Find it at: Hamilton Terrace, Paradise
Thorndon Park playground has been voted Australia’s Best Playground (Winner of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects award for best play space 2023)
The upgraded (in 2023) playground at Thorndon Park is amazing! A hen (water play sculpture), wren (climbing structure) and crane (swing) now call the park home and don’t forget the biggest bird, a heron (slide structure), which takes centre stage.
The park’s other facilities are also first class, including walking paths, BBQs, toilets, rotunda, pavilion, ovals, exercise equipment, picnic shelters and the carpark. Shortly after opening, council listened to community feedback and installed several extra shade installations over the play equipment, which we applaud! The new shade will cover the carousel, trampolines, junior slide and swings (see pic at bottom of this page for the new shade locations)
Thorndon Park Reserve is set in the beautiful grounds of the historic Thorndon Park Reservoir. On weekends a kiosk opens for snacks, plus a small but interesting heritage museum run by the local Rotary club.
There are plenty of walking and bike/scooter riding options around the playground, the reservoir and surrounding parklands. Other highlights of our visits are flying kites up on the top oval and using the free orienteering map/markers throughout the Reserve. There is plenty of space for ball sports, picnics or anything else you fancy – but dogs aren’t allowed in the Reserve at any time.
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Find it at: Pine Reserve, Aberfoyle Park The picturesque spot down south has had an upgrade in 2023, and doesn't it look sensational! There are no toilets sadly but plenty of shade, water fountains and park benches. There is play equipment for all ages including an array of ninja course style ropes and climbing equipment. Keeping with the pine theme, the equipment is primarily wood and rope based. I spent so much time here as a kid and it's always had a ninja course style theme but in that typical green and gold metal playground furniture. There is also a seperate netball ring and a seperate basketball court. These have been here for years and no upgrade to them but good to see they are still holding strong! The main playground isn't fenced, and is a part of a relatively large pine forest, so keeping a close eye on kids is important. For the little ones though there is a small structure and swing set located in a fully fenced section of the park, directly next to the main playground. There is also a massive flying fox edition as well! The perfect playground for summer as it is well shaded…
