Harleston Park has been updated since our review. The concept design included new play and activity spaces to complement the existing natural water play area and introduce new sensory elements.
Harleston Park in Elsternwick is a quiet, pretty park with a popular playground in its centre as well as surrounding picnic and barbecue facilities.
The playground is a large colourful plastic structure, commonplace in many local playgrounds, but there are two distinguishing features which make it a drawcard.
Firstly, there’s a riverbed water play area with natural elements such as stepping stones and greenery. BYO bucket!
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Secondly, there is a very tall and long metal slide off to the side of the hill. Naturally it does get hot in the high heat of summer but it is a very popular feature in the playground.
Otherwise, the rest of the playground features two banks of swings, a see-saw and various poles, ramps and climbing apparatus in amongst the walkways. Away from the main playground is a giant chess board (no chess pieces visible to me though) and a bocce court. Note ball games and bikes aren’t allowed, so it’s great for protecting babies and toddlers but may not appeal to older kids.
Large trees provide natural shade surrounding the playground, great for picnics. There’s also public toilets, a water tap and free street parking on the street.
For other free water play areas in Melbourne click here.
HOT Tips:
- Suitable for babies;
- Free parking on the street;
- public toilets ;
- Picnic shelters and barbecues;
- Natural shade;
- Water play; and
- rotunda can be booked for parties.
