe for the ultimate day of FUN!

Apium St Clyde, 3978

the nitty gritty

BBQs - Undercover picnic tables - toilet - pump track - free parking

Mamma's special mention
Keep the playground fun going and head up the road to the awesome Oak Park Playground

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peter scullin reserve, mordialloc

What could be more perfect than a newly upgraded nautical-themed playground with water play right on the foreshore of the beautiful Mordialloc beach?

What could be more perfect than a newly upgraded nautical-themed playground with water play, right on the foreshore of the beautiful Mordialloc beach?
Perhaps also being located beside a creek and boat mooring, where kids can see boats, water, sand and a fabulous playground, all in one vicinity! 

A lot of the equipment is under shade, perfect for the sunny days. The ground is made of soft matting, ideal for the inevitable falls and for the crawlers - and kids of all ages will love the water play area - with water tables pooling into a little pebble creek - perfect for little feet to splash in. The play equipment will have you sliding, swinging, tumbling (in the hamster wheel) and there are even little electronic spelling games to get those brains exercising too!

With shaded BBQ areas and picnic tables, and loads of grassy area to picnic on, this will be a local favourite and is bound to get busy! It is also the location for wonderful family-friendly events held throughout the year - so keep an eye out for the next one!

It’s just a few hundred metres walk to the sandy beach and pier, and a short stroll to the main shopping strip, making this playground the ultimate location! And yes - there are toilets too!

Peter Scullin Reserve
333 Beach Rd
Mordialloc

the nitty gritty

BBQs - water play - picnic tables - toilet - partially fenced - paid parking

Mamma's special mention
Built up a hunger? Need to quench that thirst? Luckily you have the stunning SunnyBoy Beach Club right across the car park!

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sorrento park, sorrento

Of course the people of Sorrento would build something so lovely, complete with breathtaking views.

Of course the people of Sorrento would build something so lovely, complete with breathtaking views. This community funded playground is perched on top of the hill with views over the bay and the ferry terminal. It is a large wooden timber playground - the kind mamma LOVES - full of nooks and crannies, turrets, slides, ramps, sandpit, swings, firemans pole and more.  Mamma tries to dress the kids in hi vis so that they are easily spotted through the timber panels - although it is enclosed except for a couple of entry/exit points and surrounded by plenty of grassy spots to picnic - plus picnic tables, a rotunda and bbq's.

Mamma's special mention: In summer, the Sorrento back beach is great at low tide for some rock pool water play and adventure.

the nitty gritty

free parking (limited spaces) - toilets - tree shade in parts - bbqs - picnic tables - mostly enclosed - water taps

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tatterson 'big bug' park, keysborough

Talk about magic. As soon as you step through the magnifying glass you shrink and the bugs become GIANT.

Talk about magic. As soon as you step through the magnifying glass you and the family will shrink and the bugs become GIANT. Be sure to be on the lookout for spiders, ants, a beehive and a lady bird or two!

The Tatterson Park Playspace is great for the imagination and it is huge. Completely covered in shade sails it is great all year round, though can get a little boggy in the wetter months. Apart from bugs there are multiple play structures, a range of slides, plenty of things to climb and crawl through and a flying fox too! Add six swings, a great big sand and water play area, sheltered seating and public toilets with plenty of playing fields and a basketball court alongside, it makes this playground a Mamma's big hit!

Mamma's special mentions: If you need to refuel somewhere nearby, head over to Garden World and check out the dinosaurs while you are at it! 

the nitty gritty

shade sails - public toilets - BBQs - picnic seating - football fields nearby - walking tracks - sand 

Lake Edge Drive, Keysborough

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bicentennial park, chelsea

Gigantic slides, smurf village, musical huts, skate park - could this be the BEST park in the South?

Gigantic slides, smurf village, skate park - what more can you want?

Oh, ok then, throw in a musical hut, sand pit, train, swings of all shapes and sizes, exercise equipment, monkey bars, BBQ facilities, dog park and a huge oval - and you have arguably the BEST park in the South!

If you haven't been before, it is truly worth the visit, your kids will be little balls of energy and bounce around all of the fabulous equipment.
There are shaded picnic areas making it the perfect party/picnic park. And if you are lucky, frequent visitor - Mr Whippy will be on hand to offer some refreshments!

Mamma's special mention: if you find that the kids still want to play, head over to the Skate Park or if the weather takes a turn, why not head to The Silly Seahorse playcentre, just around the corner?

the nitty gritty

BBQ facilities - 
shaded picnic tables - public toilets/change room -
*fenced (but hugely spread out) -
- all abilities equipment

Thames Promenade & Scotch Parade
Chelsea

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black rock foreshore playground

What could be more perfect than a pirate-themed park overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in Victoria? Not much!

What could be more perfect than a pirate-themed park overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in Victoria? Not much!
This playground has all the ingredients necessary to ensure your child has a perfect play. There are your usuals; swings, slides, see-saws - plus an amazingly high (terrifyingly for this mamma) climbing pyramid.
The other climbing structure is a pirate fun ship. With slides as the descent and nets to climb up, a wooden steering wheel, and plenty of exploring space underneath for the toddlers.
Right in the heart of the beautiful black rock village, this park is definitely one to see!

Mamma's special mentions
Why not enjoy all that Black Rock has to offer and check out Hahndorf's Fine Chocolate Shop as well?

the nitty gritty

FACILITIES
Toilets
BBQ & Picnic Tables
Some shaded area
Car park (metered)
Mostly fenced in

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