State of play: Adelaide’s top parks and playgrounds
ADELAIDE has an abundance of great parks and playgrounds — there’s traditional fun, themed playgrounds and nature-inspired play. Here’s our favourites:
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ADELAIDE has an abundance of great parks and playgrounds — there’s traditional fun, themed playgrounds and nature-inspired play. Here’s our big list of the best:
NORTH
St Kilda Playground
This award-winning playground offers a range of unusual, specially designed play equipment. It includes a flying fox, spiral slide, giant wave slide, monorail and maze. There are also toilets, barbecues and plenty of parking.
Cockle St, St Kilda
Cobblers Creek Recreation Park
Burrowed beneath the leafy green oasis of Salisbury and Golden Grove, this picturesque parkland is a peaceful retreat from city life. The park is home to some of Adelaide’s rarest native flora and fauna, offering outstanding grassland terrains and woodlands. If mountain biking is your one true thrill, you’re in luck. Cobblers Creek is one of Adelaide’s best biking spots, with purpose-built trails that cater for beginners to masters. For families, the park’s star attraction is a playground equipped with a flying fox and jungle gym.
Open seven days from sunrise to sunset except Christmas Day). Park off Bridge Rd or Smith Rd, Salisbury East
Carisbrooke Park
This dog-friendly reserve is perfect for a picnic, with playgrounds, barbecues and shaded trees in abundance. Carisbrooke Park connects the scenic Little River and its walking trails. The park can be hired to suit any occasion or family event. Along with views over a stunning landscape, it offers a newly renovated kitchen beside a shaded, cool area. Carisbrooke Park offers multiple trails on both sides of the river that are wheelchair- friendly. Footbridges and paths weave across the river to Boundary Park and Harry Bowey Reserve, offering kilometres of fields perfect for sports lovers.
Main North Rd, Salisbury
Playford Alive Town Park
Designed with the help of an award-winning community engagement process, Town Park has locals at its heart.
The park is an ideal destination for families and friends to come together and enjoy a beautiful spring day out. There is also a water play area for all ages to cool down in. When you dry off, there’s an adventure playground and opportunities for family barbecues. A youth plaza with a stretch of skate zones and BMX trails is also a key element of the park.
Cnr Peachy Road & The Parkway, Munno Para
St Kilda Park
St Kilda’s award-winning adventure playground enjoyed a $3.5 million facelift in 2015.
Families keen on trying the new features and equipment flocked to the site. It now offers forts, towers and an old wooden ship that houses a water slide on the top of the hill. Ten minutes from Salisbury and a 45-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, the seaside settlement of St Kilda offers an attractive coastal outing.
470 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda
Bridgestone Reserve
A major new parkland created on a former tyre factory site, this Salisbury reserve includes an all-ages adventure park. The space features 6.8ha of parkland, including fitness equipment. Other features include sheltered barbecue and picnic areas and climbing tyres.
Frost Rd, Salisbury
Morialta Conservation Park
After taking one of the many walking trails through beautiful Morialta Conservation Park walkers are greeted with the rugged ridges and breathtaking waterfalls along Fourth Creek. Morialta has been enjoyed for more than 100 years as a recreational escape, but recently its been the subject of State Government attention as part of a scheme to improve tourism in Adelaide’s parks. They invested in a $900,000 nature playground at its gateway, and recently announced opportunities for businesses to run a nature-themed cafe nearby.
Morialta Falls Rd, off Stradbroke Rd, Woodforde
Northgate Wetland Reserve
A smaller park to be enjoyed for residents living in the inner north is Northgate Reserve Wetland. Constructed in 2001, the wetland has become a popular place for walks and bike rides in the community. Its laid out with neat paths and features interpretative signs for visitors to learn about the way water is captured at Northgate. It has also become home to diverse native wildlife.
19 Lakeside Circuit, Northgate
Civic Park
The heart of Tea Tree Gully is arguably this popular family-friendly park. It’s home to the highly successful annual Civic Park Carols in December plus many more events throughout the year. Part of the reason for its popularity is its convenient location next door to Tea Tree Plaza and the local library. It features a playground, barbecue area and plenty of open space to kick a ball and run around.
