Hays Paddock Playground, Longstaff Street, Kew East
This is the original all-abilities playground in Melbourne which kids have enjoyed for many years and has had a great upgrade in 2024.
It's a beautifully crafted playspace which is fully fenced. The middle area is an exciting series of ramps and walkways to explore with play opportunities everywhere - there are slides, rope climbing areas, climbing walls, ladders, rope net bridges and tunnels.
At the base of this area is a giant long-necked turtle, eel and huge bee springer.
Around the sides are a thick rope swing, shelter with tables, percussion pipes, gear panel, all-abilities spinning carousel and "Let's Play and Chat" board.
A waterplay area where you pump water into a big metal dish with sluice gate to allow water to flow down through a series of bowls to the concrete below. You can also push a button to allow water to flow over tadpoles.
There are six swings (two with harness seat) and an expression swing (where child and carer sit opposite each other) under shade sails.
A big sandpit under shade sails has a big frog, digger and sand play equipment.
Along the sides are hammocks, beautiful leaf shaped seats, huge butterfly flying above and toadstool ring.
A little grassy area at the end has a donut shaped ring to spin around and an elevated platform connected by ropes. A bonus is that the playground borders a nursery where a giant dinosaur stalks the fence line. Patrolling the playground side of the fence are some huge lizards.
A bridge leads to a bird hide looking out over a wetlands area.
One good aspect is that most landing zones have a soft springy base - landing on this was like being Neil Armstrong bouncing on the moon in zero gravity.
Outside the fenced area are two unshaded tables, BBQs, water tap, shaded table, toilets, outdoor gym and a huge grassy area which is a dog off-leash area.
Access for Dogs:
Hays Paddock is a dog off leash area.
Photos:
Location
Longstaff Street, Kew East 3102 Map
