Hinze Dam Picnic & Playground Area

The main picnic and playground area at Hinze Dam is below the dam wall level, so unfortunately you don't get to sit and look over the water's of the dam whilst you picnic. Today though there was definitely water to see, with the spillway booming with the flow of water.

Whilst the area is not large, it is fairly well designed and at this point very well maintained. The playground is pretty standard fair and most little ones will be happy spending some time on it.

The small toilet block is right behind the playground which makes for easy access and no road walking for kids.

Across the car park are sheltered barbecue's and a couple of sheltered picnic tables. A small grassy area meanders down closer to the waters edge.

This swing was of course the highlight of the playground for the bigger two and my guess is it would be for any slightly older child.

It brought back many memories from our trip last year, when we found a swing just like this one down near Bateman's Bay.

 

Little Surfer Dude decided that the regular playground was more to his liking, the extreme - o - meter on this ride was notched just a little high for him!

Whilst it was later in the afternoon during our visit, I got the feeling that this area probably doesn't get overly busy. I am sure we will return here again soon.

Check out the other side of the dam wall at this post.

A Mudjimba Getaway - Local Playgrounds

I thought I'd continue to share with you playgrounds as I get the chance to visit and photograph them. I know when I visit new to us areas I am always on the lookout for playgrounds.

You can find my other playground posts in the drop down menu across the top, under Exploring.

The Harry Stuart Memorial Garden is situated beach side on Mudjimba Esplanade, with a small handful of cafes and shops directly across the road.

Whilst this isn't a playground one would rave about, it is very well maintained. Has toilet facilities, several BBQ's with undercover areas and is very popular on the weekends.

Midweek however, you will pretty much have the place to yourself.

The equipment is broken into two areas, one more suited to older children and then a smaller area for the young ones. A large portion of the equipment has shade sails covering the area.

Lego Lover turns eleven this year and so is getting to that age where many playgrounds don't have the appeal they once had. However there were still a few pieces here that he enjoyed.

Little Surfer Dude is definitely in his prime in regards to playground age, he is still small enough to play on the junior area but is agile enough to get around the larger structures of most playgrounds.

This little walk bridge is the perfect alternative to a rope style bridge that many two and three year olds are often scared of.

Fairy Princess is also happy in pretty much any play ground, add in some movement and well, you've made her day. There is one set of pretty standard swings within the play area too.

A large grassy area, perfect for playing ball sports surrounds the play facilities and beyond that is the beach.

Between the two, are several trees, some, are perfect for climbing. With large low branches that are easy to grab a hold of the bigger two are up there in a dash. Little Surfer Dude has some growing to do before he can achieve this feat all on his own.

Click here for all of our posts on the Sunshine Coast area.

Beachmere Park & Playground Area

On this particular day of our holiday we took a drive, back over the main bridge and headed down to Beachmere, just to check it out a little.

Beachmere is most definitely a 'sleepy, beachside village'. Given that it was a public holiday there was barely a sole to be seen.

We did however stumble onto what appeared to be the main park/playground area of this little town and we were very pleasantly surprised.

Either it is a very new facility or it has been recently refurbished. Whilst the overall area wasn't large, it has been well planned to suit families visiting the park.

The playground itself is completely encased by fencing, a large portion of it is covered with shade sails and the entire base is sand.

Around the perimeter of the playground area are several large shady trees, BBQ facilities, covered picnic tables and a toilet block.

The actual playground itself is fairly standard fair but there were a few gems that were new to us. This small slide, climbing area is perfect for toddlers to have some fun on.

The modern version of the old fashioned whirligig. Fairy Princess was first on board, anything that spins, she loves.

The centre of the park houses a large triangular spider web climbing frame.Both kids made it their mission to reach the top in record time.

Watching the kids grow and remembering when a structure such as this would have frightened both of them. Now they tackle it with relative ease.

The modern see saw, although I highly doubt that this is as much fun. It bounces more than 'see saws' up and down. Little Surfer Dude enjoyed it none the less.

 

This small, inconspicuous piece of equipment sat untouched for awhile. Balancing and turning at the same time....hold on Lego Lover!!!!

Yet another spinning contraption. I wonder if the adult that designed this playground missed out on fast moving fun as a child!

We called this the egg, however really, it is much more like the egg cup holder. Fairy Princess got this going with relative ease and really never wanted to get off.

