A park with water play, a bike track, beautiful parklands and a ride-on camel? Sign Mamma and the kiddos up!

Greythorn Park in Balwyn North is a classic amongst locals and with good reason. With so many different pockets of the reserve to explore, this gem of a park will keep the kiddos entertained for hours. Behind a gate (not fully-fenced) lies the playground itself. It covers all the bases with swings aplenty, a roundabout, several climbing structures and slides. Mamma’s highlight? The shade sails. So practical and perfect for summer!

Mamma also loves how this park pays homage to the area’s history. Way back in 1939, this park was a wildlife sanctuary, housing koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles and wombats. And in 1953, a camel escaped the reserve and wound up in a neighbouring backyard! The park pays tribute to this time in its history through the wooden camel and Tassie devil, plus the play hut which acts as the station for the Greythorn Park Wildlife Sanctuary Train. Tickets are only 6 shillings - what a bargain!

Next to this structure is the coveted water play area. With a pump and a rambling creek, this is a perfect summer hangout. Mamma recommends bringing some buckets along to maximise the fun!

The reserve has a beautiful creek running throughout and a bike trail meandering through the native fauna, so pack the scooters and make a day of it at this gorgeous spot.