Shelley Beach Playground

The new Shelley Beach playground is a great playground to visit. It’s right on the river, and around the enclosed playground is plenty of grass to kick a ball on, BBQs and gazebos and, of course, the beautiful river.

My 10-year-old was impressed with the park, especially the X-park obstacle course.

The course is set up with a starting point and different obstacles throughout, including climbing, balancing and swinging. Many of the older kids seemed to enjoy the challenge of this part of the playground.

As we entered the playground, we saw a mini trampoline and a swing set with a large bird nest swing, a seated swing, and a mum and baby swing. These were under shade sail.

Next to the swing was a climbing net and nearby a double-flying fox. The flying fox was designed with a wooden ramp that made it easier for the kids to pull the swing up themselves. Near this area was a nice grassed space with some umbrellas in the grass for shade; this would make a nice spot for a picnic.

There are two main structured play areas, one for the bigger children and one for the toddler age group. The toddler play area is off to one side and includes a small structure with a double slide on one side and a single on the other side.

There is another bird nest swing in this area, a play kitchen and a small water play area.

The main play structure of the playground is quite large and has several features. The most popular part was the main climbing frame, which had different levels and slides of different sizes. There was a rope bridge, hammocks under the play equipment, climbing nets and a climbing wall. A small part of this play equipment was under shade sail.

Inside the enclosed play area, there are a couple of covered picnic tables and a BBQ.  

There are a couple of drink fountains as well. The toilets are located a short distance away across the grass. There are a number of logs under the shade of the trees which parents were using to sit on. The day we visited, there was a mobile coffee van just outside the fenced area in the parking bays.

Overall, I would say this playground was well set out and had equipment that was suitable for a range of ages.