I love this photo of her, hair blowing with the spinning, grinning with delight.

She did feel a little ill some time later though.

Of course what's a playground without swings.

The playground itself is only a short stroll to the beach area.

The tide was well and truly out during our visit to Beachmere. We were very glad we made the effort to take that small journey.

Other posts in this series:

• Exploring Bribie Island

• Bribie Island Beaches

Robelle Domain Springfield Parklands

~ Exploring Qld Parks & Playgrounds ~

We recently had the opportunity to visit the much talked about Robelle Domain Parklands area over at Springfield. This has been on the list to do since the grand opening earlier this year. It is definitely a must visit park for those living within reasonable driving distance to the area.

A largish water play area was the perfect spot on the day we visited, with temps climbing the children ran to cool off at every opportunity. The water areas' main feature is the dump bucket. The large bucket overhead fills until it can fill no more and consequently all the water that is held within must be released.

Dumping huge splashes of water over unsuspecting, well actually, eagerly awaiting, children below. Around the perimeter of the dump bucket are a handful of water spouts, that randomly spray water from the ground.

Across to one side is a small, ankle deep, wet area, designed for the younger children to play in. Small scramble mounds also spray water, but not quite as ferociously as over near the dump bucket area.

This is a very well planned parklands area. Bordering the edge of the play area is a large oval, that also features an ampitheatre, which will be used for community events. A great spot to kick a ball around or have a hit of cricket.

Whilst the parklands are an easy walk to the nearby Orion Shopping Centre, they have chosen to include a Cafe on site. If you're a coffee loving mamma, then you'll agree that this is a fabulous addition. If you have kids that nag at you for snacks all day, then you may be at the other end of the spectrum ;-)

Right near the water play area is the play equipment area. The FIRST of its' kind in Australia. The Icon on Galaxy equipment combines play with electronic gaming. Fun fun fun!

This slide was a first for all us, we've never witnessed anything and in the end Fairy Princess chose not to tackle it.

Another piece of the equipment. Whilst perfect for the older childer this portion of the playground can be used by younger children. Some may need adult supervision and assistance on the equipment though.

Signage is dotted through the play area to guide the 'players' in getting the most out of the equipment.

This piece of the equipment spins 360 degrees. Fairy Princess loved it and used it many times. After a few revolutions she realised however that it was far easier to stand on the inside and spin.

The perimeter of the parklands houses walking paths, boardwalks and a lake area. Currently shade is an issue. Whilst there are a large number of trees planted they will obviously take a considerable amount of time to produce  the shade required for a picnic under a tree.

I would recommend taking your own shade where possible.

Onsite bathroom facilities, make this an easy place to settle down with the kids for a few hours.

Yet another fabulous community addition to the greater Ipswich area.

For more information on Robelle Domain see the Greater Springfield website.

Queens Garden (Ipswich) Playground

Once we had some lunch in our hot little hands, we moved on over to the Playground component of Queens Park, gathered ourselves under a shady tree, straight down on the grass. No picnic mat, shoes off, feeling the earth beneath our toes.

After a few bites the children were off. Who could resist a playground that was not only brand new to them, but one that was as well kept and gorgeous as this.

Surfer Dude is in that in between stage in playground land, he's kind outgrown the little kids structures but he finds the larger ones a slightly scary place at times.

Although, he often tries to tackle them.

The playground area is set into the side of the hill, which creates a whole host of smaller play areas for the children to explore.Although not so great if you are the sort of parent that needs to have one eye on all kids at all times.

At the base of the park are twin bright yellow slides, that, to the bigger kids disappointment, were a little slow, but still enjoyed several times, none the less.

Surfer Dude loved hanging upside down within this rope area.

Add water to a play area and you will entertain the children there for hours. Two large water pumps, that really pumped water, into small river like channels, is a great inclusion to this play zone.

Surfer Dude was most disappointed that the train was without a steering wheel, he was planning to head off exploring, but when you are unable to steer your train, well, let's just say he wasn't having  a bar of that.

No matter your age or size, the lure of water play eventually grabs your attention.

The playground also boasts a large spider web climbing area, swings and a wheelchair swing. With large amounts of shady trees surrounding the perimeter.

When next visiting Ipswich this playground will be a definite on our must do's, with a picnic lunch in hand.

Want to see what else we got up to whilst visiting Ipswich on this particular day. Have a look here and here.