Morialta Conservation Park Nature Playground
Morialta Playground “Mukanthi” is at the Morialta Recreation Area – Stradbroke Road, Woodforde (see map here)
The playground is a delight for children with a fabulous design incorporating physical challenges, Aboriginal culture and native plants and animals. This play space is a favourite with many families and makes Morialta Conservation Park a must-visit destination for South Australian families and visitors alike.
There are five themed play areas at Morialta Playground: Eagles Nest, Great Snake, Kookaburra Nests, Climbing Boulders and Frog Island, amongst paths, lawns, creeks and climbing trees. This is not just any playground. It enhances and blends with the natural landscape superbly. The play equipment consists of unique sculptural pieces, that are huge works of art, made from natural products, using salvaged and seasoned native Australian timbers. Check out our up-close look at the play area below. It is like nothing we’ve seen before.
Congratulations to all parties involved in this amazing project. With the support of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, playground designers Peter Semple from PSLA and Simon Hutchinson from Climbing Tree have created a wonderful playspace. This is the sort of playground that makes us so excited. It’s great to see government investment in building fabulous play spaces to encourage outdoor activity, which has so many benefits for families.
Editor’s Note – If it’s been raining there may be mud. Be prepared to get dirty especially if you play in the creek as well. We recommend wearing gumboots and taking spare clothes and a towel.
There’s plenty of scope for children to use their imagination with the structures, and there are lots of little surprises to look out for (eg. look out for the secret tunnel if you get swallowed into the snake’s belly). It’s a wonderful space for exploring and of course the creek is just nearby for more nature play. The walk to the First Falls waterfall is an easy family friendly hike – the path is stroller friendly too.
The play structures are not your traditional looking playground equipment. They are very creative and provide plenty of physical challenges for kids. There are some scary sections, and yes, they could fall – but that’s what makes it fun. There’s a good dose of measured risk-taking involved and they’ll get plenty of exercise. My very avid rock climber, Miss 12, used up quite a lot of energy and found the climb to the top of the largest rock structures was a good workout. Mr 9 scrambled up with much delight. They’ll be back to tackle it again very soon for sure!
There are many features incorporating Aboriginal culture which gives the playground a beautiful and respectful link to its surroundings and history.
Please be aware that it is not a fenced playground so younger children will need close supervision as the creek is not far away, as well as Stradbroke Road. There are toilets and bbq facilities as well as tables and chairs.
It’s a perfect spot for a catch up with family and friends and parties. There are a couple of shelters to give some cover and of course plenty of trees for shade too.
Please Note: There are no bins at the park. Remember to take all rubbish with you.
Do you have a toddler? See what Baby & Toddler Destinations Adelaide thought about the playground for littlies here.
Read more about the project here from our previous post.
Read our review on bushwalking and koala spotting at Morialta.
A short walk from the playground, up the hill you will get these views from the Deep View Lookout. You’ll be able to see across the city to the sea, and also get a view of the gorge and the Morialta First Waterfall below.
Location:
The playground is situated in the Morialta Recreation Area – enter from Stradbroke Road, Woodforde
Editors Note January 2023: The new car park in now open and comprises more than 100 clearly marked parking spaces (including 4 accessible spaces), 4 motorbike parks, a designated bus drop-off and pick up space, one entry driveway and two exit driveways. New walking paths guide visitors to the nature play space and beyond.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the National Parks SA website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: All photos by Play & Go
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