Thorndon Park playground has been voted Australia’s Best Playground (Winner of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects award for best play space 2023)
Find it at: Hamilton Terrace, Paradise
Good for: All ages, especially kids who love imaginative and active play
Best for: Nature play, water play, giant bird-themed climbing and slides, swings and trampolines
Toilets: Yes
Shade: Yes
Fenced: No
Accessible: Yes with accessible paths and facilities
Parking: Plenty
Cafe or food nearby: Weekend kiosk onsite for snacks, plus picnic areas, BBQs and shelters
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.
Thorndon Park Nature Reserve
While you’re there: Extend your visit with the Thorndon Park Nature Trail, a family-friendly walking loop that takes around 30 minutes to complete. Starting near the wetlands by the amphitheatre and playground car park, the trail features 11 informational and interactive stops designed to help kids discover more about the local environment and Kaurna culture.
Follow the swamphen markers, learn about native plants and see what wildlife you can spot along the way, including ducks, rosellas, coots and Eastern long-necked turtles. It’s a great little adventure for curious kids and a lovely way to add some nature play to your playground visit.
Want to make it even more fun? Pick up a free activity booklet from the Thorndon Park kiosk, Campbelltown Library or Council office, or download one from the Campbelltown City Council website. If you have time, you can also explore the wider reservoir circuit, which is around 1.5 km and takes up to an hour to walk.
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