Looking for one of the best playgrounds in Evanston Park? Withers Circuit Playground is a popular destination for local families and visitors exploring the Gawler region. With a fun farm-inspired design, a variety of play equipment and plenty of space to relax, it’s an excellent choice for toddlers, preschoolers and primary school-aged children.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, meeting friends for a playdate or searching for playgrounds near Gawler, this well-equipped reserve offers something for everyone.

Playground Features

• Large farm-themed play tower with climbing activities, bridge and enclosed tube slide.
• Tractor-themed play unit designed especially for younger children.
• Ninja-style obstacle course for climbing, balancing and active play.
• Standard swings and an inclusive basket swing.
• In-ground trampoline.
• Sheep rocker and interactive sensory play panels.
• Talking tubes for imaginative and social play.
• Accessible pathways and soft-fall surfacing throughout the playground.
• Picnic shelter with tables and seating.
• Drinking fountain.
• Open grassed areas, landscaped gardens and growing shade trees.

The mix of imaginative, physical and inclusive play makes Withers Circuit Playground a great option for children with different interests and abilities. Kids can climb, slide, jump, swing and explore while parents relax nearby under the picnic shelter or keep an eye on the action from the surrounding seating.

Located in Evanston Park, just minutes from Gawler, this family-friendly playground is ideal for everyday play, birthday gatherings or a stop during a day exploring the northern 91������ý region. If you’re searching for the best playgrounds in Gawler or family-friendly parks in northern 91������ý, Withers Circuit Playground is well worth a visit.

The eagle has landed at Morialta Playground… in a 7 metre tall nest – and your kids can climb it! Yep, the Morialta Conservation Park playground is AWESOME! Best suited to kids aged 5-15years, it is great to see a play area perfect for older families. With over 100 car parks and walking trails to guide you, it makes a visit to the park even easier to navigate for families.

The stunningly designed, HUGE and super fun playground has been designed with a Nature Play theme, with elements from Aboriginal culture. This super impressive nature playground features five themed play areas that are built across the Stradbroke Road picnic area. Come ready to explore Frog Island, Eagle’s Perch, Great Snake, Bird Nests and climbing boulders, as well as paths, creeks, rock walls and climbing trees.

Please be aware that the Morialta Playground isn’t fenced, has a nearby creek and road and has plenty of areas where you’ll have to keep a hand &/or close eye on kids with high falls possible etc which makes it less suitable for younger kids but awesome fun for older ones!

Things we love about Morialta Playground:

• The whole playground is all about nature – incorporating natural elements and materials all around,
• The massive snake structure that kids can play in & on (if they are big and brave enough!),
• The GIANT Birds Nests with rope ladders, walkways, and log frames – and a giant metal slide from the biggest one!
• The HUGE expanse – this play area is actually 4 distinct spaces located next to each other in the Morialta Conservation Park,
• The featured wood carving works by local Kaurna Indigenous sculptor Allan Sumner,
• The creek – our kids LOVE to ‘search for creatures’ in the creek – so many hours spent here!,
• The short walk to the Morialta First Falls waterfall – you can even take the pram there and our 2 year old can handle the walk,
• The climb to the Giants Cave – only about 50 steps up and a great view down the valley.
• Koala spotting – we have never visited without spotting at least 1 or 2 koalas!

There are BBQs, toilets, shaded table and bench seats all around the area and solid under cover areas.

** please note that there is unrestricted/unfenced access to the creek that often flows and runs close by the playground area. It is also unfenced to Stradbroke Rd, which is about 50-80m from the Playspace.

We have them all below, but here are some of our Top Themed Playgrounds;

• Thorndon Reserve (Birds)
• Largs Foreshore (Ice Cream)
• Stanley Street Reserve (Bees)
• Jubilee Playground Port Noarlunga (Pirates)
• Kapunda Playground (Trains)
• Morialta Adventure Playground (Nature)
• Barossa Adventure Station (Trains)
• GT Fisher Victor Harbor (Trains)
• Jack Watkins Reserve Playground (Trains)

Scroll down for all the pics and info you will need to tackle your next adventure.

Animal Themed Playgrounds

Thorndon Reserve, Paradise

Australia’s Best Playground as voted in 2023, the incredible bird themed playground has some of the most unique and wonderful equipment in South Australia. The kids will love climbing through the huge structures and this is one of those play spaces where you can easily spend the day.

