Hinterland Adventure Playground, Cooroy

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Settled in the 1880s, the Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy is a delightful mix of history, nature, arts and good old fashioned country hospitality. The historic timber town of Cooroy today attracts creatives, artists, foodies, producers and nature lovers and is high on my list of favourite weekend destinations to head to.



Located in the heart of Cooroy, visitors and locals will discover the very newly-opened Hinterland Adventure Playground built on the old Cooroy sawmill site - a unique nature-based, all-abilities play area, designed to inspire children and adults alike.

Harmonising with the natural beauty of the Cooroy Creek location, the Hinterland Adventure Playground integrates a multitude of varied elements to encourage nature-based learning and activity within the local surrounds.



Constructed on the old timber mill site, the landscaping and architecture meticulously fuse into the surrounding landscape, with links to Cooroy's key facilities and tourist attractions such as the Cooroy Library and Old Mill cultural heritage area.



The Hinterland Adventure Playground is made up of a variety of play zones, which range from quiet spaces of low activity to highly active adventure play zones. The play spaces are linked via pathways, playful steppers and small trails dotted throughout the landscape. There are family gathering spots for BBQs and table settings with small lawn areas, perfect for picnics and play.



Facilities at the high-quality Hinterland Adventure Playground include water play, an inclusive flying fox, inclusive swings, natural and rock play areas, sand pit, open green spaces, quiet retreat area, sensory garden, tunnels, a mounded viewing area, picnic areas and BBQ, informal seating, accessible amenities block featuring a Changing Places-accredited change room with a hoist and adjustable table, shaded areas, perimeter fencing and disabled car parking bays.



Key Playground Features


1. Open oval
An open oval area offers the opportunity for picnics, games, ball play, frisbee or just running around and having a great time.
2. Sand pit
A sand pit can be found next to the large shelter BBQ area.

3. Climbing sticks and tower climb
The stick stack and tower climb provide an opportunity for children of all ages to built strength and endurance at their own pace, whilst having fun climbing through the various challenging play structures.



4. Sheltered BBQ areas
Perfect for birthday parties and other important celebrations, Hinterland Adventure Playground provides two picnic shelters with BBQ facilities, located next to the sandpit and main play area and the amenities block. Both of these areas have seating, shade and electric BBQ facilities.



5. Rocketship
Partially constructed from a stainless steel cylinder that once formed part of the timber mill operations, the Rocketship is the centre piece of the playground. The Rocketship offers little adventurers the opportunity to climb, explore and slide back to the ground.


6. Fallen logs
Who isn't tempted to hop, skip and jump over fallen logs? Fallen logs allow children the opportunity for free play whilst developing co-ordination and balance and building self-confidence.

7. Inclusive flying fox
The inclusive flying fox provides movement and social interaction for children of all abilities and is a popular key feature of the playground.



8. Inclusive swings
The inclusive swings provide easy access for users of all abilities, including older children and adults.

9. Sticks and stones
Play with this type of 'loose object' allows children to discover and create their own scenarios and games in an unstructured and creative environment.



10. Replicated creek water play
A replicated creek ideal for water play meanders through the playground. Water play activities help to develop and strengthen children's gross and fine motor skills through lifting, pouring, carrying and splashing.
11. Amenities
An amenity block, including ambulant and accessible cubicles, plus a room fitted with a change-table for parents and carers. There is also a full-accessibility Changing Places room specifically for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets - read all about it here.



12. Sensory garden
The Sensory garden is a self-contained area where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of sensory experiences, particularly aimed at children with sensory-processing challenges.

13. Quiet retreat
For those littlies looking for a bit of quiet time, relaxation or a great spot to read, the quiet retreat can be found adjacent to the sensory garden.



On the Sunday that we visited the Hinterland Adventure Playground in Cooroy, we discovered a hive of activity with mums, dads and grandparents all enjoying the adventure ambience that has been magically created for children of all ages. This playground is a slice of paradise well worth bookmarking for a visit any day of the week.


Dogs are permitted to visit the playground with the proviso that they do not pose a risk, or cause a nuisance, to other people or other dogs. Dogs must be leashed in public areas and kept away from play equipment. Dogs cannot be left unsupervised (ie tied to a fence or bench). Make sure you clean up your dog's doggy-do's and dispose of it in the bins provided. Dogs are NOT permitted in the water play areas.

Location: 5 Maple Street, Cooroy, QLD 4563

All images courtesy of Elaine de Wet, author, unless otherwise indicated

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#child-friendly
#cooroy
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