Sometimes I just need to get the kids out of the house before I lose my mind, and playgrounds are the best free way to burn my kids seemingly endless energy without my house getting trashed. Miss 4, Miss 19 months, and I have tested a lot of local playgrounds west of the M1 in our time, and here are some of our favourites (in no particular order).

Hinterland Regional Park, Mudgeeraba

I’ve been visiting this park since I was a kid, when it was just bushland with some cows around. My cousins and I used to ride our grandfather’s old motorcycle around the grassy area here (1990s childhood in Mudgeeraba was such a vibe). They’ve built a pretty cool playground there now which is well suited to Miss 4 in particular, with a smaller slide and climbing area for toddlers. There are swings, monkey bars, and a flying fox. It’s well shaded and there are benches to sit on (not that I get to sit much, as the kids seem to sense it and immediately need something). 

There are gorgeous walking trails around the park, cute cows to admire from a safe distance, and a popular enclosed off leash dog area. A local childcare centre even runs a bush kindy program here during the cooler months. They’ve also got shaded BBQ areas which are popular for kids’ birthday parties.

Grab a coffee and some sustenance at Trance Café on Hardys Rd on your way in.

Peter Mills Park, Gilston

Also known as Gilston Hall Park, this is one of the newer parks in the Hinterland and is extremely popular with the locals. It’s got to be one of the best nature play areas I’ve ever seen. It’s split over multiple levels as it makes its way down the hill, with fun imaginative play equipment like a campfire tepee, plus slides, rock pathways, swings, sandpit, and an awesome flying fox that even I had a go on. It’s better suited to bigger kids but still great for our age group.

There is a BBQ area, some shade, and plenty of space for a picnic mat set up so you can relax and have a quick Instagram scroll before the kids call you over to push them on the swing.

Syd Duncan Park, Lower Beechmont

Lower Beechmont is an often-overlooked hinterland gem and this community-built nature play space is stunning. It includes timber structures for physical and imaginative play, dry creek bed, sand pit, and basketball half court, plus picnic tables and shelter. It’s a very pleasant and relaxing natural space for a moment before you remember you are responsible for overconfident small humans who have terrible survival instincts. Give some love to the local businesses while you’re there if you can, there is plenty to explore in this gorgeous town.

Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang

I definitely got this one confused with Paradise Country, which is a theme park full of animals behind MovieWorld, and much more in the ‘not free’ category. Country Paradise Parklands is simply excellent. It’s a huge space with a beautiful outlook and something for every age group. Adventurous kids can go down the 11.5m windmill slide, which is accessed via a water-tank tunnel and swing bridge. A creek bed with water play elements wraps around the entire playground, and there are toddler spaces to enjoy. There is a wide concrete path which is perfect for roller blading, bike riding, or scooter riding. On top of this, there is a community garden and horse stables to appreciate. They host large community events here from time to time so be sure to look that up before popping in as parking can be tricky on these days.

Rotary Park, Mudgeeraba

This playground is only small, but it’s right across the road from the iconic family-owned Mudgeeraba Bakery on Robert Street and Junior’s Deli on Railway St. It’s also within walking distance to the historic Mudgeeraba Village and many other great cafes and eateries. The playground is railway themed, and many elements are toddler friendly, with more difficult equipment for primary school aged kids. The swings and climbing equipment are popular, and it’s a nice little park for a game of hide and seek. There are lovely trees around for shade and its proximity to cafes makes it the perfect spot for mothers’ groups to catch up.

Bochow Park, Natural Bridge

The playground here has just had a fabulous upgrade complete with swings, climbing equipment, big slide, and toddler slide. It’s got the most phenomenal backdrop you could ever hope for and plenty of space for a picnic mat or a BBQ. In the warmer months you can swim in the adjoining creek which is a lot of fun – just make sure you have the upper body strength to pull yourself back out as the bank is steep. Happy playing!

Photos by Courtney Mulder and City of Gold Coast