Read all about this great spot here!

Cormorant Drive Reserve, Hallett Cove

A giant Diprotodon (pre-historic wombat) is the star attraction at this playground down south, a nod to fossils of the extinct giant that was found in the area. Great fun to learn about and even better fun to climb.

Read all about it here!

Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Home to the world (well….SA at least) famous Bunyip, this attraction at Sturt River Reserve has scared kids for generations and delighted parents equally as much. The Bunyip is currently in really good condition and is primed to scare the shite out of anyone under the age of 10 and quite a few older than that. An all round ripper of a playground which is fully fenced, fully shaded and absolutely enormous. Don’t forget the pump tracks, rage cages (its a sport thing…not where you leave angry kids) and a fantastic skate park.

Read more about it here

Sea Turtle Park Playground, Port Noarlunga South

Turtle Park Playground is the latest in Hickinbotham and Land SA’s housing developments vision to create playgrounds as the hub of these new communities. This one is suited for the younger kids under 6.

Read more about it here

Keith Stephenson Reserve, Mount Barker

A wonderfully updated playground (in 2024) which focusses on the local wildlife, this fully fenced playground is great for the under 10s and is highlighted by a giant climbable turtle.

Check it out here!

Stanley Street Reserve, Glengowie

This bee themed playground down south is up there for the cutest playground in 91������ý. Let your little ones explore and learn all about the world of bees, while having some fun on the unbee-lievable equipment.

Check it out here!

Semaphore North Foreshore Playground

This playground features an incredible locally crafted Blue Swimmer Crab – a unique play structure packed with slides, climbing nets and more than 15 interactive features designed to spark curiosity and adventure for children of all ages. Other sea-inspired elements include turtles, pippis and winding seaweed paths.

All the pics and info here

Boat Playgrounds

St Kilda Adventure Playground

* Pirate Ship is currently closed due to maintenance*

One of 91������ý’s playground icons, the adventure playground is also home to the famous pirate ship which 91������ý kids have enjoyed for what seems like forever. Every kid has at some point, stood on that ship and looked out to sea and imagined they were sailing the seven seas looking for treasure. The playground itself is probably 91������ý’s biggest and maybe most famous. A bit of a trek out north but totally worth it and a rite of passage (along with schoolies and doing something stupid to end up on Sh*t91������ý) for all South Aussies.

For more on this fantastic spot click here

Mary Ann Reserve Playground, Mannum

Located on the beautiful riverbanks of Mannum lies this fully fenced playground. Not only does this playground have a boat for your little ones to play on, you are right at the heart of the river bank where house boats dock and boats are at full force during the summer months. Our little ones even loved watching the ferry cross the river while they were playing. With toilets close by and a shade sail, this is the perfect playground to add to your road trip list.

For more on this fantastic spot click here

AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens

We love this huge plagryound at Clarence Gardens, which has so much to offer kids of all ages, least of all the pirate loving tikes who will gain their sea legs on the really cool pirate ship. The pirate ship here may be a bit smaller, but the playground is an absolute fave. It is basically 2 big playgrounds in one, with nature play, toddler age equipment plus climbing equipment that caters to the older kids

more info here

Jubilee Adventure Playground, Port Noarlunga

One of the biggest and best playgrounds in the deep south, the ‘wooden’ playground at Porties includes a huge wooden fort inspired throughout with boating themes, to give you the impression of being on a massive wooden boat. The kids will love running around and being fully fenced (the fort part….the other nature section isn’t sadly) you can let the kids run around knowing they (probably) can’t get out.

More pics and info here

Moana Seaside Park

A brand new addition to the pirate playground landscape, opening in June 2020 is this ripper of a playground way down south at Moana! The highlight of this playground is the brightly coloured pirate ship with added escape slide for those who don’t want to walk the plank. A very popular new addition for the locals, we loved our recent visit!

Read more here

Angus Neil Reserve, Seacliff

Beaches = Pirates. So it makes sense that one of the best beachside playgrounds along our southern coast has a sweet little nature inspired pirate ship. This is a ripper playground and one of the best party playgrounds going around too, so if you want to book a party for your pirate loving tykes, give this a look.

