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Rocks Riverside Park: Epic Waterplay at Seventeen Miles Rocks

Hidden away in an industrial pocket of Seventeen Mile Rocks, Rocks Riverside Park really is more than a park – it’s a destination and it has something for everyone.

Where is Rocks Riverside Park?

  • 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks.
  • Opening hours – 7.00am till 6.30pm

While the address is 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, the best entrance for parking is off Counihan Rd. Parking onsite is free but can be busy on weekends (includes disabled parking). There is a Brisbane City Council bus stop approximately 500m away (Stop 75).

Rocks Riverside Park is also known as ‘Mudlo Bundambah’ by the Yuggera People, meaning place of stone axe.

You would never believe this riverside park was once a cement quarry, right up until 1995. To preserve some of the history, Brisbane City Council have left some pieces of the old machinery on display which will be sure to please some of the bigger kids. Signs are scattered throughout detailing the history of the site, giving a great educational opportunity.

But don’t be misled, this park offers something for everyone.

Waterplay at Rocks Riverside Playground

We all know that kids love water. Rocks Riverside Park features water pools that are perfect for younger kids. Water flows between rock pools and is sure to fascinate the little ones. For those slightly more active kids, there is an area of pop up fountains where they can run around to their hearts content. There is also a paddling pool (0.3m depth) so they can really get wet!

The wet areas (paddle pool, fountains and rock pools) are closed for maintenance once a year during winter so check ahead if you want to swim.

If you like water play for your kids, then you will LOVE the water play area at Wynnum Wading Pool and playground too!

Playground equipment at the park

When it’s too chilly to get wet, check out the playgrounds on offer. For the little ones there is an area just for them that’s shaded, fenced and full of fun. Featuring 2 climbing sets with jungle and animal themes, 2 bucket swings, sand pit and more.

For older kids the rest of the park is a perfect playground. There is a larger climbing fort (shaded), flying fox, and climbing net as well as endless open space to run around in (around 8000m2), not to mention a half size basketball court.

If you are looking to wear the kids out even more, bring footballs and bikes. There is ample space to have a game, and there are paths perfect for big and small bikes.

If you have a child with a disability, there is a Liberty Swing onsite. Best to call beforehand as you need a key (Jamboree Ward Office – 07 3407 7000). The parkland is easily accessible for wheelchairs and has a wheelchair accessible toilet.

Eating out(side)!

Rocks Riverside Park is a great place to meet and eat, offering multiple undercover picnic tables, free barbeques and lot of shaded areas to set up a picnic rug. Bring your food as you can’t buy it onsite. Undercover picnic tables can be found throughout the park, however be quick to grab one along the river for the perfect dining view.

Rocks Riverside Park facilities

Toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet, as well as baby changing facilities can be found onsite. Outdoor showers are attached to the toilet block if the kids need a wash down after too much fun.

Free WIFI is available throughout the park.

With so much space, it really is the perfect place for events, and you can book using the online form here. Or great for family photos.

Every 2 weeks Brisbane City Council operates a pop up library near the playgrounds, perfect for when you need some down time after playing. Check their schedule for the next event.

There is a gorgeous community garden that you can smell before you see it. Perfect for talking about growing plants with kids.

Are dogs allowed at Rocks Riverside Park?

Yes! Dogs are allowed but there are no off leash areas and they are not allowed near the water play areas.

Playground includes:

  • Junior climbing equipment on rubber matting and sandpit
  • Wooden climbing fort for older kids
  • Climbing cubes
  • Slides
  • Flying Fox
  • Climbing net
  • Swings for all age groups including a Liberty Swing
  • Spring rocking horses for toddlers
  • Sandpit and sand play equipment

Nearest cafe to the Rocks Riverside Park

You can find a coffee van onsite called Sheena’s.  Based at shelter 3 in the park, they have coffees, frappes, snacks, hot chocolate, cold drinks, water, chips etc.

If you are keen on a site down cafe, the nearest cafe to the playground is Cafe 63 at 105/532 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road. It is about a 3 minute drive away. So if you have forgotten to pack a snack, this is an easy win!

As you can see, it really is the ultimate playground for Brisbane families!

Looking for another park on Brisbane’s Westside? Check out Wendouree Crescent Park or find more Brisbane water parks here.

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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