Bristow Smith Reserve Nature Playspace
Getting there
Barrage Road
Goolwa South
SA 5214
Heave, ho! It’s back to nature we go. The fabulous new playground in Goolwa, just an hour south of Adelaide, is all about sparking imagination and letting kids make their own fun in this nature play-inspired wonderland.
Opened in December 2015 and situated next to the mighty Murray River just before it meets the ocean, this playground incorporates aspects of earth, sea and sky a-plenty. It will entice landlubbers of all ages and abilities to sing, swing and splash about.
At its centre is a magnificently restored wooden fishing boat dating from 1911. Young captains can take control at the helm and then scamper down the fishing net rope climb. Once back on land, they can explore the sensory wall, jump from log to log or flex their parkour muscles with specially designed elements for bounding across, over and through.
Next comes the water play, inspired by Indigenous fish traps around the lake’s edge and Goolwa Channel. Your kidlets will love directing water through the riverbed and sandpit. And splashing. There is just so much splashing to be done.
Back on dry land, the musical elements incorporated into the Playspace are heaven for toddlers. The elegant black swans are just made for vigorous drumming, while the xylophone sculpture will have mini maestros tapping out a timbre for all to enjoy.
This is a playground where imaginations will just about explode with excitement. Great journeys across the sea will be made, mad feats of climbing and leaping will be achieved and a swan symphony will certainly be composed. Let your kiddos set their sails and be off!
There is plenty of parking nearby and the playground is also located near the Encounter Bikeway for those using pedal power.
Make sure you keep an eye on your littlies near the river, as the playground is not fenced.
Images via Alexandrina Council and LCS Landscapes.
