The McLaren Vale Remembrance Gardens can be a lovely place to sit and relax, and also an informative and emotional place to remember Australian soldiers. Kids will enjoy visiting the gardens and reading the memorials, and if after that they are looking for somewhere to play there are playgrounds and fun areas nearby.
The main feature of the remembrance gardens is the large army tank. This will grab your attention whenever you drive past the gardens. The tank is a peacekeeping memorial that is in recognition of creating peaceful resolutions throughout the world. Unfortunately, as much as they would like to, the tank is not available for children to climb on. It is in a fenced off area, and acts purely as a memorial and not as a piece of play equipment.
There are many other memorials throughout the gardens. These are for various defence contingencies that have been placed in conflicts all over the world. Each memorial has its own story and its own purpose. Walk around with your kids reading each memorial and learn who's work it is recognising. This could be a very emotional moment for anyone who has friends or relatives who have served or died in any conflicts.
Even the Chairs are Memorials
The garden is beautifully presented, with well manicured lawns and paths that run through the park. It would be a nice place to have a picnic if you are in the McLaren Vale region. There are large open spaces where kids are able to run around. You may want to refrain from throwing things like frisbees or playing ball games, as some people may find this disrespectful amongst the memorials. If once you have explored the Remembrance Gardens you are looking for somewhere the kids can freely play, then head across the road to the Gemmel Tassie Reserve where there is a playground, BMX track, skating half pipe, and barbeque facilities. You will find a toilet block at the Remembrance Gardens.
Another nice area of the gardens is the Rose Garden. Unfortunately this is not always in bloom, but when it is you can enjoy the beautiful smell and sight of the rose garden. This surrounds tables and chairs that you can sit at to enjoy a spot of lunch.
The Rose Garden
This is a fantastic garden to visit, not only because the kids will get excited about the large tank, but also because you can learn a lot from the many memorials. It is a beautifully maintained park where you can enjoy a picnic full of fresh McLaren Vale produce.
For more parks and reserves in the area check out the
Onkaparinga City Council Website.
