Is this Melbourne’s best playground: Harpley estate, Werribee

IT’S in an area bigger than the MCG with giant flying foxes, log tunnels and cast iron animals. A new playground in Melbourne’s west may be our best.

IT’S in an area bigger than the MCG with giant flying foxes, log tunnels and a colourful mix of cast iron animals.

A new playground in Melbourne’s west is encouraging kids to play and learn in the same space and has staked its claim as one of our best.

The park in the Harpley estate, Werribee has educational displays and timeless playground favourites.

It caters for the adventurous with a 10-metre double flying fox, tree log tunnels and a sand pit full of concrete bones.

And the good news for mums and dads is this park has Wi-Fi.

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One of the many cast iron animals at the playground.

The vast expanses of the adventure playground

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Opening Sunday, the all-abilities playground boasts two sound boxes that tell stories of the native Wathaurong people while information boards display a frog’s life cycle.

Lend Lease Communities Victorian manager Neil O’Connor said a range of native flora would draw families to the park.

“Nature play is important for kids because it helps with a child’s cognitive and creative development,” he said.

The adventure playground is set to open on Sunday. Picture: Brendan Francis

Kids will love the flying fox

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Ms O’Connor said the playground was developed before house in the area to give future residents a place to relax with their children.

“It has a lot of surprises that kids will enjoy as they find their way through the park.”

Tiny tots will find at least a dozen hidden treasures around the playground including lizards, scorpions, dragonflies and beetles set in resin.

A slide, roundabout and cubby house are also dotted around the park and set against the backdrop of native red gums and the You Yang mountain ranges.

The park’s centrepiece is a brolga bird, native to western Victoria, complete with stained glass wings.

The park is a mixture of blue, green and yellow soft matting that takes its design inspiration from the nearby wetlands and historic indigenous landmarks.