I only went to Box Hill to run an errand, and when I finished I searched for the nearest playground and ended up completely hooked by South Surrey Park in Surrey Hills! It isn’t one of those new parks that makes you say wow the second you see it, but the location and the whole setting are so comfortable that we ended up staying much longer than I planned.
The playground only reopened this year after an upgrade, it was busy when we went, and I didn’t see many Asian families there, so I think word hasn’t really got around yet, which is why I’m sharing it now.
Not a wow park, but a really lovely one
You can see the advantage straight from the map. The whole playground is surrounded by a big park with green lawns and large shady trees, and a creek runs through it, so it feels peaceful even though it’s right in the suburbs. It’s the kind of playground where the surroundings do half the work.
The baby mountain
The kids love the mini hill! It’s like a tiny mountain made just for toddlers, and when we went lots of little ones were climbing it. Mine went up on hands and feet, then popped a little head over the top like they’d conquered the summit, so proud! Melbourne’s smallest mountain, I’d say, but it doesn’t need to be high to be a hit.
The rest of the playground
The council upgraded the playground this year, and the work started in March and was due to be finished by mid-year. There’s a timber play unit with two slides, a climbing ramp, ground-level interactive play and a bucket and pulley system, a quadruple swing set and a separate basket swing, an inclusive spinner, an agility trail with a track glide, monkey bars and a balance beam, and a double spring rocker.
There’s also nature play and nature artwork to find, wheelchair-accessible equipment, and a timber seat shaped like a butterfly. For the littlest kids there’s a toddler end of the play unit with a double slide, a shopfront and cubby play, plus swings with two toddler seats.
Don’t leave straight after
When the kids are finished, don’t rush off, there’s a lot of green space behind the playground that’s worth a slow walk. Follow the path under the trees and everything is green, the sun comes through the leaves and the shadows move on the ground. A little wooden bridge crosses the creek and the water reflects the trees, which is such a pretty picture. The playground is lively up front, but a short walk in it gets quiet.
There are a few big rocks scattered on the grass, which gave my kid something new to explore, and there are benches nearby for a rest. While the kids play, the adults can get a little walk in as well.
Getting there and what’s missing
South Surrey Park playground is on the corner of Verdun Street and Lille Street in Surrey Hills. There are no public toilets at the park, so go before you arrive. There is a drinking fountain, and seats and tables. The number 70 tram stops on Riversdale Road, a short walk from the Verdun Street entrance.
Pair it with Box Hill
It’s only a few kilometres from Box Hill, so it’s easy to combine. Play first, then head over for lunch or do your shopping, the kids get a hill to climb and I got my errands done, everyone was happy.
Is it worth it
Yes! It’s not a flashy theme park, but it’s a really comfortable playground with a great setting, new equipment, a creek walk to finish with, and an easy trip from Box Hill. Go early if you can, because it gets busy, and bring water and go to the toilet first.
For more free playgrounds around Melbourne, have a look through our playground reviews, and check the Victorian school holidays and term dates when you’re planning your next outing.