parks Jacqui Kavanagh parks Jacqui Kavanagh

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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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

fred smith reserve, hastings

There’s so much to do here at this reserve, so be prepared to spend a few hours here!

There’s so much to do here at this reserve, so be prepared to spend a few hours here!
Firstly, there is a great little nautical-themed playground nestled under the shade of giant trees. You’ll find all your usual equipment here, swings, slides, sand pit, rocking boat, spinning pole and more. The main climbing structure is in the form of a pirate ship. There are also 4 large pelican statues that the kids will love.
Just next to the playground is an awesome skate park. It has big and little ramps and bumps, and is perfect for all age and skill levels. It seems to be a big hit with the very talented local kids!
There’s also a huge grassy area for you to throw down a picnic rug. With picnic tables, undercover area and BBQs - it’s the perfect spot.

Opposite the playground is Hastings pier and boat ramp. Mamma’s crew had a great time exploring the pier, viewing little mud-crabs and pelicans, and checking to see if anyone had caught some fish!
It’s a stunning area, with great views out to Westernport bay.
Mamma’s tip - bring a change of clothes. Kids wont be able to resist the muddy/sandy foreshore!

Mamma's special mention:
You have to check out the beautiful views at Pelikan Societe - great food and coffee, too!

the nitty gritty

skate park- playground - free parking - picnic tables - toilets - heaps of shade - pier -

3 Marine Pde
Hastings

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

red hill recreation reserve playground, red hill

This is the perfect playground to stop at after spending a day absorbing all the beauty that Red Hill has to offer.

This is the perfect playground to stop at after spending a day absorbing all the beauty that Red Hill has to offer. Nestled amongst leafy trees (with colours that are just stunning in Autumn) you will find most of the standard playground equipment. Such as; swings, slides, rocking horse, tunnels, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, spider net, lookout castles and more. There is also a basketball court, too.

The playground is opposite a huge oval and an off-leash dog park. Undercover BBQs and sheltered seating makes it the perfect spot for lunch. Public toilets are over near the tennis courts and the parking is free!

Oh and in the warmer months, you will also find the wonderful Red Hill Craft market here!

Mamma's special mention: There is SO much to see and do up here. Hungry? Check out Red Gum BBQ. Wanna pick fruit? Check out Ripe and Ready cherry Farm or Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. Bushwalk? Endeavour Fern Gully rainforest walk.

the nitty gritty

public toilets - bbqs - shelter - free parking - Basketball court - seats

Cnr Arthurs Seat Rd and Arkwells Lane,  Red Hill 

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

seawinds garden playspace, arthurs seat

Here is a stunning nature-themed playground that lies within a spectacularly beautiful location

Here is a stunning nature-themed playground that lies within a spectacularly beautiful location.
Set amongst the top of Seawinds Gardens, in the picturesque Arthurs Seat, is this beautiful nature-inspired playground. Complete with intricate detailing of wildlife - spot the wallabies, poke your head through a kangaroo and have a go at the ‘roo-olympics’; there’s soft rubber matting, wooden climbing logs, rope ladders, rock climbing walls, swings, slides and seating - it is bound to become a new favourite!

So much effort has been put into the design of this beautiful playground, and it is definitely one of the prettiest Mamma has seen! Make sure you keep your eye out for a mob on kangaroos that enjoy sunbaking near by!

The kids will absolutely love this one - add it to your list!

the nitty gritty

BBQ - picnic areas - public toilets - free parking

where?

Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat

Mamma's special mention:
Make sure you explore all around the stunning Seawinds Gardens

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

mornington park playground, mornington

Here’s a great park, in prime location!
Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Mornington Peninsula coast, and across the road from Main street - which is jam-packed with cafes, bars and shops!

Here’s a great park, in a prime location!
Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Mornington Peninsula coast, and across the road from Main street - which is jam-packed with cafes, bars and shops!

The playground is sea-themed and includes a giant Pirate ship as the foundation of the play equipment. Kids can walk the plank, steer the ship and check out the views from the top deck, and go below deck to speak and listen from the ‘phone line’ equipment. There’s also your usual; slides, swings, monkey bars and flying fox. Oh - and there are a few seriously awesome climbing trees to test out, too!

There’s a heap of open space to unload your picnic basket and kick the footy; as well as a few tables, BBQ, drinking fountains and toilets not far away.

Mamma's special mention:
You simply must stop in for a delicious gelato across the road at Okay Lucy.

the nitty gritty

street parking - public toilets - limited shade - beachside

Schnapper Drive, 
Mornington 

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

mccrae foreshore lighthouse playground, mccrae

This is a great little playground which resides next to the majestic Mcrae lighthouse and on the foreshore of McCrae beach.

This is a great little playground which resides next to the majestic Mcrae lighthouse and is on the foreshore of McCrae beach.

With smaller steps and railed play equipment, it’s perfect for those little feet. Climb up to the rock-climbing wall to reach the lighthouse, then disembark down the slide to more equipment underneath. There’s a little boat you can steer and a fun mirror to watch your warped reflection, which will keep the kids occupied for ages!
Then head down the sandy path to the foreshore to find dozens of delightfully coloured beach houses and stunning views across the Peninsula.

Mamma's special mention:
You simply must stop for a drink at Jetty Road Brewery when you’re down this way!

the nitty gritty

parking - public toilets - limited shade - beachside

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

rye foreshore playground, rye

Rye Foreshore Playground is a total classic! A wooden treasure that your kids will want to visit again and again. It is a community treasure and its design is a nod to all things nautical.

Rye Foreshore Playground is a total classic! A wooden treasure that your kids will want to visit again and again. It is a community treasure and its design is a nod to all things nautical. With the lighthouse, boats, bait shack and even hidden treasure, there are fun things to be found around each corner. Keep an eye out for some pesky pirates, a beautiful mermaid and plenty of friendly fish. The play elements are pretty accessible, suiting crawlers as well as your primary aged kiddos who are keen to climb up the walls. We can easily spend an entire hour exploring this space. The playground is fully enclosed with only one entrance at the front (which is nice being close to the main highway) and has beautiful views of the bay from up the top of the slide.

Mamma's special mention: For the local tip, head to the boat ramps at the end of the day, or whenever the fishing boats are heading back to shore and be on the look out for the local stingrays that are looking to feast on some easy dinner!

IMG_3151.jpg

the nitty gritty

fully fenced and gated - water nearby - bbqs - lots of seagulls! - sheltered picnic areas - public toilets - limited shade

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Jacqui Kavanagh Jacqui Kavanagh

dunns road reserve, mount martha

Mamma just loves this little farm themed playground!
With a large covered ‘banyard’, complete with picnic tables and a BBQ, it is the perfect place for a get together.

Mamma just loves this little farm themed playground!
With a large covered ‘banyard’, complete with picnic tables and a BBQ, it is the perfect place for a get together.

The play equipment is super cute, with a large tractor, cubby house, tunnels, horse rockers, see-saw, pyramid climbing frame, swings, monkey bars and more!

There is SO much wide-open space here, perfect for a game of cricket and a family picnic. You can even bring your canine family members and let them run loose in the fenced dog obstacle area!

Mamma's special mention:
Hungry? Head around the corner to the delicious Mornington Hyrdoponic Cafe.

the nitty gritty

bbqs - sheltered picnic areas - toilet facilities - free parking - dog park

Dunns Road,
Mount Martha

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parks Jacqui Kavanagh parks Jacqui Kavanagh

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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