171 Reservoir Rd, Modbury
Thorndon Park
This huge park is set around a reservoir with picturesque walking trails, play equipment and a barbecue area. There’s also plenty of shade to retreat to on sunny days and a kiosk open on weekends for refreshments. Campbelltown Council is also planning an upgrade of the park – costing upwards of $1.5 million – which will include new floodlights, upgrades to the playground, footpaths and picnic area, and the possibility of a miniature railway track.
Gorge Rd and Hamilton Tce, Paradise
Linear Park
Stretching almost 50km, Linear Park has become a hugely popular walking and cycling trail for both recreational and commuter uses. It starts at Athelstone but users can access it from another walking path beginning near Hope Valley Reservoir. It weaves through the north east, passes through the city’s fringe, and continues west through Hindmarsh, Lockleys and West Beach before joining up with the ocean.
Starts near Gorge Rd, Athelstone, and continues through Tea Tree Gully, Port Adelaide Enfield and Campbelltown suburbs
SOUTH
Wilfred Taylor Reserve
This park offers a quiet spot to relax in the middle of suburbia. Stroll along the trails around Christies Creek or walk your dog through the agility trails – it’s the perfect place for nature lovers. There is also a playground, along with bike tracks and barbecues for picnics.
Wheatsheaf and States roads, Morphett Vale
Jubilee Adventure Playground
The wooden playground, which was built by members of the community, attracts families from far and wide. The equipment caters for everyone, including children with disabilities, and a large grass area for sporting games. Overlooking the Port Noarlunga sand dunes and Onkaparinga estuary, this is the perfect place for a relaxing day out.
Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga
PG Dawson Reserve
This $200,000 playground that opened earlier this year was inspired by the ideas of schoolchildren. It includes a tree fort, wombat cave, water play and picnic areas. McLaren Flat Primary School students gave many ideas for the design of the playground, including retaining an old rocking horse, which is now on the roof of the tree fort.
Main Rd, McLaren Flat
Minkarra Park
There are two sections of recreational trails at this park, stretching from Manning to Black roads and linking up with the Northern Community Recreation Park at Happy Valley. The northern section offers a trail loop, with entry points from Black Rd and Reservoir Drive. The southern section offers a loop and connects to a skate park, exercise equipment, dog exercise park and playground.
Manning Rd, Flagstaff Hill
Frank Hilton Reserve
Positioned on the cliff face overlooking Gulf St Vincent, this reserve has 180-degree sea views. Onkaparinga Council recently spent more than $3 million upgrading the former dump to include a grassed area, coastal-themed playground, sandpit, shade sails and barbecue.
Gulf Parade, Maslin Beach
EAST
Hazelwood Park
From slippery dips to fun in the sun, Hazelwood Park has something for children and adults alike. There is flora, fauna, the odd koala and, from October to April, you can pay a visit to Burnside Pool. However, it is the large playground featuring swings, a 5m high climbing wall, slides and two sandpits that make it perfect for those after a bit of adventure. Do not forget to pack: A swimsuit.
Howard Tce, Hazelwood Park
Michael Perry Reserve
Named after former councillor, alderman and mayor Michael Perry, this park is top notch for a relaxing scenic stroll. See animals, aquatic life and remnants of the exotic plants during a walk through a 1.7km trail following Second Creek. Start the one-hour return track on Andrews Walk, near 66 Hallett Rd, or from another nearby street. The reserve is part of the former Clifton Estate, founded by South Australian mine and quarry industry investor George Sismey. Do not forget to pack: Walking shoes.
Kurrajong Ave, Stonyfell
Orphanage Park
On what used to be Goodwood Orphanage until it closed in 1976 is a park with climbing walls, barbecues and a basketball half-court. The reserve has a number of trees, tables, benches and areas to walk dogs on leads. The fenced playground has a big tyre swing and a boat, which are both popular with younger children. Do not forget to pack: A picnic basket.
