Top 9 South Cairns Playgrounds

Cairns

Oct 28

Sugarworld Gardens will forever hold a special place in my heart because our little Edmonton Mothers Group began meeting there beneath the raintree each week once our term at the health clinic was completed.

I’ve lost count of the play dates, mothers group catch ups, birthday parties and special events I’ve attended there over the years. It truly is a treasure.

It’s easy to see why as it ticks most, if not all, of the boxes for a great playground. It’s even fenced! However, with news that it’s been ear-marked for rejuvenation projects in Cairns Regional Council’s latest budget and the fact that coronavirus just won’t go away, it’s always good to have back up plans in the form of smaller, suburban playgrounds that may be less crowded and more easily accessible in your very own neighbourhood.

My 3 year old son and I tested out just about every major suburban playground on the Cairns Southside and the results are in. These are the best playgrounds in the 4869 and 4868 so if you live in or regularly visit the southern suburbs, THIS ONE GOES OUT TO YOU.

9. Leeuwin Crescent Park, Bentley Park

It’s a brightly coloured playground set on a quiet block with small grassy hills that are just begging your little one to roll down them. This playground has musical pipes, a bridge and multiple points of entry to the slide though if you’re all for fostering independence it is suited to more confidently climbing toddlers than the 1-2 year old crowd. In other words, the very youngest playground go-ers will need their hand held to get up those stepping stones.

8. Rainforest Rise Park, Bentley Park

Are you chasing a playground where your very young 1-2 year old toddler can play without you needing to hold their hand to access every piece of equipment? Rainforest Rise is the park you need in your life and I am absolutely gutted that I didn’t discover it sooner. Everything is lower here. There are two slides and they are both very low. The wobbly bridge is significantly lower than most other bridges of its kind that I’ve seen around town and there are steps to access the main playground fort so even the youngest of kids can get up there easily. YAY! It also features a low nest swing. There is a netted roundabout spinner that your little one may need some help getting in and out of. My Mr 3 loves this park, especially the spinner. Overall, this is a cute little find, nestled high up in Bentley Park.

7. Trafalgar Rd Park, Mount Sheridan

This is an awesome little playground with twin slides and a variety of climbing options situated on one of the main backroads from Mount Sheridan plaza. My little boy loves that everything there is orange and so we’ve dubbed it The Orange Playground. I would’ve ranked it higher if not for the hazards in the form of steep drop-offs to the nearby creek and the busy road.

6. Turner Park, Bayview Heights

If ever there was a park I was reluctant to share publicly, it’s this one. Turner Park was my childhood park which I visited every day for many years because of its close proximity to my childhood home and it is the site of many fond memories for me. I’ve watched it evolve over the years and, with an updated playground, it’s now one of the best parks on the southside with plenty of space for a picnic or bbq*and features a seasonal creek and the holy grail for toilet-training families… A TOILET BLOCK!! There are steps to a low slide which makes it great for younger toddlers while the swinging balance poles add some challenge for the older children. There’s a “corner store” shop front which I believe is a nod to the old Bayview Mini Mart up the road on the aptly named Marti Street.

*It has the old-style bbqs last time I checked.

5. Mamu Link Park, Mt Peter

This. Playground. Is. Fenced.

It has a great modern playground fort that's got both toddler friendly sections and monkey bars. It also has swings, a police car rocker and a florist shop front. The slide is a twisty one which is great fun. There's seating nearby and sporting fields too. This is a great playground for mothers group catch ups & play dates alike though the shade sails are in an awkward spot which makes it very sunny there for most of the day so make sure you bring your sunscreen and hats.

Did I mention it’s fenced?

4. Hussey Park, Woree

Do you want to exercise while your children play? At Hussey Park the adult exercise equipment is right next to the children’s playground. The children’s playground has a variety of ropes-based equipment so if your children love to balance, climb and swing between things, pretending they’re on one of those ninja warrior tv shows then this park is perfect for them with a range of challenges best suited to those over 3 years. My 3 year old son absolutely adores this playground and treated it like an obstacle course. Twin slides meant that we could have slide races too.

3. Allen-Phillips Park, Edmonton

This park is just the cutest. I think it’s the colour scheme that appeals to me most, to be completely honest and a tiny bit superficial. It’s bright and colourful and features a “rainbow bubble” that casts a colourful glow when the sun hits it just right. It’s the perfect playground for my 3 year old as it strikes just the right balance of challenge and ease as he makes his way around the obstacle course. It’s super cute and we go there often.

2. Fuller Park & Pump Track, Edmonton

There’s something for everyone here! Sporting fields. Check. Basketball court. Check. Asphalt Pump Track. Check. BMX dirt jumps. Check. Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas. Check. Epic Playground. Check.

The playground here is not overly suited to the youngest of children, I would recommend it for the 4+ crowd. I think it was built with school-aged children in mind. In saying that, some of the equipment here is perfect for the younger age group as long as you don’t mind being more hands-on, helping your young toddler navigate the climbing gear. The swings here seem to swing higher than most others around town and my Mr 3 begs me to swing him “up to space.” There is a spinning “hurricane” which my little guy is terrified of but I always hop on and have a go myself. It’s pretty cool and I’ve seen other young children enjoy spinning on there too.

1. The Lakes - Duck Pond, Forest Gardens

It amazes me how many people have never been here. Smack in the middle of Forest Gardens, “the duck pond” is stuff of southside legend and has been for many years. The playground was upgraded earlier this year and is now easily the best on this side of town. The playground itself boasts both a toddler slide and a fast slide, a wobbly plank, climbing nets and giant games of tic tac toe & 4 in a row. There’s also a large spinner, a small rocker to seat 4 littles as well as some swings. It’s a great place for a picnic and birdwatching or to take a leisurely stroll. The ducks themselves are adorable and a favourite with younger toddlers.