Subscribe      List an Event or Business      Invite a Writer      Write for WN      Writers      Other Locations
list an event      1 million Australian readers every month      facebook

Bangalow Playgrounds

Home > Brisbane > Family | Free | Parks | Picnic Spots | Playgrounds
by Vivienne Pearson (subscribe)
I am a freelance writer, fortunate enough to live near Byron Bay, one of Australia's most beautiful regions. My writing - for newspapers, magazines, online and for business - lives at vivienne pearson.com
Published June 14th 2019
Nature-filled play in Bangalow
Bangalow is a gorgeous town in the hinterland inland from Byron Bay. It has a fabulous main street of boutique-style shops and great eateries. Once a year, that same main street (which used to be the highway and has a decent slope to it) turns into a billy-cart racing track!

I've always seen Bangalow as more of an amazing place to visit for adults but I've now revised that.

The Bangalow Parklands are a couple of rambling stretches of well-maintained grass alongside a bubbling creek. The opening of a new adventure-style playground (in late 2018) means that there are two structured playground areas as well as plenty of space for less structured play.

The older playground (which is still in very good nick) is more traditional - a pair of swings and one of the ubiquitous two-toned green playground structures.

Bangalow, Byron Bay, playground, parklands, were, park
The older, traditional playground option


The newer playground is constructed fully of wood. Using recycled timber and rocks, the area is simple but beautifully created to allow little ones to make their own play.

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir
New adventure-style wooden playground option. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir, heritage house
New adventure-style wooden playground option. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


The two areas initially look like they are separated by a creek but part of the creek bed is reedy and dry and they are connected by a little grassy unstructured path.

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir
The two playgrounds are connected via a grassy walkway. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


On the way is also a circle of stones ideal for climbing, picnicking or make-believe games.

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir
Stone circle ideal for climbing, picnicking or make-believe play. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


The whole area is a little hidden, being away from the main road with very minimal signage. The older playground is behind Heritage House (a museum and tearooms that is well worth checking out when it is open).

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir, heritage house
Heritage House. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


The newer playground (if you want to start there) is further along Deacon Street. I confess that, even though I live locally, I had trouble finding the new playground. This is partly as it is built of natural materials into a natural slope so blends into its surroundings well.

Those interested in history will enjoy looking at the subtle but interesting information signs - about history, local indigenous culture, the weir that has been carefully constructed to aid native fish migration, and the remains of the area that was once a swimming pool within the creek (the Byron Creek).

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir, heritage house
Subtle but informative signs. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


Other features are very family friendly, including a sizeable rotunda, which is ideal for sheltering if hit by a Northern Rivers style downpour!

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, weir, park
A rotunda next to the older playground is perfect for sheltering from any sudden downpours! Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


A trip to the toilet will be much more enjoyable than any public parks as the building is gorgeously muralled.

Bangalow, Byron Bay, parklands, playground, park, weir, heritage house
Beautifully muralled toilet block. Photo credit: Vivienne Pearson


There is plenty of picnic tables, benches (mainly facing the creek), and there is are undercover picnic areas including one barbecue.

The whole area is beautiful, with the open grassy areas bordered by dense plantings including lots of Bangalow Palms. As a result, there are good shade options all times of the day.

Bangalow Parklands (also known locally as the Bangalow Weir) is a perfect spot for the kids to get their fill of play while the adults enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Help us improve  Click here if you liked this article  23
Share: email  facebook  twitter
Why? Playtime for kids in Bangalow
When: Anytime
Where: Bangalow Parklands
Cost: Free
Your Comment
It's a lovely space.
by Amanda I (score: 2|821) 1444 days ago
Articles from other cities
Featured
Top Events
Popular Articles
Categories
Lists
Questions