More info here

Bandon Reserve Marino

With some spectacular views along our southern coast, Bandon Reserve landed a nautical makeover in 2021, which makes for a picture perfect pit stop as you head down for a day at the beach. With great climbing equipment and of course a boat to explore, this is a ripper.

More pics and info here

Train Themed Playgrounds

GT Fisher Playground, Victor Harbor

The OG train playground, with the huge steam train being parked in this playground as long as I can remember (lets just say 30 odd years). Now massively renovated to include one of the best nature playgrounds in the state, the train remains (slightly modified for safety compared to years gone by) for kids to climb all over and imagine being an engineer!

All the pics and info here

Tolley Reserve Playground, Nuriootpa

Tolley Reserve, or Nuriootpa Train Playground is a large open space for kids of all ages and abilities. It makes the perfect stop on a day out at the Barossa Valley so that the kids can play and run off some energy! The full size old train has been there for years and is an icon in the area.

All the pics and info here

Victoria Square, Kadina

One of our fave regional playgrounds, this place is massive and suits all ages. Including a huge fully fenced (and shaded) playground for the younger crew, as well as a very high treetop climbing set up (it is really high!), add to that the Apex Express, a huge train full of space for the kids to climb on the explore.

More on this ripper here

Tailem Bend Playground

Train fans this one is for you! That might even equally apply to the train enthusiast parents as well, because this one is a beauty! A fully fenced, humungous playspace in the heart of Tailem Bend, this one not only caters to train fans but includes a great range of play equipment for all ages. When we popped in for a visit, there were lots of local families enjoying what is obviously THE place to be for families in Tailem Bend.

Plan your day trip here

Jack Watkins Reserve, Kilburn has had a multi million dollar upgrade, and has officially opened in September 2025. Expect to find an incredibly creative TRAIN THEME here, with a lot of inclusive thought across some elements. The smaller kids will adore the train-themed fun, including train, carriages and ticket booths. There are facilities galore! With two sets of toilets, multiple water refill stations, BBQs, and more sheltered seating and tables than we’ve ever seen at a park!

 Find out more here

Barossa Adventure Station

Another brand new playground is this belter up at Angaston, which draws on the old train station land where it was developed. Kids can slide down the huge tube slide from the tower into the train carriage themed area down on the lower level. Great fun! So much more to do, including bike tracks and a skate park. One of our fave day trip playground destinations which will take you through the stunning 91������ý Hills.

Plan your day here

Crozier Reserve Daw Park

We love a hidden gem and for the little train lovers down south, this one at Daw Park is a fully fenced beauty. Light on equipment but big on peace and serenity, this ideal toddler playground includes a small train which is perfect for imagination play.

Read more here.

Kapunda Lions Park Playground

What a gem of a regional playground this one is! Fully fenced and spacious, with plenty of natural and artificial shade, plus one of the best trains (full sized we might add) we have seen in quite some time. Leo is an old steam engine from the copper mining days of the town, and your train loving kids will be all over this one. 

Read more here.

Kadina Playground

Some people think this is the best playground on the Yorke Peninsula, and we’d have to agree it would certainly be up there! This park also has a FULL SIZE TRAIN with a ramp to jump in the back. All aboard the Apex Express!

 

Read more here.

Croydon Playground

This playground is a little gem with its own little train, perfect for those young train enthusiasts. The kids will love this park as it’s right next to the Croydon Train Station and the kids can view the train coming and going frequently- right up close! Don’t worry- the playground is fully fenced and now has toilets! 

Check it out here.

Dinosaur Playgrounds

Greenglade Playground, Paradise

Do you have a Dinosaur loving kid? Greenslade Playground at Paradise is a lovely little spot with a really cool dinosaur that you (or the kids…but don’t let me stop you!) can climb all over and through a little dino-tunnel! How cool!

All the pics and info here

Hazelwood Park Playground, Burnside

The Womat Waterhole playground also features a dinosaur dig sandpit where you can bring our your inner paleantologist and dig for dinosaur bones.

All the pics and info here

Cormorant Drive Reserve Playground, Hallett Cove

This reserve has an interesting history with a Diprotodon (Giant Wombat) fossil remains found here in 1992. This Australian megafauna was the world’s largest marsupial and lived between 15,000-10,000 years ago.

