Pat O'Hara Reserve, Morley

Pat O’Hara Reserve in Morley is a fantastic local park that caters well for a wide age range, combining a large nature play area, a more traditional Playground, multi‑sports court and a big open oval. Tucked between Walter Road West and Magini Street, it’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend a couple of hours while the kids run off energy.

The first thing that grabs kids’ attention is the nature play zone. Set on woodchips (great if you’re trying to avoid taking half the sandpit home in your shoes), this area is built mostly from timber and rope. Children can balance along large logs, climb ladders and navigate a rope bridge style element that encourages coordination, problem-solving and a bit of courage. The nature play section finishes at a wooden fort complete with slide and a fireman’s pole to slide down, perfect for imaginative games and small adventures. This part of the Playground benefits from natural shade from established trees, making it a lovely, cool place to play on warmer days.

There’s a birds nest swing that’s always popular for group swinging, rope ladders to climb and small balancing beams for little legs to practise on. The sand base also makes this side of the Playground ideal for bringing along diggers, buckets, spades and trucks for extra sensory play.

A paved path cuts through the reserve, making it easy for scooters and prams to get around and linking the Playgrounds with the sporting facilities. A short stroll down this path brings you to a modern multi-use hard court, suitable for netball or basketball. It’s ideal for kids who are just starting training or for families wanting to shoot a few hoops together.

Right next to the court is a huge oval, offering loads of room for a kick of the footy, a game of soccer or cricket, or just a good old-fashioned run around with the dog or a frisbee.

For families who like to bring food along, Pat O’Hara Reserve has a picnic table and some bench seating dotted around, allowing you to sit back and supervise play or enjoy a snack break. While there are no on-site toilets, the reserve is conveniently close to Morley Galleria Shopping Centre, where you’ll find bathrooms and plenty of options for grabbing a coffee or bite to eat before or after your park visit. The nearby McDonald’s has also commonly been used as a loo stop, though this may vary depending on temporary closures and current conditions.

Parking for Pat O’Hara Reserve is available off Walter Road West (via Blade Close behind the shops) and off Magini Street, so accessing the park is straightforward from either side. With a good mix of shaded nature play, toddler-friendly equipment, a sports court and a big open oval, Pat O’Hara Reserve is a well-rounded community park that offers something for most ages and interests. It’s a great spot for a casual after-school play, weekend catch-up with friends or to practise ball skills in a relaxed setting.

Pat O’Hara Reserve, Morley

Address: Between Walter Road West and Magini Street, Morley. Parking via 267 Walter Road West (off Blade Close behind the shops) and off Magini Street.