Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground

With its giant gumnut hidey holes and wide-open spaces, this Melbourne playground is a haven for bush babies.

Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground is just 30km north of the Melbourne CBD in Donnybrook, but it could be a whole world away, deep in the Aussie bush where storybook characters come to life.

Gumnut Park Donnybrook 1

Inspired by May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the play space is the centrepiece of a 3.4-hectare park and wetland, which is part of the Olivine development by Mirvac. The space has created a hub for parents and children to relax, play and stretch their imaginations.

The play structure is a multi-layered, sensory and adventure play experience with climbing structures and play areas that draw inspiration from nature. The three huge towers make their way up to gumnut climbing pods, which have outer layers made up of thousands of recycled timber battens, adding a modern twist.

Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground 1

For mini thrill-seekers, there are two flying foxes, and the toddlers are catered for with a slide over a sandpit, in-ground trampolines, a wooden climbing frame and a large gumnut hidey hole cubby for pretend play.

There’s plenty of shade thanks to the towering river red gums while the whimsical structures, climbing nets and slides offer endless play for curious kids.

Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground Donnybrook

Gumnut Park Basketball

Gumnut Park and Playground

For the older crowd, there’s a half basketball court and skate ramp, as well as an undercover area with tables and seating. The cafe, Shared Cup, is a not-for-profit social enterprise run by We Love Olivine.

Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground is set to officially open on June 27, 2020.