Fancy an enclosed nature-based playground with fun equipment, lots of open space and a scooter path… that’s also close to excellent coffee? Then head to Balmaringa Reserve. Located in the quiet leafy suburb of South Turramurra behind the shops, this playground opened in 2013 and continues to attract families from near and far.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers will love Balmaringa Reserve in South Turramurra. Within the fully enclosed playground, there’s a great hill of sandstone steps for the kids to climb and explore and once they get to the top, down the slide they go! There’s a double slide so they can have races with their sibling or friend (or parent!).
The large theme play equipment has a lot going on so expect a bit of time spent there. The favourite part that the kids flock to is the twisty slide. They can also drive a car, sail a ship, be on the ‘look out’ or play shops. Lots of imagination games!
They will love (and look adorable on) the Wobbly Frog Rocker or get dizzy on the Spin Out.
Although the climbing structure is designed for older kids, the littlies could try the wobbly ladder with the help of an adult. For the lovers of swings, there’s two and a baby swing as well.
Bring the scooters or bikes! There’s a great circular path and even a little mound that the ‘more experienced’ kids can try out. With the numerous stepping stones located around the playground, the kids can practice their climbing and balancing skills.
Older kids will like the climbing structure which also has a rock climbing wall and a bar for flips. The scooter path will get the tick, along with the twisty slide and inclined rope climb. Creating an obstacle course with all the equipment may be a fun activity for them too. They may ask you to time them!
Coffee just a 10 metre stroll away
There’s no need to pack a picnic. There’s a bakery right next to the playground that also does coffee. Or if you’d like to sit down, there’s a café at the other end. There’s also an IGA, Post Shop and Chemist.
Things to do in South Turramurra
Bring the balls as there is a soccer field, basketball hoop and cricket nets for the sports enthusiasts across the road at Auluba Oval. There’s also a path down the side that goes through a reserve to Kissing Point Oval, a dog park and another playground which is located on Vernon Street. It’s an easy bike ride for the kids or a lovely stroll through the reserve.
Netball mums may already be familiar with this area and know about the netball courts at the end of Canoon Road which is just a short drive from the playground. It’s a great space for kids learning to ride a bike too.
Please note that during winter, the netball courts are in use on Saturdays.
In a nutshell
Easy access to coffee and food and a dose of nature for the parents. For the kids: slides, scooter action and the climbing structure. The playground has a lovely relaxed vibe and there’s many things to do around the area. A great day out!
Essential Details: Balmaringa Reserve, South Turramurra
- Address: 1a Balmaringa Ave, South Turramurra (behind the strip of shops)
- Parking: There is plenty of free street parking during the week and on Sundays. Saturday sport brings in the people so it may be a bit busier, but you’ll always find a nearby spot to park.
- Toilets: None at the playground. The closest public toilets are 50m away, across the road at Auluba Oval.
- Fully fenced: Yes, it’s fully enclosed.
- Shade: Lots of natural shade from trees
- Age guide: Toddlers through to approximately 8-10 years old.
