From mammoth climbing webs, splash parks, BMX pump tracks and more, the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton is home to some of the best public playgrounds.
And if there is one thing our youngest members of society know how to do well, it’s swinging, bouncing, spinning, and sliding!
We’ve found 8 great playgrounds that will entertain, inspire and create many colourful, fun and magnificent memories.
Appleton Park Playground (Anzac Parade, Yeppoon)
Appleton Park is an all-abilities, fully fenced, and shaded playground located on Anzac Parade in Yeppoon.
Offering endless activities for the kids with all the favourites along with a sandpit and mini bike track, the park boasts a number of additional features including BBQ facilities, tables and chairs, and grassy areas perfect to lay out the picnic rug.
Near to the Lagoon, Keppel Kraken and the skatepark, it’s the perfect playground to while the day away – both kids and parents alike.
Toilets are located nearby, and the popular spot has plenty of parking either directly out the front, or nearby.
Appleton Park is the perfect place for birthday parties and celebrations and located within easy reach of a range of dining and accommodation options, and stone’s throw from Yeppoon Main Beach.
Nature Playground at Mount Archer National Park (Pilbeam Drive, Rockhampton)
Word on the street from our local kids is that the ‘Everest’ of all playgrounds may very well be sitting right in our own backyard…
Located a whopping 604m above sea level and taking in panoramic views of Rockhampton, its surrounding ranges, the Fitzroy River and the Capricorn Coast, kids of all ages and abilities are spending their days climbing, swinging, jumping and sliding into a whimsical adventure of learning through play at the new Mount Archer National Park playground.
Surrounded by picturesque natural bush land, children will be entertained for hours as they are transported to an enchanted land where anything is possible!
Let their imaginations run wild as they net swing to the moon, slippery slide to the bottom of the ocean, and climb on board the balance log – but be very careful not to fall into the river of crocodiles beneath…
The playground sits near large shady trees, and nearby you will find BBQ’s, toilets and plenty of tables or grassed areas.
Kerr Park Playground (Granville Street, Emu Park)
The Kerr Park playground is located along the foreshore in the coastal town of Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast.
The kids will have endless fun at the playground. Explore the Alpha tower, zip along the Flying Fox, the playground also features an all-abilities swing and a Galleon ship.
Pack a picnic or barbecue and enjoy the views looking out to the Keppel Islands, Southern Great Barrier Reef.
And for the parents, the playground has arguably the best ocean views!
Toilets, BBQ facilities and dining options are located nearby.
Kershaw Gardens Playground (Moores Creek Road, Rockhampton)
Get set to take on Wyatt’s Wonder Web – the monster of all climbing webs! Including five levels of play for kids (and adults) this nine-metre high challenge takes you through various obstacles including climbing ropes, ladders and tunnels.
Kershaw Gardens Playground is located on the Bruce Highway and is set among spacious parklands with walking tracks, a waterfall and spectacular photo opportunities.
Designed for families, parties, small events, and outdoor activities, Kershaw Gardens is a one-stop-shop for everything fun!
There are play options for all ages and abilities, and a zero-depth water play area nearby, along with toilet facilities and BBQ’s.
You will even be able to put pedal to the metal on the monorail, which takes you on a round loop through the natural landscape.
Keppel Kraken (Anzac Parade, Yeppoon)
Taking pride of place on the Yeppoon Foreshore, the Keppel Kraken is a water play feature quite unlike any other. With a mythical sea creature centrepiece and set against the spectacular backdrop of Keppel Bay, Yeppoon’s newest tourist attraction is the perfect place to soak up some sunshine on the beautiful Capricorn Coast.
Featuring a host of interactive elements including water cannons, jets, and a unique umbrella bucket – the only one of its kind in Queensland – the Keppel Kraken is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Timber decks and custom-made picnic tables are the perfect place for mum and dad to enjoy a summer barbecue while the kids make the most of the play area, including five spectacular sea creature sculptures that have to be seen to be believed!
The Keppel Kraken is located right in the heart of Yeppoon and just minutes from luxury beach front accommodation, gourmet dining and a thriving retail precinct, so why not come and experience all the Capricorn Coast has to offer.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens Playground (Spencer Street, Rockhampton)
New in 2023 and oozing with fun adventure, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens Playground provides hours of fun. With climbing frames, swings, slides, flying foxes, and much more, find surprises around every bend.
Picnic tables and seating frames the playground, so parents can sit and enjoy the leafy surroundings while keeping an eye on the kids. BBQ’s are also available, or the Gardens Tearoom nearby is ready to take your breakfast, lunch or coffee order.
Start or finish your day with a wander throughout the Botanic Gardens, visit the Japanese Gardens, and pop in to say hello to the animals at Rockhampton Zoo.
Fitzroy Adventure Playground (Quay Street, Rockhampton)
A climber’s paradise, the Fitzroy Adventure Playground overlooks the iconic Fitzroy River. With a wonder web, slides and rock climbing walls, there is something for all ages and abilities.
There are plenty of central places for parents to sit and keep an eye on their little ones, and there is also a toddler area with simplified play equipment.
Toilets are nearby, along with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Surrounded by beautiful folage, the Fitzroy Adventure Playground has plenty of shade.
Cedric Archer Park, Ian Besch Drive, Gracemere
Cedric Archer Park is definitely a ‘spend half a day’ kind of playground.
Start with a skateboard, bike or scooter ride around the challenging Pump Track – one of Queensland’s largest tracks designed to encourage progression and confidence for all riders, no matter your level of experience.
Cool off in the zero-depth water play space, before heading to the playground to top off a wonderful day.
Cedric Archer Park has toilet facilities, car parking and BBQ areas with tables and chairs and there is plenty of grassy patches to relax and utilise as base camp.
Hands up if you want more? Check out these additional play hotspots…
Dinosaur Park Playground, Sir Raymond Huish Drive, Rockhampton
Boyd Park, Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam, Byrnes Parade, Mount Morgan
Yeppoon Rotary Park Playground, Farnborough Road, Yeppoon
Daniel Park Playground, Matthew Flinders Drive, Cooee Bay
