There are a lot of contenders for Brisbane’s best playground and park. Have we found it in Colmslie Beach Reserve?
Colmslie Beach Reserve
First things first. Here’s what you need to know.
Colmslie Beach Reserve is in Murrarie, located off Lytton Road. There isn’t much other stuff around here and you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere when you’re driving in. Don’t let that put you off – it’s definitely part of its charm.
A long, winding driveway leads you down to ample parking along and around a tree-lined avenue. Ancient boughs stretch right up, giving the entire area a soft, natural shaded covering. This is a huge space so it’s perfect for that southside birthday party you’ve been starting to plan or that big meet up with friends. It’s also ideal for just a casual family play. This is a really versatile space.
The playground
The playground itself is everything you’re looking for to entertain young kids.
It’s got everything. There are the hollowed-out bones of what looks like an old pirate ship complete with arpeggio pedal notes. (Kids can push down on the bottom of the poles to play notes that go in ascending order around the ship.)
There are two HUGE concrete fish that are spread out across the playground. Your kids can climb all over and inside these structures. There’s a slide on the orange fish and the blue fish is the perfect hidey-hole cubby.
A big sandpit complete with diggers and tippers is great for the tiny tots, while the older kids can wear themselves out running a wooden obstacle course.
A large slide at the north end of the playground is right next to an awesome flying fox (full disclosure – the mum writing this would NOT GET OFF it, it was so much fun). Behind the blue fish, you’ll find an interesting swing set up with five swings all facing into the middle. Perfect for a gang of giggling kids to play on.
Racing all around the playground area (which is huge and, for the most part, fenced) you’ll find the perfect scooter and bike track. Letters and numbers trace around the pathways and there are also stepping stones to jump between. Finally, there are a number of hills inside the playground area perfect for racing up and tumbling down.
Colmslie Beach Reserve seriously has the best playground we’ve found. Expect the kids to wear themselves out completely. There are so many different things to do for all levels of age and ability.
The facilities at Colmslie Beach Reserve
The area is wheelchair accessible – including the (well kept) public bathrooms. There are a number of picnic tables and BBQ set ups as well as ample space to spread out a picnic blanket.
Further down the driveway at Colmslie Beach Reserve you’ll find an awesome off-leash dog area, complete with agility course. Dogs can also access the river here! (Please note – dogs are NOT permitted in the Colmslie Beach Reserve playground – this is a separate area)
The beach
Walk towards the water after you’re done playing for one of the best parts of this little-known spot.
Follow the stairs down to the shoreline. Here you can access Brisbane River in a way that you’ve probably not seen before. You can see across the Eat Street Markets and marvel at the size and scope of the Gateway Bridge.
This is a spot where you can do a little fishing, a little splashing and build sandcastles right in the heart of the Brisbane River. There are delightful mangroves that are almost a playground in and of themselves – perfect for kids who like to climb trees.
The beach here stretches for about a hundred meters or so. Make sure that if you’re eating down here that you take your rubbish back up with you – this is a special little spot and it would be a shame to treat it poorly.
Is Colmslie Beach Reserve Brisbane’s BEST park and playground?
What are your thoughts? Can your local playground beat Colmslie Beach Reserve? Let us know and we’ll check it out too!