Mitchell St, Millswood
Richards Park
Put simply, this is a park with class. If elegance on your outdoor adventure is what you are after, look no further than Richards Park. Walk through the wrought-iron gates on Osmond Tce and take in the beautiful landscaping, park benches, play equipment, logs to climb and formal winding paths, perfect for children on bikes and scooters. Richards Park is also popular for wedding ceremonies and photos. Its proximity to Magill Rd means you acn grab a coffee or a bite to eat when your play time is over. Do not forget to pack: Your phone – just to take pictures.
Entrance off Osmond Tce and Magill Rd, Norwood
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, Mitcham
Among the centuries-old river red gum trees is the 51ha Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, which boasts bushwalking, bike riding and, in some areas, horseriding. For those interested in history, try the heritage walk from Mitcham Reserve, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to the former market gardens at the end of Brown Hill Creek Rd. What to bring: Hat and sunscreen.
Brown Hill Creek Rd, Mitcham
Dunstan Adventure Playground
The Dunstan Adventure Playground, in Linear Park, is known for its long slippery dip – much longer than your average slide. Also on offer are monkey bars, swings and wobble horses. There are a few shady spots to relax in as well as a lawn area, benches and picnic area with tables and seats. The playground is great fun for older children, too.
Windchester St, St Peters
Morialta Conservation Park Playground
This new playground features five nature-inspired spaces, each with its own fun name – frog island, the great snake, kookaburra’s nest, the boulders and the eagles’ perch – and each with its own difficulties and challenges. Toilets and new barbecue facilities, as well as tables and chairs, are also available so the parents can relax while watching their children run free.
Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde
WEST & BEACHES
Mega Adventure Park
If you’re a bit of a dare devil, this adventure park is the perfect place to unleash your inner superman or superwoman. The Mega Adventure Park has more than 70 obstacles available for you to tackle at your own pace. It gives thrillseekers the opportunity to play tennis in the sky, row a boat midair or manoeuvre between obstacles like a floating esky, BMX bike and sky-high picnic table.
Hamra Ave, West Beach
Glenelg Foreshore Playground
Head down to the Bay to spend an afternoon at this playground, which has been a magnet for children since opening in January last year. It has been so popular that Holdfast Bay Council had to do a few upgrades to help it stand up to heavier use than expected, including replacing the grass with ‘softfall’ rubber. The playground features an extra-wide slippery dip, in-ground trampolines, a hammock swing, sandpit, climbing dome, cubby, tunnel, rope activities and a water play area for children with limited mobility.
Next to the Glenelg Town Hall, Moseley Square, Glenelg
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
Trek over the rugged cliffs and learn about the animals who call the area home and the geological history of Hallett Cove. If you have a bit of time, park next to Marino Rocks Cafe and head south to Hallett Cove beach. You’ll walk over a series of boardwalks, including large sections of stairs that will get your heart racing. Stop off at the Boatshed Cafe, Hallett Cove, for a coffee or light meal to reward yourself for your efforts before heading back.
Enter via Heron Way, Hallett Cove, or walk from Marine Pde, Marino
O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park
If you’re eager for a bit of quiet time outside suburbia, try bushwalking or riding your mountain bike along the firetracks at O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. Previously used for grazing, it today features regenerated grey box eucalypts and river red gums, which provide cover if you are in the mood for a picnic. The reserve’s bluestone quarry was used to build many of Adelaide’s older buildings. Take your pooch along as dogs are allowed, provided they are on a lead at all times.
Majors Rd, O’Halloran Hill
Jervois Street Reserve
Marion Council spent $940,000 developing this 6000sq m park, which opened last year with play areas for younger and older children, a flying fox, small oval, bike track with mounds and jumps and fitness equipment. It also has tables for chess and ping-pong, a barbecue and space for three-on-three basketball and netball. The playground was last year named the Destination of the Year by the The Baby and Toddler Destinations Facebook and Instagram groups, which have almost 10,000 followers.
Jervois St, South Plympton
Reserve Street Reserve
Marion Council’s first dedicated dog park has become a popular destination for dog owners and their pets, since opening last year. The council spent $226,000 building the park, which included $100,000 in State Government funding. The off-leash area is surrounded by a 1.8m fence and has drinking fountains, dog bowls and benches. Marion Council is now looking in to where it can build a second official dog park, most likely in the northern part of the district, for smaller dogs.