Check it out here

Naracoorte Caves Fossil Hunters Playground

The Naracoorte Caves are a world famous natural wonder right here on our doorstep, but did you know they also have a (probably) world famous nature playground as well? We visited last year and it is just sensational. Fossil themed naturally, kids will love exploring and digging their way around this sensational facility. On your trip to the caves, allow time to explore this spot.

 More info here.

Adventure/Nature Playgrounds

Morialta Conservation Park Playground

Maybe 91������ý’s premier nature playground, Morialta is a sensational spot for 91������ý families located in the eastern suburbs, which forms part of the larger conservation park (stunning family walks…more on those here!), a perfect day out at Morialta will have the kids running around and exploring the magnificent scenery and playing on all the wonderful play equipment which blends seamlessly into the environment….except the 3 storey tube slide…you can’t hide that!

Read more on this 91������ý fave here

St Kilda Adventure Park

An Adelaie icon for what feels like generations, St Kilda Adventure Playground has had a few upgrades over the years and is still a fabulous spot for a day out with the family. Plenty of space, all the facilities you would want and some incredible play equipment.

Read more on this 91������ý fave here.

Mitcham Reserve

This has always been a rather spectacular spot due to the beautiful scenery, nearby creeks (and awesome coffee shops around Mitcham), but after a massive redevelopment in about 2018, it is even more special now. Constructed using beautiful wooden materials of different shapes and sizes, the kids will feel like they have been transported to some sort of medieval kingdom with the highlight being the huge tower and tube slide (we know, not many tube slides in ye olde times but a bit of poetic licence here). This is the perfect playground picnic spot too, with so much grass and shade from the trees.

Just love this one and you can find out more here!

Marshmallow Park

If you have a kid that has gone on any excursion to the city with kindy in the past few years, chances are they ate lunch here so the teachers could rest. A fully fenced sandpit with lots of water and play equipment, pack extra clothes for this one. Located on Glen Osmond Road in the city, it really is a fantastic playground and one of our faves for the little kids, with some great natural elements to climb on and interact with, plus some really cool standard playground equipment. If your kid loves to get messy, this is the park for them.

Read more here!

Largs Foreshore

An ice cream themed playground by the beach? How good is this! So unique it really fits in its own category, this 2024 built playspace out at Largs Foreshore is your wildest dreams come true. Full of ice cream themed equipment, your kids will love it!

Read more here

Glenthorne Adventure Playground

Opened in late 2023 in our brand new Glenthorne National Park, the nature playground is absolutely sensational, with several playspaces offering an abundance of nature themed play, as well as some great climbing towers and slides.

Get all the info here.

Lobethal Bushland Park

Set amongst family friendly walking trails, this 2023 built playground offers play areas for little and big kids alike, allowing some fabulous play amongst the beautiful scenery of the nature reserve.

Get all the info here.

Hope Valley Reservoir Playground

A playground set amongst the beauty of one of our largest reservoirs? How good is that! Nature themed play aplenty here and explore the reservoir afterwards.

Get all the info here.

Bowman Park Port Pirie

Located up at Port Pirie (near Crystal Brook to be exact), this is such an incredible playground built by the very talented team at . A short detour off the highway, it is well worth the trip. This was really a local project with materials and talented local trades used to bring this to life!

More info and pics here.

Jervois Street Reserve

One of the best playgrounds in 91������ý, is this ripper at South Plympton. It is fully fenced to lock in those scallywag tearaway little kids, it has an older kids playground with flying fox and other climbing/sporting stuff to do, but it is the nature play which brings us here today. With fantastic wood and stone pieces to climb on, plus every parents favourite playground feature….sand and water play, the little ones will have a blast. So much more to do that hasn’t been listed here.

read more on our review here

Belair Adventure Playground

This is THE quintessential nature playground in 91������ý. Located in Belair National Park (so obviously a bucketload of nature everywhere you look), it is a bit more dated compared to the others listed but some things get better with age…..not saying this has gotten better with age unfortunately (it hasn’t really changed since I first went 30 odd years ago), but it is still a sensational spot. Apart from the playground you get to experience all that the national park has to offer, which is always a perfect family day out (or weekend if you want to camp). The playground has all the classic features you remember from school excursions in the 80s, the huge wooden fort, the cement tunnel network to hide in….bliss. For some reason this playground always reminds me of giant arrowroot bush biscuits, which I think was the school snack of choice for excursions a long, long time ago.

Anyway, more info and pics here!

