If it wasn’t for a colleague recommending it, I would never have known there was such a unique playground slide just 15 minutes from Box Hill.
The first thing I thought when I saw this 20-metre-plus metal slide was, it’s so high and so long! Then I started wondering if it might be a bit too intense. Unlike my concerns, my three-year-old fell in love with it instantly. He climbed all the way up the ladder on the left and went straight down from the highest point.
In reality, there was quite a bit of resistance on the slide. I’m not sure whether it was because of the weather that day or part of the design, but it wasn’t fast at all. He ended up half sliding and half climbing his way down. Even so, he absolutely loved it and kept going again and again. Watching him, this mum couldn’t decide whether to feel relieved that it wasn’t too thrilling or disappointed that it wasn’t more exciting! If you’re visiting with younger kids, it’s still a good idea to have an adult waiting at the bottom for safety.
The slide dates back to the 1960s and was developed with the involvement of renowned Australian landscape designer Ellis Stones. His philosophy was to create landscapes that worked with the natural environment. This slide is built into the hillside, tucked away among the trees, with wetlands and a river nearby.
Besides the slide, the playground also has swings, monkey bars, a smaller slide, and other standard play equipment. After playtime, the whole family can take a walk deeper into the bushland, where the surroundings are peaceful and filled with birdsong.
As a mum who loves exploring playgrounds, this place far exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for something a little different to do on the weekend, this spot is definitely worth checking out.
Some tips:
- The giant slide has a significant height, so it’s not recommended for children under three years old. Even with older kids, parents should supervise closely.
- The entrance is not very obvious. A local resident actually pointed it out to us. I made sure to take a photo of the entrance so you don’t miss it.
- If you visit during the wetter months, bring some paper towels or a cloth in case the slide is damp.
Wilson Reserve, Ivanhoe, Melbourne, Australia.