Reserve St, Trott Park
Hart’s Mill Playground
This incredible playground has won multiple awards since it was unveiled in May 2014. The State Government spent $2 million and hired Aspect Studios to create a playspace which incorporates the industrial history of the site. The play equipment reflects the milling industry and has been designed to tell the Adelaide Milling Company’s story in an interactive and exploratory way.
Hart’s Mill, Port Adelaide
Roy Marten Park
This park is still a work in progress, with senior and junior playspaces still to come next year. In the meantime, you can enjoy two fenced off dog parks – one for big dogs and one for small dogs.
There is also a new path to the foreshore and a car park.
22 Wandana Terrace, Taperoo
Semaphore Foreshore Reserve
There’s so much to do on the beautiful foreshore at Semaphore but why not start at the excellent playground, located in between the waterslide and the Fort Glanville train.
This popular spot is fully fenced and undercover.
It also has a ton of equipment, including a flying fox, swings and climbing frames.
Esplanade, Semaphore
Inlet Reserve
With stunning views of the lake, it is hard to go past this playground. It has a host of fun and colourful equipment, including a spider web, swings and a slide.
254 Trimmer Parade, West Lakes
Point Malcolm Reserve
Charles Sturt Council spent $1.2 million on a revamp of the Military Rd park. The park now features new junior and senior playgrounds, a “coast-themed” nature play area, an improved barbecue area, full-sized basketball court and an amphitheatre.
The State Government chipped in $200,000 towards its upgrade. Mayor Angela Evans says the new-look park is the result of a “shared vision” between the council and the residents. “The consultation received positive feedback and a high level of engagement from our community, and we used this feedback to help shape the master plan,” Ms Evans says.
343 Military Road, Semaphore Park
Clarice Sutherland Reserve
Another park given a much-needed spruce-up, the open space features barbecues, seating, a playground and shading. The playground has three slides, a rope bridge, a rocking car and climbing equipment. And at the park you’ll find plenty of lawn space for a picnic.
De Haviland Ave, Hendon
Apex Park
Tucked away off of Burbridge Rd, this park offers barbecues, a playground and a shaded area with generous lawned areas. The playground is fully fenced-off and even boasts tennis courts. People wanting to spend the day out should take a packed lunch and then go for a bike ride along the nearby walking trail and visit the friendly ducks.
Burbridge Rd, West Beach
River Torrens Linear Park Trail
Pack up your backpack, lace up your joggers and hop on your bike to enjoy a scenic ride from Henley Beach Rd to Tapleys Hill Rd. The area, known as Break Out Creek, meanders its way past native plants and horses that can be spotted grazing the banks of the river. Between Holbrooks and Tapleys Hill roads, there are ovals, parks, playgrounds, picnic spots and even a cemetery on Adam St to stop and reflect. If you do not own a bike, free bicycle hire is available from Adelaide City Council or the West Lakes Library on weekdays.
Henley Beach
Johns Reserve
Nestled among heritage homes in Henley Beach, this small park often goes unnoticed. But its play equipment and ample seating are a hit with local families, with many flocking there on a warm summer’s day. The playground includes a little inground trampoline for children, an above-ground tunnel for crawling through, a slide, a swing set and some other climbing equipment. There are also tables for having your lunch.
180 Military Rd, Henley Beach
CITY
Bonython Park
It’s unlikely you’ll ever get the place to yourself, but Bonython Park is worth wading through the multitudes of screaming smalls. With a 25m flying fox, giant mouse wheel, water play, a sandpit with bones to be dug for, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, plus the standard equipment that spins and slides, the playground is a big hit with the kids – big and little alike. There’s a kiosk that’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day during school holidays, plus the Road Safety Centre has a ‘mock roadway’ where kids can ride their bikes with real traffic lights, signs and roundabouts and is open to the public on weekends and during school holidays.
