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hewison reserve playground, st kilda east

It’s easy to enjoy and appreciate the newly renovated Hewison Reserve in St Kilda East when you know those sneaky little toddler legs have no way to escape the confines of the fully fenced and gated playground.

It’s easy to enjoy the newly renovated Hewison Reserve when you know those sneaky little toddler legs have no way to escape the confines of the fully fenced and gated playground.

With several wooden structures dotted around the space, the kids can climb, slide and swing to their hearts content. 

There are several ladders and rope nets to scale, a couple of modest slides to slip down, swings to swing on and an observation tower to survey the land.  

Though there are some beautiful large trees across the reserve that offer a little shade around the seating areas and nature play space, most of the equipment itself is in full sun so make sure to slip slop slap before going! 

With a grassy (unfenced) area to kick the ball around and bbq/picnic facilities right next to the playground, it’s easy to spend an afternoon here with the family. 

the nitty gritty

11a Orange Grove, Balaclava 3183

fully fenced - BBQ facilities - limited street parking - no toilets - picnic tables - drinking fountain - bins

Mamma's special mention:
After the kids have finished playing, head to Cowderoy’s Dairy for a coffee or meal.

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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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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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