Find it at: Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill

Located within Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, this multi-million dollar nature playground has quickly become a favourite for 91������ý families, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Opened in 2022, this incredible play space combines adventure, imagination, inclusive design and nature play in one huge family-friendly destination.

What we love most about Glenthorne Nature Play Space is that it truly caters for all ages. While younger kids will adore the swings, sand play and cubby-building opportunities, older kids are absolutely going to love the giant climbing structures, flying foxes and enormous tube slide tower. It’s the kind of playground where you can easily spend hours exploring.

The thoughtfully designed nature play space was created by 91������ý playground specialists Climbing Tree Creations, alongside TCL and Phillips Pilkington Architects, with a strong focus on open-ended adventure play, accessibility and connection with the natural environment.

Throughout the playground you’ll find salvaged timber, rocks, natural creek beds and climbing elements that encourage kids to explore, create and move freely through the space. The towering slide structures were inspired by the hollow red gums found along South Australian river systems, giving the playground a uniquely local feel.

Families will love the wide pram-friendly paths, accessible play features, shaded seating areas, toilets and BBQ facilities, making it an easy spot to settle in for a full morning or afternoon outdoors.

Some of the standout features include:
• Huge tube slide tower
• Flying foxes
• Multiple swings
• Inclusive in-ground roundabout
• Sand and water-style nature play
• Freestyle cubby and teepee building
• Climbing logs and adventure play elements
• Shaded picnic areas and BBQs
• Accessible pathways throughout

We also love that the playground feels inclusive for a wide range of ages and abilities. It’s not often you find a playground that genuinely keeps both toddlers and older kids entertained, but Glenthorne absolutely delivers.

If you’re looking for an 91������ý playground worth the drive, this one should be high on your list. Pack a picnic, bring a change of clothes for the sand play, and prepare to stay longer than expected.

Golden Fields Reserve has had an incredible upgrade with the addition of an adventure playground, which joins the existing reserve playground in this 12 hectare reserve (the adventure playground is on the lower level)! This has got to be one of the biggest playground reserves in 91������ý with HEAPS of different play areas, including an accessible area and a brand new section with the coolest slide around! (And around and around and around, if you get our drift!)

Highlighted by a massive tower which has to be seen to be believed, this is THE destination playground out north. Kids can climb up a tower on one side and crawl through the tunnel to the other side then go whizzing down the twisty slide. It seriously feels like you are in there forever!

Here is what you will find on offer…

• Three massive slides
• Climbing wall
• Trampolines
• Flying fox
• The biggest swings we’ve ever seen

Sand and Water play has also been added in a further addition in 2024, right next door to the new playground!

Off Asgard Drive, Golden Grove. Parking available and toilets on both sides of the reserve.

This is definitely a fantastic playground for climbers with plenty of climbing frames, ladders and nets on offer. Kids needing accessible options are also looked after, with ramp equipment and slides that start on the flat level. You’ll also find a Rage Cage, skate park & BMX Track, so this really is a play space for all ages.

For the Adventure Playground park at the new car park accessed from Asgard Drive.

Goldenfields Reserve Playground

The original Reserve Playground remains and in combination with the new adventure playground, provides facilities for kids of all ages. With the adventure playground aimed at the older kids/teens, the original reserve houses more traditional equipment in a separate area of the reserve.

Check out what you can find on offer in this fabulous facility for families.

• Barbecue
• Basketball ring
• BMX track
• Dog poopa bags
• Dogs allowed on lead
• Drink fountain
• Exercise equipment
• Picnic table
• Rotunda
• Shade
• Shade sails
• Skate park
• Sports area
• Toilets
• Mini Football oval with goal posts
• Sand and Water Play

For the Reserve Playground use the Southern car park located near the skate park.

Based around the existing trees in the Blackwood Park Estate this play space is an adventure haven. As soon as you arrive you see this amazing tall red climbing structure nestled among the trees. As we got closer I was nervous for the kids already up the top but they we just LOVING it. I watched the kids climb the rope stair case or strategically weave in and out of the ropes to find the openings to gain access to the rope bridge that leads to an awesome twister tube slide. My parent friend who joined me at the park with his son couldn’t resist the temptation and had to see what all the fuss was about so took the plunge with the kids.