Port Rd, North Adelaide
Glover Playground
Colloquially known as Helicopter Park, this North Adelaide gem is big with parents of toddlers. Fully fenced to keep those roaming little ones safely corralled, Glover is a great place to sit with a coffee, from nearby O’Connell St, and a pal while the kids run themselves into exhaustion. There’s a big grassed area, barbecue facilities, plus sandpits with diggers and the famous helicopter.
61-63 Lefevre Tce, North Adelaide
Linde Reserve
Explore the winding paths around Linde Reserve and you’ll find a number of fantastical statues dotting the way – a cat, a howling dog, an owl, a child dancing with a boat. The grassed space is perfect for a picnic, for flying kites or for a good old kick of the footy. There’s fenced playground with a funnel-web (the kids love it) and a climbing net, and a creek to duck-watch.
Nelson St, Stepney
Rymill Park
If you’ve ever been held up by a mini traffic jam on Bartels Rd, Rymill Park’s resident ducks are probably the cause. Often to be found taking the casual stroll from Ityamai-Itpina (because why fly when you can waddle) the ducks are best seen by hiring a row boat from the kiosk to take out on the water, a big hit with the kids. If land is more your style you can take a walk over the footbridge that spans the lake, or head to the playground where the kids can climb and jump and the adults can enjoy the view from the hill.
East Parklands, Bartels Rd, city
Princess Elizabeth Playground
Home to an excellent medieval-inspired tower with slide, in-ground mini-trampolines, and a huge climbing net, the highlight for many kids is still the King Arthur-style sword-in-the-stone at the rear of the playground. There are barbecues, lots of shady trees and activities for the littlest ones too – including stepping stones, rockers and swings.
South Tce, city
HILLS
Belair National Park
From orienteering courses to an adventure playground – there is no shortage of family fun at Belair National Park. The park has tennis courts, cricket pitches, woodlands and walking trails to suit all fitness levels. Rangers at the park recommend visiting the upper waterfall, enjoying the views of the park and hills from Jubilee Drive and finding Amphitheatre Rock near the southeastern corner of the park. Belair National Park is the state’s oldest national park and home to Old Government House, which visitors can take a guided tour of for a gold-coin donation. It costs $12 ($9.50 concession) to bring a car into the park. Do not forget to bring: Every piece of sporting equipment you own.
Upper Sturt Rd, Belair.
Apex Park, Hawthorndene
A playground, shade and a good coffee shop nearby – what else could you ask for? Apex Park is a popular Hawthorndene reserve, suitable for toddlers all the way to teenagers. The playground includes swings, a slide, seesaw, flying fox, a balance beam and a rubber toddler bike track that winds through the equipment. It also has a BMX track for children aged over 12 years old. Best of all, it is opposite popular hills haunt Joan’s Pantry, which is open for breakfast and lunch. Do not forget to bring: Spare change for a coffee and cake.
Watahuna Ave, Hawthorndene.
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
Among the centuries-old river red gum trees is the 51ha Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, which boasts bushwalking, bike riding and, in some areas, horseriding. For those interested in history, try the heritage walk from Mitcham Reserve, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to the former market gardens at the end of Brown Hill Creek Rd. Do not forget to bring: Hat and sunscreen.
Brown Hill Creek Rd, Mitcham.
Karinya Reserve
Grab your skateboard, scooter or bike and head to Karinya Reserve in Eden Hills for some four-wheel fun. This 10ha reserve boasts a skatepark, a playground for the youngsters, seating, sheltered areas and toilets. Karinya also hosts Mitcham Council’s popular Youth Fest event, which features BMX and Battle of the Band competitions. Do not forget to bring: A skateboard, scooter, bike and helmet.
Shepherds Hill Rd, Eden Hills.
CC Hood Reserve
If taking your pooch to a dedicated dog park is on the cards, CC Hood Reserve in Panorama is the place to be. The reserve, in the northern section of the park, was Mitcham Council’s first enclosed area for dogs to run without leads. The dogs can run around while the kids use the nearby playground. Or you can head to the fitness equipment for a light workout. Do not forget to bring: Dog poo bags.
Corner Panorama Drive and Eliza Place, Panorama
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