Parents of toddlers and prewalkers know that not all playgrounds are quite equal. Some are simply too difficult for the kids to get up without heaps of adult help, all while giving Mamma a heart attack that they will fall through a gap once we let go. This park though - not a worry for this dude. Wantirna Reserve has a good old-fashioned chunky wooden playground, with steps and only a few ladders to climb. It isn’t crazy high in parts but enough to keep the toddlers challenged. The tunnel and slide combination seems to be the winning touch.

You will find this one off Mountain Highway, and behind the tennis club. Basically keep following the car park around to the footy oval and you will spot it. There is plenty of traffic noise with Eastlink nearby, but you are well away from any road access to cause concern.

Mamma's special mention: What about more playground adventures close by? Check out Templeton Reserve Playground .

the nitty gritty

plenty of parking - eastlink trail nearby - footy oval - no toilets -

Access via Mountain Highway (opposite the Melbourne School of Theology), Wantirna