View was awesome the slide was dark, fast and FUN. Lets face it we all have the inner child still within. I was happy to keep an eye on the kids and keep my feet firmly on the ground!

Whilst the rope climb is the centre piece of this awesome new play space there are lots of other pieces of equipment for the kids to enjoy. The wooden climbing frame set in the sandpit was a huge hit with the little ones. There is lots of things to turn, pull down on, climb on and dig with and we loved eating the sand. Right next to the sandpit is a colourful egg shaped sculpture where the kids can climb up into and enjoy the smaller slippery slide.

The park also features a swing set including a baby swing and a bouncy sea saw for the little ones along with a sit on turning circular roundabout. Just need to hold on tight with this one as it is easy to fall off if it is going a little faster than expected. There is also a grassed area for rug picnics or for the he kids kick or throw the ball or run off some more steam.

This play space has such a lovely vibe with all the existing tall trees providing shade over the equipment but there is no shade cloth. There is a sheltered picnic area along with a few scattered bench seats. The play space has NO FENCE and no toilets and even with an upgrade in mid 2026, there is no change. They have however added;

• A new junior play area
• Shade and seating
• Greening opportunities
• A drinking fountain

Not far from here is also the new Oaktree Nature Park so why not try both. As this playspace is in the residential area there are no immediate coffee shops close by so I suggest a quick stop in Blackwood. The council have done an amazing job utilising this tree space to provide the local community and beyond with a play space designed around and incorporating the existing space.

Definitely worth a visit.

For those who grew up in 91������ý, you’d probably have been out St Kilda Adventure Playground when you were a kid, but have you been back since 2015?

It’s got all the awesome stuff that I remember from my childhood, and more… and green grass, less dust, water, shade and well, it’s just BIGGER AND BETTER than I remember too!

St Kilda’s huge makeover was completed in 2015 with a brand new metal/mesh 3 storey castle on one hill complete with 3 metal slides a completely renovated ‘Volcano’ with 4 slides on the other hill and in between a whole range of swings, slides, flying foxes, climbing nets and equipment toddlers right up to teenagers will enjoy

Highlights

• The HUGE old school metal slide from my childhood is still there, but there are also a bunch of other new metal slides now too – remember to bring your own slippery blanket, hessian sack or similar to slide on if you’re a thrill seeker
• 1 big BIG flying fox for the older kids, and one smaller one perfect for primary kids. The big one is epic…..possibly the best one in S.A?
• A completely new metal castle (where the old wooden one used to be) on top of the hill looking out across the whole playground which has a bunch of slides of various heights.
• A maze
• Liberty swing and a wheelchair accessible slide,
• Really big ‘little kids’ play structure with multiple slides, steps, ramps, naughts & crosses,
• Sandpit diggers,
• The big old wooden pirate ship down on the water is still there, that the kids can climb into and on (unfortunately this is closed for repair due to damage in December 2021)
• A whole range of swings of all sizes
• Shade structures, grassed areas, tree planting, mulched garden beds, garbage bins, water fountain, BBQs, toilets and some lighting!
• The tram stop is now open right at the Playground and I believe the trams will now run again on weekends and holidays from the nearby tram museum.
• There is a kiosk about 500m away if you need food, drinks and icecreams, plus PLENTY of space for picnics.

We’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking – in short though:  Take the kids, young and old, it’s great!

And now join the free, self-guided Sand Pirates of St Kilda scavenger hunt adventure running 22 January to 30 April 2026 . Follow clues around St Kilda, collect letters at each stop and uncover the secret pirate code along the way.

Where to pick up your activity pack
• Collect your scavenger hunt activity card from any City of Salisbury library, hub or community centre.
• Cards are also available at St Kilda Hotel and St Kilda Tackle ‘n’ Tucker before you start the hunt.

Scavenger hunt details
• Free and self-paced — start and finish whenever it suits your day.
• Follow clues at local landmarks, parks and businesses to collect letters.
• Vouchers attached to your card can be redeemed at participating stops for rewards.
• Once you’ve collected all the letters, unscramble them to solve the final riddle.

Playground Official Opening: Join the family fun this Sunday 8th February 11am-1pm for families to drop in and explore the new space, enjoy ice-cream, coffee and entertainment.

The long-awaited redevelopment of St Morris Reserve is now complete, and at its heart lies a vibrant new playground that’s already becoming a favourite spot for families across the eastern suburbs. Part of a major upgrade delivered by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, this project has transformed the reserve into a modern community destination supporting play, leisure and connection.

