The playground at Birrarung Marr is one of our favourite CBD pitstops, mainly because of its convenient location right by Federation Square and Artplay (two of our most frequented destinations in the city).
Temporary playground closure: The Birrarung Marr playground is closed while works are underway and is expected to reopen in mid-2026, subject to weather conditions.
Birrarung Marr Artplay Playground, Melbourne
Birrarung Marr playground is also the place that school groups tend to stop on their city outings so my first tip is to try and avoid it during weekday lunch times as it’s likely you’ll be bowled over by over-excited schoolkids.
Other than that point, it’s a great playground with lots different play equipment suitable for different ages. The Birrarung Marr playground is also the largest all-abilities playground within the City of Melbourne.
The space includes four slides all suitable for toddlers to use on their own, a large flowing sand pit, a swinging hammock (Lady AB’s comment ‘so much fun!’) and two swings (plus a wheelchair accessible swing).
As my kids have gotten older they’ve been able to tackle the rock and rope climbing structures.
I like the fact that kids have decorated the long wooden walkways and bridges with colourful designs.
There’s also lots of bench seating for adults on the perimeter of the playground and a picnic table set in the middle of the playground which is undercover as well.
If Artplay is open there are toilets (with change facilities) or the walkway up to Federation Square and the square itself has public toilets.
HOT Tips:
- Suitable for toddlers;
- Suitable for older kids;
- Accessible equipment;
- Public toilets;
- Picnic table and benches;
- Water tap;
- Access via public transport (Flinders St station);
- Shade sail over picnic areas, natural shade over some equipment;
- Book ahead for Artplay workshops as sessions often book out or visit their free drop in sessions; and
- Save money by pre-booking parking at Federation Square or Wilson Parking 172 Flinders St.
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