The new playground replaces aging equipment with contemporary, multi-age play options designed to engage toddlers through older kids. Safe, sun-smart experiences are supported by generous shade sails and accessible surfaces, while seating, park furniture and improved pathways cater to families making a day of it.

Beyond the playground, new amenities enrich the reserve for everyone. A dedicated picnic shelter and BBQ facilities make it easy to gather with friends or enjoy a weekend lunch outdoors, while toilet facilities and accessible paved connections improve convenience for all visitors. We love how this is fully fenced, shaded and play elements that cater for all ages, which you don’t often find.

For active recreation, the upgrade introduced a multi-purpose court and a dedicated hit wall — perfect for basketball, ball games or simply enjoying physical activity in the fresh air. Extensive landscaping and irrigation have refreshed the park’s look with new trees, shrubs and open lawn areas, creating a greener, cooler space that enhances the local neighbourhood.

This redevelopment isn’t just about recreation — it’s part of a larger stormwater resilience project. The reserve now includes a purpose-built detention basin that helps manage heavy rainfall and reduce flooding risk in St Morris and surrounding suburbs. When not in use for stormwater, this basin remains a grassy, open area contributing to the park’s overall ambiance.

The 2025 upgrade to CC Hood Reserve Playground in Panorama has seen it become a standout community destination in 91������ý’s southern suburbs. Part of a wider redevelopment of the reserve, the new playground brings an exciting mix of adventure, accessibility, and fun for kids of all ages.

At the heart of the upgrade is a thoughtfully designed play space featuring a flying fox, a huge multi-level play tower with slides, monkey bars, a “sand factory” for imaginative play, and a range of swings including toddler, basket, and duo options. The accessible roundabout and spring rockers ensure that children of all abilities can join the fun, while stepping pods add an extra challenge for confident climbers.

Beyond the playground, the surrounding reserve offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a fully equipped BBQ and picnic area with shaded seating and public toilets nearby. Active kids (and adults) will appreciate the 3×3 basketball court, and small soccer goals. Fitness stations with hand bikes, leg presses, and chin-up bars are dotted around the reserve, each with instructional signage and QR codes for guidance.

The playground also welcomed the addition of a new pump track in January 2026, right next door to the playground and really wrapping up what is an all encompassing facility for playground and sport lovers alike.

A highlight of the redevelopment is the fully fenced small-dog park, featuring agility equipment, double-gated entry, dog bowls, and water fountains. It’s the perfect place for furry family members to burn some energy too.

Accessibility and safety have been prioritised, with paved paths, solar lighting, and a tree-lined walkway that connects key areas of the reserve. The recent landscaping – including new turf and bark chip surfaces – ensures year-round usability.

What a beautiful playground for kids of all ages! Renovated back in late 2012, the Bonython Park Playground has a some very cool features not found in the typical suburban park. Some of the best equipment includes two 25m flying fox lines fun for kids of all ages and an extensive water play area complete with pumps, gates and a watermill. Kids love playing and experimenting with water and this is a safe and interactive water zone to suits kids as young as 1, while still entertaining the older ones.

The huge ‘mouse wheel’ can accommodate numerous energetic kids, there is a variety of swings and we love the wheelchair accessible carousel, water play troughs, communication boards and a nest swing that make this park a good one for kids of all ages and abilities. You also have to love the shade thrown by beautiful big old gum trees in this park.

The playground backs onto a well kept oval for plenty of open space and a kit of the ball or fly of the kite and there are both toilet and BBQ facilities here.

Perhaps the star of the show (for parents) is Cafe Bonython, located directly at the playground. It’s got fabulous coffee, indoor play and so many treats and initiatives for the kids. We would happily brunch or lunch here any day of the week, in fact it is one of our absolute favourite places to eat with the kids. They even do Birthday Parties

Worth noting, this one is not a fenced playground an that it is situated on linear path and the Torrens River. It’s a fair distance however there are also some duck ponds on the other side of the park, so its just a reminder to keep your eyes on the little people.

To top off a great park, you will see city trains cross a small river bridge a very short walk away and you are situated under the flight path so it makes for some excellent plane spotting, depending what direction the air traffic are taking off / landing on the day that you visit.